Welcome to the Caribbean, or maybe it’s London? Are you excited about traveling but have no idea where to start? Do you stress about your luggage being overweight, not having enough time to make it through security or just anxious about flying in general?
We have all seen those people. The ones that make travel look ridiculously easy, all while we are struggling just to get on the plane and shove our carry on into the last open spot. The Travellers that look like pros have already stowed their luggage and settled in, minimizing the chaos that overcomes most people when they set off for their destination.
It’s not hard to be like those seasoned travelers though. In fact, there are some great tips out there to have you traveling like a pro in no time.
KNOW YOUR DESTINATION
If you aren’t the kind of person that travels a lot, airports can be somewhat daunting, almost like trying to navigate a foreign destination. It will benefit you greatly to know the layout of the airport before your vacation. It is a great idea to locate the security lines, airline counters, and your departure gate all before you reach the airport. Have a basic understanding of connecting airports as well because if you are going to have to catch a connecting flight, you are going to want to make sure you understand those as well.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITINERARY SERVICES
Having a complete itinerary at your fingertips is much like having a personal assistant to help you get through a hectic travel experience. There are many different free itinerary applications available that can help to create a plan, provide reminders, and put reservations together. It is much easier to navigate a travel experience when all your hotel, rental car, airline, and even restaurant information is in one convenient place.
PACK LIGHTLY
The people you see that seem like travel professionals always pack lightly. In fact, some of them are heading on trips that last longer than 5 days, and everything is nicely packed into a carry-on suitcase. There is nothing more frustrating than spending money and time to check luggage only to end up wasting time awaiting its arrival when you reach your destination. Consider using packing cubes and make a checklist to determine what you will need for your trip and try to pack efficiently and effectively to bring it on the plane with you.
DON’T FORGET THE SNACKS
Whether I travel alone or with Madison, no matter where we go throughout the world, we always take snacks with us on the plane. As many knows, airport and airline snacks can be expensive so it’s best to bring your own with you, not only to save on money, but you’ll have precisely what you want or need. One of my favorites is RITZ Crisp & Thins. Not only are they available in many different varieties, including the new Barbecue and Cheddar flavors that I love, but they’re absolutely delicious and TSA friendly as well. I usually pick them up at Walmart before my trip and one bag usually lasts throughout the flight and we would have a second bag for our journey back. We take them wherever we go, as you can see Madison enjoying them both in the Dominican Republic and in London.
SPEED UP SECURITY
While on your way to the airport, make sure that you are prepared for security by stowing anything that security may ask you to remove and making it easy to take your laptop out. When you exit the car, have your ID and boarding pass in hand and walk straight for security. This will minimize the amount of time you spend fumbling with your belongings and get you through to the gate faster.
Traveling like a pro is not out of reach. You don’t have to be a seasoned traveler to look like one. Just make sure that you are aware of your surroundings, take advantage of itinerary services, pack smart, and take the right measures to get through security in good time. The rest will follow, and you will make it look easy.
So whether you’re going to relax beachside or take in the city, don’t forget your RITZ Crisp & Thins.
