What life-changing travel tips can you share?

The realization that no one is going to care if I wear the same clothes/colour scheme for the whole trip … they’re not going to see you again. (My partner is a fierce advocate of packing lightly and couldn’t care less if he’s staring at the same sweater 4 days in a row 🤣)

In the past couple of years we did a month in Portugal/Northern Spain with just a carryon each, ditto Ecuador/Galapagos, ditto England/Germany …

Good anti-perspirant, light layers, silk long underwear for layering - featherlight, breathes, looks fine under a tank top or tee, a silk or pashmina bright shawl/wrap over black pants - takes you everywhere.

No one will care if you wear the same clothes as long as you don’t stink or have mustard stains down your front!

For frequent travelers, have a set aside kit for travel that just lives in your travel bags. Phone/watch charger, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, umbrella... everything you need except clothes. Makes packing and unpacking so easy.

I can't sleep on flights, so for most trips I always reserve my lodging for the night before I arrive, so I can check in on arrival. This mostly applies to red eyes/international travel.

Keep digital files of all your documents

Travel light preferably no check-in luggage

If you are a frequent traveler having airport lounge access makes things a lot more comfortable and you can worry less about having stop overs

If you check a bag, pack a clean set of clothes and undergarments in your carry on. I toss a mini deodorant and a toothbrush/toothpaste from an amenity kit inside as well and zip it all up into a compression packing cube. Twice now I’ve had experiences where I was stuck / stranded airside and unable to get my luggage (which was in the airport, I just couldn’t access it - two long stories) and all I wanted was clean clothing and deodorant.

Get a few AirTags and put them in your luggage and carry on bags. I love the peace of mind knowing that I can track them, and I also like knowing I can get on the plane and see that my bag has also made it on.

Pack a packable duffel bag in case you come back with more than you left with / I definitely utilized this when traveling home from Morocco!

If you travel to a specific region often, buy a power strip with the appropriate plug type. For example, I travel globally but to Europe most often. I bought a power strip that has three outlets and three USB slots. This came in handy at a hotel in Austria where the entire room had ONE wall outlet. Given the number of devices to charge these days, it was convenient to plus this one thing in and still be able to charge everything up! Bonus: while this power strip has a European plug, it came with its own adapters so I can still use it elsewhere.

1. Compression socks for long haul flights 2. Understand your trip insurance benefits (whether through your CC or a third-party) BEFORE there’s an issue and you need to make a claim. Just makes it generally less stressful if you’ve already got points of contact lined up 3. Always keep an emergency fund. Never know when you may have to rebook a flight or hotel last minute

Not sure if these are common tips or life changing but for me:

• Bring different kinds of charging cables (i.e. rental cars and outlets at airports sometimes use USB-A or USB-C)

• Download things for when there is weak or no connection (i.e. Google maps, music, movies, etc.)

• If you're traveling in the US, download the CityPass app (or something similar) for good deals on popular tourist attractions.

• Check what time places open and close at. I wanted to go to a museum but it wasn't opened on that day. Don't be like me and research earlier.

• Check reviews and video reviews from various sources before booking (i.e. hotels, Airbnb, car rentals etc.)

• Check for affordable transportation options. For instance, the Divvy bikes and scooters in Chicago are free for a certain number of minutes.

• Hotels that have a kitchen/kitchenette is super convenient and saves money from eating out.

• Hotels with free or cheap parking. I made the mistake of not checking for this once and the hotel was charging $55 per day. I found a cheaper alternative at a parking garage a few streets away, but it was inconvenient to get to it and walk back to the hotel.

• For rental cars, take pictures and shoot a 360 degree video of the car (i.e. pre-exiting scratches, bumps, etc). Know what type of gas the car needs to factor in how much gas will cost (i.e higher octane gas costs more). Get damage protection, liability insurance, and roadside assistance. The cost will add up but it'll be worth it if you compare how much it would cost if something were to go wrong. Some credit cards already come with damage protection but I hear the claim process is quite a hurdle.

Half the clothes and twice the money.

You don’t need a different outfit everyday; if you run out you can buy something and it will be a better memory.

Realize you are probably going to get scammed or pay too much for something. It’s all part of the experience and don’t fret over it.

I’m going on a sailing trip and need compressible luggage. I’m trying packing cubes for the first time since it will be a soft sided duffle. So far it looks like it will be a great move to keep things reasonably straight and fewer wrinkles.

1. Pack an extension cord so you can peruse reddit in your hotel bed while charging.
2. Do the dishes and take out the trash before you leave. Clean out the refrigerator if it is a long trip. Otherwise coming home might not be pleasant.

• Marino wool everything

• Get natural/similar colours and re-wear until it stinks or look dirty

• Hand luggage only

• Always have the important stuff in the EDC along with a change of clothes - in case you need to gate-check your bag

• Visa and Master card. It can even shock to realise that in some places not both are accepted.

• Get ING - they give the ATM and international transaction fee back. I have literally saved thousands of dollars

• PacSafe or similar bags give me peace of mind when I’m travels alone

• Eat out to experience the local food. Boring home-cooked food is as the name implied for home

Old school: * Print out reservations - had the phone go down before. This saved the day.

• Photocopy of passport. Saves you having to hand it over in hotels etc.

• Have a small piece of paper with the currency converted. It’s not always a good idea to pull the phone out to calculate what the cost is.

These are the things that have made the biggest impact in my travels

1. Carry on only - day pack under your seat and carry on friendly backpack in the overhead. It makes your life so much easier and you don’t need that much stuff!

2. Invest in a quality backpack. Lots of places in the world are ‘old world’ which means tons of stairs, alley ways, etc (all not roller friendly). I’m a big advocate of backpack travel. Bite the bullet and get one that’s durable but also designed to be comfortable! Weight distribution goes such a long way in making a better experience. I can go for hours with my Osprey and that waist strap is a big reason why.

