Travel Tricks and Favorites

My top 10 Travel Tricks

1- I used to call myself a Hilton Whore, lol. Picking an Airline and a hotel chain can add up to major perks. Personally, I love flying Southwest. The two bags free, and the ability to change plans without fees, is worth so much to me. I would even recommend getting their credit card (or whatever airline you fly) to get extra points. Watch for the Southwest Credit Card. If you time it right you can qualify for a free companion pass for the next year. I was the companion for one year with this deal and could fly wherever my friend flew for five dollars and was always guaranteed a seat on the plane.

Make sure you add your frequent flier number and use it every time you travel. It will help you to build rewards for free airfare. I recommend this method with hotels as well. Pick a chain and get in their reward program and start earning your way towards free nights, breakfasts, amenities, and upgrades.

2- When you are traveling, think about what you plan to do, see, and experience, and plan where you are staying around that. It is tempting to go farther out of cities for cheaper hotel rates. Renting a car comes with paying for parking and Uber rides add up, so being close to where you want to be is essential. You want to make the most of every minute of your vacation and there is something so magical about being able to walk or bike in the cities you are exploring.

3- Always keep an extra credit card in the hotel for emergencies and a copy of your driver's license. Don't walk around with your passport. Always make sure you pull the hotel's door shut when you leave. I have had many friends get robbed by not checking to make sure the door was securely closed, especially in Vegas!

4- Try and make friends with locals. They often know about places off the beaten path that are fun and tourist-free. I have found some of the best hikes, restaurants, and hole in the wall places from local advice.

5-Invest in a good suitcase. A good suitcase should last you for years and be able to withstand being thrown around by airlines. I love my Away suitcases. They are made to be durable and fashion-forward. The variety of colors makes it easy for your bag to stand out.

6- Roll your clothes and put them in packing cubes. Packing cubes come in a variety of sizes and are super helpful for keeping stuff organized and space-saving.

7- I had to learn this the hard way, but try to have a backup pair of clothes in your carry-on and a toothbrush. An airline lost my bags once in Norway, and the overwhelming pressure of trying to find clothes and amenities in a foreign country is horrible. Take a picture of your luggage, so you can show someone at the airline if it is lost.

8- We as Americans have a terrible reputation for being loud, obnoxious, and not appreciating other cultures' traditions. Try to watch and learn how locals speak to each other and respect their values, property, and opinions. If you are traveling to a different country, at least learn Please and Thank you in their language. One of the best parts of traveling, in my opinion, is watching and learning from other cultures.

9-Remember sometimes, in the world of airlines, it is all about who you speak with at customer service. I have had the same conversation with multiple people some leading to the results I want, some telling me it was hopeless. Make sure you are educated before speaking on what flights you are looking to change and get on. Sometimes you can do this online and skip the hassle of dealing with customer service even at the airport.

10- I am a firm believer in researching and planning in advance for trips. So much time is wasted deciding what to do, and how to do it, that it ends up eating up a lot of your trip. Book in advance, at least a few restaurants and excursions. The places and activities that are very popular are popular for a reason and impossible to see without a plan before you even begin packing.

My travel must not leave home without

1- Aspen Dream Co lounger set. No one wants to be uncomfortable on the plane. These are cute enough to wear through the airport and cozy enough to fall asleep in on the plane. I love them and own three pairs.

2- Urbanears. Good headphones are essential for keeping your sanity on airplanes. I love these because they are noise canceling and you can zen out in your own world without crying babies and loud talkers.

LuLuLemon Backpack- I absolutely love this travel backpack. It has a compartment in the bottom to store a blanket, change of clothes, or your dirty shoes. It has a laptop compartment and a water bottle compartment. The inside has a zipper pouch where I usually keep my passport and business cards. It is light, easy to handle and you can wash it.

Cozy Socks- I find airplanes to be ridiculously cold, and it is hard to get comfortable in bulky shoes so I keep a pair of fuzzy socks in my backpack.

Blanket- Find a blanket is light enough to roll up in your backpack but also big enough to cover you on the plane.

4ocean Now in the age of Covid, Reusable water bottles and personal utensils are more essential than ever. This company takes one pound of trash from the ocean with every purchase. Definitely recommend traveling with a water bottle, it is way better than waiting for a plastic cup, and most airports have filling stations.

Anker Battery Pack- This battery charger can charge your phone 10 times. It has three 3 USB ports. I never leave without it.

What tips and hacks am I missing? Happy Flying Friends!