There is enough to worry about as you plan any travel and every person from a noob to a seasoned veteran is always looking for ways to ease the typical travel woes and stop problems before they arise.
Confusion at Baggage Claim
The endless parade of bags coming down the conveyor at baggage claim looks like a congo line of bags identical to yours. Make your bag stand out. by tieing a brightly colored ribbon around the handle and slap a few bright “fragile” stickers all over your bag. The stickers will cause baggage handlers to be more careful with your bags and most often they will also put your bags on first to avoid rough handling, helping you be the first one to grab your bag and go.
Hidden Wi-Fi Passwords
If you are at a strange restaurant or coffee shot, you may be able to find out the Wi-Fi password by checking apps like Travel Advisor or Four Square.
Cheap Ticket Deals
If you can, wait until Tuesday afternoons to buy tickets. This is when most airlines lower rates to assure full cabins.
Roll Your Clothes
Roll your clothes when packing instead of folding. You’ll double the amount that you’ll get per bag saving yourself additional fees.
Bring A Power Strip
You’ll be able to charge all of your electronics at once if you bring your own power strip. Just make sure that you have a voltage converter and outlet adaptor if you are traveling overseas.
Free Phone Chargers
If you are short on chargers, check the lost and found at your hotel. Chances are they’ll have dozens of phone chargers left behind by careless travelers.
Store Chargers Separate
Make sure you don’t leave your phone chargers behind by carrying them neatly together in a small eyeglasses or makeup case.
Ask For Perks
Some passenger level and room upgrades are available and sometimes all you need to do is ask. You’d be surprised what you can get if you just ask for it.
Use TV To Charge Electronics
If you need to use a USB to charge your electronic device and you forgot the wall adaptor, just use the USB connection in your hotel room television.
Pass on the First Option
The first coffee shop, bar, bathroom, and news stand that you pass after leaving security usually come with the biggest crowd. Just hit up the second or third location and crowds will be thinner.
Stay Fresh
One simple fabric softener sheet will keep your entire wardrobe smelling fresh and clean.
Scan Your Documents
Losing your passport or Visa could instantly kill a vacation. Keep copies scanned to your tablet or phone and have a copy left safely with a family member back home. It will be worth it if you get stuck without the originals.
Fly By Security
You can pre-register at most airports to save time in security. It’s an investment of an hour that will save you ten fold if you travel often.
Empty Your Pockets
Before you enter the security line, take everything from your pockets and throw it into your travel bag. This will save you from digging it all out of the trays.
Just The Facts
When travelling internationally, do not attempt to joke around while going through customs. It could trigger a customs agent to pull you aside for a time wasting extra security check. Be friendly, but to the point without excess conversation.
Ship Items Ahead
If you are planning a wedding or big event overseas, consider sending your dress clothes ahead to your hotel in advance. It will save your carry-on luggage for important travel items.
Get Customs Forms in Advance
Tell the customs desk that you are a travel agent and pick up stacks of custom papers for countries that you visit frequently. You can have your forms filled out long before you land.
Reduce Turbulance
You can’t keep airplane turbulence from happening but you can lessen the effect on you by sitting towards the middle of the plane near the wings. That is where turbulence is generally weaker. The middle section on “Lost” had the best survival rate after all…
Sit In The First Row
Most passengers skip the first row to hit up the middle aisles, but the first row has the easiest trip to the bathroom and more leg room.
Inflight Restroom Use
While flying, the best time to avoid waiting for the bathroom is about 10-15 minutes after the seat belt lights are off and about 20 minutes before landing.
Currency Exchanges
Pass up the windows at the airport and hit up the first ATM that you see outside of the airport. You’ might be charged an ATM fees but it’ll still be cheaper than the exchange window without a doubt. Or get the money from your bank ahead of time.