3. Travel towel - takes no space, dries quick, great for whatever adventures you get into!

4 - Do your research- learn about where you’re going before hand! What are the common scams to look out for? What’s the average cost of xyz? What are the local etiquettes and customs? What time do things open/close? This helps make you less of a target and makes for a much better trip!

5- small med kit- have done band aids, ointment, pepto, aspirin etc! If you’re on a 10 hour bus ride (or plane) and you’re not feeling so hot…..you’ll be thankful

6 - build in some flexibility- Plans change, flights get delayed, the weather changes…. Give yourself a buffer (when you can) and stay flexible to change. Find the upside in the changes and go with the flow!

7 - stay curious - traveling is really fun but can be exhausting too. Stay curious about the world around you and be excited to see what’s around the next door! Wanting to learn is half the battle.

Good luck and have fun!!

Huge defender of traveling with carry on only here… but if you have children, do a favor to yourself and check a baggage. I can’t stand the hassle of not being able to pack everything up in our back home with all the toys, clothes, etc we usually buy abroad, plus the souvenirs, coffee mugs (I collect them)

Traveling alone or as a couple? do the opposite lol

Always pack fewer clothes than you think you'll need. You can always wash clothes at a washeteria or in the bathroom sink.

Always have several copies of your passport on hand so that it's easier to get a new one if your is lost or stolen.

Always pack snacks for your trip - granola bars, protein bars etc. Either for delays on your flight or for snacks on your trip.

Phone Strap! It frees up your hands, safe from thieves, while still being conveniently accessible.

On every flight I've had recently (I average 8 per week), the airline has required people to check their roller bags at the gate due to limited space (It has been the same for the 4 airlines I travel). Usually, if you're in one of the later boarding groups, this applies to you. Sometimes, you will be able to collect your bag at the end of the jet bridge when you get to the next stop, but often, your bag will be sent on to your final destination to be collected at baggage claim. Make sure that you have everything you will need for your entire day of travel in a bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. I pack toiletry items, a clean shirt, clean socks, and clean underwear, as well as snacks and some other things that make a long layover more comfortable, in a bag that fits under the seat.

I understand the appeal of carry-on only, but I would prefer to check a bag if I have a layover of any length; I don't want to lug extra stuff through an airport, expecially if I'm running to catch a tight connection or if I have to spend several hours in one place. It's more hassel than it's worth, in my opninion, and baggage claim only takes about 10 minutes.

1) Unless you have a specific cologne or perfume, the remainder of unnecessary toiletries can be bought at destination, don't waste key luggage space. Huge plus: Europe and Asia have better skincare and toiletry products than US because they’ve banned a lot of unsafe ingredients - so not only are you healthier you’re the world traveled friend that knows of all the cool stuff that makes your US friends jealous.

2) Vacuum seal your clothes for more space, and with that, recon the neighborhoods you are staying in for cheap laundry businesses - this means less packing of undergarments and heavy shirts/pants and less to carry with you - you can travel the world for weeks with 4 - 6 days worth of basics with access to a laundromat. Carry on's are the way to go, try and find an elusive 21.5” vs the BS 20” bags. That extra 1.5” can go a long way 🤣

3) Situational awareness - if your spidey sense comes up, definitely keep your head on a swivel. Never sit with your back to a door, know multiple routes to and from your hotel, maintain knowledge of major landmarks around your area when you're walking or in an Uber, Taxi, Cabify (Colombia), Grab (Asia), etc. Keep an eye out while walking, assess if the people around you seem to be hovering or jostling. Scan the crowd, use reflective surfaces to see who may be following you. You want to blend in as much as possible. Learn a few phrases in the language of the country your visiting, 5 basics said even in the roughest accent is better than being the ignorant American with 1 language skill.

4) Don't overshare your travel - keep your voice down about plans, locations, room numbers, arrival and departure times.

5) Plug the hotel door peep hole with tissue, a band aid or something similar, for extreme privacy - fun fact that 75% of those can be unscrewed from the outside.

Very Jason Bourne-ish for the last ones, but I've seen a lot of thieves, assaults, grab and dash thefts, scams, and general tourism challenges across my global travel, which can be life changing or ruined vacations without the precautions.

If you travel with your partner, divide the cash and credit cards into your money belts. Yes, I know money belts are not cool but when I travel I know my passport and cards are safe. We each take three different credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. I email all the credit card numbers, phone numbers to call, etc to myself and my husband. That way, I can always use the business computer to access my email where I stay to retrieve that info. I always have enough foreign currency to get me through three days when I leave home. It’s worth the $100 to use my phone travel plan with almost unlimited data instead of the $10 a day plan. Never ever fly without noise cancelling earphones. Compressed packing cubes are a must if you use carry on luggage. I still carry paper copies of my hotel and train reservations, tour reservations, etc in case my phone is stolen or damaged.

I have traveled extensively for pleasure and work. Currently in an airport waiting on a delayed flight for a 31 day trip to Europe.

1) carry-on only. I cannot stress how much this makes traveling easier.

2) airport lounge access. Just spent 4 hours in a lounge eating and drinking my delay away. Also the lounge concierge can rebook you on much better flights and there is rarely a line.

3) eating out at locals favorite restaurants is an awesome experience. Usually excellent food and very affordable.

4) most car insurance and credit card companies have all the insurance you need for rentals.

5) learn some key local phrases/niceties. They love that you are trying even if you are slaughtering the language.

I always take a gallon Ziploc bag with a couple of apples, almonds, a bagel, some baby carrots, 2-3 meal-replacement bars or protein bars, and a single-serving size peanut butter. All items can be eaten without refrigeration, and they’re great for when my layover is only 30 mins or even to have in the hotel as extra healthy snacks.

The bag easily goes through security, and as soon as that happens, I put it into my carry-on.

