Traveling can be stressful: flights get delayed, TSA lines can be long, and you may need to rush to make your connection. Construction or detours can also add time to your route if you’re driving. Some stressors are out of your control, and all you can do is accept them. There are some travel hacks you can use to keep stress to a minimum if you plan ahead. Let’s take a look at some great travel hacks.
Be Flexible
If you’re flying, book your tickets on days that allow for flexibility in case there’s a delay. Download and use your airline’s app to check in and track your bags and flight status. If you’re driving, tune up your vehicle and check the weather forecast. Download road-traveling apps like Waze that alert you about accidents and construction. Research your destinations and waypoints well, knowing when stores and hotels open. Have a backup plan if something changes.
Travel Hacks For Flyers
Pack as light as you can. Three-day or shorter trips or destinations with laundry facilities can be accomplished with only a carry-on bag. If not, use as few bags as possible, organizing them with packing cubes. Join the TSA PreCheck program, which can save you hassles on the TSA line. Removing your shoes or liquid check is unnecessary, so it’s much faster than the regular TSA line. Bring a reusable water bottle, as many airports have water bottle filling stations.
Travel Hacks For All Travelers
Bringing your snacks is a good idea, whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile. That way, you can save money by avoiding marked-up prices while staving off the “hangry” feeling from stress. Train and plane passengers (and your car passengers) will want a U-shaped neck pillow to make the long travel stretches more comfortable. Bring your headphones to drown out noise from other passengers and listen to soothing music.
Bring An Emergency Stash
Once upon a time, emergency currency like traveler’s cheques existed in case you were far from home and had a financial emergency. While they’re still around, they’ve been replaced mainly by pre-paid credit cards. In comparison, there are pros and cons with cheques (not to be confused with checks) and pre-paid credit cards. In any case, it’s a good idea to have a backup payment if you find yourself with no money away from your bank.
Buy A Travel Power Strip
Most planes and trains have charging outlets for electronic devices. Travel hacks can keep the peace if you’re traveling with your children. Sometimes, power struggles over power sources happen when there are more devices than charging ports. Buying a travel power strip solves that problem, offering more charging ports for USB devices. A portable power pack can be handy, too, for when you’re not sure if you’ll have a chance to power up.
Make a Paper Copy Of Your Tickets
While there’s nothing more satisfying than hearing that “beep” from your phone when boarding a plane or a train, sometimes things happen. Should you lose your phone, it loses battery power, or it gets broken, how will you board? Always print a paper copy of your plane or train ticket at home and take it with you. That way, you have a backup boarding method should something unthinkable happen to your mobile device. These travel hacks can certainly come to the rescue.
Bring Your Health Insurance Info
Always have a copy of your known allergies and health insurance on your person. That way, if you require medical attention away from home, your medical conditions or allergen information should be readily accessible to you somewhere. If you’re in a position where you can’t speak, those assisting you will know what to do. These travel hacks could save your life.
Wrapping Up And Heading Out
A few final traveling hacks: Consider the long layover when flying or traveling by train. While most people might view them as a pain, they usually save money; you don’t have to stress about a tight connection. Also, they can allow you to visit a city you would never otherwise have. Also, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they dehydrate you and ramp up your anxiety. Happy travels!
