Smart Planning Makes Smooth Traveling

Traveling can be stressful if you are unsure of what needs to be done and when. When preparing for your next trip, you can plan ahead to make the journey easier. Learn 10 tips to make your trip out of town, traveling, and returning home as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Months Before You Leave

Book hotel rooms, flights, and car rentals as early as possible to get the best deals and ideal reservations.  Purchase event tickets in advance to ensure admission. You can begin planning your itinerary around the ticketed events.

2. Weeks Before You Leave

In the weeks before your departure, make all necessary arrangements. Schedule any pet sitters, mail checkers, and plant waterers. Get approved for the pre-check-in ability for your flight. Make sure you have any required items to travel internationally:

• Passport
• Charger
• Currency

3. Days Before You Leave 

Give emergency contacts keys and any information necessary while you are away. Look in the pantry to make sure you have something shelf-stable to eat when you return home. Buy and charge a power bank to pack for your cellphone in case of emergency.

4. Hours Before You Leave

Begin packing your bags the afternoon before you leave so that you can secure any missing items. Finalize your bags, sit out your carry-on, and schedule your cab for the morning ahead. Make sure your luggage is uniquely identifiable with something you can easily pick out of the luggage line.

5. Moments Before You Leave

Do a quick check of your home. Unplug any appliances. Check the stove and then take a picture of it to alleviate any anxiety later. Adjust your thermostat to conserve energy depending on the temperature outside. Finalize your carry-on to include your wallet, id, keys, tickets, phone, and charger.

6. Arriving at the Airport

Do your pre-check it in the cab on the way. Pre-check will save you time and the pains of waiting in line. Grab a snack and a drink to start the trip right, and then board early to eliminate any timing hiccups.

7. Departing the Airport

When your plan lands, let your cab or vehicle rental know you have landed. Identify all your luggage and make your way to your vehicle. Then, let the hotel know your arrival status to be sure your room is ready.

8. Enjoying Your Trip 

When you arrive at the hotel, carefully secure your belongings and photograph them for insurance purposes. When traveling, follow your itinerary to be sure you make it to all your pre-paid ticketed events. Be sure to have fun and take photos to commemorate your travels.

9. Hours Before You Return 

Shipping any purchases made on the trip will likely be cheaper than flying back with them. Double-check the visual of the hotel room against your initial photo to ensure you have everything.  Before the plane takes off, schedule a grocery delivery for the next convenient time after your arrival home.

10. Upon Returning Home 

When you get back home, shower and wash all of your clothing immediately. Be sure to leave reviews of the places you went and the services you used to make it easier for others to travel smoothly, too.

Up-to-date information makes smart planning easy. Use these 10 tips for a smoother trip next time you travel.