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How to Get Through Airport Security Painlessly

If you’re like most people, getting through airport security ranks somewhere between “going to the dentist” and “filing my taxes” on the list of Things I’d Rather Not Have To Do. I’m here to tell you that while it probably won’t ever be the highlight of your vacation, airport security also doesn’t have to be completely miserable. Without further ado, here are my top ten tips on how to get through airport security painlessly.

airport security

1. Take it slow

The biggest mistake people make when dealing with airport security is simply trying to rush the process. Plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of time for shenanigans rather than trying to run to your gate at the last second. All of the stress around this particular hassle will be greatly reduced if you aren’t simultaneously trying to rush through the process. Trust me on this one. I always try to get to the airport at least two hours before my flight. 

2. Whip it out

From the time you enter the front doors of the airport until you are listening to a flight attendant tell you where to find the emergency exits of your plane, you will be asked for your boarding pass and ID multiple times. Keep these items somewhere accessible like a small cross-body bag or in the front pocket of your carry-on luggage to make it easier to pull them out for your ticketing agent, airport security, and gate agent. Personally, I really like this purse for traveling because it has RFID protection to keep your identity safe, is easy to wipe clean, and is made of sturdy materials to help keep your items with you. Plus, it’s small enough to fit inside your carry-on suitcase or a larger personal item if you need more space.

3. Empty your pockets

Many people expect to return from vacation with empty pockets, but did you know it’s also best to START your trip that way? Before you even hit the security line, move everything out of your pockets and into your purse or bag. Tissues, pocket change, car keys… literally everything. That way, you won’t have to fumble with it in the security line. Besides, the fewer loose items you have floating around, the less risk you run of leaving something behind.

4. Be prepared to strip

I’m not talking Demi Moore in Striptease here, but if you are wearing a jacket, sweater, scarf or any other kind of layers,  you will be asked to remove it and send it through the scanner with the rest of your belongings. Belts and large jewelry will also need to be removed. This is easily something you can do ahead of time while you are waiting in line so that you don’t feel so rushed when it’s your turn at the conveyor belt.

5. Put a sock in it

People will tell you to wear slip-on shoes to make it easier to get through airport security because you’ll have to remove them and place them on the conveyer belt. It’s good advice, but only half of what you need to hear. While flip-flops will certainly make the security process easier, they also leave you exposed. Once you take them off and find yourself standing barefoot, you may feel a little more naked than you bargained for as you picture the thousands of other people who have stood in that exact spot with their athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, or warts. EW.

via GIPHY

 

Instead, try wearing a slip-on flat or sneaker with a sock or liner to give you some protection. I usually go with something like these to help reduce the Ew Factor if I’m not able to wear real socks.

6. Get off the grid

The TSA has recently changed their rules regarding electronics so make sure you are paying attention to this one. Basically, any device larger than your cellphone needs to come out of the bag and lay flat in a tray with nothing under it or on top of it. This doesn’t include things like your hair dryer, but anything with a computer chip or motherboard (think tablets, laptops, handheld video games…) will need to come out of the bag and be individually screened.

7. Hold your liquid

Remember Major Payne making fun of the six year old for peeing his pants? No? Just me? Ok then, this is awkward. Anyway… the rules for liquids are a little weird if you don’t travel frequently so let me break this one down for you.

      • All liquids and gels (deodorant, toothpaste, lip gloss, lube, hand sanitizer, medicines, whatever…) need to be in individual containers no larger than 3.4 ounces each. If you have 2 ounces of shampoo in a 15 ounce bottle, expect it to be thrown out. If you have a drink with you, expect it to be thrown out. Think travel-sized necessities only here.
      • All of your containers need to fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. A properly-sized Ziploc bag will work but if you need a little more structure or want one you can use for perpetuity, this one works nicely.

    • Your clear bag has to be removed from your carry-on and placed in a bin to go through the x-ray machine along with your shoes, belt, jacket, and electronics.

