If you know me, or have been following me for the past few years, you know that I travel quite a bit. I have made 4 treks over across the world to Tanzania, and 4 back. I’ve spent a long layover in Amsterdam, traveled to Colombia and Togo on missions trips, spent a couple weeks in Latvia with my brother, and have taken countless road trips with the fam. I absolutely LOVE to travel, and can’t wait to share some tips I’ve learned to help your travels go smoothly!! Here are my TOP TEN:
Bring an EMPTY water bottle with you on the plane! I know you can’t have more than 3 oz of liquid through security, but empty it out before you go, and fill it up either in the airport, or on the airplane! Most flight attendants will happily fill it up for you during their drink service! Don’t forget to bring one with a wide mouth to get on your attendant’s good side!! (#NOSPILLSPLEASE!)
I HATE being thirsty on long flights, and only getting those little cups of water every few hours. This will ensure you stay hydrated and happy!
Use packing cubes and pouches to organize!! I use the larger packing cubes for my clothes in my checked baggage, and any random pouches or makeup bags for to organize all the loose-ends in my carry-ons! One pouch for technology, one for gum/mints, one for cosmetics/meds, one for makeup, etc.! Everything is easy to access and not just floating around in your bags!
This tip is ESPECIALLY for the long-haul flights. I’ve been on some flights for up to 15 hours (NOT FUN!), and by the last hours, all I want to do is GET-THE-HECK-OFF-THIS-PLANE! To help me not go crazy, I pack a few things for those last hours. After I’ve watched ALL the movies, read my book, slept, etc. Sometimes it’s a yummy treat (love these Larabars!), or a coloring book and new flair pens, or even a new music album to listen to. Whatever makes you happy and keeps you content for a while. This also works GREAT for kids, because, let’s face it: we’re all little kids inside!
Download your airline’s app (Delta, American Airlines, etc.) to track your flights, have a mobile boarding pass, and access airport maps and more!
Story Time: last August when I was going back to Tanzania, I was supposed to fly out on the day when all of Delta’s computer systems were down. Thankfully, I found out right away because I had the app downloaded on my phone and my info in it. I was able to quickly change my flights and make sure I was where I needed to be, before I had the hassle of going to the airport. WIN!
You NEVER know when you’ll need that extra outfit in your carry-on! Your flight may get delayed, they may lose your luggage, or many more scenarios could take place during your travels. Why not be prepared?! Pack a full extra outfit (don’t forget those unmentionables! 😉 in your carry-on, and be ready for anything!
When traveling somewhere new, or especially outside the U.S., download an offline map on your phone for where you’re going. That way you don’t have to worry about having internet to find your way! You can download regions of offline maps in Google Maps, or use a different app. I love maps.me! It’s super easy to use, and FREE!
Extra battery packs are always advised! You never know when you’re phone or tablet will run out of power! I snagged this one on Amazon Prime Day, and it’s currently not available. But here’s one that looks similar, if you’re in need of a new one! I personally like the ones that can hold multiple charges!
Ziploc Baggies are your FRIEND! If you are moving somewhere internationally, bringing things for a friend, or just freshening up your travel stash, lose the packaging on your new items and put your items in plastic baggies! The Ziplocs are very useful, and customs won’t be as excited to go through all the stuff. Things still in packages give the NEW vibes!
ALSO: I found out the hard way that some countries don’t have GOOD plastic baggies!! The ones in Tanzania are pretty much like cling wrap. So I stock up when I’m in the U.S.! I also wash and reuse the ones I bring! Ziplocs are GOLD! (Especially the zipper ones!)
Airplane air seems to suck all the moisture and life out of your skin!! To keep your skin hydrated, I recommend putting on an overnight mask while you fly! You may look a little odd at first, but when you walk off that plane with your skin glowing, everyone will want to know your secret! ;D
I love the Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask from Origins, but you can also head to your nearest Target and find some great options too!
This might be the MOST important tip of all!! DO YOUR RESEARCH on where you’re going. Not just where to go, what to do, where to eat, etc. Research what is appropriate to wear, some key phrases in the language, and what you have access to! It makes the WORLD of difference. It gives you a peek into the culture you’re stepping into, instead of pushing your way in and not paying attention to their culture and customs. If you know someone who lives where you’re going, ask them questions! They have good insight and will help you immensely! Use your resources and do your research.
I hope you enjoyed reading my Top 10 Travel Tips! Do you have more to add to the list? Leave me a comment! I’d love to talk travel with you!! And, don’t forget to pin this post to your Pinterest so you can come back to it when you travel next!
*Some links in this post are Amazon Affiliate Links. All ideas and opinions are my own!!*
