10 Tips for Travel Preparation

Anyone who has ever stepped outside their house knows what it is like to feel as if you have forgotten something important; and having things go wrong before even getting to your destination can set the whole mood for what the rest of the time is going to be like. Especially when it’s something huge.

So to help make sure this doesn’t happen when you’re about to hit the road or head for the high seas, I’ve prepared 10 tips for travel preparation because when it comes to travel mishaps before even arriving…no one wants to do it the hard way.

1)      Make a list

Don’t depend on your memory; if you do you’ll end up forgetting something. I mean no one wants to get the airport and realize your passport is still on your dresser at home and your flight leaves in an hour. Even if you think you have it down, you don’t. I can’t tell you how many times I set something right in front of the door on purpose to make sure it’s not forgotten…but forget it anyway.

2)      Know how you plan on getting from point A to point B

99% of the time you need some portion of transportation from the airport to your destination. Don’t wait until you have arrived to look up bus time-tables. Research if shuttles are available, how much a cab would cost or what time other public transport comes by. It’ll save you time, money and important energy. Nothing is worse than starting off a vacation on the wrong foot.

3)      Don’t think everythinganything is going to go as planned

Chances are your flight is not going to be on time, your luggage may not arrive and you get on a shuttle for the wrong part of town. It’s a lot better to know that bad things are going to happen, so when they do instead of throwing a fit you can talk about how great of a story this will be later. Even if it’s not the slightest bit of funny at the moment.

4)      Keep the packing minimal

Alright, this definitely applies to me as well. I over-pack constantly.

“But what if we decide to go for a walk on the beach and run into a luau party?! This dress would be PERFECT!”

I’m packing my suitcase as we speak and as of now I have about double the amount of clothing needed. However, I also sort through the clothing a second time to distinguish what I really want vs. what can be left behind. Then I still bring more than I need and hate myself when I don’t wear some of them. Maybe one day I’ll learn. Less is more people, I just need to stop pretending that it’s not.

5)      Double check all reservations

This includes car rentals, hostel/condo/ hotel reservations, plane tickets etc. Print off the conformation emails for everything you have booked. Shit happens and neither technology nor people are flawless. Conformation emails are solid proof in case anything goes wrong.

6)      Take advantage of early check-in on flights

Traveling is stressful, especially airports with long lines, security, etc. Save yourself some unneeded stress the day of and check into your flight the day before. That way when you get up to the front kiosk all you have to do is had them your bag and license and you’re on your way. Some airlines even give you baggage check discounts for checking the bags on the internet.

7)      Give your loved ones important info

Let them know when your plane leaves and what time it lands with flight numbers. Also, make sure to leave numbers for every place you stay along with addresses. This will set their minds at ease because they will feel more connected and will worry less. Give them a best guess schedule of what you’ll be doing. We all know the schedule isn’t going to be spot on especially if you’re into spontaneous adventures, but they will appreciate it.

8)      Make copies and pack extras

I mentioned this one earlier with reservations, but it is also extremely important with documents. Make extra copies of your passport, some to leave at home and a couple to bring with you on the road. For many countries you also need a visa, some are actual pages in your passport and others are on a sheet of paper, make extra’s of those as well. Bring extra forms of ID and pack them in places other than your purse. In case your purse is lost or stolen you’ll still have another form of ID on you…even if it’s an old college scan card.

9)      Pack smart in your carry-on

You don’t need to pack 5 puzzle books, 7 laptop DVDs, 3 Stephen King novels, your jewelry/make up bag and 8 bags of chips you bought in the airport. Pack what you know you will use, depending on the duration of the flight. Remember you are going to need to carry this with you from the moment you step into the airport until the moment you leave at your destination. Don’t make it miserably heavy. Always pack a change of clothes and a tooth brush, this is important because you never know when you could get stuck in an airport overnight or have your luggage not arrive at the destination with you. I don’t know about you but I’d rather be tired and grumpy than tired, grumpy and wearing dirty underwear. But that’s just me.

10) Don’t Over-Stress

Have a plan, don’t ruin your trip before it even begins and know that no matter what you’ll eventually get to your destination.

So, there you go. Travel sucks sometimes and there is nothing we can do about it. There will be delays, there will be tears and there will be frustration so instead of pretending like it’s not going to happen brace yourself and use these steps to make it less of a trip killer and more of a lesson learner.

Happy Travels!