Travel can be fun. Travel can be exciting. Travel can also be a pain
in the neck.
Here are 10 quick and easy tips to make your travels
better.
1. This is my favorite tip, so I put it first. If you are spontaneous
with your travel or find yourself somewhere you are unfamiliar with,
check out the postcards in the gift shops. That will give you a quick
snapshot of local scenery and sites. I had an unplanned 3-hour layover
in Milan a few years ago. When I checked out the post card rack, I
learned that Di Vinci’s Last Supper was a short cab ride away. Much
better than just killing time in a restaurant next to the train station.
2. If you don’t already have your ticket, make sure and check flight
to/from surrounding airports. The smaller airports surrounding the
major hubs can be more convenient and save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Always, always, always check the status of your flight before heading
to the airport. Few things are worse then finding out your flight has
been delayed or canceled after all the hassle of getting you and your
luggage to the airport.
4. Arrive at airport early enough not to rush. That extra 30 minutes does wonders to lower your stress level.
5. Think ahead while packing. Do you really need 3 pairs of shoes and 3
pairs of pants? Figure out which shoes and clothes are
multi-functional. Also, coordinating around one or two colors helps cut
down on clothes.
6. If you’re flight is longer than an hour, do yourself a favor and get a
travel neck pillow. A good quality
memory foam travel pillow will get your trip started right. The
best travel pillows have full support that keep your head and neck in proper alignment. Remember, posture = comfort.
7. Bring only one or two credit cards. If your wallet is lost or stolen, it won’t be such a hassle.
8. Drink Gatorade. Often the water in different countries has
impurities that can make you sick. Sightseeing is surprisingly
strenuous.
9. Best money saving tip. Take a moment to reflect on what travelers
visit in your area. I can’t believe how many people in Southern
California have never been to the Grand Canyon, for example.
10. If you do research on your travel online, don’t forget to glance at
the reader’s comments. Often, you will find great insights.
