Summer travels can be extremely exciting as we count down the days. While it is something to look forward to it can also create unnecessary stress. Here are some travel tips that can help keep you organized and stress-free.
Airline Travel Reservations: Make sure you have a confirmation email with your travel arrangements and double check the date, time, and seating arrangements. Be aware of the proper check in guidelines for domestic and international travel, each airline follows the same guidelines but may adjust times to improve the customer service experience. If traveling with the family you may want to consider contacting the airlines if you can not select and confirm your seats or you may want to consider paying the extra fees to confirm to be seated together. You may want to consider opting for premium seats that allow you more comfort and is helpful if you need to store carry-on luggage as it’s on a first come first serve basis.
Luggage: When thinking about luggage it may sound easy but the technicalities of selecting the perfect luggage will create a challenge. Contact your specific airline and obtain the correct sizes that you will be allowed to bring based on your destination.
Passports: Depending on your travel destination you may need a passport. The rules and guidelines to travel internationally continue to change in many parts of the world, it is important to contact your specific airline to ensure what documentation you will need to travel.
TSA Pre or Global Entry: You might want to consider applying for the TSA Pre or Global Entry if you want to avoid the long security lines and bypass the chaos. There is a one-time fee of $85 for the TSA Pre and $100 for the Global Entry both fees are non-refundable but are respectively worth it because you will save more than half of the time you would have spent going through the regular security line. If traveling with the family each person traveling will need one.
Photograph: We do not want to wish for the worst but you should always plan for it. Take a picture of your ID, Drivers License, or/and passport for yourself and each person traveling with you just in case you loose your documents or they are stolen. This won’t eliminate any issues with traveling but it will allow the process to be easier if you need to get a new passport or drivers license.
Data Plans/Cellular Plans: If traveling abroad contact your mobile provider to inquire about the necessary plans that you can select in order to avoid roaming charges.
Delays: Summer travel is infamous for flight delays regardless on how much we can plan we can’t control the congested airports, bad weather, or mechanical failures. Pack a portable charger, to keep your electronics powered up, sometimes it can be difficult to find a charging outlet at the airport. You can not bring any beverages through the TSA checkpoint but you can carry snacks for yourself and the rest of your travel party, then purchase your beverage once you pass the checkpoint. Bring entertainment this will help the time go by faster.
Transportation: Uber is fantastic, it’s easy and practical but sometimes there can be surge prices or long waiting periods. A taxi may sound like an easy solution but may not be easy to find at certain peak times of the day. Book and secure your travel to and from the airport in advance this will eliminate a waiting period and sometimes help with the cost.
Hotel Reservations: Make sure that you have received the confirmation email with your hotel reservation, confirm that you have the specific room you need with the beds needed for each person traveling with you. If you will need an extra rollaway bed, additional pillows, blankets, towels, or a handicap accessible room contact your hotel and put in the request prior to your arrival. If you are interested in having a room near the pool or beach weigh the pros and cons as it might sound amazing to be extra close you might also have to deal with the unwanted noise from other travelers.
Tours, Excursions, & Reservations: Research and book the tours, excursions, and reservations that you are interested in doing while on vacation. Keep in mind that with so many travelers in the summer peak season it might be a challenge to obtain the dates and times for your selected activity or dinner reservation if you wait to plan once your there.
