December 2024
Travel Hacks
This past December, we enjoyed festive meal together and shared our best travel hacks with each other.
Contributor EP
Buy these comfortable travel "sweatpants/jeans".
https://www.rag-bone.com/
Fashion sneakers with custom insoles: Take your favorite pair of fashion sneakers on your next trip, replace your insoles with custom insoles from:
Cornell Orthodics
https://cornelloandp.com/
Pack Element hydration packets
https://drinklmnt.com/
Peter Roth eye patches
https://www.peterthomasroth.com
MORE tips!
Iron your clothes and pack them inside dry cleaner bags.
Use shoe bags to store dirty laundry.
Check out travel ideas on "Abroad with Ashe". https://www.abroadwithash.com/
Contributor EE
Want to fly first class? Commit to one airline. Take advantage of all the perks offered to frequent flyers on your chosen airline.
Carry new US currency, new bills. Lots of folks in foreign countries want US currency that is new.
Pack Melatonin. Helps lots of folks sleep better.
Use compression bags. Make the most of the space in your suitcase.
Red eye flight? Do this. If you are flying after 7:00 pm, eat dinner at home. Set yourself up to sleep as soon as you are settled in your seat–this will reduce jet lag.
Starbucks fan? Order your coffee through the app. Pick up your online order at a Starbucks location en route to your chosen airport. Avoid the long airport Starbucks line.
Seat Guru: Great info on seat selection ratings and much more.
https://www.seatguru.com/
Pre order flight meal asap. Selections may run out as your travel date draws near.
Contributor CM
Sign up for Global Entry. Save precious time when returning to US from abroad.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
Driving to Airport? Record where you parked your car!
Bring a travel backpack. Pack a lightweight foldable travel backpack. Handy for shopping, carrying extra items at any time on your trip. Lots to choose from on Amazon.
Remember to pack: Personal earbuds, mask, hand lotion, extra socks, and "gummies"–if they help you relax and sleep.
Contributor CG
Sign up for Mobile Passport. This can be a customs timesaver too.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
Pack photocopies of your passport/identification. In case your identification is lost or stolen, these copies be be helpful. Store them in a discreet place in your travel gear.
Tell credit card companies you are traveling. Most credit card companies do not require this extra step–good to let them know regardless.
AWAY Luggage–durable luggage choice.
https://www.awaytravel.com/
Maximize credit card perks. Several credit cards offer airport lounge passes and other travel perks. Call your credit card company to learn more.
Anxious flyer? Troubling sleeping on a flight? Talk to your doctor. Maybe a Trazodone prescription is for you. It can relax you and make falling asleep easier.
Contributor KH
Use travel size, reusable, silicone containers. Bring your preferred toiletries in these easy to pack containers. Marshalls has a great selection.
https://www.marshalls.com/
Use a label maker. Label your travel containers.
Consider getting a TUMI backpack.
https://www.tumi.com/
Use oversized ziploc bags as packing cubes to orgaize your suitcase.
Remember to pack good snacks! Pack your favorite nuts, dried fruit, etc.
Pack an empty water bottle. Fill it after you go through TSA. Great to have when traveling in general.
Contributor LK
Check out https://www.instagram.com/peachestravelandtours/.
This site has great travel information and inspiration.
Maintain your daily routines as much as possible when traveling. Pack your favorite morning tea, or toiletries, anything that centers you.
Put air tags in your luggage and your vehicle. These may help you out of a stressful situation!
Carry a prescription bottle and a piece of mail with your name and address. These items are helpful to have if your identification is lost or stolen.
Use a travel belt. This is a discreet way to carry id, cash, credit cards, etc. Tough for pickpockets to rob you. There are so many options to choose from!
Yellow Wood Adventures.
https://yellowwoodadventures.com
Consider booking a trip with this company. Visit exotic, off the beaten path places.
Contributor KA
Create an itinerary. Minimize stress when traveling. Create a document that lists all your travel info. Set up and list daily activities. Make reservations, purchase tickets to activities ahead of time if possible. Make dinner reservations. Find helpful travel blogs for inspiration.
Driving to the airport? Pre-book your airport parking space. Save yourself time and money by doing this. Live in MA?
Try:
https://park.massport.com/book/BOS/Parking?parkingCmd=collectParkingDetails
Contributor MH
Bring a Bandolier crossbody, small bag.
https://www.bandolierstyle.com
Wear this travel set and shawl on your next long flight.
Lots of options on amazon.
This item is from "TAMMING" on amazon.
This item is from "OWIF" on amazon.
Contributor BC
Arriving at your destination before check in? Book a room at your hotel for the night before your arrival. Inform the front desk of your eta. Have your room waiting for you when you arrive–no waiting.
When entering your plane, make eye contact with the flight attendants, smile, say hello. A little kindness goes along way. Flight attendants will be more inclined to help you if you are polite and acknowledge them – make a connection at the start of your flight.
Gear to make your flight experience more comfortable listed below.
Bose Noise cancellation headphones. Worth the money. They really work.
https://www.bose.com/
Foot Hammock. Fly economy? This will make you more comfortable.
https://www.amazon.com/airplane-footrest-foot-hammock-travel-essentials-rest/dp/B07SK6ZFLM/?tag=travelandleisure-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=6828511%7Cnf457e477dc184ab28569eb87f616432823%7CB07SK6ZFLM%7C1736033773859%7C%7C
TRTL neck pillow. This is the most effective neck pillow.
https://trtltravel.com
Use this eyemask/headrest wrap in one. No more bobble head!
https://www.amazon.com/SARISUN-Airplanes-Sleeping-Airplane-Bobblehead/dp/B0CFV5LZ3R/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/134-2645003-6659300?pd_rd_w=umsG9&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=SDXV03N59T2GKEK24X23&pd_rd_wg=eJz9c&pd_rd_r=20d2e48d-2171-430e-8fb8-9144224e424f&pd_rd_i=B0CFV5LZ3R&psc=1
Wear Draddy Women's lounge wear on your next long flight. Comfortable, washable clothing that works in the gym, on a plane or walking around town.
https://www.bdraddy.com/collections/womens-collection
Contributor MM
This contributor provided a list of their best travel tips below.
1. Abstaining from alcohol prior to flight.
2. Lots of water 💦.
3. Comfy clothes with no metal.
4. Miniature moisturizer & face mister in handbag.
5. Oh - a cleaned out handbag!
6. Silk sleep mask.
7. Earplugs.
8. Sleep aid that works.
9. Suppository as sitting on a plane - or in a car for that matter -
for 6 + hours is no good for our bowels.
10. A good book.
11. A nifty wash bag.
12. Eucalyptus or mint body wash & shampoo to refresh & invigorate.
13. Long walks after traveling. And lashing of tea. And then other, wilder beverages.
