Whether by air, land or sea, learn how to travel like a pro.
I see them every time I fly. Fierce femmes gliding through the airport as though they were walking the Parisian runway on their way to meet up with glamorous girlfriends for a champagne brunch. Long scarves dance weightlessly behind them in the wake of their long-legged strut and their perfectly-packed leather tote swings ever so slightly. They look like art. Meanwhile, you can find me on my knees digging through the bottom of my backpack looking for my wallet where my passport hopefully resides. Disheveled hair is everywhere; as are old crumpled receipts, makeup, gum wrappers that I am chaotically pulling out of my bag and piling up on the ground.
Cut to a gas station in the middle of nowhere. We are filling up the tank en route to Austin and it’s hotter than a camel’s hoof on fire. Sweat beads drip down my sunburned face and my legs stick to the leather seats. I spill water from a one-gallon jug down the front of my stained shirt when a couple pulls up beside us. Man, I hope they didn’t see that. From the driver’s side, a rad babe steps out and says hello. Her hair is pulled back in a bun, and she has a scarf in her hair. She slips on some sandals, as she’s been driving barefoot, and sashays into the minimart. Sheesh, what a bada** I think.
Let’s be real: traveling is hard. It takes a physical, emotional and spiritual toll on a person and, if you do not have experience, travel can be extremely stressful and frustrating. It has taken me years and hundreds of thousands of miles to feel comfortable on the move, and I am still learning new tricks with each new adventure. Below we have compiled a list of some of the best tips from traveling bada** ladies. Have a look.
Pack light. Yes, I know you want to pack everything you own for everything that might happen, but being prepared does not mean you need to bring your entire closet. Pack easy outfitting options that can mix and match with each other — wrinkle-free is even better. Trust me, no one will notice you wore the same jeans twice.
Accessorize. Accessories are easy to pack and can punch up any outfit. Think statement necklaces, dangly earrings and head and neck scarves.
Prepare for flights. Bypass crazy lines and wait times by checking in online before a flight. Cut down on paper use and handbag clutter by opting for an electronic boarding pass sent to your cell phone.
Prepare for road trips. Know your route before you head out. Cell service can be inconsistent, so take screen shots of the map or scribble down your directions.
Be comfortable. You do not need to sacrifice comfort for style whilst traveling. If you are going to be sitting for awhile, I might suggest staying away from high-waisted skinny jeans or belted dresses. If walking is in the plan, be sure your footwear feels like heaven, because anything less will feel like hell. Personally, I love wearing linens, shapeless dresses, cotton tees layered with boyfriend jeans and Converse.
Don’t forget about snacks. Throw a couple of energy bars or pieces of fruit and an empty (reusable) water bottle into your bag before your flight or train ride. For those road tripping, I recommend a cooler with drinks and stopping at a grocery store for healthy snacks before hitting the road.
Download entertainment. Before your flight or road trip, download music, movies and podcasts that will keep you entertained when cell service is a no-go.
Bring a necessities bag. Digging through heavy bags slung across your shoulders for a debit card or chap stick is no fun. Pack a small necessities bag within reach for easy finds. My essentials include my wallet, iPhone, earbuds, chap stick, moisturizer, baby wipes, and a book or notepad.
Be cool. Be nice. Be patient. Remember, everyone else is traveling, too, so the more you can be open and friendly, the better. Know that things will go awry at some point, so stay cool. All bada** ladies do.
+What do you want to add to this list? Let me know!
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Great tips! Patience definitely is a virtue for traveling! It’s much easier to bypass a long drive with lovely scenery and spontaneous stops, but it’s almost impossible not to get a little bit of cabin fever in a plane. Entertainment and snacks are a must!
❀Riah
http://www.TheWanderfulSoul.com
Thanks for these great tips! They’re perfect for the trips I’m planning for the end of summer!
Definitely be kind and patient! Probably the best advice :) Nothing worse than rude travelers.
Thanks for the tips! Can never forget about the snacks :D
http://www.wanderergirl.com
These are great tips! I recently traveled to Chile for seven weeks for marine biology research, and there were a few things that I found to be helpful, too.
*If you want to bring a hat (one with form like a felt hat, not a beanie) with you, wear it on the airplane so that it doesn’t get smashed in your luggage.
*Wear a thicker jacket on the plane so you can stay warm when it’s chilly during the flight. You can also put it over your legs like a blanket.
*If the company that you are flying with has an app, get it. You can use it to get your boarding pass and it’s a great idea to screenshot the boarding pass and flight information in case you need it when you don’t have any reception such as during the flight.
You’re unlikely to see the same people over and over while traveling, so you can get away with just one necklace that goes with everything, or one scarf.
Put antipersirant on your feet to reduce the risk of blisters. You’re likely to walk more than you’re used to!
Great tips!
Comfort is key :) . A big stylish scarf that doubles as a pillow/blanket on flights. Email copies of all your travel documents to yourself including your passport in case you should lose any of them.
A friendly smile and hello go such a long way. from getting you served faster in restaurants and airports to making friends while abroad and even getting behind the scenes. :)
If you find yourself in an area you don’t feel comfortable in alone, walk confidently even if you don’t feel it, what you show on the outside people assume you feel.
Always carry handsanitiser !
Above all embrace the destination you’re in, whether that means trying the cuisine, kicking back with the locals, jumping off cliffs, snorkling with sea creatures or getting lost in it all.
Nothing is more bada** than a confident woman willing to embrace it all and love it while she does ;)
I always take day panty liners to stay comfortable whilst on long flights. Sunscreen is essential, get your lashes/brows dyed and exfoliate before going to feel good and no extra accessories. Haircut to stay in style. Scarves. One small bag, one big. Be comfortable and relax. Ease of movement is everything to fully enjoy your break. Thank you for the extra packing tips. Always pack a few plastic bags for wet stuff on the move.
I love this!!! Trying to find wrinkle-free and versatile clothing for my 11 day vacation end of month! Also I love the being kind and calm – as most people are so stressed, it’ll be refreshing to be THAT person who is cool as a cucumber :)
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Pack warm socks, a warm scarf that can be used as a wrap, panty liners, toothbrush, paste and moisturizer.
If you get stuck at an airport you can refresh easily.
Great tips – I always pack dry eye drops too (as the air conditioning on aeroplanes really dries my eyes out) and a scarf that doubles up as a blanket or wrap in case I get chilly. I normally wear a loose dress and leggings so I’m super comfy!
I love this! The key to a stress-less trip is planning, preparation, andddd a pair of socks for the freezing cold airplane.