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
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
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 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
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…
I’ll be travelling very soon too and I can’t wait to try out Airbnb! And definitely, “Be Your own Mom” got that spot on!
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Packing light is the key to a happy trip. When we went to Atlanta for Labor Day weekend, I took only my backpack. It felt freeing. Just take things that are versatile… I used the Voile and Lace slip, two tanks, denim cutoffs, and my Circle in the Sand tee. Oh, and I had one jersey H&M dress that rolled up to be super small and doubled as a nightgown. It was perfect.
Refillable water bottle, lip balm, hand creme, moisturiser. Hydration is your best friend in an airplane cabin :)
Awesome tips! I cant wait to try airbnb :)
Xx, Tiffany { http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com }
I’m half Finnish half American, so I spend a lot of my time traveling back and forth between continents. I’ve tried Airbnb, it’s definitely worth it. But make sure you check out all the apartment details first–I once found myself in an unairconditioned room in the middle of summer in Barcelona, and the room was full of cockroaches. So be careful!
xo Katie
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I travel very often and used to be a culprit of over packing many years ago. In recent years I have wised up to pack only what is needed. It is less hassle and less to pack and unpack when you get back… Although I have not tried this Airbnb will have to check it out! Thank You!
Great tips! Love the “be your own Mom” tip the best. That’s good advise in any situation!
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I find a solar charger with usb port works best. then u can charge anything anywhere.
Ella Wild xoxox
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Oooh! The portable battery suggestion is a GREAT one I have never thought of before! #1 is so, so true, and has always been the hardest lesson for me to learn! This is a fantastic check list — I will definitely be re-reading before I get on the next plane =)
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These are great travel tips! Actually super helpful!
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AIRBNB!!!! i just used it for the first time this last weekend on a first time trip to portland with my friend!! so easy, SO much cheaper than a hotel, our hosts were awesome, helpful and knowledgeable. they gave us a similar set up to a hotel… toiletries in the bathroom, towels, coffee and tea with coffee maker and plug in teapot BUT there’s a kitchen!! a real kitchen! if we weren’t in portland, city with the best food in the world, we probably would have used it one day to save money hahaha they set us up with a welcome binder full of tips, walkable things, guide to using public transportation, business cards and menus for local places and a list of their favorite things in the city. it was so awesome! i would definitely recommend it and do it again myself!
Thank you so much for introducing me to AirBnB! Helps a TON when I have to travel for work. So much easier, cheaper, and nicer than any hotel. New Orleans, here I come! <3
Such great travel trips! In the past year, every time I’ve traveled I packed on the lighter side and it definitely made things easier! Not only did I have TOO many options to choose from, I was able to buy things while away. :)