Grocery stores and markets >> restaurants.

Pack only the essentials. The less weight you carry, the more comfortable you’ll feel during your travels.

Learn about the culture, customs, and norms of the place you’re visiting. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and adapt better.

Even if you don’t speak the language perfectly, learning a few basic phrases can make a difference in communicating with locals.

Plans can change, so keep an open mind and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Walking allows you to discover hidden places and appreciate details you might overlook in a vehicle.

Cuisine is a fundamental part of culture don’t miss the opportunity to try authentic dishes.

Connect with other people during your trip; it can be an enriching experience that provides a different perspective.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to activate an eSIM like Yohomobile to stay connected hassle-free. Bon voyage! 🌟🌍✈️

Global entry + TSA precheck.

I fly out on the summer to spend the whole summer with my folks as they are getting older. It’s very hard for me to pack light since I have a lot of medication and my portable nebulizer etc. I called my mail order pharmacy and specialty pharmacy to see if they could send all my refills and my upcoming medications to my folks house. They were able to do that. It was extremely nice that I didn’t have to carry all my injections for my MS and Crohn’s and my other specialty medications as well as my regular ones. I just explained to my mom that when my Stelara arrives to keep that one in the fridge but my MS ones could just go in my room. That was a huge help and I will do that every year from now on. Of course since this is my folks house and I’ll be back next year, the things I have duplicates of , like my Athena razors 🪒, some of my bathing suits etc, I’ll just leave there as well as my spare portable nebulizer. That’ll be a huge help for next year.

Reserve, reserve, reserve. Early and often.    

 Of course it depends on your trip and style but if you do put the effort into planning and getting excited, it really sucks to miss it when you could have just booked ahead.  

Leisure and Tourism is only getting bigger in this world and if there’s something you really want to do, a specific restaurant, an activity, a museum, a show? beach chairs, table for drinks…. reserve!

1. Don’t make too many dinner reservations. Your most memorable meal may be cheese, wine, and baguette. You never know until you’re smelling fresh bread that it’s all you ever really wanted.

2. Forget one clothing item you need. The hunt to replace it locally will show you what a city is all about.

3. Don’t carry your passport to go out. If you insist, keep it anywhere but your back pocket. This is the first place people look.

4. Prepare a small spray bottle of vodka and pack it. It’s a very efficient clothing refresher—old theater trick for costumes. Not harsh on fabrics like isopropyl is.

5. Keep a “landing” pouch in your personal item. A few individually wrapped face wipes, tiny tin of mints, hand sanitizer, lip balm. I store these with my earplugs and eye mask. Anything you need to feel less 30% undead when you land.

6. Medicate correctly. Get sublingual-dissolving melatonin instead of capsules. For women: carry boric acid and d-mannose, especially if you’re on a trip with a man. Pack a few ginger candies and activated charcoal tablets.

7. Carry a pair of thick, compressive socks in your personal item so they’re easy to access but you don’t have to wear them in the airport.

8. Downsize all your essential products into capsules. I like cadence. These are all ready to go when I am. Refill when you arrive home, not when you have to pack.

9. Buy a small power strip that has an international converter. Nothing is worse than every device you own running out of power and you have one pathetic converted outlet for all of them.

10. Bring band aids. You never know when even your best shoes will turn on you, but you can guarantee it will be when the only way you can get to the pharmacy is by walking in the same shoes.

11. Embrace a lack of sleep as part of the experience. If you lay down, you stay there, so don’t. All of my most important memories happened on nights where I was so tired I couldn’t stand and kept going anyway. Drink the espresso martini. Own incoherence. Get weird. You may only be here once. It’s always better to sleep it off than sleep through it entirely.

Buy your infant a seat when you can afford to.

Earbuds/ headset, charger, power adapter, downloaded playlists, audio books, or series. Elizabeth Arden 8hr cream skin protectant. I'm an introvert, so I find travel very draining. I've bought some really high-end Samsung earbuds that are active noise cancelling. They are brilliant in transport, airports, and aeroplanes. I have an acoustic chill playlist that I've downloaded to listen to while on the move; and audio books and series for long flights/ waiting. Life-changing. I travel without makeup and apply EA 8hr skin protectant on top of my moisturiser, then reapply liberally throughout travel. Aircon, temp changes, and dehydration can wreak havoc with your skin. You can get to the other end and put on a bit of bronzer and mascara, and you're good to go.

Take an extension plug with multiple outlets. Then you only need to find one adapter plug for the trip and won’t spend your time waiting for things to charge one at a time

No more than 2 bags at any time, pack less buy something if needed. Pack one bag half full leaving some room to buy new things

Digital copies of all documents and cards (credit debit, health, whatever) stored in the cloud or sent to your email.

Place a card with your contact information inside your luggage. Take picture of your luggage before check in for identification.

Carry with you a change if clothes.

Buy some kind of health insurance.

Print, save online and carry with you a list of essential phone numbers, in case your mobile phone is stolen or lost.

Carry all your medicine in their original packaging and take prescriptions with you. This is a legal requirement.

No Jet Lag Pills. I originally found them at REI but for a more recent trip, I got them off Amazon. You end up feeling merely tired after being awake for 26 hours rather than absolutely deceased.

Booking business class

Oh! I thought of another :)

Have a spreadsheet (or a Word table) template that you use for each trip. It should have:

BASICS (stays the same unless updated):

passport #, emergency contact, trip/medical insurance, credit/debit card lost/stolen contacts, medical info - your home insurance, allergies, meds

(AND same for your travel partner, if applicable)

LOGISTICS:

Airline/train/buses/rental car companies - addresses, contact info, reservation #s, dates, which card you paid with

Accommodations- ditto

Restaurant/theatre reservations - ditto

Museums/attractions prepaid - ditto

House/pet sitter contact info

---

Print it off, stick it in the bottom of your carryon.

