Avalon Cruises ambassador Melissa Doyle reveals her top travel hacks

TV host Melissa Doyle is all about embracing travel opportunities, and now she's sharing her top tips to get the most out of a cruise.

As a television journalist and ambassador for World Vision and Avalon Waterways, Melissa Doyle is always prepared.

I travel to… See the world. I’m lucky to have travelled to some extraordinary places in my job as a journalist, especially when working across Sunrise and then flagship news and public affairs program Sunday Night. Now I travel in my roles as a World Vision and Avalon Waterways ambassador, and of course we also have adventures as a family. It’s hard to pick one highlight. Recently, I was able to see more of Europe than ever before and a standout was Budapest, sailing in at night and seeing it lit up was breathtaking. I have a giant world map on my wall that’s an endless source of inspiration.

I plan the trip… When there are more complex flight paths or itineraries to coordinate, I will definitely seek professional help. When my daughter, Talia, and I did the Avalon Waterways cruise, Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest, they did all the hard work for us in terms of planning, packaged it up beautifully, escorted us from village to village to take us to some local gems we never would have found ourselves. They even booked transfers for us. It’s nice feeling taken care of sometimes. For family holidays my husband is the CEO of planning and paperwork, and we always ask family and friends for suggestions too – because you can get the best tips for food, hotels and sightseeing.

Inside my carry-on you’ll always find… A big fluffy cashmere shawl that doubles as a blanket. Also a book, socks, moisturiser and plenty of pens.

Melissa Doyle cruising the Danube River with Avalon Waterways.

As soon as I check in I go… Straight to the lounge.

I like to get to the airport… Early (but not too early). I don’t like the stress that goes with running late for a flight. And it’s nice to sit and chill out and enjoy the pre-holiday anticipation.

I’m a points person… Absolutely. I use a points-affiliated credit card and points hack where I can to make the most of them.

My packing style is… Super-organised. I’ve spent years honing my packing style as a TV journalist. I write a list in advance and add things when I remember them so when it comes to packing, I can check them off. I also plan each day’s outfit so I can mix and match bulkier items like shoes, jumpers and coats. When I was on air, I had to master packing as few items as possible while looking like I had something different on each day.

My best tip for beating jet lag is… Adjust your body clock as soon as you board your flight. Start thinking, sleeping, eating in the time zone you are going to. Going somewhere is always easier than coming home though – it’s easier to push through the tiredness when you’re excited to explore a new place than when you are home and facing a mountain of laundry.

Melissa Doyle with daughter Talia in Budapest.

My number-one cruise hack is... Sign up for as many guided city tours as possible. It’s a really great way to explore a new place with a knowledgeable local – a little history, culture and a few fun anecdotes, then the rest of the day is yours to revisit or wander somewhere else. Talia and I loved that we got expert local guides on our shore excursions along the Danube but could also go off and explore these amazing cities and villages on our own.

The first thing I do on a cruise is… Unpack and stow my suitcase under the bed. I always unpack when I travel and pop my toothbrush in the glass. It makes me feel settled.

The city where I always use public transport is... Everywhere I can. I have a folder of transport apps on my phone. Trains are a fascinating place for people watching and usually far quicker than navigating traffic.

Melissa Doyle enjoying Danube views from an Avalon Waterways river ship.

I save on travel by … Using a flight price tracking tool to book when prices drop. Being flexible with your dates can also save you a small fortune.

My trick to getting cheap flights is… Avoid peak times like school holidays or the European summer. Going to Europe in winter not only means more affordable flights, but fewer crowds when you get there, and accommodation, cruises and tours are also cheaper.

My tip for getting a good value cruise is... Get in early. Most cruise companies have special deals on offer a few times a year. For example, Avalon is currently running a deal with up to $6000 per couple off a range of Europe and Mekong cruises until April 30. 

Originally published as Avalon Cruises ambassador Melissa Doyle reveals her top travel hacks