8. Expect to be felt up 

Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, there is still a chance you will be selected for additional screening. This may include a quick swab over the palms of your hands or a pat-down by a security officer. For most of us, this is just a time to make awkward jokes about not being felt up this much since Senior Prom. But if you happen to have social anxiety or have been a victim of sexual abuse in the past, then this is no laughing matter. As your friend, I’m telling you to mentally prepare yourself ahead of time in case either of these issues apply to you. Here are some things you should know:

  • Your pat-down will be conducted by an officer of the same gender and you have the right to request a private screening if you so choose. Your private screening will include a second officer as a witness and you can bring your travel companion with you as well.
  • Pat-downs may cover sensitive areas and you may be touched more than once. They should be using the BACK of their hand to touch you anywhere around your breasts, buttocks, or groin so it is truly a pat and not a grope that you are experiencing.
  • Additional security screening is not aimed at you in particular and is not intended to be sexual in nature. It will be over soon if you just keep breathing.

9. Keep your eyes on the prize

Keep an eye on your items as though go through the security scanners and come out the other end. It’s awfully easy for someone to mistakenly (or not), grab the wrong bag and while you may be surrounded by Security agents, they are screening your belongings rather than paying attention to who they belong to. Always double check the area and make sure you have everything you need before you leave the security screening area.

10. Ask for help

If you have special circumstances, do not hesitate to ask for help. You can start here with me, check the TSA website, search your airline’s FAQ page, or talk to your ticketing agent. Whether you are sending a minor to travel alone, unable to walk the distance required to get to your gate or remove your shoes for airport security, if you can’t read the signage, or don’t know the rules about traveling with an infant… whatever your special circumstances happen to be, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more you can plan ahead to accommodate your needs, the easier it will be to adjust accordingly and the more pleasant your experience is likely to be.

 

 

Got a great tip or another question about getting through airport security? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading along and if you need more tips for the rest of your journey, check out this A-Z guide to travel.

 

 

 

 

 

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Packing for a cruise- 7 Nights in the Caribbean

If you’ve never traveled by ship, the idea of packing for a cruise can seem a little overwhelming. Luckily for you (and let’s be honest, me) I’ve been on lots of cruises and have the packing thing pretty well mastered at this point so I’m about to make your life REALLY easy. Below is my Packing for a Cruise Checklist that will tell you what to take for your trip to the Caribbean. Follow me after the list for answers to WHY I suggest some of these things or links on where to find them.

Let’s Talk About Clothes

Dressy Outfits

On a 7 Night Caribbean Cruise, the main dining room of your ship will host two Elegant or Formal dinners. Acceptable fashion choices can range from ballgowns and tuxedos to slacks and a nice blouse, but don’t expect to fit in these nights if you wander in wearing jeans or shorts. Cruise lines in general are becoming more lenient in their dress codes but if you don’t want to feel out of place, either dress nicely or plan on visiting one of the more casual restaurants those evenings… it’s a good time to check out the buffet or enjoy room service if lobster and prime rib aren’t worth dressing up for.

Smart Casual Outfits

Most people think packing for a cruise requires two outfits for every day of their vacation but that really isn’t the case. Unless you happen to be a Kennedy, you probably don’t shower and “dress for dinner” normally but you are likely to do exactly that after being in the sun all day, so lighten your load and plan on letting those 4 smart casual outfits do double-duty. Once you dress for dinner, plan on wearing that outfit around the next day for your explorations. Not sure what smart-casual means? Basically, just dress like you are having dinner at a country club or a nice chain restaurant and you will be fine. 

Casual Tops and Bottoms

Leggings, yoga pants, jean shorts, tshirts & tank tops all fit in here. Take a couple tops and bottoms that you can mix and match in case you want something a little more casual and comfortable after dinner, on-shore or during your days at sea.

Swimwear

You will probably spend A LOT of time in your bathing suit and it’s never fun to put on a wet one, so bring a spare. A swim cover is helpful to get you around the ship comfortably but you don’t need a new one for every day so save the space in your luggage.

Sweater

You never know how well air-conditioned the public places onboard the ship will be or how windy it will be on deck. Bring a sweater or a light jacket for the possibility of cooler temps.