Download a copy to your phone.

It’s annoying to set up, but once you have, super-easy to just stick everything in as it gets planned. That way you’ve a quick reference, one stop shopping for everything. V handy in an emergency.

Consider alternative airports, so instead of flying out of a crazy busy airport like Oakland, CA do Sacramento, CA.

I travel a LOT (get ready for a long story if you're up for it!)... mostly domestic though... I have had very few instances of late luggage but once, (incredibly) damaged luggage that had to be immediately replaced because I couldn't even leave the airport (and the airline was amazing). I know this isn't the most popular opinion to your question... But depending on the airline, I CHECK MY BAGS!!! ... especially if it is free or not that expensive. I flew today from Tampa to Dallas, then Colorado Springs on Southwest. I had 2 checked bags (FREE) and one easy carry on (personal item). #1) I hate a big carry on (like a suitcase!) + a personal item when I'm traveling alone and have to change planes (...meh... direct flights... Not so bad...). #2) In this case I was bringing one bag to leave in Colo with my friend who needed some stuff they left with me (score!)... And the other suitcase (my stuff) is coming with me for the rest of my journey. My next leg will be to another major city for part 2 of vacay. But with a different airline that charges for luggage (and yes, I have another layover 🙄). Look, I see it this way: "If I HAD to keep all my luggage with me, would I be willing to pay someone $25 to follow me around and keep an eye on it during my bathroom trips and getting food, etc. during my 2 hour layover... And then hoist it up into the overhead bin for me AND get it down without hitting someone's grandma on the head in the process????? (It's called Opportunity Cost... and yes, I'd pay it!) So that I don't have to deal with it? YES! On this trip, the answer was YES (note: this is ONLY if I'm alone, or traveling with students who might need me or with my kid, alone)... sometimes it's a NO (traveling with my entire family which has enough of us to help people get stuff out of the overhead bins quickly!)... But usually... YES!!!!! I know carry-on seems convenient to most people and I'm a frugal packer... But good grief... If I'm staying long enough to need a suitcase (no matter how small) and I also have stuff to bring with me (personal item)... AND if there is a layover (the defining factor!!!)... Decisions are made!

1) Get a carry on bag that is the max. size for the carry on limit; many luggage brands sell them. Max room and never a problem with "oh no this one is too big".

2) Get one good phone charger. Them new GaN chargers are tiny and super powerful and often come with several outlets. I can recommend the Ugreen 65W GaN charger.

3) Get a USB-C (or whatever exact connector you need) cable of good quality and (!) length. The outlet in the hotel room next to your bed may be farther away than you'd like. I pack two 3m/10' cables.

4) Get a good powerbank, but don't go too big: There is a IATA limit of 27500 mAh, so go a bit lower. Friend of mine did not know and got his power bank confiscated at security.

5) Take vital information with you in two forms: Digital and on paper, like boarding pass, hotel reservation, passport etc.

6) Store digital copies of vital documents in a password manager. Heck, use a passwort manager to begin with :-)

7) Search and store adresses of places you are supposed to go e.g. in Google Maps for easy access before the trip. Getting lost when late for the flight while trying to find the rental car dropoff place at Rome FCO is not pleasant, ask me how I know :-)

8) Learn the IATA airport codes of the airports you are traveling from/to/via. Learn some air travel related lingo as well, like "landside", "airside", "layover" etc.

9) If your flight gets cancelled or is delayed, remember that there is websites that can handle getting money from the airlines for you. Also know your basic rights as a passenger.

10) If you check in baggage, put the baggage receipt in a safe space.

11) There is an app called WorldTracer where you can trace checked in baggage like a package. I used it in the past but it seems to need an account now? Maybe check out https://mybag.aero/ fwiw.

12) Have everything you cannot have not accessible in checked in baggage. I once had a flight delayed from FCO to MUC, was rebooked to a flight next day. Lufthansa booked me in a hotel no worries, but my overnight essentials where in my checked in bag which they could not get out of baggage handling that night.

13) Do not post a picture of your boarding pass on social media!!! People can rebool or cancel your flight with the info.

14) Get a drinking bottle for your backpack. Many airports offer free drinking fountains to fill bottles.

Hotel lobbies have public restrooms (maybe not always since so many decided to comment about this, but it's a better chance than other places)

Packing cubes

When we traveled from Canada to Italy, we got an advanced drivers license so we could rent a car and drive while we were there. Pack light, you can always hand-wash some items.

I keep a full toiletry kit ready to go, since that is what takes me the longest to pack. I bought mini sizes of all the makeup I use, fragrance samples, shampoo packets, etc. It’s all in the quart size clear bag and when I come back from a trip I just replenish, and it’s ready to go again.

Note listing essential travel items on your phone to use as a checklist.

Having a travel wifi device!! Works in any country and I have my own personal service

Joining the local Facebook groups or travel group for the city you are visiting ahead of time. Really good for finding some hidden gems and tips and tricks you would not always find when searching. Great for private guides too!

I pick window seats on the opposite side as the sun so I’m not blinded or so the sunrise doesn’t wake me if I’m planning to sleep lol. My last trip, I got a backpack with a handle and wheels, I used it to pack for beach days so all the weight could be rolled around vs carrying and it fit the detentions of a carry on so it was super easy for airports. Packed a neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs in my carry on. I also use a solar charger so I don’t have to worry about finding a plug in. Packed a large water bottle to refill so I wasn’t buying bottles. For the beach, I also purchased a uv umbrella for sun and rain protection. Had got 2 phone cases that go around the neck. One for protecting my phone for water photos (cenote pics and videos were awesome) and the other to cary around money. I also packed a power bar for the hotel so I had enough plugs and power surge protection.

I always bring a battery powered, motion sensor activated nightlight so I can find the bathroom. I position it in such a way that it won’t activate when I turn over in bed but will gently illuminate the path to the bathroom when I get up in the middle of the night.

