Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

Traveling is so much fun + I really encourage you to go out + see the world! There are a few things you might want to know before you go that will make your travel life so much easier so this post is dedicated to my Best Travel Tips! Since I’ve been traveling for over 30 years I may have a few ideas for you. Read on + be sure to take notes! (Or why not just print out this entire post?)

Best Travel Tips :: Before you start planning a trip

Sign up for TSA Pre-check

Have you been to the airport + seen people get into those shorter security lines + you are so jealous? They have qualified for what’s called TSA Pre-check. You won’t have to take off your shoes or jacket or belt, you’ll be able to leave your computer inside your bag + you won’t have to take out your 3-1-1 liquids bag.

TSA Pre-check is good when traveling within the USA.
$85 :: good for 5 years. Click here to apply.

OR

Sign up for Global Entry – Trusted Traveler

Let’s take this one step further. Whenever you travel abroad, the Trusted Traveler program will get you back into the USA a lot quicker. Skip all the lines at customs, walk up to a kiosk, answer a few questions, print your pass + hand it to the security officer. DONE.

Being a Trusted Traveler also entitles you to TSA Pre-check within the USA (no additional charge).
$100 :: good for 5 years. Click here to apply.

This is one of the best travel tips I can give you for your overseas travel.

Best Travel Tips :: Booking your travel

International travel should be booked at least 5-6 months in advance to get the best price + the best flight options. Wouldn’t you rather fly non-stop than have a layover somewhere for who knows how long?

Domestic travel should be booked at least 2-3 weeks in advance to get the cheapest flights + the best flight options.

Book at 5am if you can. In other words :: as early in the day as possible. Avoid booking between 8pm-11pm. Again, to get the best price + best options.

Research has shown that you get a better deal if you book on Tuesdays for domestic flights.

And for international flights, book on Wednesdays.

When you’re ready, just use the Booking .com form to the right of this post >>>>>>>
…OR down below if you’re on a mobile device.

Click here for more ideal booking information from Skyscanner.

I also recommend you schedule your flights to depart early in the day. In case of delays or cancellations there will be plenty of alternate flight times. If you schedule departure for later in the day you risk having no alternate flights + having to stay overnight. Lesson I learned so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!

If you’re traveling in a pair my recommendation is to book aisle + window seats. Chances are no one will book the middle seat + you’ll have the row to yourselves. If someone does take the middle seat you can either ask them to trade so you can sit next to your partner or just stay where you are. I always book our seats this way + most of the time it works really well. Use the Booking .com form to the right >>>>>>>>>
…OR down below if you’re on a mobile device.

If there is one tip that I can give you to make you rest easier whenever you travel it’s this: Get the travel insurance.

Travel insurance will cover you in the event you have to cancel your trip, your flight is canceled, there is bad weather or damage at your destination, you get sick or injured, you lose your passport, you need medical attention at your destination, your bags are lost or delayed… need I say more? Get the travel insurance.

The company providing the travel insurance I’m recommending + the quote above is from World Nomads.
**NOTE: As with any insurance company, please make sure to do a thorough review of every coverage item. There may be small print that I am not aware of so please do your due diligence.

Best Travel Tips :: Planning your trip

If you’re planning a cruise you might find this helpful.

Make a list of every place you want to see. And remember to plan on plenty of down time. After all, you want to enjoy your vacation not rush from place to place.

Do your research + plan so you can make the most of your trip. Find out when things are open + closed. Find out how heavy your luggage can be for your destination. Check the weather. You get it.

Best Travel Tips :: Before you pack

Sephora + many other beauty stores give out free samples + they work really well for travel-sized beauty products. Also remember to save all of your hotel samples because they are a great size to use for the 3-1-1 TSA liquids carryon rule. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion :: save away!

Prepare a packing list of everything you will need. This will help you bring only what you need + not overpack.

Place all of your jewelry in pill containers. They are the perfect size for earrings, necklaces, rings + everything is in one container.

Use sunglass cases to pack cables/cords/earbuds.

Place a little piece of plastic wrap between bottles + their tops. Air pressure has a way of building up + can cause spillage of your liquids + this is a great little tip to avoid that.

Rather than bring a big tube, Toothpaste to GO makes a great toothpaste refilling kit so that you can take just enough for your trip that will also go in your 3-1-1 bag.

One thing I always pack is a travel-sized power strip. Whether traveling within the US or abroad, a power strip (with surge protector) saves you the headache of finding outlets for all your devices + you’ll only need one. And pack it on the perimeter of your suitcase (just like your belts). It will take up no room at all!

For international travel you will need only one international converter plug + voila! Charge all your devices in one place.

Best Travel Tips :: Packing your suitcase

When it comes to packing my number one rule is: Roll Your Clothes. You will have more room + it will be easier to find what you need.

Speaking of easy, you will want to invest in packing cubes because they are travel game changers. There are many to choose from but I recommend these two: packing cubes + ultimate packing cubes. I NEVER travel without my packing cubes. Never rummage through your suitcase in search of that one item you need :: never unpack again, just unzip + put it in a drawer. Game. Changer.

Consider layering your clothes when traveling to colder climates. Rather than bringing a lot of outerwear, layering will take up less room in your luggage + you can remove layers when it gets warmer.

Use a coordinating color scheme for your clothes so that you can mix + match. This helps to avoid bringing too much + having to drag around a big suitcase full of things you may not even need or use. When is the last time you traveled that you didn’t say to yourself, “I didn’t need half of what I packed!” Think it through…

I recommend packing your pillow case. Not only will it make you feel more like you’re sleeping in your own bed but afterwards you can use it to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes.

Pack your heavier items near wheels to avoid smashing + wrinkling everything.

