I’m the kind of woman who loves to be in new places. I love seeing city lights first thing in the morning and I adore the sounds and smells of new countries. During the holidays, I can’t wait to visit my family and spend time eating until I feel like I’m going to burst! I hate the act of getting there, though. The crowded roads, the delayed flights, and the random gas station stops really stress me out.
Over the years, I’ve managed to hone in my travel skills and get things together. Here is your top ten travel tip list for getting through those worries and woes.
1) Leave Early
Yes, I know, this one’s nothing new to you. Everyone says leave early. However, has anybody ever told you how to do that? Between the kids, the guy, the ringing phone and every other possible distraction, how exactly are you supposed to get out of your home one time, let alone early?
The trick is to pack the night before. I know people who pack their bags days in advance, but never make it out of the house on time. Do you know why? Because throughout the week, they have to rummage through their packed bags and dig out their clothes, hair supplies, and other necessities.
Save yourself some time and trouble. Pack everything the night before you leave, that way nothing is missing from your bag when it’s time to go. Then, place your bag, your purse, and your keys on top of each other by the front door so you can grab them on the way out. If you have a family, or a significant other, make sure they do the same thing.
2) Pack Light
Pack as little as possible, you’re not going to be gone for long. You only need the necessities. Take a few clothes, your toothbrush, and an extra pair of pantyhose. If you forget something, you can borrow or buy it when you’re there.
3) Choose the Best (Not Necessarily the Fastest) Route
Flying is wonderful! I love getting somewhere far away in only a few hours. However, during the holidays, flying can be a major setback. Check the weather report in advance and airport for travel delays or overbooked flights before you book your trip.
Trust me, those long airport delays are not only frustrating, but they can sometimes take longer than driving would have. It might be better to drive or take the bus this time.
4) Put Money in Different Places
In the madness that is travel, setting your bag down and then losing it is one of the worst feelings in the world. There you are, in some other city’s airport, with a missing purse and no money or back-up plan. Or, if you’re like me, you packed your wallet in your suitcase which is now somewhere under the plane. You’re left hungry and hoping your bag doesn’t get lost.
The best travel tip I can give you is to keep money in different places. Put a little in your suitcase, some in your purse, and some in your pocket (or shoes). That ten dollar bill you’ve been hiding in your sock can be a life-saver when you find out your wallet is in cargo.
5) Don’t Give Anyone the Key to Your House
I know other travel tips say give your neighbors a key, but don’t. You don’t want to worry about Mr. Smith from next door sneaking in and making himself at home, or that teenager across the hall throwing a party for all her friends while you’re out.
Only give your key out if someone needs to feed a pet, and only give it to a very trusted friend. Otherwise, lock up and keep the key to yourself.
6) Charge Your Phone
Charge your phone the night before you leave. Also, remember to pack your phone charger. The best thing to do is to keep the charger attached to your phone in the morning as you’re leaving, and then put it in your carry on or purse on your way out the door. Or, charge your phone with an outlet next to the door and set it on your purse overnight. That way you don’t forget it in the morning.
7) Pack Fulfilling Snacks (Even if They Aren’t Healthy)
You’re about to stuff yourself on turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and everything else under the sun. You will have plenty of healthy food to eat later. Allow yourself a bag of chips to take on your flight or road trip. Airport food is very expensive and trying to eat an orange while driving is almost impossible. Grab some trail mix, or something that will fill you up fast. There’s no reason to be hungry.
8) Make Reservations Now
If you plan on staying in a hotel, or plan on travelling by plane, train, or bus, then you need to make your reservations now. Right now. Don’t hold off until the last minute when everything is already booked up.
9) Be Sure Everyone Knows When You’re Going to Arrive
This one is one of the most important travel tips. Your family is probably running around hectic, buying more food, setting up the rooms, and attending to other visiting relatives. Make sure they know when you’re scheduled to arrive so they can come and pick you up from the airport or bus station if you need them to. Calling them after you arrive and surprising them usually doesn’t go over very well, especially during the busy holiday season.
10) Get Refundable Tickets
Here is a travel tip must. Whatever method of transportation you use, and wherever you happen to be staying, be sure you get refundable tickets or reservations. If you can’t get something refundable, then at least get something that will give you a certificate to use at a later date.
If you’re stuck in Chicago airport for Thanksgiving because the weather in North Dakota is too dangerous for your flight to continue, knowing you can visit your family later (without wasting all that money on reservations and tickets) is one of the best travel tips I can give you.
Travelling can be either fun or chaotic. These ten travel tips will help you through the crazy, so that you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
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