Essentials: expandable fanny pack that turns into a backpack. Battery bank. UniversalTravel multi charger. Small amounts of all medicin (sucks trying to find medication while sick in a foreign country). Noise cancelling AirPods (for crying baby’s on flights). A set of clothes accessible to change into while on the plane before you land (feel so much better after a long haul flight). A compressed thin towel (looks like a puck on Amazon) for when you want to use the pool at the resort before your 6pm flight but have to be out of the room by 11am.

Compression packing cubes - not so much for the extra storage (although that helps) but for the organizational ability. And a foot hammock for the plane - it goes over the tray table, opened or closed, and cradles your feet so your legs are stretched out. It's great for sleeping, but I used it pretty much the whole four and a half hour flight I was on last year.

Check your credit card small print! Some insure stuff you purchased on the card. Had a new iPhone stolen in Portugal and the Chase Visa reimbursed us. But be sure to have documentation - we filed a police report.

• Sometimes the taxi from the airport is cheaper than the Uber/Lyft. Check the prices.
• If you really need to call an Uber/Lyft from the airport, take a hotel shuttle out of the airport area and call for a pick-up from the hotel. Can save you $20-30.
• If you're going somewhere with public transit and intend to use it a lot, check if they have day passes. They'll often be more economical.
• Everyone's mentioned this one already, but really consider skipping the checked baggage. Do the math on the checked baggage fees (exception: Southwest). Most airlines will charge $35 each way to check a bag; that means you are looking at $70 round trip. Consider a.) whether you need all that luggage and b.) whether you can just buy everything at your destination for less than $70. Seriously, you really don't need all those change of clothes!
• Got carry-on? Use a duffel bag and not a roller bag. Why? Because even when the overhead bin space is getting full, airlines will often let duffel bags through without checking them, because they can be compressed, unlike roller bags. (Bonus: you can launder duffel bags after your trip if you're paranoid about bed bugs.)
• Save an offline map using Google Maps ahead of time if you're unsure about internet access.

Packing checklist template

This way I don't have to make a new checklist every time and worry if I missed anything. If the checklist is missing something, I update the template so I don't miss it next time.

use the app omio to book trains busses etc. i used this when backpacking europe for 3 months - i didn't have to go on each individual country's train app but instead had everything in one place.

easy to use, easy to book.

Hotel safety tips: 1–Roll a tissue piece into a ball and shove it into the peephole of your door. 2–hang a washcloth or hand towel or sock etc over the flip-out door lock and cinch it directly under the lock with a hair tie or rubber band (i bring a “broccoli band” which is a heavy duty rubber band). 3–always ALWAYS engage the deadbolt and use the flip-lock 4–if you have a connecting room make sure the deadbolt is secured, unless you know and trust the people in that room. 5–insert the “do not disturb” sign into the door jamb as you leave so it looks accidental…but if it’s not still like that when you return, it may mean that someone has been in your room 6–open the closets and hidey holes immediately every time you return to the room

**I’m a 6’3” and large man but I always do all of these things every time I travel (which is ~48 weeks per year!)

Stay safe out there!

Kevin Kelly: “On vacation, go to the most remote place on your itinerary first, bypassing the cities. You'll maximize the shock of otherness in the remote and then later you'll welcome the familiar comforts of a city on the way back.”

Unpack your suitcase the instant you get home. Clothes to laundry, travel stuff back in the travel drawer, suitcase back in the closet. Nothing worse than the suitcase sitting out for 2 weeks with random shit hanging out.

Packing cubes, using them creates so much more space and keeps everything organised. There are compression packing cubes now, that are even better

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

I didn’t know until last year that most thunderstorms during summer time were results of hot humid air, and so they usually happened in the afternoon after the land had been heated.

Since then if I needed to travel in summer around the east coast areas, I either chose to do it in the morning or just assumed that my flight would be delayed and prepared accordingly. It might not change anything in real life but my mental health during traveling was improved…

Pack light and versatile for easy movement. Learn a few local phrases, it shows respect and helps you navigate. Connect with locals for insider tips but stay safe and aware.

Bringing my own small foam pillow, takes up space but I rather have a good sleep.

More underwear and socks! More than 7 days you will have to laundry so don’t overpack. Always have a snack in your carryon suitcase/bag

When you stay at hotels with electronic key cards, ALWAYS lock the clasp, and the inside deadbolt mechanism.

Besides being a safety thing, the deadbolt disables the door from keyed alike cards. Why is this important? The front desk makes mistakes. I travel all the time and have walked into rooms with people sleeping in them countless times. Just happened to me last week.

I used the app to check in, and got my key electronically. I went straight to the room, opened the door and it was dark. I saw a bag on the floor in front of the closet and could see someone's feet in the bed. This was Texas, so thank god they weren't carrying or at least didn't wake up fast enough.

Now you can watch a million YouTube videos on how people defeat the clasp, etc. but this will slow them down, and at least you'll never have anyone walk in on you while you are asleep.

Pack light - no one wishes they had brought more. If it doesn't fit in a carry-on, edit your choices. Just about everywhere in the world has places to replace hygiene items, so carry small travel size. Run out of toothpaste? Pick it up wherever you're traveling. Observe more, become a local. Even if you're traveling where you don't speak the language, most language is non-verbal. Observing makes things easier. Download audio guides before leaving (walking tours, museum guides, etc.). Use apps to your advantage - Google translate, Uber, Google or Apple Pay, city guides/maps, currency converter, etc. Become a temporary local.

Check out airport maps if you are making a connection. Make sure you have enough time to get there. Avoid connecting through ATL if you can.

Luggage tags:

I write out all pertinent information for each leg of travel on luggage tag inserts and have them as prepared as possible before I leave and update as needed.

