Smart Travel Tips for Less Stress and Savings

Podcast Episode Fifteen Notes

If you enjoy journeys like I do, these travel methods can reduce stress, frustration, and expenses, allowing you to savor new sights and build lasting memories. Here are some minor suggestions, such as carry-on packing advice and other insights gained over time to simplify every stage.

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Why seek travel tips?

Having recently returned from traveling, I thought this was the perfect moment to share my usual travel hacks because they are still fresh in my mind.

I am not an experienced globetrotter, but I love to travel and have found tricks to ease the process through the years. I will share some personal methods along with input and concepts from my wonderful Instagram community.

Grab your writing tools and jot down these helpful ideas and techniques for your next adventure.

To hear the advice, press PLAY on the podcast episode above, or review the transcript below.

SAVING MONEY ON FLIGHTS

Part of travel's delight is the anticipation and planning; sometimes we take long drives, and other times we fly. Since I've flown this year, I'll begin by discussing ways to reduce costs when booking airfare.

Use “incognito mode” for flight searches – I've heard it might assist searching on your computer in incognito mode. This mode prevents your computer from saving Google search cookies, potentially stopping airlines from raising prices based on your interest. If incognito searching is unclear, simply search Google for “How do I search for flights in incognito mode?” and the answer will appear. You are certainly not the first to ask Google this! However, after a brief check, I found a video suggesting this does not actually make a difference, so try it or skip it as you wish.
Check flight prices across different days of the week. – Depending on the destination, airfares can be lower on specific days; shifting your travel by just one or two days can lead to significant savings.
Consider a travel miles collecting card if you travel often. Consult your bank about credit cards that allow point accumulation for flight redemption. Review all terms and conditions carefully to find a suitable option, noting that some cards incur an annual fee while others are free.
Look for last-minute offers, newly established airline routes with discounts, or if you prefer cruising, check for discounted repositioning cruises.

Packing for Camp and Best Clothing Strategy

Once a trip is set, my thoughts turn to packing; I've learned that packing the day before is better than planning too far ahead, as overthinking packing is quite stressful!

Yet, every time I pack, I recall how my mother instructed us to pack for Summer camp each year.

She made us arrange all desired camp items on our beds as daily outfits, requiring a complete new set for every day. Each outfit pile needed all associated items, from shoes to earrings.

After this careful selection, we could then place everything into our suitcases.

I chuckle now remembering the enormous suitcases we carried for only 5 days of Summer camp!

Even now, I spread out my travel ensembles across the bed as I prepare, but my approach to packing has shifted completely. Rather than preparing a full outfit for each day, I focus on building a mix-and-match capsule wardrobe, allowing me to minimize the number of pieces. My primary advice for travel clothing is to select items you genuinely adore wearing in your everyday life.

Many years ago on my first trip to Hawaii, a friend accompanied me on a shopping spree to select island-appropriate attire. Anticipating intense heat, I chose pieces I would never normally wear at home, convinced I would suddenly grow to love them in the islands.

Surprisingly, I ended up avoiding those spaghetti-strap dresses in Hawaii just as much as I did at home. I stuck exclusively to the items I already cherished, and those new purchases remained unworn throughout the trip.

Regardless of trip duration, my commitment to traveling with only a carry-on is a deeply personal choice, yet I dislike the hassle of maneuvering heavy luggage stuffed with unused items during my time off.

Picture of me and my sister in an airport with my travel bags in front of me. — Though the photo of me and my sister is slightly out of focus, you can still spot my go-to carry-on essentials and my preferred summer travel outfit. Both are designed for ultimate comfort in both warm terminal environments and chilly, air-conditioned cabins.

TOP PACKING STRATEGIES FOR AIR TRAVEL

(Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links for your shopping ease.)

Invest in a durable suitcase and bags suited to your needs. I prefer using a carry-on as my primary bag. I seek carry-ons featuring smooth-rolling wheels, a robust handle, a base lining zipper, and a front zippered compartment. (This is the exact carry-on I own; I am a huge fan.) You definitely want to avoid a bag whose wheels detach after minimal use – I’ve experienced that frustration! I also appreciate the zippered base lining, as it enables packing between the metal frame without sacrificing interior space.

If your carry-on is black, I strongly advise attaching a vibrant accent to distinguish it from the multitude of other black bags on the baggage cart.

Ensure all your luggage sports an external ID tag, and remember to include one inside as well. My aunt endured a week-long luggage mishap when she flew to Canada to visit me. It appears the airline’s paper tag detached along with her identification, turning a simple search into a tedious process. Airlines now suggest carrying an internal ID card as a backup, so we consistently keep our cards tucked inside our bags.

Don your bulkiest ensemble and footwear for the flight, and pack a sweater or oversized scarf that can double as a blanket. This strategy conserves suitcase space, and the sweater proves invaluable, even in summer, when the air conditioning blasts you.
Skip the large, heavy jewelry or belts with substantial buckles when flying. You may need to remove them during security screening, and it’s a nuisance to reapply them while fellow travelers wait in line behind you!
Place all liquids in a transparent bag, adhering to your airline’s specific restrictions. I prefer keeping these travel-sized essentials in this clear bag at all times, making them simple to locate and ready for departure. My travel liquids include root lifter, mousse, hairspray, facial moisturizer, body lotion, toothpaste, and sunscreen. I utilize a Norwex face cloth with water for cleansing, which reduces the need for liquid face soap.

