Nobody likes to stand around waiting in queues, especially at the airport when you are about to go away on holiday. This may now all be about to change as I noticed when I was at Liverpool John Lennon Airport last week.

Their Fast Track system allows you to race through to the Departure Lounge at the airport within a shorter time, although it all depends on how big the queues are at the time. To be fair, this does seem like a good idea at peak times, but when I was there Saturday lunchtime, it only took a few minutes for us to pass the security screening process anyway.

Before I start, I must say I’m not about to criticise the Spanish for their English translation when I can hardly speak more than a few words of their native tongue, but I must say I was surprised that on my recent visit to the popular British tourist spot of Puerto Pollensa, the English translation was poor to say the least.

As with most Spanish resorts which have such a British presence the majority of the restaurants, shops and bars I found attempted to make these holidaymakers feel more at home by using English names and translating their menus into a number of different languages - including English.

While this is commendable, you would expect that the marketing people would want to ensure their establishments continue to bring in the English custom, by spelling things correctly and making the menus more readable – however this doesn’t seem to be the case. The people are certainly hospitable but you’d think they’d take more pride in their services.

It may sound obvious, but leaving enough time to pack everything you need for your holiday and ensuring you arrive there with a decent amount of time to spare is important.

The taxi may be late or there may be traffic on the way to the airport so if you do not allow sufficient time in taking these things into account, you will be in a rush to check in your luggage and get through passport control in preparation for your flight.

By ensuring you have left time for unforeseen delays, you can relax in the lounge and maybe grab a coffee and a snack instead of panicking that you might miss the plane, thus ruining your plans.

Southern California certainly has more to offer the tourist than simply Hollywood, Beverley Hills and the area around Los Angeles. San Diego is a place located just across the border from Mexico and this delightful city is one such destination you should definitely visit if you ever get chance.

As well as boasting beautiful beaches and bays, there are many nice little bars and restaurants to be found along the shoreline. Local attractions include San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, with the Gaslamp Quarter recommended as the place to go for top entertainment.

Travel here by car and you can make the most of an amazing coastal road trip.