15 Tips to Make Travel Smarter, Simpler and More Enjoyable

Travel is one of the best investments you can make. Experience and memories are some of the most valuable things that you can give yourself, which is why so many people enjoy traveling. However, with travel comes with a little stress in terms of packing, making it through the airport and making sure that you prepare all that needs to be done so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy your trip. Read on to learn 15 tips that will guarantee your travels will be as seamless as possible.

Clean Up

It really takes a little bit of joy out of your vacation to know that you’re coming home to a messy house. Take the time to finish the laundry, pick up and clean before you leave on your vacation so that you come home to a clean house every time.

Download it All

Before you leave for the airport, make sure you download your maps, apps and tickets on your mobile devices. It’s easier to do this a day or two before your departure than it is to do it in the middle of the airport or in your hotel room.

Keep Valuables Close

Don’t pack your jewelry and electronics in your checked luggage. Keep them close and put them in your carry-on or your personal handbag so that they do not get lost in route.

Pack One Night

Put one night of clothes and necessities in your carry-on – per person. This way, if your luggage is lost you have a day’s worth of clothes and accessories to get by with until you either retrieve your luggage or find time to pick up a few essentials before the rest of your trip.

Liquid Considerations

Make sure that you pack your liquids in a clear case if you are carrying them on, but put them in a bag in a bag if you want to ensure they don’t spill onto any of your valuables.

Shoe Considerations

Place all of your shoes in the dust bags they come with at purchase or place them inside of bags or shower caps to keep them from getting your clothing dirty inside your luggage as well as prevent the odor.

Shopping?

If your travels involve shopping, perhaps you should consider packing an empty bag so that you can fill it up with all your new purchases when you head home. Overweight baggage fees are not cheap, and it will save a lot of hassle and irritation when you can throw all your new purchases in an empty bag.

Pack a Sweater

Even if the place you’re headed is warm and humid, you still need a light sweater or even a scarf. The airport is notoriously cold and some flights just can’t warm up no matter how much you might want them to.

Check the Weather

In the days before you depart, check the weather regularly in your destination. See how the weather patterns change so that you can ensure your packing is correct. You don’t want to over pack but you also don’t want to show up with all swimsuits and shorts to find that the weather isn’t going above 60.

Dress Accordingly

Plan your outfit for your travels with care. You want to be comfortable but you also want to be convenient. Those fabulous over the knee boots might be amazing, but do you really want to fuss when them as you rush through security at the airport?

Pack Your Camera

Even if you have a smart phone that has a camera on it, pack your real camera. You cannot replace the quality photos a good camera takes, even if you can’t download them onto your social media feed at a moment’s notice.

Research

Don’t book your hotels or events until you do your research. If you plan on spending a lot of time in one particular area of your destination but you book a hotel in a completely different area, you might become frustrated. Become familiar with the area where you will travel prior to committing to anything.

Check Your Flights

If you want to save money, try looking at different days and nearby airports for your flights. For example, if you fly on a Wednesday instead of a Monday, you might save as much as $100 on each ticket you purchase.

Know Your Luggage Stuff

If you are traveling with children, know what you can and cannot travel with free of charge. Most airlines allow you to bring a stroller to the gate and gate check it free of charge. Additionally, if your child has her own seat on your flight, you can carry her car seat on board at no charge.