Since liquid limits can be tricky to navigate, another strategy I’ve employed is purchasing the necessary travel-sized items once I reach my destination. If I’m visiting family, I might even leave them there for my next visit!

Alternatively, you can repurpose small containers by filling them with your usual products. I favor tiny makeup sample containers for face lotion, and reliable travel-sized liquid containers are readily available on Amazon or at dollar stores.

Packing cubes have quickly become a game-changer for me! If you’re unfamiliar, these are zippered bags typically available in various rectangular sizes. The set I own features compression cubes with two zippers. I simply load clothes into the cube and seal it. There’s a secondary zipper that further compresses the contents, squeezing out excess air. This method saves considerable space and keeps my suitcase organized. Additionally, on my most recent trip, I found that a small cube filled with clothes makes an excellent plane pillow!

Here is the packing cube set I use – a four-piece collection in white.

Now, regarding any links I share: if you click on one and find the price is surprisingly steep, please know I didn't pay that amount! Amazon changes its pricing in ways that are hard to follow, so I often suggest alternatives. Choose one of those that appears to have a fairer rate.

Picking the right personal item is key. You are permitted to bring a personal bag alongside your carry-on, whether that’s a purse or a laptop case. Be sure to verify your airline’s size restrictions. I have a personal item I am completely obsessed with. While it may not be the most stylish option out there, it is incredibly functional! It features a spacious main compartment, plus additional pockets encircling the front, back, and sides. A fellow traveler once mentioned that if you’re transporting an expensive camera, it’s wise to avoid a bag that draws attention. Opting for something low-profile helps keep your gear safe from theft.

This bag is an excellent choice! It isn’t eye-catching, yet it has ample space. It can easily fit a medium packing cube filled with apparel, two pairs of spectacles, two granola bars, and a bag of almonds, along with lipstick, nail clippers, dental floss, a writing instrument, an iPad, a smartphone, a travel mug, your passport, and boarding passes. A useful tip is to always store your passport and boarding passes in the same zippered section. This way, you won’t panic thinking you’ve misplaced them while queuing to board.

My spouse prefers wearing a shirt with a pocket on flight days. He consistently stores his passport there, as it’s readily accessible for quick retrieval.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

1. A follower on Instagram mentioned that adjusting to various beds while traveling can be tough. I understand! My husband likes to bring his preferred pillow to alleviate that problem…while I pack pain relief! As we get older, our backs tend to react immediately to unfamiliar sleeping surfaces.

2. This reminds me not to forget vitamins and medicine. Before my last trip, I visited a discount store and found excellent organizers that worked perfectly for my daily supplements.

3. Pack provisions along. Depending on flight schedules and layovers, meal times can become irregular on travel days. Those days of being served meals if your flight is past dinner time are over. So, bring something you can munch on the go. Also, you aren’t permitted to carry a full water bottle through security, but there are now refill stations, so if you bring an empty container, you can top it off after passing through.

4. Travel days typically involve plenty of waiting, so I like to bring an engaging read. I utilize my small iPad for this, either by downloading something on Kindle or borrowing a free book through our library’s app. This can save significant space if you don’t have to transport physical books!

5. If you’ll be using electronic gadgets like a cell phone or iPad during a lengthy journey, you might want to pack a power bank. You wouldn’t want your battery to die right before you need to send a crucial message!

6. Ensure your travel-day footwear is comfortable. You may have to walk considerable distances between airport gates, and you certainly don’t want blisters putting a damper on your trip.

7. A helpful suggestion from an Instagram follower: use disposable hotel shower caps to encase your shoes before placing them in your suitcase, preventing them from soiling your other belongings.

8. Bring along the cotton pouch a new sheet set arrives in as a dirty laundry bag. You can then toss it in the wash with your other soiled clothes when doing laundry.

9. Include a travel utensil set in your handbag (if you prefer not to eat with wooden spoons!).

Further travel articles

That concludes the travel hacks and suggestions I have for now. If you are considering a getaway to Vancouver Island, Canada soon, I published a new post last week detailing our preferred coffee shops on Vancouver Island. Discovering enjoyable coffee spots is one of my husband’s and my favorite pastimes, so I thought you might appreciate the fun locations we’ve uncovered.

Locate all my earlier TRAVEL ARTICLES HERE
Items I adore and favorite bags are showcased in my Amazon Storefront.

More regarding our Podcast

The Bildirimlerim podcast is presented by Rita Joy, the mind behind the Bildirimlerim blog. Through cheerful dialogue and a narrative approach, Rita Joy will impart advice and ideas to assist you in making enhancements so your home appears and feels its finest. New episodes are released on Mondays, so stay tuned.