Travelling is by far the most enjoyable aspect of my life. I love experiencing new cultures, eating different foods and meeting amazing new people. That being said, travelling can be a stressful experience! Packing two weeks worth of clothing into one carry on suitcase can be nearly impossible, flights can get delayed and it can be an overwhelming experience. I've amassed a few tips to help make the most of your travel experience!
1. Don't fold your clothes. Roll them.
When packing your suitcase, your clothes will take up so much less room if you roll them instead of folding them! You can fit almost twice the amount of clothing in your suitcase this way.
2. Don't buy travel-sized shampoo and soap, buy a travel-sized bottle and fill it with your own stuff.
Buying a bunch of travel-sized shampoos and soaps can start to get expensive and once they run out, they're useless. Instead, buy refillable bottles. That way you can still use your favorite shampoo and you will save money doing it!
3. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
Lately, security lines have been taking longer and longer to get through. Nothing is worse than missing your flight because you didn't make it through security in time. Give your self plenty of time to get through security. Even if you make it through quickly, you now have time to relax and grab a cup of coffee before your flight.
4. While you wait in the security line for the TSA agent, start getting ready to go through security.
Take out your quart sized bag of liquids, make sure your pockets are empty, take off your jacket and make sure you have your ID and boarding pass ready! Not only will you move quickly through security but everyone behind you in the security line will appreciate your efficiency.
5. Try to leave at least an hour and a half for your layover.
During my last travel day, I had a 45 minute layover. My first flight got delayed and I had to sprint to my next flight. I made it on the plane at 8:00 and they closed the door at 8:02. Try to leave a little more time for your layover. That way, even if your flight is delayed, you have enough time to make your next flight!
6. Stay hydrated.
I cannot stress this enough! Travel days can really dehydrate you. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated when you finally make it to your destination.
7. When you travel into a different time zone, force your body to get used to the time change.
It may be tempting to flop into your comfy hotel bed as soon as you arrive, but if it isn't time for bed, then power through it! The quicker you get used to being in a new time zone, the better your vacation will be.
8. Don't over-schedule your vacation.
It may be tempting to try to hit up all the museums you want to see in two days, but you'll get burnt out pretty quickly! Pace out your activities. You will enjoy your vacation a lot more this way.
9. Give your body time to adjust to the new food.
When you aren't used to eating food from a different part of the world, you can have a rough time with the adjustment. Don't go all out trying new and exotic dishes the first night.
10. When re-packing for the trip home, pack neatly.
It can be tempting, especially when you're out having fun on your vacation, to just throw your your clothes back into your suitcase but try to repack just as neatly as you packed your suitcase before your trip. You will appreciate it later on.
11. When you arrive back home, try to get back into your normal routines as quickly as possible.
It is really easy to let the jet lag get to you as well as letting the post-vacation blues sink in. Try to get back into your normal routines as quickly as you possibly can.
Safe and happy travels!
