Magical Travel Specialists understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning a trip. Keep in mind that there are some things you can do to make your vacation more enjoyable. Be prepared and have a plan, but most of all enjoy your vacation! Here are a few tips to help you be prepared for your traveling anytime of year.
Pack Smart
Make a list of everything you need to bring and pack accordingly. Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other essential items if you’re heading to a sunny destination. Bring comfortable shoes and make sure to pack enough medication for your entire vacation. Pack your electronics, valuables and medicines in your carry on, never put them in your checked luggage.
Get a tracking device like and Apple AirTag for your luggage. They are not very expensive and it is worth knowing the location of your bags. Use your FindApp on your phone to track your luggage with the AirTag.
A few other packing tips:
-Don’t forget to pack your electronic charges and power banks.
-Use packing cubes.
-Bring an extra tote for souvenirs
-Bring a laundry bag.
-Know the luggage requirements for your airline.
-Always pack a backup outfit in your carrry-on.
-Pack a first aid kit with band-aids, hydrocortisone ointment, neosporin. Take along tums, pepto-bismol, cold medicine, adult and children’s ibuprofin, anti-nausea medicine and anti-diarrheal medicine.
Bring a Battery Pack
Often when traveling, you rely on your phone for so many different apps including gps. Although these apps are very useful, they tend to drain your battery quickly. Having a spare battery pack can be a life saver.
Know the TSA Liquid Rules
Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
- 3.4 ounces or less per container.
- 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
- 1 bag per passenger.
Check your Destination Weather
It’s not always sunny and dry during the spring months. You need to pack accordingly or you may end up cold and soggy during your vacation. Bring clothes that you can layer and extra pairs of shoes. Bring a few items for the rain like an umbrella and a poncho.
Travel Apps
Download your airline’s app on your phone. You will receive updates on your phone about your flight and you can make in-flight purchases. Most airline app’s have destination information as well.
Have rideshare apps ready on your phone like Uber and Lyft. If you are traveling internationally the top recommended apps are Bolt and eCabs.
Arrive Early at the Airport
Don’t cut it close or you could miss your flight. You just never know how traffic will be getting to the airport or what the lines might be like going through security. Your airline could change your departure gate which could be clear across the airport. Why worry if you don’t have to, give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going. Airports are always extremely busy during spring break and holidays.
Invest in items that will make your life easier
Having supportive walking shoes can make or break your vacation. Wear them around your home at least a week before you travel so you break them in. Also, a good backpack or crossbody bag that has several pockets where you can store your items.
Keep your Travel Documents Handy
Print out all of your reservation confirmations, travel details and directions. A 9 x 7″ plastic or vinyl envelope works well and isn’t too large to throw in your carry-on bag. Don’t pack them in your suitcase. Many people like to just keep reservation details on their phone or take screenshots. It’s not a bad idea to have back-ups, but phones do lose power or if you can’t access your email you will be without important information.
Notify your Bank
Alert your bank of the destination you are traveling to so they do not shut your card off for fraud. That is the last thing you want when you are not fully aware of your surroundings.
Be Savvy and Careful
Vacation time is not the time to let your guard down when it comes to safety. Make sure you send a trusted person your vacation itinerary and a way for them to get in touch with you in case of an emergency at home. Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage or flash expensive jewelry or large sums of cash. Don’t give your credit card information to anyone who calls your hotel phone. Go to the front desk if someone calls and needs payment information. Be mindful of your surroundings, stay in well lit areas at night. Crowded destination means more crime during spring break season so be vigilant.
Purchase Travel Insurance
It’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance when you book your vacation. Be sure to purchase insurance that will cover costs while traveling, like delayed or cancelled flights, medical attention or having to cut your vacation short. Travel insurance will cover your vacation if you cancel for a death or sickness of a close family member or a person in your traveling party. You can’t cancel for any reason unless your insurance specifically states “cancel for any reason”. It’s worth the peace of mind when you have invested time and money in your vacation.
