My Top Three Travel Tips

What type of traveler are you?

Are you the free-spirited, go-with-the-flow type, with no set plans, no set accommodations, buy your ticket on a whim?

Or are you a planner? The flight-tracking, googling, cube-packing, one carry on type of traveler?

Perhaps you’re a little bit of both like me!

As we head into vacay mode, here are my top three travel tips to make your travel experience SO much easier, fun, and (hopefully) stress-free.

First Tip: TSA PreCheck

If you travel within the US often (and US territories), TSA PreCheck is absolutely necessary. The no-fuss security lines are IDEAL if you’re prone to cutting it close before take off, travel with children under 12 years old (they can join you in PreCheck lines), or if you simply don’t like to wait in long lines (me).

One of my favorite things about TSA PreCheck is the VIP treatment (who doesn’t like a little luxury) . The security line is significantly shorter (including the one where the guard checks your boarding pass and ID), you don't take off your shoes OR jacket, and you don’t need to take your laptop out of it’s in a case (if you pack like me..particular...this makes a WORLD of a difference). Although my husband and I are VERY different travelers, (he’s the anxious type ..typical dad who likes to get to the airport HOURS before take-off.. And I don’t mind walking straight into the airplane after parking lol),

PreCheck has made our travel days calmer, less stressful, and overall more enjoyable. The process is quick and easy and we were able to get our Known Traveler Number in two weeks. The application costs $70 per person, and requires you to apply online (or by mail or in person) AND complete the process in person for fingerprints and a photo. TSA PreCheck is valid for 5 years.

PRO TIP: if you have credit cards like Chase or Capital One, you can get reimbursed for your application cost.. Usually automatically! Log in to your credit card providers site + check to see if this is a feature.

How to apply: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck (easiest IMO)

*We originally were planning on Global Entry BUT with COVID the appointment time was months ahead .. and quite honestly we didn’t want to wait. Global Entry is similar to PreCheck BUT you have the VIP treatment when you travel both internationally AND within the US and its territories.

Second Tip: NEVER ASSUME - Check for necessary documents and/or exams before you book

In 2017, when I traveled to India I almost missed my flight and was ALMOST stranded at the airport. As a frequent traveler, I assumed that ALL airports would have wifi and would enable me to access my necessary documents (travel VISA, boarding pass, etc). Little did I know that India does not accept electronic anything (at least back then). I had to have a physical copy in my hand to ENTER the airport.

I eventually managed to get a printed copy and everything was fine until I landed. Once again NO wifi and no way to get a hold of my ride. I’ll save the details for another blog post, but eventually by the grace of my angels, a local came to the rescue and helped me sort it out.

PRO-TIP: NEVER assume everything will go according to plan. Have at least one copy of your passport and travel VISA in safe spots when you travel internationally.

Before booking, check and see if that particular country needs a travel VISA to enter. If traveling to a foreign country (especially if you don't speak the language and don't know the culture), BOOK AIRPORT PICK UP. When I arrived in Bali, I froze when I was rushed by local drivers trying to get my business.

And of course, check if a negative COVID test is necessary to enter any country.

Third Tip: Ask locals for dining + activity tips

Some of my all-time favorite travel memories have been when we asked locals for their must-go tips. In 2018, my husband and I went on a Euro trip to Barcelona, Paris, and Venice.

Of the three, our absolute favorite was Venice. Since we stayed at an Airbnb we were lucky enough to be welcomed by the owner and asked him for his top 3 places to eat + do. He told us where to go and where to avoid. What to eat and what to skip…and what was worth the time and money and what was just a traveler trap.

EVERY place he suggested was AMAZING. From seafood to the perfect pasta, it was the perfect Italian experience.

PRO-TIP: if you’re staying at a hotel, ask the concierge for their “real opinion” on where to go… Or grab cocktails and hit the pool and make new friends. Months before we were married, my husband and I went to Cartagena, Colombia, and met a fun couple from New York while we were at the pool. They were around our age and we hit it off right away. We ended up hanging out with them a few days after exploring the city and even rented a boat!