Summer is here and that means thousands of Brits will be heading off on holidays abroad in the coming weeks.

As a result, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has published some essential tips to help drivers take the stress out of travelling to and from the airport.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger stated: "The last thing you need on the day you start your holiday is unwanted stress from a lack of preparation and a shortage of time.

"Preparing yourself and your vehicle before the big day and setting off nice and early will remove the obstacles to you taking full advantage of Duty Free."

With this in mind, the IAM advises travellers to give their vehicle a thorough once over before the big day. This means checking engine and fluid levels are all topped up, as well as ensuring tyres are do not have excessive wear and tear, mirrors are clean and free from chips, windows are the same and the petrol tank is filled.

Moreover, travellers should plan their route in advance and leave with plenty of time in hand to ensure they reach the airport well ahead of their flight, even if they run into traffic along the way.

Getting plenty of sleep the night before is also a great tip, as this helps to ensure drivers are well rested for their journey and also will not feel rushed if they have to get up and go in the early hours of the morning.

Check local travel bulletins and factor in rest stops along the way to keep stress levels to a minimum and when motorists reach the airport, they should try to find a place to park that is not too crowded and make a careful note of the bay and lot number for the vehicle to make it that much easier to find when they return.