Going on a trip or lengthy vacation can be stressful. Whether you’re packing for a few days or for weeks at a time, it’s important to make sure you don’t forget anything. However, don’t let your enjoyable trip be cut short with the overwhelming time spent packing and traveling. When flying or driving to your destination, there are a few ways to make the trip less stressful and more fun. Take a look at six ways you can make travel easier.
1. Check in for Flights Early
Most airlines offer the option to check in early for flights. When choosing to fly to your vacation or business destination, waiting in lengthy lines to pick up tickets, check baggage, and get prepared to board can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Instead of waiting until the day your flight leaves to get all your documents in order, opt for online or early check in. You’ll be able to pick your seat, prepare your tickets, and print out any luggage tags you needs. On the day of your flight, you’ll quickly be able to bypass many of the lines.
2. Keep All Travel Documents in One Place
Through the hustle and bustle of travel, getting to your documents can leave you feeling stressed or unable to find the things you need. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train or bus, make sure you’re never caught fumbling for the things you need. Bring a sturdy folder or document holder with you when traveling. Place all your documents, passports, boarding information, and itinerary in one place. You’ll be able to easily access the things you need without fumbling around in your carry-on or luggage. Once you make it to your destination, you’ll be able to store any return information in the same place.
3. Purchase Travel Guides
When traveling internationally or to a location you’ve never been, it is always confusing figuring out what to do and what to see. Instead of going in blind, make sure you’re prepared for the things you want to do. Purchase travel guides ahead of time to map our your trip. If you are more of the spontaneous type, getting a brochure the day of your flight or trip can give you some reading material while still helping you know what all your destination has to offer. Plus, travel guides often offer discounts on the most popular things to do and see. Purchasing tickets in advance using these discounts can save you money.
4. Personalize Your Luggage
Everyone has been in that situation where their luggage doesn’t make it to their final destination or get’s lost in the jumble of suitcases on the conveyor belt. To make finding your luggage in the crowd easier, personalize it with a special tag, color, or picture to ensure it’s easily recognizable or describable. You’ll be able to easily spot your bag on the conveyor belt to save you time when meeting a train, car, or another flight. Or, if your luggage is lost in translation, you can ensure it’s found more easily by adding a recognizable customization.
5. Prepare for Delays or Traffic
Delayed flights or hefty traffic can make traveling stressful and more time consuming than originally thought. Similarly, it can leave you needing the things you have packed in your suitcase. If you have already checked you bag but find yourself facing an overnight delay, it’s important to make sure you already have necessary things on hand.
Keeping toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, cigarettes, snacks, and a drink on hand at all times will mean you never have to worry about being without. Also, with new non-smoking policies in and around most airports, having an e-cig on hand for those delays will make it easier for you during long waits.
6. Weigh Your Luggage at Home
There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing your luggage is over the weight limit. Not only are additional luggage checks costly and expensive, some airlines will make you remove any items over the limit. This can cost you time and leave you without everything you need while traveling. The easiest way to ensure you aren’t over the limit is to weigh your luggage at home. After packing, place your luggage on a scale to see the weight. Remove items that you don’t need if you’re over. This allows you to change your packing plans without the hassle at the airport.