Travel Tips for Everyday Travel
Traveling can be a confusing and stressful part of your travel experience. We wanted to share these air travel tips to help remove that part of your travel experience.
1. During the holidays, instead of bringing gifts as part of your carry-on, pack them in your check-in luggage or ship them to your destination in advance of your departure. If you bring them as part of your carry-on security may have to open them.
2. Consider shipping your bag. Yes, you can have your bag shipped next day air via Fed Ex and have your luggage waiting for you at your hotel. This works well for business travelers that are hopping between cities.
3. Always get an economy car when you reserve your rental car. If you show up late the economy cars are usually the first to go. More often than not you can get a good rate on a larger car for just a few dollars a day.
4. If your luggage is delayed or lost when you arrive at your destination, ask for a complimentary toiletry kit from the airline. They don’t always offer them, but they do have them and will give them to you if you ask!
5. Most hotels have toiletries that are complimentary so if you forgot a toothbrush or lost a bag the front desk will have them. Again sometimes paying that extra 10 dollars a night can be a time and money saver.
6. If you are flying with young children, opt to gate check your stroller. It must be less than 20 pounds and collapsible, as you will have to fold it up and send it through the security scanner, but it makes life much easier if you are able to “roll” your kids through the airport. This also makes it so you will have your stroller waiting for you as you disembark the plane.
7. Take snacks with you in your carryon. You can bring food with you as long as it isn’t liquid. We have brought sandwiches, chips and fruit in the past – make a picnic out of it! You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it up once you go through security so you don’t have to pay the high prices to buy water inside the airport.
8. Traveling 1st class? Check to see if the airline has a lounge and your 1st class boarding pass will get you free entry most of the time. Go there to get some water, Wi-Fi access, snacks or a cocktail.
9. Take “disposable” activities with you for yourself and your children. Crossword puzzles, magazines, some crayons and spiral notebook are just a few options that will keep everyone occupied during the wait times but will not cause tantrums if they are “lost”.
10. Make sure your cell phones are fully charged prior to leaving for the airport. Also pack your charger in your carryon so if you have any travel delays you can re-charge your phone if necessary.
11. Did you forget your charger? When you reach your hotel, go to the front desk and ask if anyone left any chargers in lost in found you can borrow. The hotels have boxes of them; sometimes the one you need is in there. Especially if you have a common phone like an iPhone or Droid.
12. Consider paying the extra money per night for a hotel that has free breakfast, fitness room and an executive lounge. You can refill water bottle in the gym, save time and money with a free breakfast, and most of the time during the day the executive lounge will be open and they have free coffee available.
13. Sometimes you have to pay for Wi-Fi in your room, but the Wi-Fi is available in the lobby for free. If you’re not on a business trip and just need to check e-mail, just go to the lobby sit down and use the system for free. 14. Pack your photo ID, medicine, prescription, cash, keys, jewelry, electronics, and cameras in your carry-on baggage — not your checked baggage.
14. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes will make your trek in the airport much easier on the feet and legs. Layers are a traveler’s best weapon against varying temperature conditions. Another plus to layers is the more apparel you tie around your waist or throw over your shoulders, the fewer clothing items you need stuff into your suitcase.
15. To help stay relaxed and enjoy your trip, check-in online, leave early for the airport, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
16. Know that while most trips go smoothly, there are still times where events happen to cause delays or cancellations. . If you are stuck at the airport, your car rental is a mess, or your room is loud or smelly, call your Travel Agent. Have your travel agent’s number programmed into your phone and if you run into any problems, call them. Let them help you sort out the mess. Your agent will do their very best to resolve the problem. That’s one of the many perks of using an agent in the first place.
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If you have any questions feel free to contact me at judiringer@exadventure.net
