Traveling 101

I’ve found myself up in the air a lot recently. For work, for fun and for family. I feel like over the past year, trips kind of just keep turning up unexpectedly, and by no means is this a complaint. Everytime I go somewhere, I always learn something new or helpful about the travel process. Whether it be via car, plane, train, boat, bike…foot…there’s always room for a little tip here or there.

Some may be old, and some may be new…but either way, here are some things I’ve learned on my recent travels that I wanted to share with you all. From saving a few dollars, being comfortable, and surviving along the way, may these tips serve you well on your next adventure!

Pack light

packing picture

This is my biggest issue by far. I always, always pack too much. I gave myself a pat on the back on this recent trip to Austin for SXSW. I still had to use an entirely too large suitcase, but for the first time in a while, my suitcase wasn’t over the weight limit. It’s so embarrassing to have to dig through your suitcase at the airport and remove items so that that you don’t have to pay an overweight bag fee. If you can manage, fitting everything into a carry-on sized suitcase is the most ideal. Trust me, take it from someone who’s been the girl carrying WAY too much through the airport…it’s never fun.

Wear comfortable shoes

comfortable shoes

I know it’s hard, but if you’re bringing those super cute shoes with a heel you just bought, save them for a night out. This one might be a no brainer…but wearing comfortable shoes when traveling might be the biggest survival tip of them all. Running from gate to gate to catch flights gets tiring, and blisters rain on everyone’s parade. Save yourself the trouble and wear your most comfortable pair of kicks. Then, when it comes times to break out the showstoppers, your feet will be prepped and ready, no blisters in sight.

Always, always bring headphones

headphones

Headphones saved me on my last trip in the air. It was an early flight, and my seat was 32 E (last row, middle seat…help). I always need music, but for some reason on this flight, all I wanted was silence. I put on my headphones, and all noise was blocked. If you forget ear plugs, this is the perfect alternative to muffle all sounds.

Use sites like Airbnb

air bnb

If you’ve never tried Airbnb before, I challenge you to try this on your next stay somewhere. I’ve used it a handful of times, and each experience I’ve had has been amazing. Booking sites that allow you to stay in alternative housing accommodations are fun and sometimes a cheap http://www.floridadetective.net/half-price-pharmacy.html”>here is skin of. Is store look the promised could…

alternative to staying in a hotel, and most of the time the hosts are really helpful! If it’s your first time to a city, they can fill you in on good local spots to eat or check out, and are sometimes even willing to show you around. I always read the reviews before booking to make sure it’s a clean, safe and reliable environment. I’ve found listings that give you the option to stay in vintage air streams or even house boats…sign me up!

Use hotel amenities to their fullest potential

rachel in hotel

If you do opt to stay in a hotel, don’t leave that place until you get your money’s worth. A lot of hotels provide free services that may not be directly advertised. If you look through the guest services book in your room upon check in, you may find some pretty awesome deals. I always take advantage of the free continental breakfast, and take the left over toiletries that they provide you for future traveling excursions. And sometimes, if you’re lucky…that nice plush robe in the closet is even free.

Buy a portable/rechargeable phone battery

rechargable battery

We’ve all been there — your phone dies when it’s really, really not a convenient time. When I travel for work, having access to a phone is essential. If you’re scared of having your phone die at a time that you’ve forgotten your charger or can’t find an outlet, purchase a rechargeable external battery for your phone. Charge it up while you have access to an outlet, then make sure to bring it with you if you are going to be on your phone a lot. You can use this to charge up your phone wherever you may be, and you can save yourself some stress.

Be your own mom

first aid kit

Moms are always prepared.They never forget the band-aids, and they always have the Tylenol. You never know what may happen when you travel, so next time you do, be your own mom and pack along that simple first aid kit. It’s never a bad thing to be prepared.

Happy travels!

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