5 Tips for a Smoother Trip in Today's Travel Climate

1. Plan Well in Advance

Urgh! Flights are full, lines are long, and travel requirements keep changing. But the good news is that if you are proactive and plan in advance, you can minimize some of these travel frustrations. Airlines are cutting flight schedules in order manage with the crews that they have on hand. If a flight is delayed or worse, cancelled, those people overflow into the remaining flights. As a travel agent I encourage my client to make their reservations as soon as they are set on your dates to insure their place. Although not a guarantee, booking early also gives you the opportunity to snag one of the very few seats free of a seat assignment charge.

Give yourself some wiggle room. Locating your passport and confirming that it is still valid, making sure you have the right immunizations for your destination, checking on Covid restrictions, filling out the appropriate entry travel documents, and even leaving for the airport earlier than you have in the past can help alleviate those often uttered words..."I thought you put the passports away last time!" As your travel agent I will help you in this process with friendly reminders along the way making sure you have all your pre-journey boxes ticked and that your travel adventure is as stress free as possible.

2. Travel Apps are Your Friend and Can Keep You Informed of Changes

Every wonder why you get to your designated departure gate and find a ghost town? Last minute departure gate changes can leave you scrambling and are a fairly common occurrence in todays travel climate.

Downloading the app for the airline that you are flying can be an important tool for keeping you up-to-date with last minute changes with the airline. These apps will also show in real time flight delays, and in the unfortunate circumstance of having your flight cancelled will allow you to rebook a new flight if the line to do so is daunting.

3. Travel Light

Most travelers bring far too much with them on vacation. Truth be told, most of us usually end up wearing the same few outfits when we are on holiday. It is possible to go for a 5-7 day vacation and only bring a carry-on bag! There are so many innovative packing options today... compression packing cubes, versatile wrinkle free clothing, comfortable and fashionable footwear that can go from day to evening, mini-sized beauty appliances, and of course travel sized toiletries. For those going for an extended stay, especially cruises, there are services that will ship your suitcases and have them waiting in your cabin when you arrive. Traveling with just a carry-on will allow you to zip through check in lines, and avoid the long wait for your bags upon arrival. If you must check a bag, PLEASE remember to include these important items in your carry-on: Passport/ID and other important travel documents, A small amount of foreign currency, Electronics such as your phone, tablet, computer and camera, Medications, Change of clothing, Toiletries, Glasses or Contacts, and Covid supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers. It's also important to bring a few items that make you a bit more comfortable on your journey such as a neck pillow, small blanket or shawl, reading material, snacks and bottled water. Yes, sometimes checked bags do get lost, so you'll be so pleased with yourself and relieved when you realize you have all the emergency essentials with you!

4. Travel Insurance

Words that send chills down every travel agent's spine..."Well, I've never needed travel insurance before, so I don't need it now" Wrong! Life Happens. You will want to go on your long awaited and hard earned vacation with the peace of mind that if there should be some hitch in the plans, that it quickly becomes just a small glitch because you left home prepared with your travel insurance policy. It isn't fun spending your money on insurance (never is!) but again that peace of mind is priceless! There are many different levels of coverage, and as your travel agent I can help you find the perfect policy to fit your trip.

5. Again, Travel Light!

Attitude is Everything! You are about to go on an adventure which in some cases requires you to step outside your comfort zone, and just roll with it. Leave your burdens at home, and don't expect everything to be just like home. Changes in routine, and scenery are literally what the doctor ordered. Trying something new fires up your brain, and creates new pathways. Moving your body more on an active vacation increases confidence, and making new social connections are terrific for everyone's mental health. And at the very least, even if you have a travel hiccup, or because you've had a hiccup in your trip, this will make you a delightful dinner guest as you regale the other guests with your travel story. You, can be that person that other's live vicariously through!