Unmentionables

-Even if you sleep in the buff, bring a light robe or pajamas. Nothing like having the Room Steward knock on your door and not having any clothes to throw on quickly. Ask me how I know.
-Pack one pair of underwear for every day of the trip plus one extra. You can wash them in the sink/shower or have a bag of laundry done onboard if you run into dire circumstances… you’ll spend most of your time in your swimsuit anyway.
-Bring a strapless or convertible style bra if your dresses require it. I’ve forgotten that when packing for a cruise before and it wasn’t the look I had planned… plus, if you happen to be the unfortunate soul with a terrible sunburn as your souvenir, you will have an option that spares your tender shoulders.
-Even if you aren’t planning to wear tennis shoes, pack at least one pair of socks. Many ships have rock-climbing walls, bowling alleys, or ice-skating rinks you can enjoy. And if not, they can always serve as slippers to keep your feet warm.

Shoes

You don’t need every pair of shoes you own, Imelda Marcos. Limit it to just a few pairs (all with good traction for slippery decks) that can get the job done:
1. Close-toed shoes for more active endeavors like hiking ancient ruins, climbing the rock wall, or hitting the gym
2. Sandals or flip-flops, bonus points if they are both comfortable and nice enough to go from poolside to the dining room
3. Dress shoes for evening dinners and shows (one pair of black flats is usually all I need)
4. Water shoes if you are squeamish about the ocean or planning more adventurous water activities. Climbing Dunns River Falls in Jamaica, for instance, requires water shoes so if you don’t bring your own you will have to rent theirs.

Additional Considerations when packing for a cruise

First Things First

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, Porters will take your luggage onboard and deliver it to your stateroom later in the evening. It’s customary to tip them a buck or two for each bag so make sure you have a small amount of cash handy. You will also need your cruise documentation paperwork, personal identification, and probably an ink pen before boarding the ship so keep those out of your luggage. Once you get through the embarkation process, you will be issued a card that will be your room key and credit card onboard the ship so you will need it with you at all times. A lanyard or badge holder like this one can help make it easier to keep up with when your bathing suit or evening gown doesn’t have pockets.

You might even want a waterproof version for the beach or pool.

Drink it all in

Most cruise lines allow you to take a bottle of wine per stateroom (or per adult), or a small cache of soda or water onboard. If you bring these items, make sure you read your particular company’s restrictions ahead of time and follow the rules or they will make you throw it out. A wine opener & corker are a good addition if you bring your own beverages as the cruise companies will charge you a corkage fee if you ask them to open it in a public area. Most cruise lines include water, unsweet tea, and coffee as drink options leaving you the option to purchase juices and sodas. We like to take a pack of Crystal Light flavor packs with us to mask the taste of the water without having to waste money on other beverages. Something like this will work:

Plan for downtime

One of the nice things about cruising is that there is some time built in for relaxing in whatever capacity you prefer. A deck of cards or a small board game, may be just the thing to keep your family happy if the weather turns bad, so keep that in mind when packing for a cruise and throw one in the bag. For some folks, relaxing means playing on their phone, tablet, or laptop so make sure you bring your chargers if that sounds like you.  A power adaptor with USB plugs is a great way to charge additional tech items in your room, despite the limited number of outlets. We use this one for both cruises and international travel.

If your group has different interests, or is spread between several rooms, a set of waterproof walkie-talkie radios can be invaluable for locating each other while aboard the ship. We’ve taken this set on several trips with us and it has made it much more enjoyable than constantly trying to plan where to meet up.

 

Toiletries

Most of this section is pretty self-explanatory;  just pack whatever you use in the bathroom each morning to get yourself ready for the day. However, there are a couple of items you might not think of on a normal basis.

Smells like a good time

I’m not sure how to tell you this, but… your poop stinks. Your room and bathroom are small and you’re probably sharing the space with someone you love. Do your loved ones a favor and pack a small spritzer of air freshener or Poopouri. That’s all that needs to be said about that.

Stop the chub rub

If you happen to be shaped more like a mermaid than a super model (read: you lack a thigh gap), then there is a good chance that the combination of sweat, sand, saltwater, and skimpy shorts is going to lead to a little chub rub on your inner thighs. It happens to the best of us, but chafing isn’t fun for anyone so plan on stopping it before it even starts. I LOVE Monistat’s Chafing Gel designed specifically for this purpose (and bonus, it makes an excellent makeup primer, but I digress).

