Whether for pleasure or business, or any reason in between, traveling is an exhilarating and exhausting adventure. There are so many places to go and so many ways to get there. What makes or breaks a good trip often falls into the hands of factors you cannot control—flight delays, road construction, poor service, getting duped by tourist traps, and cultural misunderstandings. But there is a way to protect yourself against some travel annoyances, and that way is called preparation.
Summer is upon us, so here are 11 tips to make the most of your summer vacation travel plans.
1. Make a Packing List
Start your packing list two weeks before your trip. This allows you plenty of time to strategize, re-strategize, and strategize again. Because a well-packed suitcase eases traveling to your destination and simplifies living out of a suitcase once you’ve arrived.
2. Know Where You’re Going
I’m all about the 5-Minute Plan, where you don’t over schedule or over research and just let the adventure unfold. It’s kind of like jazz or improv comedy, but more enjoyable. Having a basic understanding of the place and culture you’re heading to will prevent you from making mistakes like missing out on hidden gems, wasting time at tourist traps, or succumbing to locals who specialize in taking advantage of the aloof visitor. Travel books, pocket guides, or an hour on the internet empower you to explore with confidence.
The manner in which you get to where you’re going is what really defines the kind of trip you’re going to have. So, here are some easy travel tips specific for flying and then driving.
AIR TRAVEL
3. Plan with Purpose
Remember the 1960s Batman TV show? Remember how Batman always had speedy access to whatever tool he needed in that moment via his utility belt? Be like Batman. Prepare for security screening by stowing all your stuff in your carry-on bag, making sure to keep your phone, ID, and boarding pass (if it’s not already on your phone) easily accessible. Make sure your water bottle is empty before you enter the airport.
Taking these steps will keep things moving so you’re not that person who holds everything up for everyone else. Our social agreement works best when each of us does our best to be as out of the way as possible.
4. Know Your Luggage
Packing efficiently requires an in-depth understanding of your luggage. You want to avoid overstuffing it so as not to exceed the 50-pound weight limit and also to leave room for souvenirs. And, because for some reason scientists have yet to explain, soiled clothes never pack as tightly on the way home as their clean version did on the way out, leave room for worn socks and underwear. To achieve this, you must take a Tetris-like approach to packing. There exists an order, a hierarchy. What that is, is unique to your luggage, how you fold your clothes, and how many pairs of shoes you’re bringing.
Also, like when parallel parking, it is paramount that you know exactly how much space your luggage takes up. This has to be considered when sitting down for a drink or meal at any airport bar or restaurant, or at the gate. Be mindful of yourself and others. Do all you can to reduce your luggage footprint. Again, don’t be that person.
5. Treat the Overhead Bins with the Reverence They Deserve
But all this aside, what can you do to make things easier for yourself and others? Stow that clunky roller bag in the overhead bin on its side, wheels first. This leaves enough room for others to store their bags. And never occupy bin space with your coat. Hold onto that thing until everyone has boarded. I’ve been hailed as both hero and villain several times for removing another passenger’s coat to make room for actual luggage, only then to fold the coat neatly into the remaining space. There’s always room if we respect the room we have.
6. Choose the Right Seat and Make the Most of It
A window seat is great. You got the view and the wall to lean your sleepy head against. But if your bladder is an active one, secure the aisle seat so you’re not disturbing your row mates every 30 minutes. And maintain the Batman utility belt mindset. Your carry-on is your lifeline when in flight. Organize it with easy access to your snacks, your reading material, your headphones, phone, iPad, laptop, et al.
ROAD TRIPPING
7. Prep Your Vehicle
A road trip is a marathon and you want it to be ready for the long haul. Don’t try to tackle America’s roads with a car in need of mechanical attention. Get the oil checked, fill your tires and ensure they’ve got enough tread on them to handle the miles. And while you’re at it, give it a quick vacuum. It’s going to get messy with the snacks and garbage and inevitable spill of coffee or Red Bull. You’ll have less to clean up when you get home and want nothing more than a shower yourself.
8. Pack the Snacks
Keep it simple. Beef jerky for protein. Combos or Corn Nuts for carbs. Twizzlers for sugar. Avoid chocolate. It melts. And it always seems to melt on your seat when a Snickers crumb falls from your bite leaving a chocolate brown stain on your backside. No one wants to be seen with that kind of stain—even if it’s just being seen by strangers at dusty gas stations and roadside diners.
9. Curate the Playlist
Audio books are great for long drives. Podcasts, too. When it comes to music, I like to give it a theme. Songs about the road, songs about the destination, songs that are a joy to sing along with, songs with great harmonies or call and response parts so you and your passengers can live out your rockstar fantasies at 70 mph. There is also a lot of fun to be had with Radio Roulette. You find a station and stick with it until the static becomes unbearable. Then, scan the dial for the next station. You can really get to know your country by experiencing what local radio stations are broadcasting.
10. Know Your Roads and What They Offer
Modern navigation systems have just about killed the need for that trusty Rand McNally map. But with the paper map or on your Google Map, it’s helpful to take a look at your trip wholistically. If you’re planning on breaking up the drive with an overnight stay, at least get an idea of where the best motels or hotels are. This is especially useful when driving with pets. You don’t want to be tired and cranky after a 10-hour drive scouring the highways or the internet via phone for a pet-friendly roadside bivouac.
11. Have Fun
The most important tip you must consider no matter where you’re going, what you’re going to do there, or how you get there is to have fun. Make the most of every fantastic discovery as well as every delay or pothole. Our world can feel really scary, but getting out there, experiencing new things and people gives us greater understanding of the chaos. Even if you’re traveling to a familiar destination, an annual pilgrimage to your happy place, being prepared for the journey is the surefire way you’ll have the most fun possible.
