As part of the VoyEdge RX crew, I travel A LOT. I often joke that I should start forwarding my mail to my local airport terminals and, on top of that, I’m pretty sure my suitcase has never properly been emptied. #WorthIt
Because I am constantly (and happily) on the move, here are some of my favorite travel hacks and survival advice for your next big adventure!
PRE-CHECK IT
If you do a lot of domestic travel GET TSA PRE-CHECK if you don’t already have it. Have you ever walked through security in under 60 seconds while keeping your shoes on and everything inside your bags??? Well, it’s awesome. Head to the website for more information. There is a small fee and (in some states) an in-person interview. I promise it is worth every penny. If you do a lot of international travel, get Global Entry (Pre-Check is included) and never wait an hour in the U.S. customs line again!
LOUNGE LIKE A PRO
If you have a long layover and would rather not wander into the city you’re waiting in, consider purchasing a day pass for an airport lounge. They are usually around $40 and allow you some time to relax, work, eat, have a beverage (adult or not) and not be stuck in the uncomfortable seating at the gates.
My personal favorite is the Delta Sky Club located at most major airports. I always feel more refreshed, relaxed and ready to board my next flight. Some Sky Clubs even have spas and showers for you to use. #UmYesPlease
WE ROLLIN
An oldie but a goodie: roll your clothes. You’ve heard it a million times before because IT WORKS, especially for trips where you have to pack light (Like our National Parks or Peru trips, for example)! In addition, I always use packing cubes to stay organized and know exactly where everything in my bag is. No more rummaging around and making a bigger mess!
Photo by Francesco Paggiaro from Pexels
KEEP YOUR BAGS
Don’t check your bag at the airport, even for international flights. Instead, bring it with you as your carry on as it will save you heaps of time when you land at your destination. It’s also much easier and quicker to check-in using airline kiosks instead of waiting on the crazy line for bag drop. Check with your airline for their carry on size policies before packing!
THIRSTY FOR MORE
Bring your own EMPTY water bottle. Once you are through security there are plenty of places where you can fill it up with cold, delicious, and nutritious filtered water. PLUS, you’ll save on buying outrageously overpriced beverages at the airport!
If you’re traveling to a place where tap water is not 100% safe, I recommend getting a water bottle with a built-in filter.
SNACKS ON SNACKS
An obvious but important one: Vitamins and snacks. Bring em, have em and don’t forget em! They always come in handy when you’re putting your body through the motions of traveling and stepping outside your normal routine. My personal favorites: Emergen-C packets (love the raspberry flavor), single-serve protein powder packets, roasted almonds or cashews, and Perfect Bars or RXBars.
Check this out for more of our favorite healthy airport snacks!
WORK IT
Whenever I have an opportunity to get some work done at the airport, I always switch my Google suite onto “Available Offline” mode before I leave the house so I have access to all my files in case I cannot get online later. I also download some movies or stand up specials onto my laptop before I leave to entertain myself in the case of slow (or non-existent) airport wifi. #LiveAndLearn
AND! Check with what kind of WiFi your airline offers beforehand so you’re mentally prepared. For example, Delta offers free mobile messaging while onboard on all Wi-Fi enabled flights with the iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp apps on smartphones. #BoomRoasted
CASH MONEY
Let your bank know when and where you are traveling, even domestically, to avoid any financial issues with your debit/credit card(s) while you’re away. Setting travel notifications can easily be done online if you don’t like talking to call centers (does anyone actually like that?). If you’re heading overseas, bring credit cards with no foreign exchange fees to avoid paying unnecessary (and super annoying) fees when you come back!
SOAK IT IN
Bring a journal or notebook. Don’t forget, travel is not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about the journey (as cliche as that is, it’s SO true). There is a lot of self-reflection and personal growth that organically happens when you leave the comforts of home, have some paper with you to jot it down and remember the epic adventure you’re on!
My personal favorite brand is Moleskine!
MORE TRAVEL TIPS
Looking for some off the beaten path locations in Europe? Look no further!