 

Just for kids

Cruises are great for families because they plan tons of activities to keep your little ones entertained without you having to lug too much extra crap around, but there are still a couple things worth considering when packing for a cruise that might not normally make it into your luggage.

Play Time

If you take advantage of the ship’s offerings, you won’t need many toys while onboard. We usually just bring the same ones we take along for a flight. Check out this post if you need some ideas. On the beach however, you might want something to keep them entertained while you soak up some sun. This is the set we take along for our trips and because it’s collapsible, it doesn’t take up tons of space.

Water Fun

Take an inflatable bath tub along if you have a baby or toddler and I guarantee you will find a use for it! It makes bathing your little one in the tiny bathrooms easier, but it has other uses as well. Use it as a float at the beach, for instance. Or fill it with water and let your little one splash around if they aren’t allowed in the main pool and you’re totally over the splash pad area. (Obviously, stay within arm’s reach and always supervise your kids appropriately).

 

packing for a cruise

Packing for a cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, I’ve tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible without making you sit on your suitcase to zip it up. Remember that you don’t need EVERYTHING on this list, just the things that fit in with your vacation priorities. Click here to print the checklist or save it to your computer. Did I miss something that you always take with you? Do you feel a little more prepared for your vacation after reading this? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

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Convention Packing List

Direct Sales can be a fun way to earn some extra cash for your family and connect with others who share your interests and passion, no matter which company you choose to work with. While I personally love being a LuLaRoe Retailer all year long, convention season in the summer is my favorite time of year. In 2018, I will not only get to attend my own company’s training in California this July but also an incredibly special one called SassyCon, hosted by the one and only Brenda Ster, that will bring together representatives from many different companies at the beginning of June. Since I can’t contain my excitement that long, I’m already putting together my convention packing list in April! If you are one of the millions of representatives who will be attending a direct sales summit this summer, I hope this convention packing list will help make it easier for you!

 

 

 

Click here to print the checklist as a PDF file. If you aren’t sure what I meant by something or think of a necessity that I didn’t include on my convention packing list, let me know in the comments.

convention packing list

 

Will you be attending any conventions or corporate retreats this summer? Tell me all about it!

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Top 10 Tips for Flying with a Baby

Congratulations, you booked your first flight with your baby! Now if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably as nervous as a vibrator salesman trying to get through airport security. My daughter made her first international flight at just 11 weeks old and I was scared of that trip…. I promise I get it! Your fears are totally normal but not really necessary. Let me help allay them by giving you my top ten tips for flying with a baby after having done it more than two dozen times myself.

1. Bring Baby’s birth certificate or passport

Most domestic airlines don’t ask for identification on your little one, but you are technically required to have it and they can stop you from flying without it. So one of my simplest tips for flying with a baby is to simply avoid the hassle and double check for identification before you leave home.

2. Wear the baby in a carrier

Getting  through ticketing, security, and navigating to your gate can be made much simpler by wearing your baby. Babywearing keeps your hands free to produce tickets, take off shoes, and whatever other tasks you need to do. Don’t be surprised if TSA does a more strenuous security check (like swabbing your hands or giving you a quick pat down) but it’s definitely worth it! If you also happen to be taking a stroller on your trip, plan on gate-checking it instead of dropping it with your checked bags; then it can be used as a luggage cart to hold everything else as you navigate the airport. If you don’t have a baby carrier you love, this one was a lifesaver for our family. 

3. Burn some energy

Once you reach the gate, let the baby get out as much active energy as possible in the terminal before you board. For tiny babies, this might mean sitting on a blanket on the floor for some tummy time, the Monkey Mat was perfect for this and took up very little room to pack. As kiddos get older, let them practice walking or take an inflatable ball to play with.

4. Take a potty break

At the very last second before they start the boarding process, go take a bathroom break and put your little one in a fresh diaper. It’s possible to do on a plane of course, but easier if you can avoid it as much as possible (or even altogether if it’s a relatively short flight).

