Flying is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel these days. It is not without it’s set of stress points, problems, and confusions though. Flying is becoming increasingly difficult with new security measures, fees, and policies being put in place every day. It does not have to be so complicated though, and it can even continue to be enjoyable. The following tips can help to improve your next flying experience.
When flying, be sure to wear loose fitting clothes and slip-on shoes. This will ensure that your flight is comfortable. Not only that, it won’t take as long to get through security if you can quickly take your shoes on and off. Loose clothing will allow for any short term swelling that you may experience due to air pressure in the plane’s cabin.
Keep hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket. When traveling, keeping hand sanitizer with you is a great idea. If you go through a lot of it, considering buying small reusable bottles. Buy one of the larger sizes of hand sanitizer and just continue refilling the small, reusable bottle.
When planning an overseas trip or any kind of dangerous outing, check with your health insurer to see what you’re covered for. Most health insurance companies will not cover injuries incurred during a wide variety of dangerous activities, and many will not cover health costs incurred overseas. You might need to purchase special traveler’s insurance for your health.
If you are planning on flying or riding a long distance with school-age children, consider investing in a small portable DVD player. The least expensive ones can run as low as $75, and the peace of mind it buys you on that nine-hour international flight is more than worth the cost.
Peruse the blogosphere. Bloggers are everywhere, and there is most likely one, if not many, bloggers blogging about your destination. Their blogs are a great resource for finding information about hidden gems of the city–restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Don’t be shy. If you contact them, many will be happy to answer your specific questions as well.
When traveling on an airplane, always be sure to have everything you would need for the next day in your carry on. Since your carry on is always with you, you can be sure that if they will loose your luggage that you will be able to get by on the next day. In most cases, airlines should have your luggage to you by then.
You should always arrive early to the airport when you are flying. It is so much less stressful knowing that you are checked in and through security with time to spare. It will give you time to use the restroom or grab a snack before the flight starts boarding.
Don’t tempt robbers! Especially when traveling abroad or in unsafe areas, don’t make your belongings look tempting to steal. Instead of carrying around shiny new backpacks and gear, use older things. If you don’t have any older gear that will work, stick some duct tape on your new pack to give the impression that it is older.
Bring your own adapters, unless you want to buy over-priced ones. Many foreign countries have differently shaped and sized outlets. Buying adapters while you are still at home is much more cost-effective. Businesses in these countries have learned to take advantage of travelers who forget that the plugs are quite different from back home.
Joining a travelers club like AAA will help keep money in your pocket through discounts and specials. Many hotels, restaurants and other organizations will offer moderate to steep discounts to members of travelers clubs. With little research and questioning, you can target companies that offer these discounts and save a bundle.
Go over your auto insurance policy prior to leaving home if you plan to rent a car during your trip. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. Auto insurance policies usually include at least some third party liability coverage. It is important that you look over your insurance policy before leaving.
Pack your toiletries into a Zip-lock bag. You will need to do this to get through airline security and it is sure to save you some space in your baggage as well. It will take up less room than the typical toiletry bag and it will help avoid a mess in your luggage if anything was to spill during travel.
When packing for a vacation or business trip, pack a number of both lighter and heavier weight clothing. This is because you do not want to be freezing or overheated in your destination if the weather forecast happens to change. It is also a good idea to pack clothing and accessories that will not weigh down your luggage.
Use the online check-in for your flight whenever possible. Airlines continue to cut back on staff and because of this, lines at the airport are getting longer and longer. The online check-in process takes only minutes and often allows you to make seat selections and check baggage as well.
Have someone pick up your mail and newspapers while you travel. A full mailbox and a pile of newspapers is a big sign that a home’s owners are away. Have a friend or family member pick up these theft beacons and ensure you do not come back to a ransacked home.
If you are traveling with your children in the car, give them the opportunity to sit in your seat. Your child will feel special and enjoy getting some quality time sitting with the driver. It will also keep the trip exciting for both the adults and the kids.
Flying is a popular, yet somewhat complicated way to travel. It is often the fastest and easiest way to reach a destination. It is also often the most confusing and stressful way to travel. As we have discussed however, your next flight doesn’t have to be a “difficult” process. Reviewing the tips we have provided can help to make your next flight easier, and more enjoyable, too.