Since we’re headed out west bright and early tomorrow morning, I thought it was in proper timing to share my top 5 airport travel tips. I’ve been wanting to do a post such as this for a while now and today felt right. T and I have fallen into a pretty solid travel routine. He travels more frequently than I do, but over the years we’ve gotten into a groove with how we plan, how we pack and how we survive the airports.
Take your vitamins
Hands down, this is what I’m most strict about before we travel. I always keep a box of Emergen-C packets in our house, but if we forget to grab them on our way out the door, I stop by the nearest snack vendor to grab some. Airports are one thing, but once you get on that airplane, there’s no safety from germs. I get grossed out really quickly and I definitely don’t want to get sick on my way to vacation. How horrible would that be? So, we hammer the vitamins ahead of time. Plus, I personally feel it helps aid jet lag. Maybe not so much on long, overseas trips, but those 3-5 hour flights have their own version to conquer.
Choose carry-on luggage carefully
If you are carrying on luggage that is. Some people prefer not to, which is great, but I’m one of those paranoid people who carry at least one extra outfit with them onto the plane. Lost luggage sounds like a nightmare. Anyway – because I don’t want to have a ton of items to haul through the airport, but I also need room to carry said extras, I’ve come to choose my carry-on items carefully. My favorite solution is a 2-in-1 bag option. One where a smaller bag (purse) can fit into a larger bag. That way, once you’re through security, you combine the two for less hassle. Also, if it can fit under the seat, it’s an added bonus. I hate messing with those overhead compartments. Obviously, this doesn’t work in every situation, so if you are legitimately carrying on a suitcase, make sure it’s light and easy to maneuver. Backpacks are great, too!
Bring an empty water bottle
I can’t say I’m very good at remembering this, but you can transport an empty water bottle through security. This saves on expensive bottled water, plus it reminds you to stay hydrated. Another key factor in aiding jet lag of any severity. Even if it’s a short flight, I feel the need to hydrate & take care of my body. Again with the germs and the staying healthy thing… I get paranoid!
Download the airline apps
A seriously genius convenience available to travelers – airline apps. Check in, receive flight notifications, have your tickets on your phone. Less fuss when you get to security, less chance of losing a ticket. I don’t care how minimal it may seem – the convenience factor is amazing. I used to have a phone storage issue (who doesn’t) and I’d make excuses for not downloading the app before a flight. Now, I do have room, but I simply download the app the week prior to traveling and then delete it when I’m done. Easy. And worth it to make our path through the airport much more smooth.
Use a travel wallet
Documents all in one place. Do I need to go on? Honestly though… another convenience factor that I’ve come to absolutely love since we received the wallet for Christmas a couple years back. Obviously if you follow my tip above, you won’t need a spot for tickets, but these come in particularly handy on international flights. Passports, IDs, cash to convert, credit card & any international paperwork can all fit in this handy dandy wallet. Then you know exactly where all the important documents are all the time – in one spot, all sorts of organized. If you’re unfamiliar with these wallets, I found this one from Anthropologie that is perfect!
You can probably tell organization and less hassle are my priorities while traveling. Do you have any good airport tips?
xoxo. B
