7 Insider Tips to Make Travel Easier Than Ever
January 18, 2014
Figuring out how to make travel easier is what gets our wheels turning. These days, we're parking Zipcars in 50 airports across the globe. That way you can bypass long lines by instantly reserving a Zipcar on your phone and getting out of the airport easier. And the best part? At the end of the reservation, skip the stressful hunt for gas en route to the airport, park it, scan out and go.
That's our advice for traveling smarter. For more pro-tips, we asked some top travel experts to share their insider tips for traveling, both in the air and on the road to make your next trip as hassle-free as possible.
1. CHECK-IN EARLY AND OFTEN: TSA PreCheck is absolutely worth the investment — and over 100 airports now participate. It's like traveling in the 1980's again! You leave your shoes and jacket on and your liquids and laptop stay in your bag. As a frequent flier, it has not only cut down my time in the airport, it also has helped me streamline the way I pack.
Christina Saull (myviewfromthemiddleseat.com), photographer, social media addict and travel blogger (@middleseatview).
2. OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO (WITH YOUR KIDS): If you are traveling with kids, pack disposable placemats. They fit the tray table perfectly, will contain the mess and protect your kids from germs while they eat and play. Triangle crayons are also a must; otherwise you'll be picking up crayons as they roll off the tray table the entire flight. Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy the journey by seeing air travel through your kids’ eyes, it truly is quite amazing!
Sara Keagle (theflyingpinto.com), flight attendant at a major U.S. airline and author of "The Flight Attendant Survival Guide."
3. USE IT, DON’T LOSE IT: To maximize your frequent flyer miles, try putting them to use 330 days in advance of your planned trip. That's when airlines open up award slots and is your best chance of redeeming miles at discounted rates.
Anil Polat (foxnomad.com), blogger (@foxnomad) and computer security engineer.
4. KICK BACK AND SPEAK UP: Upon arrival at the airport in a new destination, take a few minutes to relax before heading outside and trying to navigate a new city. Grab a seat at an airport cafe, enjoy a coffee and ask the wait staff the best option for getting to your destination. Too often we don’t take the best route when we arrive somewhere new simply because we rush right off the plane, tired and disoriented, and try to figure out what to do as quickly as possible. A fifteen minute break upon arrival will make a huge difference!
Earl Baron(wanderingearl.com), travel expert, permanent nomad and blogger (@wanderingearl).
5. FLYING SOLO: When taking a tour or cruise alone, don't be afraid to ask to have the single supplement waived. It won't always work, but when it does, you can save hundreds of dollars. To keep on top of deals for those who travel alone, Solo Traveler has a monthly Advisory of Deals that goes to newsletter subscribers.
Janice Waugh (solotravlerblog.com), world traveler, author, speaker, and blogger (@solotraveler).
6. STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY LIGHT: I’m all about the pre-packing checklist. I travel with a four-wheeled bag so as not to strain my back. I only buy food and small souvenirs for family and friends in the airport. Otherwise, my handbag is chockablock with Lucas’ Papaw Ointment for chapped lips, a paperback mystery like Peter Lovesey’s ”The Tooth Tattoo," and lavender-scented hand sanitizer.
Thea Klapwald (solopulse.com), travel expert and writer.
7. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON: It may sound old school, but take advantage of Visitor Information Centers along the way. They offer free road maps and brochures on tourist attractions. Volunteers can provide directions and advice on local restaurants and other local tips. Some centers even have walking trails and scenic vistas if you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs a little.
Donna Smallin Kuper (flyingthekoop.com), organizing expert, author and full-time RVer (@donnasmallin).
1. CHECK-IN EARLY AND OFTEN: TSA PreCheck is absolutely worth the investment — and over 100 airports now participate. It's like traveling in the 1980's again! You leave your shoes and jacket on and your liquids and laptop stay in your bag. As a frequent flier, it has not only cut down my time in the airport, it also has helped me streamline the way I pack.
Christina Saull (myviewfromthemiddleseat.com), photographer, social media addict and travel blogger (@middleseatview).
2. OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO (WITH YOUR KIDS): If you are traveling with kids, pack disposable placemats. They fit the tray table perfectly, will contain the mess and protect your kids from germs while they eat and play. Triangle crayons are also a must; otherwise you'll be picking up crayons as they roll off the tray table the entire flight. Most importantly, try to relax and enjoy the journey by seeing air travel through your kids’ eyes, it truly is quite amazing!
Sara Keagle (theflyingpinto.com), flight attendant at a major U.S. airline and author of "The Flight Attendant Survival Guide."
3. USE IT, DON’T LOSE IT: To maximize your frequent flyer miles, try putting them to use 330 days in advance of your planned trip. That's when airlines open up award slots and is your best chance of redeeming miles at discounted rates.
Anil Polat (foxnomad.com), blogger (@foxnomad) and computer security engineer.
4. KICK BACK AND SPEAK UP: Upon arrival at the airport in a new destination, take a few minutes to relax before heading outside and trying to navigate a new city. Grab a seat at an airport cafe, enjoy a coffee and ask the wait staff the best option for getting to your destination. Too often we don’t take the best route when we arrive somewhere new simply because we rush right off the plane, tired and disoriented, and try to figure out what to do as quickly as possible. A fifteen minute break upon arrival will make a huge difference!
Earl Baron(wanderingearl.com), travel expert, permanent nomad and blogger (@wanderingearl).
5. FLYING SOLO: When taking a tour or cruise alone, don't be afraid to ask to have the single supplement waived. It won't always work, but when it does, you can save hundreds of dollars. To keep on top of deals for those who travel alone, Solo Traveler has a monthly Advisory of Deals that goes to newsletter subscribers.
Janice Waugh (solotravlerblog.com), world traveler, author, speaker, and blogger (@solotraveler).
6. STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY LIGHT: I’m all about the pre-packing checklist. I travel with a four-wheeled bag so as not to strain my back. I only buy food and small souvenirs for family and friends in the airport. Otherwise, my handbag is chockablock with Lucas’ Papaw Ointment for chapped lips, a paperback mystery like Peter Lovesey’s ”The Tooth Tattoo," and lavender-scented hand sanitizer.
Thea Klapwald (solopulse.com), travel expert and writer.
7. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON: It may sound old school, but take advantage of Visitor Information Centers along the way. They offer free road maps and brochures on tourist attractions. Volunteers can provide directions and advice on local restaurants and other local tips. Some centers even have walking trails and scenic vistas if you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs a little.
Donna Smallin Kuper (flyingthekoop.com), organizing expert, author and full-time RVer (@donnasmallin).