On the first insert I put my name, date of departure, Airport codes, flight number(s)‚ my tele# and the address of the hotel/AirBnB etc. where I'll be staying... repeat for every leg of the journey.

On the return: I put all the same information but add my home address instead. This will help you get your bag sent to the right place at the right time. You don't want your bag sent to your home address if you're just arriving in your destination.

This hack helped me get my bag delivered to my hotel during my trip instead of it waiting for me at home. Also, putting the same information inside the bag and adding a business card if applicable is also helpful in case the luggage tag is lost.

Guru Walk app for local free (w tip) guided tours.

Roll shirts, underwear and wrap socks inside each other. Everything is going to be wrinkled to some degree anyway. The amount of room u save is surprising. Only fold button up dress shirts and pants., maybe denim.

Shoes in a plastic bag, stacked and placed at bottom of bag or suitcase. Folded clothes next, rolled stuff on top of all. Use the space between on sides for whatever extras like scarves or layers.

Dress light and wear ur jacket or keep it on ur lap on the plane. Wear ur slip ons/sandals on the plane also to get thru security faster. Use Carry on only for electronics/cords u want for entertainment and toiletries/snacks.

Definitely plan to mix and match similar clothes/colors if u want more options. Always take at least one dress button down.

Packing cubes! My husband chuckled when we first got married and I swore by them. But then he used them and was hooked. So easy to organize your bag - basically putting drawers in a suitcase or duffel bag. Plus you can easily move the cubes when you’re at your destination. You can pack by type of clothing, different destinations on multi stop trips, etc., and then by the end of the trip you have a dirty clothes cube. Throw them all in the wash when you get home, rinse, and repeat!

I have a huge checklist, with some 70 or 80 items. Every trip is different, you might have just been to the cold in the mountains and you're next trip is to a sunny beach, so before packing up, I simply open the checklist and go item by item. I never forget anything and this has been helping me immensely for decades.

Small rechargeable foldable fan. The noise helps drown out other noises and it makes the difference between a stuffy unbearable room and a stuffy but bearable room....

Driving 5 hours to save 100 bucks on a flight is stupid.

If you travel with cash money, never keep it all in one place. Try to divide it into different spots. Always have basic medicine on like for flu, allergy, stomach pain and diarrhea. Travel adapters are a must

Pack a reusable grocery/tote bag. Handy for trips to the local grocery/market, other errands, visiting a pool/beach, etc.

Pack a couple extra ziploc bags. Handy for all sorts of things, including transporting wet/damp socks or swimsuit. (Obviously you don’t want to leave those things in the ziploc for a long time.)

Take a refillable water bottle (or if you forget, reuse a bottle from a bottled drink).

Unlike in the US, some (many/most?) trains in Europe have security screening before boarding. Plan your arrival to the station accordingly.

In every major hotel lobby in the world is a toilet, use those instead of public toilets and get a "morning sir" on the way in to cap it off.

I always bring my own extension cord, that way I don’t need to keep looking for extra wall outlets. And I only need one universal adapter. And I’ve been using Wise/Revolut to change currency. Better exchange rate and lower fees. And I can use the card with no fees, except when taking money out at an atm.

I only bring a smart phone, but if you have lots of devices, bring a $8 US extension cord sold for holiday lighting. Then you only need one US-to-Euro (or Oz, China, etc) adaptor and can create 10 more US outlets for your camera, phone, ear bud, laptop, tablet chargers to plug into. Also, while in the US, you can introduce the cord between the wall outlet and another users, creating more outlets for everyone to use.

Splurge and dedicate a travel toiletries case that you continue to refine (and refill) after each trip. Versus taking your regular-sized items from home but forgetting a few things.

Take pepto

Roll your clothes when packing

Never take anything with you that you are not willing to lose (short of your photography kit and the like). Wear simple stud earrings and no other jewelry. Buy a cheap Timex.

You only need half the clothes you think you need.

USE PACKING CUBES

Sitting in your airplane seat when you realize there is no in flight entertainment like you assumed is the WRONG time to begin to download your own. Always check you have at least something while at home on wifi. Shame on me for flying mostly delta major routes, I began to presume it was just fleet wide at this point. Nope.

Do not nap on arrival day. Do whatever you have to to stay up until the local bedtime in order to sync your internal clock.

What’s the most popular sport in the country you’re visiting? Go to a match /tiurnament/etc live if possible or watch with locals in a pub

Go where you (and any traveling companions) want, not where people tell you to go. See what you want to see, not what others tell you to see. Travel how you want, not how others think you should.

Be happy with all your decisions, maybe a tour wasn't great or a meal was mediocre or the airline lost your luggage (and now you are wondering why you checked a bag) it's all part of the journey and part of your memories. Don't let some not so good things ruin a vacation.

In simplest terms, Don't worry, be happy!

I like to screenshot my boarding pass and have it pulled up before I get to the front of the security checkpoint, so I'm not looking for it online last second.

In addition to...

keeping my ID in my bra until I get to my gate.

And...

using a phone case that allows me to wear my phone around my neck, freeing up my hands.

Those 3 things help me get through security and have everything handy.

On some planes, the sides of the headrest fold forward, allowing you to rest your head on either side.The middle arm rests may come up (potentially useful for various reasons).

Invest in a speed charging block and bring an extra charging cable, preferably one with all 3 cord types USB, C-type. You never know if or when you'll need to charge something other than your main device.

Many small commercial planes still do not have USB ports at all! Plan accordingly.

Avoid Spirit Airlines if at all possible.

Always use an experienced, credible, travel agent. Cannot put a price on experience when you have an issue.