5. Make a strategic decision about when you want to board

One of my favorite tips for flying with a baby is to DECIDE when you want to board the plane with your little one.
-If you are traveling alone and purchased a ticket for baby to sit in their car seat: board as EARLY as possible so you can get to your assigned spot and all your junk situated without clunking anyone in the head.
-If you are traveling alone and baby will be on your lap: consider boarding as LATE as possible. It might be easier to get on first, but it just adds extra time that you are cramped and trying to keep your munchkin happy. Besides, oftentimes the air conditioning/heat isn’t on during the boarding process and the cabin temperature can make your baby unnecessarily cranky.
-If you are traveling with another adult: one of you board as early as possible to get any carry-on items situated and your area set up, the other adult waits with the baby and basically tries to be the last person on the plane (or as close to it as possible).

6. Sanitize your space

Once you are seated with the baby still in the carrier, wipe down everything within reach with a sanitizer wipe. I’m far from germaphobic but airplanes are pretty notorious for making people sick and there is a lot of time to access those germs when you are flying in close quarters. Windows, arm rests, tray tables, seat backs, …. literally anything in reach of baby’s hands or mouth can be wiped down. After you are comfortable, go ahead and take baby out of the carrier. You can’t wear them during take off or landing anyway.

7. Suck it up

Give the baby a boob, bottle, pacifier or sippy cup during take off and landing. Sucking and swallowing will help their ears pop and keep them comfortable. If you do notice some discomfort or pulling at the ears, blow a couple of puffs of air in their face. They will swallow reflexively which might help relieve the pressure in their ears.

8. Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink

If you need water to make a bottle or rinse one out during the flight, ask a flight attendant! The water in airplane lavatories is not potable and can upset your baby’s tummy or even make them seriously ill.

9. Make it fun

Take several small toys and snacks to entertain your little one during your flight. You don’t need to pack the whole toy box, but a few carefully chosen items can make ALL the difference. Check out this post if you need specific ideas or even more tips for flying with a baby!

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Let a flight attendant or a friendly person seated near you hold your baby if you need a potty break (or just a sanity break) mid-flight. Normally, I don’t condone handing your child off to strangers, but at 30,000 feet surrounded by a couple hundred witnesses your little one should be safe for the 120 seconds it takes you to get to a lavatory and back 😉 

flying with a baby

I hope these tips for flying with a baby have helped you feel more prepared and ready to travel with your little one. If you’re still skeptical about traveling with your darling offspring, read more here! If you might need to review this list and reassure yourself again next time you fly, feel free to pin me on Pinterest so you can find your way back!

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Kayak: One of My Favorite Travel Apps for iPhone

There are all kinds of tools and tech gadgets out there for traveling and I will tell you about more and more of them the longer you get to know me. But today, let’s chat about one of my favorite travel apps for iPhone. Most people know Kayak and their “search one and done” tagline for finding hotels and flights. But did you know about my favorite (lesser known) feature called “Explore the World”? IT IS AWESOME! Basically, it let’s you set your parameters and then it tells you where in the world you can travel on your budget.

Let Me Show You How It Works!

In your App Store, search for “Kayak” and then download the app with this little logo.

 

Once you open the app, go to the bottom and click on “Explore the World” (depending on your screen size you may have to scroll down to get to it).

 

Give it a second and the app will autopopulate a world map with a little blue dot representing every “good” fare currently available. Zoom in on any area in the world and those blue dots will turn into clickable price tags showing the fare and date that the app has found. OR set yourself some parameters and narrow down your options by tapping one of the icons in the black banner at the top of the screen.

 

There are six icons you can use to adjust your parameters for your trip. In order across the bar at the top:
1. The Airplane icon lets you change your home airport, the number of days you have available for vacation and duration of your flight.
2. The Calendar icon lets you change the month you are available for travel.
3. The Dollar Sign icon allows you to control your budget.
4. The Sunshine icon allows you to choose what kind of climate you prefer.
5. The Flag icon lets you choose the kind of activities you prefer to engage in while traveling.
6. The Globe icon allows you to narrow your search to a specific geographic region.

 

 

Once your parameters are set, the map will populate again with the best options available within your parameters. Click on a fare price to see available travel dates for your location and book a ticket. It’s that simple!