Place a couple of dryer sheets between your clothes to keep everything smelling clean + fresh.

Once you’re done packing place a big label on your suitcase that says FRAGILE. Airlines have a tendency to heed caution + place them on top of other bags + often times “fragile” bags come out first on the conveyor belt.

Or better yet, travel with a carryon-sized suitcase only. Whether your trip is short or long a carryon will suffice nicely. If it’s a longer trip, plan on doing a little laundry. It’s a game changer if you can manage it. And you will see how little you really need while traveling. This carryon is my very favorite!

You might find these cruise packing tips helpful.

Best Travel Tips :: Packing your hand carryon bag

The best hand carryon bag I have + been using for years is the Rajin “diligent” by LAGA. Fits nicely under the airplane seat in front of you + easily accessible during your flight. Lightweight + although it looks delicate it is very resilient + water/stain resistant. But the best part :: you will get complimented on it everywhere you go!

Things you may consider keeping in your hand carry on bag are:

Pen :: you will need one handy to fill out travel forms

Portable charger :: in case the plane doesn’t have one or it doesn’t work

Charging cables :: for in the plane or at the airport :: Apple Certified or Android. I always recommend getting them in different lengths

Noise-cancelling headphones or ear buds :: airlines don’t always provide them for free

Colgate Wisps :: convenient way to stay fresh while traveling

Frozen sponge in a plastic baggie :: to keep snacks cold

Footrest for your plane ride. I got my daughter one for her travels + she loves it! You may want to try this

Best Travel Tips :: What to wear while traveling

One of my favorite travel garments is my SCOTTeVEST (as seen in the picture above). It has 16 pockets + is perfect for traveling. Lightweight + easy to slip on + off :: it’s my go-to garment for traveling all over the world. They also make a jacket with all those pockets if that works better for you. Either way you will be so glad you made this travel investment!

Especially on a long flight it is imperative to be comfortable. Make sure to wear comfortable pants that give like leggings or a cotton blend that won’t wrinkle or create static cling. Wear slip on shoes that are not too snug.

It can get chilly on the plane so I always bring a large wrap or scarf. This one is very versatile + convenient. Slip it on + off easily. And it even has pockets!

This is also a good time to layer your clothes. If it gets too warm just take something off.

Compression socks are a great investment for travel. They will keep your feet + legs from swelling on those long flights. Get up + walk around. That will also help.

Best Travel Tips :: Before you leave the house

Call your credit card companies + let them know you will be traveling out of your home state. This is huge. Nothing is more inconvenient or embarrassing than when your credit card is declined because they think it’s being compromised.

Charge your devices the night before.

Pre-download movies or your favorite series. Amazon Prime Video lets you do this for free with membership :: just download their app to your device :: as well as does Netflix with their subscription.

Email yourself a photo of your passport :: in case of loss or theft. This is one thing you do not want to be without when traveling internationally.

Download your airline’s app :: it will come in very handy should there be any changes in your flight time or gate number.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. For international flights add at least 2 additional hours to the time it normally takes to get from your home to the airport. That will give you ample time in case there is unusually heavy traffic + long check-in + baggage lines at the airport (actually, another reason to travel with a carryon only + avoid that line).

Best Travel Tip :: At the airport

Check the monitors. Don’t just rely on the ticketing agent to give you the correct information. Gate changes happen all the time. One of the best travel tips.

One trick I’ve learned after traveling for many years is to be prepared to give up your seat when they ask for volunteers. If you are flexible with your travel time + arrive at your gate early you will be among the first to hear the announcement. They can put you on the next available flight, give you a voucher for free future travel (I’ve gotten as much as $800) + they sometimes even give you free meals + lodging (if you have to stay overnight). I’ve done it many times + it is totally worth the delay in getting to your destination. As long as you allow for the extra time, that is.

Best Travel Tips :: At your destination

Use ATMs to get local currency for best exchange rate.

Use your flat iron to touch up wrinkled clothes. This cordless travel-sized one is perfect + takes up hardly any room at all.

The local Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to get around for one price in many cities around the world.

Find wifi passwords to public places by checking the FourSquare app on your phone.

Go with the flow. Of course you want to see what’s on your list but allow yourself the freedom to get off track sometimes.

Get off the beaten path. Talk to the locals. Find those wonderful little places you won’t find in the guide books + where tourists don’t usually go. My favorite of my best travel tips.

Learn a few words in the language of the country you’re going to. It will make a huge difference in your interactions with the local people.

If you have a choice of taking the train or renting a car, rent the car. Don’t worry about getting lost :: sometimes you find the best places that way. Just allow yourself time to explore.

Document your trip. Whether it be a journal or photographs or both. At the end of every day write down everything you did. That way you won’t forget the amazing sites you saw + everything you want to remember about them.

Additional Tip :: After returning home

Refill all your travel toiletries.

Keep travel-only items packed away in your suitcase bringing you one step ahead of the packing game for your next trip.

Save a copy of your general packing list inside your suitcase.

One thing I always do is spend the first few days at home going over the trip (besides doing laundry of course) + documenting every detail of what I did. I’ll match up all of my stories to the pictures I took. And then I order a photo book from PastBook.

It’s a great way to keep all of those amazing memories at hand + PastBook does an amazing job at putting together a quality product.

This list should give you a little more confidence on your next trip. When you prepare ahead of time travel becomes less stressful + a whole lot more fun. When you do your research you will know what to expect + won’t be unpleasantly surprised. And it will ultimately lead to a most enjoyable journey.

Book your trip now on Booking .com to right of this post >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
…OR down below if you’re on a mobile device.

Bon voyage!

PS: Please feel free to comment below if there are other tips you’ve learned from your travels! I’d love to hear from you!