My rain kilt saved me during hiking in Scotland , gortex and Velcro, so easy to wrap around you and then easy and quick to take off when it’s sunny 10 minutes later. Also great if you’re walking in long grass or sitting in a stadium as a blanket. So much better than rain pants which are impossible to put on quickly without taking your shoes off. My Lululemon scarf that is so soft, I can use as a blanket or scarf and has snaps that do it up. Sleep mask, wax earplugs( way more comfortable) Advil cold and sinus( great for hangovers as well as headaches and pm version helps you sleep on the plane to avoid jet lag) a lock in case you have access to a locker for storage. And ok this is vain but I get my eyelashes done so no makeup needed, saves lots of products being needed. Get smaller bills for tips and I can usually get away with blundstone boots and a pair of shower flip flops( I can always get shoes wherever I need if I have to) and a she wee which is so women can pee standing as so many bathrooms are disgusting or if you on a hike are afraid what you might squat in. Oh and as a woman a diva cup is a must. Sorry if that’s too graphic for some but they are a travel must for me!

Expore the lesser known areas and walk randomly through cities. I've found some of the greatest places, people, and things just by walking with no agenda. Your mileage may vary.

*Compression packing cubes *Alpha direct ultralight fleece combined with rain shell instead of puffer. Try to eliminate single use items. *Bring an old and small iphone as a dupe and store separately just in case your phone is lost, stolen or broke. * Merino wool and Dr. Bronners peppermint soap covers up a lot of stink and drys fast. * Open up a Schwab account for free ATM withdrawals and no transfer fees. *Buy the latest Anker chargers and cables for fastest charging. Skip the cheap stuff! * Count out and bring only the meds you need. Walmart has some great travel containers for TSA. *Ultralight umbrella- Montbell makes a good one. *Be sure to make a copy of the BARCODE of your passport on the back. Expedites replacement. *When arriving at apartment or hotel, try to keep all your luggage, chargers, etc. close instead of scattered in the room. Less likely to forget. Put things back in your luggage after using. Always take time to do a final room check before leaving. *Smallest and cheapest Kindle to replace books. * Packing list on notes app on your phone. * Global entry and TSA pre. * Economy plus seating for overseas flights. Out of the cattle section, but not paying for business markup.

Carry- on only. I almost always pack for 3-4 days max, and plan to do laundry on longer trips. (Before this I had luggage go missing too many times to risk checking luggage again, plus it saves time on arrival). 

AirTag. No joke. They’re super cheap. My wife and I took separate vacations with friends from college, and both of our luggage got lost. Luckily, I had just bought air tags and affixed them to the inside of our respective luggage. We got the GPS coordinates for where they were and both (separately in different countries) got our luggage immediately sent to where we both were.

A pretty common tip, but I found it far more rewarding to live like a local rather than as a tourist.

You meet more locals this way and can really submerse yourself into the culture, rather than just being exposed to the performative "culture" you'll find at touristy places. Go where stores locals shop at, rather than stores geared towards tourists. Try eateries the locals use, rather than fancy tourist restaurants. Walk in areas where the people live and make their lives, where you can have real conversations and learn about how they live, rather than sticking to roads and strips that cater to tourists.

People ask me if I saw this place or that place while on vacation, and in most cases I have to admit that I did not. However I feel like I had a much richer experience by simply wandering around and discovering the real local culture. I far more enjoyed walking down the street and chatting with locals than riding in a cab to some tourist trap and back.

I keep a pill bottle with one to several of every imaginable pill/rx I could need in my travel bag.

Airport lounge access is a game changer - you won’t dread delays /long layovers as much. Have a variety of options too. I have PP, United club, admirals lounge, and chase CSR lounge access. Usually covers it. (Not to mention that the CCs that get me lounge access also have me never having to pay to check luggage).

Air tags in luggage. The one time you need it will be the best travel idea you’ve ever had.

Packable/disposable Rain poncho in your go-to travel carry on bag that just lives in a side pocket.

Talk to the locals! They’ll often suggest stuff that’s not mentioned anywhere online.

Always cross check prices that your local transportation guy offers (taxi, tuk tuk, etc). Especially if they offer you their number for future trips. Ask the person at your hotel or airbnb for an estimate. Cross reference them and then go with what is cheaper.

Do not stop to listen to whatever touts and hawkers are trying to sell you. Keep walking.

Pack your essential medication! Always pack more than you think you might need. I always pack some paracetamol (for fevers, headaches), some antacid, and anti diarrhoea medication.

Trying not to repeat things that've already been said:

Carry on bags are rarely lost. Choose a color that stands out in a crowd, or identify your bag in some other way -- patterned duct tape, a bandanna or scarf on the handle.

Don't pack your bag too tightly -- for example, don't shove things into your shoes. Especially if you have multiple stops on your trip, you'll have to keep on packing everything super-right, and that's just not easy. Also, you'll probably pick up items on your trip. If you've packed to the hilt, you won't be able to get them home -- or you'll end up with a second bag, and two bags are harder to keep up with. Leave some room in your bag!

For most trips you don't need more than 10 items of clothing -- just plan carefully and make sure they mix-and-match. Choose things that layer well and are thin enough to dry on a hanger. Pick up a small bottle of Soak (no rinse laundry detergent -- Amazon) and spend 10 minutes each evening on laundry.

Consider bringing your oldest pajamas, underwear, or whatever -- and throw them away at the end of the trip.

Make what I call a Shower Trio: In a typical Walmart bar soap case, pack 1/2 a shampoo bar, pack 1/2 a conditioner bar, 1/4 a bar of soap. Everything you need for the shower is now in one small case. Even without any hotel toiletries, this'll last you a month -- and you'll have extras at home to refill it for later. No liquids to show to the TSA.

Pick up a package of "Olay Daily Facials". They're dry disposable cloths with facial wash packed in -- wet them at the sink, and you're ready to wash your face.

Decant a bit of liquid make-up or moisturizer into a contact lens container. Pack your oldest make-up and toss it at the end of the trip.