 

Anyone who is indecisive about where they want to travel will love this app. Likewise, if you have more flexibility in your calendar than your budget, this tool is a must have. If you are just trying to get a realistic idea of the price of flights or figure out when is the best time to vacation in your dream location, then this app is for you. Kayak really is one of the best travel apps for iPhone but I know there are lots of others out there. What travel apps do you love? Oh, and if you’re currently thinking “even if I do get a great deal on a flight I will never be able to afford it” then you need to go check out my post about How to Save Money for Travel!

 

travel apps for iPhone

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Travel Tips: An A to Z Guide

Twenty-six travel tips to make your next vacation go as smoothly as possible.

A is for ASK

Most of us don’t want to impose on other people so we’re afraid to ask them for help but it means we’re wasting one of our best resources. Post on Facebook and ask your friends if any of them have visited and what recommendations they have. Your local library, bookstore, or AAA location may have travel guides for your destination if you ask. Ask directions if you need them when you get to your location. Question a native about local customs if you’re going somewhere new (politely, please!).

B is for Battery

Keep an extra battery or charger with you if you’re out and about for the day. You’ll probably use your phone a lot more than you do at home since it will likely be serving as both your camera and your GPS and neither of those are things you want to be without!

C is for City Pass

If you’re visiting a large city like New York or Chicago and planning to do lots of local activities, check and see if they offer a City Pass. You may be able to save both money and time wasted waiting in line at many popular attractions.

a to z guide

D is for Downsize

You’ve probably heard the old travel adage “take half as much stuff and twice as much money as you think you will need” and it’s one of the most tried and true travel tips for a reason. If you pack for every inevitability, you’ll end up lugging around a lot of stuff you don’t need. Instead, check the weather before your trip and pack according to that and your itinerary. If there’s only a twenty percent chance of rain, for example, forgo the umbrella. If you end up with a sudden shower, duck inside somewhere and wait on it to pass. When the weather shifts and you get a truly rainy day, buy yourself an umbrella and let it be a souvenir from your trip.

E is for Emergencies

Smart travelers don’t stress about what they can’t control but they do make sure they are ready in case of an emergency. There’s a reason airlines and cruise ships start each trip with a safety debriefing so follow their lead and make sure you know your exit routes wherever you plan to sleep. If you’re traveling internationally, keep copies of your passport, visa, and any other important papers separate from the actual documents. It’s also a good idea to make sure someone at home knows your plans and when to expect you check in.

F is for Flexible

If you travel often enough, it’s not a matter of “if” things will go wrong but rather “when” they go wrong so one of the biggest travel tips I can give you is to learn to roll with the punches.

G is for Go

OK, I realize I just said being flexible was one of my biggest travel tips, but it might be superceded by this one: JUST GO! So many people put off traveling because they’re waiting for the perfect conditions but life doesn’t work that way. If you have the chance to go and can make it happen, take it! I’ve never once regretted taking a trip anywhere.

H is for Hop On Hop Off Tours

People complain that this is “too touristy” but a Hop On Hop Off tour can be a great deal if you are traveling under a time constraint because you get unlimited transportation between all the major sites in the city along with a guided history and a driver to ask if you have any questions.

I is for Insurance

Friends often ask me whether I buy travel insurance. Here’s the answer… sometimes. If we are taking a short trip that we got a great deal on, it’s not worth it to me to spend the money on trip insurance. However, for any big trip that we spend a lot of money on, I always buy travel insurance because we would be devastated if something happened and we had to cancel that trip. It’s a calculated risk.

J is for Join

Travel companies like hotels and airlines love to ask you to join their loyalty clubs. Yes, this means they will send you emails, but it also means they will send you deals & discounts and sometimes you can earn free hotel nights and things just for staying where you already would have in the first place. Pro tip: create a separate email address that you use JUST for loyalty clubs from stores, restaurants, travel sites, etc… that way, you still earn the benefits but don’t clog up your main email inbox with their junk.

K is for Kids

As in… don’t be afraid to take them along! If that notion scares you, check out this blog post where we talked about exactly that!

L is for Locals

One of my favorite ways to find the “best of” in any given area is to ask the locals! The clerk at the front desk of your hotel, cab drivers, gas station attendants, and the stranger sitting next to you on the subway, are all great resources for questions like “If you only had one day in this city, where would you go eat dinner?” They might send you off the beaten path, but that’s a good thing!

