I have read hundreds of tips and hacks for traveling and have tried many of them. Some are game changers, others sound great in theory but are more trouble then they are worth. Here is a list of my favorite tried and true tips that make traveling a breeze!
1.) Be flexible. It is a given that something won’t go as planned. Embrace that in advance, and the little annoyances won’t bother you.
2.) Let your bank know you are traveling. This is super important for 2 reasons – If a bank suspects fraud, it may disable your card. Imagine checking in at a hotel and having your card declined. Not fun. Also, double check you won’t be charged fees for international travel. Make sure you ask about both debit AND credit functions of a card. I had a card with no international credit charge fees, but I didn’t realize this didn’t apply when using the same card as a debit card. I got a not so nice surprise when I checked my account a few days later.
3.) Don’t rely on GPS. Think maps are outdated? You won’t feel that way when you lose service in the middle of nowhere. Trust me.
4.) If you have a tight connection, sit as close to the front of the plane as possible. People tend to leave the middle seat open, even in the front rows. It can be worth it to split up your party and grab those seats if you need to deplane in a hurry.
5.) Don’t overplan. Rushing around to fit too much in is neither fun nor relaxing. Allow time to really enojoy what you are doing and get the most out of it. If you do have some extra time, have a list of secondary activities you can refer to. This is a tough one for me, but I’m getting better at it!
6.) Never get behind a family in security lines. Look for the business travelers and follow them.
7.) Take a photo of your luggage. If it gets lost, it is so much easier to show a picture of your suitcase rather than attempting to describe it.
8.) Prebook an airport lounge. If you have a long layover (but not long enough to leave the airport) pay for a day pass at a V.I.P. lounge. You will be much more comfortable and ready for your next flight.
9.) Roll your clothes when packing. They take up less room, and arrive less wrinkly.
10.) Travel Insurance is a must. This sounds obvious, but most people don’t get travel insurance. If you only use it once in your lifetime, it will be worth it.
11.) Charge your devices whenever you have the chance. You never know when your next opportunity will be! Consider a portable charger as well.
12.) Bring copies of your passport. Keep one with your luggage and one with you. Email yourself a copy as well.
14.) Get up early to visit major attractions early, take a nap later. You will beat the crowds and get better pictures.
15.) Don’t change currency at the airport. You will get the worst exchange rates this way.
16.) Turn the camera around and take some pictures of yourself. No I don’t mean selfies. Nice full-length pictures of you and your travel mates. If you have to, ask someone to take a picture of you. Families are usually a safe bet.
17.) Don’t carry too much cash at a time. ATM’s are common these days in most countries.
18.) Learn the public transportation system, or budget for cabs. Walking around a city is a great way to take in the sights, but don’t spend half your trip walking miles and miles with sore feet. It can be worth it to save the time rather than money on this.
19.) Use an incognito window when booking a flight. I have personally seen flights have higher prices when I have a regular window open, and a lower price in an incognito window.
20.) Bring basic first aid. I never travel without Band-Aids, Tylenol or chewable pepto. If you need it, you need it now and you don’t want to spend time trying to find a drugstore.
21.) Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane and bring slippers. Airports are getting strictler on enforcing luggage weights. Don’t waste space and weight with heavy boots. Instead, wear them on the plane and bring a comfy pair of slippers in your carry on to slip into.
22.) If leaving your car at the airport, write down it’s location or take a photo. Chances of remembering where you left it a week later are slim.
23.) Always pack valuables in your carryon. Losing luggage is bad. Losing luggage containing expensive jewelry is VERY bad.
24.) Pack socks and other small items in your shoes to save space.
25.) If you are on a budget, eat at expensive restaurants for lunch. You can save some money, but still get great food.
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