Work smarter, not harder. We’ve all heard this saying before, but how does it relate to travel? Is there a way to travel smarter? We are here to tell you yes, yes there is, and the good news is that our advice goes beyond the usual “book early”, and “track flights”, and “drink water”.
From navigating the airport, to sightseeing with ease, to dining in a new city, here are five ways to travel smarter and look like you were born a world traveler.
#1 - Fly through the airport (pun intended)
From the booking process to boarding, you have several opportunities to make your travel experience more efficient. If you are not already familiar with and enrolled in travel programs such as TSA pre-check, frequent flyer programs, or Global Entry - start today. These programs are designed to streamline travel and limit the amount of time spent in lines, while rewarding you for your adventures.
During the booking process, enter any frequent flyer numbers, Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs), and more. These will 1) make sure that your travels are rewarded, and 2) Be indicated on your boarding pass so your security process is much faster. Skip the usual anxiety around long lines, or unpacking/repacking your bag at security, and fly through the process with ease.
When it comes to your luggage, make a point to check the dimensions of your luggage against the airline’s requirements before traveling. No one wants to be that person in the airport having to remove items for weight, or pay extra to check a bag that you thought you could carry on. If traveling with a carry-on suitcase, place it in the overhead bins before or directly above your seat. You don’t want to be the traveler who has to go back into the crowd to get your bag… or wait and be the last one off the plane.
#2 - Spend wisely
Before travel, make sure to alert your bank of your travel plans so that your account isn’t flagged for fraud or suspicious activity while abroad. It is every traveler’s worst nightmare to be stuck abroad with no access to their account or money.
Most destinations have easily-accessible banks and ATMs that will distribute cash in the local currency, but to access that cash you will need a functioning debit or credit card. Make sure you’re aware of any foreign transaction fees that could be imposed by your bank for international spending.
#3 - Skip the jet-lag
When traveling - to Europe, in particular - most flights follow red-eye (overnight) routes and arrive early the next morning to your destination. Upon arrival, it can be tempting to take a nap and catch up on the lack of sleep you might have experienced on the plane. However, we are here to advise you to stay strong.
Avoid the arrival nap, and instead try to power through that jet lag. Keep your toiletries and a fresh change of clothes accessible in your bag so you can do a quick refresh after landing, then you store your luggage at the hotel if you arrive before check-in - as most hotels offer this amenity. Once you do that, try to go for a long walk around the area, find a local coffee shop, or book a relaxing activity to ease into the day. You will sleep soundly that night, and be well-adjusted for the remainder of your trip.
#4 - Become a packing professional
There are endless packing tips and tricks out there in the travelsphere, and for good reason. When packing for a trip, it can be overwhelming to know what are the right things to pack, and it’s easy to forget about how often you will actually have to carry around your luggage.
When it comes to packing light, we mean it. Especially for multi-city or multi-destination trips (we’re looking at you, Europe), you might forget that for every city visited you will also encounter a plane, trane, automobile, ferry, or more. It takes time and logistics to travel between destinations, and your luggage has to come along with you. You don’t want to be lugging around multiple bags everywhere you go, especially in those winding cobblestone streets of Europe.
In terms of what you actually pack, try to dress and pack appropriately! Pay attention to the weather forecast of your destination, any sacred or religious sites you plan to visit and their dress codes, and any special events or activities you might have scheduled. Bring a neutral sweater with you everywhere you go as a safe layer, and wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane to optimize room in your luggage. We could go on with more tips!
#5 - Use the Travel Apps & Google Maps
ELx Travel uses a great “Trip Planner” mobile app that allows you to access your itinerary online, without wifi! Your day-by-day trip is at your fingertips complete with contact information, activity vouchers, and confirmation codes - no need to carry a printed copy, binder, or notebook with you, and no need to fear losing service and not being able to access an important address or phone number.
When navigating a city, we love Google Maps. You can access Google Maps offline and zoom in to see your location, street names, landmarks, and more - rendering sightseeing extremely easy and stress-free. If you have access to service, use google maps to look up navigation estimated times, hours of operation for businesses, restaurants, or attractions, phone numbers, estimated taxi fares, and more.
#6 - *BONUS* - Hire a Travel Advisor
We’d be remiss if we didn’t slip in this last one. Hiring a travel advisor is perhaps the smartest thing you can do when it comes to travel. As travel advisors, our job is to prepare you for all of these situations and more. We are versed in important travel documents needed, travel programs, luggage and packing secrets, museum closures, restaurant reservations, ideal layover times, and more. Why wouldn’t you choose to make your life easier?
Ready to travel like a pro? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today with the ELx Travel Team and let us handle the details so you can relax.