Whether you are a frequent flyer or a once a year traveler, you can probably use some tips to make you an even better traveler or simply remove some of the hassle of flying. Sometimes it is the simplest things that can make traveling a lot easier. I’m a frequent flyer and even I find myself making rookie mistakes like forgetting one of these five great tips I have for you, but hopefully you won’t be making the same mistakes. Ready to make your next travel day more enjoyable? I got you!

Bring an empty water bottle

Liquids bigger than 3 ounces are not allowed past TSA and a bottle of water can easily cost $4 if not more. Bring an empty bottle that you can refill at the water fountains which, in most airports, have the option for refilling water bottles in an effort to help save the planet. There are many options for bottles, from collapsible water bottles that can easily be packed when empty to hooks you can add to your backpack to not have to hold the bottle.

Pack light

I know, I know you want to have different outfit options because you never know what you might be in the mood to wear, you want different shoes for pictures blah blah. Plan your outfits ahead of time, pack a small carry on and you won’t have to worry about checking it, hoping it didn’t get lost or waiting for it at baggage claim along with everyone else on your flight. Bring the clothes you know you will need and actually use, less baggage to carry around. Open to a challenge? Grab a travel backpack and roll your clothes, I promise it will change your life and the more you do it the easier it gets. I use a 20 L Eddie Bauer which I have taken on one week trips to Costa Rica, Mexico and so many other trips. Not to mention, it is the perfect size to take as a personal item on all other airlines *cough cough* even Spirit and Frontier, without a problem!

Take snackies for the trip

You will save money that you can spend during your trips eating better foods than what you find at the airport. Drinks? Very overpriced and you can easily have the same at your destination while enjoying your vacation. Pro tip: eat at home before heading to the airport and bring a couple snacks. Also, yes, you are allowed to bring food through security just no liquids.

Some great snacks to bring with your are trail mix, chips, beef/turkey jerky for light stuff. If you really want to be ready for anything, because you know delays happen, make your own sandwich at home or even a charcuterie box, throw in some cheese, mixed buts, olives, dried fruit, salami, whatever you want on yours and have an elevated snack 35,000 feet in the air.

Arrive early and check your gate often in the monitors

Most airlines close check in 45 minutes before departure and the gates close 10 to 15 minutes BEFORE the scheduled departure time. Keep this in mind, trust me you do not want to be the person arguing with the gate agent that you see that the plane is still there to let you get on, if the flight is closed, that ain’t happening honey #sorrynotsorry. Get there early and you won’t be stressed but remember to check the monitors for your gate number often as this can change. You have no idea how many times I have seen people miss their flight while waiting for it for hours IN the airport. I personally like to set an alarm for 10 minutes before boarding begins in case I get distracted reading or watching a show on my cell phone.

Bring a light jacket

Always bring one, even when traveling to and/or from a warm place as airports and planes can be cold sometimes and you are better safe than sorry. The days of planes having blankets are gone, at least for now so come prepared. If you tend to get cold, bring a light blanket that does not take up too much space.

*Side note, most airlines do provide blankets and even pillows on international flights, typically on longer routes like cities in the US to Europe. There is a slim to none chance of finding a blanket on a 3 hour flight, even if it is international. *

Bring a pen, just in case

Bring a pen, black or blue ink. Bring multiple especially when traveling internationally, you will likely have paperwork to fill out when you arrive that will be passed out during the flight. Having a pen on you will allow you to fill it out and get through customs faster since you won’t have to be searching for one at the tables in the airport. Don’t count on your flight attendant to be the one to lend you a pen, imagine how many others are asking the same on the flight?

Bonus

Bring headphones. Some airlines offer them, but they tend to be the old jack which will allow you to watch movies, listen to music and all of that on the plane tv monitor if equipped with it. But if the plane does not have a tv, which a lot of airlines seem to be moving that way, it will be of no use to your. So, make sure to bring your wireless headphones compatible with your device or if you still have the good ol’ non wireless ones, I know I do for emergencies, bring those along too.

Okay, I’m feeling nice so let me throw you one more bonus. Pack a portable power bank. You do not want to walk around stressed over the battery level of your phone. Also, you never know when you will be sitting in the one unlucky seat with an “INOP DO NOT USE” sticker because the charging port is inoperative.

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