Best Travel Tips Ever

My parents took me on my first out of country trip when I was 12? Maybe 11 years old.  I’ve been hooked ever since.  The next 30 odd years of travel, adventures and research have taught me a few things. Here are my hard fought for, well earned, best travel tips to make your next trip a roaring success.

1. To make the most of your seat selection on a flight, refer to seatguru.com before booking your seats.
2. Always get travel insurance.  There for you just in case, and for peace of mind travel insurance can be worth it’s weight in gold should you ever need it.
3. Copy all the things.  Before you go on any trip make a copy of your ID, Passport, itinerary, Health Card, Insurance, even your credit cards.  E-mail yourself one copy, carry one copy with you, and leave a copy at home with someone you love.
4. Pack your carry-on with care.  Be sure to pack your important documents, medications a small snack, even your bathing suit  and a change of underwear in that bag.  Guard that bag with your life.
5. Pack a small First-Aid kit.  It’s always best to be prepared.
6. Pack a Travel Scarf in your carry-on.  Besides adding a little extra style to your outfit, a large scarf or sarong can be used to keep you warm on cold flights, as an eye mask, as a make-shift beach towel, or even over lamps or windows in bright hotel rooms.
7. Rolling your clothes, versus folding, really does save space.
8. Be flexible and patient. Travel often comes with hiccups and delays.  Prepare for those and of course, hope for the best.
9. Drink lots of water on your flight to avoid dehydration.
10. Sanitizer is your friend. Pack a small Purel for your hands, and Lysol Wipes for your tray. You will thank me when you see all the germy things that you clean off that tray?  (when do you think it was last properly cleaned?)
11. Pack ear plugs.  Not every hotel room is a quiet one!  Ear plugs can mean the difference between a good nights sleep and none.
12. Don’t forget to pack a pen and have the address of your resort/hotel/destination written down.  You will need this info for all those customs forms.
13. When booking a room think about location.  Request a room away from the elevator and a distance from the ice machine.
14. Schedule in down time.  I love my lists, itineraries and schedules as much as the next person, but some of the best adventures happen in the moments in between.  Save time to get lost.
15. Pack Extra Cash.  Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve lost your credit card, or it isn’t accepted?  I have, but not to worry, cash is king.  Having an emergency stash of cash is always a good idea.
16. Add zip-lock bags to your suitcase.  They may be ideal for packing travel size shampoo but also come in handy to store that damp bathing suit in and to keep the wet seperated from the dry.
17. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase to bring home souvenirs.
18. Keep a journal.  You think you will be able to remember ever amazing detail, but you won’t.  Take loads of photos and allow yourself a few minutes every evening to jot down a few notes about your day.  When you get home, you’ll be happy you did.

If you are itching to travel, can’t stop thinking about it, then start saving, dreaming, planning and just do it!  Happy travels!