Over the years, I’ve figured out some ways to make travel less stressful and more fun. By no means am I an expert, and most of the time I’ve had to learn the hard way. Let’s just say that I’m lucky Daniel is usually my travel buddy for most of our trips and we’ve been able to successfully make it back home – lol!
Here’s a list of 10 tips that have helped me during my travels, in no particular order:
- When packing your suitcase, roll your clothes instead of folding them. It maximizes the amount of space you have and sometimes also helps with minimizing wrinkling.
- Make use of ziploc bags in your carry-on or check-in luggage. Whether you’re packing toiletries, individual outfits, underwear, etc, press all of the air out and seal it up. It’s perfect for quick and simple organization, and you can later use the bags to pack up dirty or wet clothes. I recommend going a step further and trying reusable bags like these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX4FXMM?ie=UTF8). It saves you money in the long run, but more importantly, it’s friendlier to the environment.
- Download the app “Hopper”. It’s a free app that tells you when is the best time to buy plane tickets for a particular destination. This helps you keep an eye on flight trends and helps you save money when it comes time to purchasing that plane ticket.
- If you want to feel more like a local and save a little money, opt for an Airbnb instead of a hotel. There’s nothing like feeling at home, walking out the front door into a local neighborhood off the beaten path, rather than exiting a busy hotel in a touristy area. And if you do go the Airbnb route, be a good guest by following the host’s rules and cleaning up after yourself. Leaving reviews goes both ways, so not only can you review the Airbnb host but the host can also review you as a guest.
- Take a photo of important information, just in case. If you parked your car in a parking structure at the airport, take a photo of the level number and area you left it. Take a photo of your check-in luggage in case it gets lost. When in doubt, take a photo of it. This is a small task that you are going to thank yourself later for.
- Pack snacks and a reusable water bottle. I’m a snacker by nature, but there’s something about traveling that makes me hungry ALL THE TIME. Unless you want to spend a fortune snacking all day, bring your own. One reason why I always think I’m hungry is because I don’t drink enough water. Beat dehydration and bring that reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go. Fill it up at the airport after going through TSA, at restaurants and anywhere else you see the opportunity to hydrate.
- Have a plan for when you first arrive. Research ahead how much it will cost to take a train, Uber, rental car, etc to where you are staying and which option will be most efficient for your traveling needs. For example, when we travel to New York and are photographing a wedding outside of the city, we’ve found that it’s better for us to get a rental car because we are traveling with so much expensive gear. Traveling by train late at night with thousands of dollars worth of equipment is not the smartest option in an unfamiliar place, even if it’s cheaper. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions with the airport staff and locals – often times, they have the best insight and advice. Do your research and compare your options so that you have a smooth and stress-free day when you first arrive.
- Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. I recommend always doing some type of research so that you visit all of the food places and attractions you want to see, but don’t be afraid to go off your carefully curated itinerary and try things you didn’t have planned. I will be putting together a few different city guides to help you assemble a plan of your own.
- If you’re traveling via airplane, make sure to bring an extra pair of headphones with a jack. Do NOT rely on using your wireless headphones to watch airline-provided movies, tv, music, etc because it won’t work. I’ve made the mistake thinking that most airlines provide earbuds to plug into the armrest, but many of them don’t and you’ll have to purchase them. Save yourself the headache and just keep a pair permanently in your carry-on luggage to be used in situations like this.
- Don’t rely on GPS alone – always have a backup plan! Nothing is worse, or more dangerous, than being lost in an unfamiliar place without cell phone reception or GPS to help you get home. If you’re exploring a particular area, research it ahead of time and pick up a map to use – just in case.
What are some tips you’ve picked up during your travels? Let me know in the comments below!