Make your purse pick-pocket-proof: Sew a D-ring on the sidewall of your purse (cut the D-ring from an old purse and sew with dental floss). Pack your small things in soft Dollar Store eyeglass cases with plastic hooks. Hook the cases to the D-ring. A thief might get his hands on the eye glass case, but when he tries to pull it out, it won't move. He'll be confused and move on. Don't carry a wallet -- you don't need your library card and your local sub shop's lunchtime punch card anyway. Sew a small, flat pocket on the very bottom of your purse (under those eyeglass cases) and keep your money in that.

Plan a way to secure your purse while you're eating (you'll probably be using both hands, and your attention may not be on security). A purse with a hook at one end of the strap can be looped around a chair. Alternately, a purse hook takes up no space, but it allows you to "hang" your purse on the table. Never hang your purse on the back of your chair -- that's just asking for trouble.

Always keep your passport and credit card on your person -- underwear with pockets work well.

Carry a copy (paper or digital) of your passport, your driver's license, your credit card, your insurance information, and anything else of importance. If you're carrying a paper copy, unzip the lining of your suitcase and tape it BEHIND the cloth.

Instead of a whole sewing kit, just tuck a needle or two into the cloth lining of your suitcase -- and cover it with a bandaid or duct tape. Add a couple safety pins too. If you need to do an emergency repair, dental floss makes excellent thread.

Losing your phone would be a disaster. Buy a tether (Amazon) with a wrist strap and keep it attached either to your wrist or that D-ring inside your purse. At all times. Never leave your phone sitting on the table while you eat -- if it's not in your purse, put it between your legs.

Instead of using your credit card, buy a couple $100 VISA gift cards and keep all but one hidden away -- at the worst, a loss or a theft can only cost you $100. No concerns about identity theft if your gift card is stolen. Carry the "empty" VISA cards in your front pocket -- if a pickpocket takes the "empty", he'll think he's scored and will hurry away.

If you're a reader, bring a Kindle instead of books -- you can carry literally thousands of books in one hand. With the battery turned off, even with heavy use, mine'll keep a charge about 3 weeks.

It's easy to leave your cords or adapters behind. I just got my newest one from a hotel outlet -- thanks, previous occupant! Before you leave home, color your things with a paint pen or nail polish -- or add Washi tape. You won't overlook something bright red or purple.

Always carry a wide-mouth stainless steel drink cup. You can fill it with water or use it to take your leftover drink away from a meal.

I haven't figured this out yet but I've always wanted a cup holder for my coffee that would attach to my carryon bag ever since I saw a pilot using one. Knowing me I'll just get latte on everything.

Power banks and having overnight essentials/meds/change of clothes on your person. Phone strap!!! Airplane seats eat phones. Hand sanitizer, hard candy or mints, bandaids. I always travel with a tiny tube of nail glue. I've used it to repair all kinds of things. Safety pins. Lens/screen cleaning cloths. Individually wrapped deodorant wipes and or flushable wipes help freshen up if you've been stuck on a plane for 12 hours. Eye drops. Lip balm moisturizer. Water. Planes are like deserts.

Take fewer clothes.

I always carry a water bottle in my carry-on. Some airport have a water fount that you can fill up instead of paying for expensive bottles water. Anything valuable important like medicine putting your carry-on. Also, carrie one set of clothes in your carry-on just in case they lose your checked bag.

Keep two hair ties with you to tie up the cuffs of your wide legged jeans. It keeps them from dragging on the floor in disgusting public bathrooms. I once watched a girl do this on a train in Italy and I knew she was a travel expert.

Bring half the stuff and twice the money.

putting toiletries in a dry bag that backpackers use from REI. The dry bag is super light and folds down to nothing since it’s used by backpackers and it’s completely waterproof so you never have to deal with a mess from leaking conditioner.

Non-stop flights.

Scammers! IM LETTING EVERYONE KNOW EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE. Holisto is the parent company of Go Splitty & Traveluro.Now, after researching this Israeli based company, with offices are in Connecticut. They canceled my reservation & kept all my money! I'm not letting this go. I contacted The Co-founder, CEO, & CFO. You wouldn't believe what the CFO said! He started his response/emailwith UH, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. The FBI & the authorities NEED to step in & make some arrests. These are FELONY CHARGES.  They  need to be in prison. This is the United States! THEY HAVE SCAMMED ONE TO MANY!

• Packing cubes for maximum packing efficiency.
• Personal item or carry on only if you can do it. For lengthy travel, better if it’s backpack style, not wheels. I like Baboon to the Moon and Cotopaxi Allpa.
• Download everything offline- reservations, boarding pass, tickets, passport, ID, credit cards, insurance card, few key phrases in the local language, all of it.
• Compression socks on long flights.
• Wear sunscreen on flights and reapply.
• AirTags in all of your bags but ESPECIALLY checked luggage.
• Prevent blisters with leukotape rather than covering up/treating after they’ve already developed. Be generous with the tape anywhere that may rub.

1. Most airport outlets are either too far from you or don’t work so travel with a portable power bank that keeps its charge for days and buy a 10 foot (or longer)charger in case the power bank needs charging and you don’t have an outlet nearby

2. Sleep (or not) according to your destinations time so you avoid jet lag

3. Use the restroom before you board to avoid to have to wait in the plane

4. If you are one of the last ones to board, they might not have room on board for your carryon and will be forced to check it in.

5. Don’t drink gassy drinks. You’ll end up either burping or farting accidentally.

Read up on the scams before you arrive at your destination. There’s something satisfying as recognizing a scam and calling the scammer out.

Carry on only.

Including for international travel.

This is more of a mental thing, but on one of my first overseas trips (I was still in high school) I was seated on the plane with an older couple. She said to me “Traveling is really just a lot of waiting around, and something will go wrong.” As soon as you accept those things, then it’s easier not to get impatient and upset.