With the summer upon us, traveling is always exciting but can also be tedious. Missing out on great deals and over packing is something we have all done at one time or another. We have laid out 10 of the most important tips you can use for your traveling plans this summer to make things much easier & smoother for you.
1. Book Early
When booking a flight, make sure you book as soon as you see a price you are comfortable with instead of waiting for a “lower price”. Remember, summer is a busy time for the travel industry so ticket prices are more likely to increase.
2. Pack Wisely
If you can, try to pack everything for your trip in a carry-on bag instead of checking in your bag. Doing so, you avoid running the risk of the airline misplacing your bag. This is especially easy to accomplish if you are traveling to the Caribbean because sandals and bathing suits do not take up much space.
3. Know Your Limits
Be familiar with baggage weight limits. Airlines will charge you that hefty overweight fee even if you are just 5 lbs over the limit. Always carry a beach bag in your suitcase so that if needed you can pull some stuff out of your overweight baggage and into the bag. Most airlines allow one personal item (think a purse or small backpack) & a carry-on (beach bag/small luggage/bigger size backpack).
4. Pack In Advance!
So many of us tend to leave packing for the last minute which causes us to leave important things behind and overpack our bags with things we don’t need.
5. Weather Check
Check the weather of your destination a week before traveling & the week of to help you decide what you should be packing. There is no need to pack a jacket “in-case it rains” if your destination hasn’t shown any signs of rain for the past week.
6. Follow TSA Guidelines
Know the TSA regulations as far as what you are allowed to take on the plane and what you are not supposed to. Not only will it save you time but it will save you from having to dispose of things you spent money on.
7. Teamwork Make The Dream Work
If you are traveling with other people make sure you select your seat assignments when you book your tickets. Do not expect to be seated together the day of, chances are the seats have already been selected by others. Also, keep in mind sometimes Airlines do last minute aircraft changes which means there is a possibility the seats you selected may not be together.
8. Don’t Be Late To The Party
Show up to the airport at least an hour and a half (at big airports) before your domestic flight (1 hour prior in small airports is ok). For international travel show up at least 2 hours before your flight. I like showing up a little earlier than the Times mentioned above in case my flight is delayed or cancelled because then I can simply look into earlier flights I may be able to get re-booked on. Remember it is an airplane you are flying on, not a cab, so be prepared.
9. Have That Paperwork Correct
Make sure you have the required documents to exit your home country and to gain entry to your destination. People often forget to check what documents the country they are visiting require. I say this a lot: RESEARCH prior to booking! The last thing you want is to find yourself at the airport denied entry.
10. Make Sure Your Transportation Is Set
If your vacation doesn’t require a car, and you will be staying at a resort, setup airport transportation ahead of time when possible. Many times, you can book a share-shuttle to drop you off at your resort and it is a lot less than taking a cab. Always do your research before arriving, doing so will minimize the chances of you overpaying.
Safe travels!