M is for Money

Traveler cheques are a thing of the past. These days, you want to travel with a bit of cash and a debit card. The ATM is often the cheapest and most efficient way to get some local currency. Just make sure you call your credit and debit card companies before you leave the country so they don’t freeze your accounts when you try to use them outside of your home turf.

N is for Negotiate

In many places around the world haggling is not only accepted but EXPECTED. In other places, trying to negotiate a price or discount can be seen as highly offensive (same goes for tipping service staff). Do a quick google search before you go so you will be prepared for whatever the locals prefer.

O is for Off-Season

Whatever the Off-Season is in a particular area is generally the cheapest time to travel there because you have less people vying for flights and hotels (think winter in Alaska). But, this is also the time where you may face things like shortened daylight hours, seasonal closures, and rough weather. Peak Season is whatever the best and busiest time of year in a particular area may be, but it’s almost always substantially more crowded and expensive (July in Alaska, for this example). We try to travel in the “Shoulder Season” to strike the best balance between these two. Visiting Alaska in May, perhaps, will likely give you reasonably good weather with fewer crowds and lower overhead fees. Pick the time that best suits your budget and sensibilities to ensure you have your best trip possible.

P is for Planning

Don’t dread planning a trip! Grab a guidebook or hit up the internet and start daydreaming about where you’re going to go and what you’re going to do there. Planning can be half the fun of the journey if you let it!

Q is for Quiet Time

One of my favorite travel tips is to schedule some quiet time into your itinerary. If you have young kids, this may mean going back to the hotel for lunch and a nap in the middle of your day at Disney. If you’re walking 10 miles a day trying to see every landmark site in New York City, it may mean going to see a movie at a nearby theater so you can sit with your feet up for 2 hours. Just remember to take a break.

R is for Reasonable

Keep your expectations reasonable! If you plan to be out adventuring from 7am to 2am every single day, you will be so tired that you won’t even remember the trip. If you have serious back problems and can only sleep on a luxury mattress, don’t plan on staying in a hostel.

S is for Souvenirs

Remember that you do not need to spend money and waste space in your suitcase bringing home a souvenir for every person you know. Most kitschy items will end up being tossed out once the recipient gets over the guilt of getting rid of your gift anyway, so only buy something if you truly think they will love it. As for souvenirs for yourself, memories and photos will make excellent ones!

T is for Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor is one of my absolute favorite tools for planning and travel tips. You can get real-life reviews, search for everything from flights to home rentals, and find the coolest attractions in the area you will be visiting.

U is for Uber

Uber and Lyft can be a little scary if you’ve never used their services, but they can also be a great way to save time and money. Download the apps before you travel and play with it ahead of time so you will know how it works before you’re standing in the rain trying to hail a cab that is never going to come.

V is for Verify

Verify whether you need a visa or other documentation for the country you will be visiting. Verify that your passport is up to date and that it is not expiring within six months of your trip. Check the CDC Website to see if you need and particular vaccinations before your trip. Oh, and if those travel tips are too common for you here’s a bonus: if you booked your flights and hotel rooms pretty far in advance, it’s always a good idea to email and verify that your room or seat is properly reserved a week or two before your trip. That way, if something is amiss, you have time to figure it out before you ever leave town.

W is for Walking

I love cute shoes as much as the next girl, but travel generally means A LOT of walking. Opt for function over fashion and pack some blister bandaids just in case.

X is for Excursions

If you’re traveling on a budget, look for ways to save money on lodging, transportation, and even food, but don’t skimp on the excursions. That doesn’t mean you have to break the bank every single day of a trip but I do try to ensure every trip I plan has at least one major excursion that will make the trip memorable from any others.

Y is for You

It’s your vacation, so make it about you! If your friends say you HAVE to go see MOMA on your trip to New York but modern art makes your eyes glaze over, don’t feel obligated to spend your time and attention there. Even if you happen to be traveling with modern art loving companions, it’s totally acceptable to split up and do your own things for a couple hours. You’ll have more to talk about at dinner that night anyway!

Z is for Ziploc Bags

ALWAYS pack Ziploc bags in various sizes. This is one of those travel tips that doesn’t have a specific reason, but rather you will find a reason during your trip. Trust me on this one.