Essential Travel Tips
As the return to travel commences following several years of travel restrictions, many have forgotten what traveling requires and the importance of safety when vacating.
Follow these tips to ensure your most secure and efficient trip.
Be mindful of the seat you choose on the airplane: If you are the type of person who constantly needs to use the bathroom, an aisle seat will be your best option. If you enjoy looking out the window throughout your flight, you will appreciate the benefit that comes with a window seat. But if you are traveling alone, avoid a middle seat at all costs.
Book a red eye flight: The best traveling time is as earliest in the morning as possible. Most airports are usually less busy around this time, which makes TSA check-in go by faster and you may find that there are more seats available on your flight—allowing you to stretch out.
Make copies of important documents: Before arriving at the airport, make copies of important documents including your driver’s license, passport, or other important documents.
Research various travel rewards programs: If you tend to travel frequently and aren’t confined to a strict budget, researching frequent flyer programs; signing up for TSA Pre-Check; or signing up for a VIP airport lounge can change your travel experience indefinitely.
Track your flight status: Most airlines allow you to track your flight status to keep travelers aware of any delays or cancellations. This also tells you if your gate has been changed so that you don’t spend time sitting at the wrong gate and need to travel across the airport to the correct gate at the last minute.
Limit your luggage to a carry-on and personal item: Checking in luggage may be a necessity if you are going away for a long period of time and desire to pack lots of attire, but limiting your luggage and avoiding baggage claim can save you time on your travels. It’s also a great way to assure that none of your bags get lost.
Check-in online: Checking in online prior to arriving to the airport is another great way to save time and it grants the airline the ability to estimate how many people are guaranteed to board the flight. This helps to prevent overbooking on their behalf.
Be conscious of your airport attire: Wearing comfortable shoes that can easily be removed is important for going through TSA (or needing to run from one end of the airport to another to prevent missing your flight). Layering up is also essential as most airports and airplanes are arctic in spring and summer months. This allows you to keep warm during travel, but then easily strip down once you reach your destination.
Identifiable luggage is a necessity: Many people like to travel with solid tone luggage. This often causes confusion when checking in bags, as you may mistake your bag with someone else’s and take the wrong bag at baggage claim (or vice versa). It’s always important to have some sort of key identifier on your luggage—such as a colorful ribbon, tape, or travel tag with your contact information.
Keep family and friends updated: It is important to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. Forward them your itinerary or share your location with them via your smart phone. If you suspect anything sketchy while on your trip, make them aware of the situation immediately and update them throughout.
Safeguard your hotel room or BNB: Most hotel room doors come with several locks. Be sure to have each of these locked, especially while you are in the room.
Be aware of your surroundings: Many travelers get caught up in enjoying their trip that they often aren’t aware of what’s going on around them. Although it is important that you enjoy your time and don’t spend your entire vacation on edge, it is more important that you don’t let your guard down too far. If you sense suspicious activity or a suspicious person around you, leave the area immediately and make someone else (an authority figure or trusted adult) aware of the situation.
