A few days ago, I published ten hints to help enjoy the experience of travel while avoiding the risk of hassles. As promised then, here are ten more. These are a bit more specific but are all based on experience. I’ve tried to arrange these more by categories.
- Flight Strategy. When it comes to picking seats, try to grab an aisle seat. You can use the aisle to stretch out a bit. And always try for the exit row for more leg room. In fact, I prefer the exit row offer the “extra leg room” seat most carriers offer at a premium price. Also watch the cost difference between coach, the extra seat room and first class.
Sometimes you can get first for a small extra. Save using your points for an upgrade for longer flights. I can be miserable in coach if it’s a relatively short flight And store ticket digitally. Check whether your plane has wifi before you get on. Most airline websites will have this information. But be aware that airplanes WIFI is sketchy at best so don’t count too heavily on it. - Airport Navigation. When you go through security, lay your backpack or smaller item on the belt first. Then place your roller bag (if you don’t have one by now, get one) on the belt with the side handle facing you. That way when you clear the x-ray device, you can grab the backpack, put in on your back and then grab the he roller bag handle. Fastest way through.
- Identification. This real ID options? The best option is to get a passport. It works everywhere, domestic or international. Also get a global entry card. You can use that card as a backup and it meets the real ID requirements on domestic flights. Least favorable option? Driver’s license real id if you have to pay extra for it like I would have had to do.
- Airline Choice. There’s not much difference I’ve found in the major carriers. (Southwest used to be different in a couple of good ways but isn’t any longer). Do read the fine print, though, since what they offer for what price can be different. Also, I know at least one of my friends is rolling their eyes at this but don’t discount the discount airlines. But be careful and make sure you know what you’re getting. I have found most of them offer something similar to first class for a little extra. Spirit is especially good for this. But
But book early if you want to move up to the better class of seat. Remember in part it’s about price but it’s also about schedule. If a discount airline can get me there direct without having to make a connection especially if it’s a short flight, I’m usually game if I can snare a premium seat. - Hotels. When it comes to hotels it pays to shop around to get the best price. And don’t forget about your points and award night. Most hotels and for that matter some airlines offer you the ability to pay part with points and part with cash by the way. A friend passed this tip along as well: when you do your search, check the cancellation clauses. If you wait till right before the cancellation penalty kicks in, there may be more availability at a better price as people will cancel at that time to avoid the penalty.
A final point. When you arrive in your room, have the toe of your shoes pointed toward the elevator so you don’t have to wonder around trying to find it in case you forget where it is. Take a picture of the sleeve that holds your room key so you will know your room number. Do the same for the ticket if you check your bag. Use the hotel app to check out. - Clothes and Equipment. Wondering about luggage and backpack? I bought an Away bag several years ago and it’s held up really well. When I bought it came with a battery to charge devices which was nice at the time. Frankly thought I haven’t used it very often of late what with more portal batteries. Also you need to remove the Away battery before you get on the plane and put it in your carry-on. (Do this in advance. Often the gate agents forget to look but if they do and the battery is there then you have to waste time removing it and hold others up. Plus its safer anyway).
Also make sure you have some kind of marking or tag on the bag so you know it’s yours. The Away bags are pretty popular and look alike. I use the Cocoon backpack that has the grip feature for cords and gadgets. I have the smaller one and holds most of what I need. But keep in mind these bags aren’t as durable as others on the market. They aren’t terrible expensive but you will likely need to replace them every couple of years or so.
I also have a small pouch that I keep cords and other devices in. The main item I place there is a charger that has the Apple “find my” feature that will let you know if you have left it behind. I can’t tell you how many times I have inadvertently left a charger in my hotel room. Also I have portable MagSafe charger for my phone, apple watch and AirPods. The iphone has a feature when its charging on the device that displays various things you can select. I have seton the time and weather. Hotel clocks are notorious for having the incorrect time often not by much but just enough to make you late. And its nice to know the weather at a glance.
Why do I have a pouch when I could most of this stuff in my backpack? You can never have too many chargers and cables for one thing so having room for some extras is good. And yes, when I’m short in space in the roller bag I take the stuff out of the pouch and put it in the backpack. Finally, Get a collapsible water bottle. It will save space and you can fill it after security. - Apps and Booking. When I’m looking at flight options, I always check Google flights first. It will pull up all the available flights and current prices. That will save you from going to multiple airline apps and websites on your own. I then book the flight either through the airline app or website or a credit card travel app (you often get more points that way). Google flights will also let you know if there is a price change on any of the flights you are tracking. The google flights also has a section for hotels as well. But if I really want to find cheaper hotel rates use the CheapTickets app. It collates the other discount app offerings in one place. It also does the same for rental cars. But if you book through the app you don’t get any points by the way.
8. Trip Planning. Once you are on the plane and you reach 10,000 feet, take the backpack that’s under your seat and place in under your legs straight up for more leg room. Stay hydrated and stand up periodically on long flights.
Particularly on long flights, bathroom breaks might become important. Here’s a couple of things to remember. Most people will try to hit the bathroom after snack and drink service so that’s when the wait is longest. Also, roughly 30 minutes before landing, there is an announcement made that the initial descent has started. Again, that often results in a rush to the bathroom before the final descent and the bathroom can’t be used. So keep track of the landing and try to go before that initial descent time.
9. On the Ground. If possible, I try to go a day before the event I need to be there for. That avoids the stress of any delays or cancellations plus it gives you a day to prepare or sight see. Likewise for staying an extra day. I also try to buy something while I’m on most trips just to remember the trip by. Finally, before I leave, I try to take a walk around where I am since you never know whether you will be back (another tip courtesy of a friend).
10. Food. When I’m by myself, I try to find iconic restaurants with good food. You can find all sorts of reviews at different sites but honestly, I usually just ask ChatGPT. It reviews the reviews and provides a pretty good list. Plus you can ask follow up information about each one. Most of the time, you can get a seat at the bar and not worry about trying to get reservations. Plus there is usually a TV.
So that’s my second ten. I hope these tips are valuable. We all go around only once in life so if you have the opportunity to travel someplace even if its for work, you might as well enjoy it. Travel is a gift. Enjoy it.