9 hot tips to minimize travel stress in 2023
Air travel these days can feel daunting, especially if you’re traveling during the holidays or basically anytime with young children. Keep reading for 9 travel tips savvy travelers swear by.
DO plan to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, three hours if traveling internationally. This sounds extreme, but it needs to be mentioned because, it. is. crucial. Being early is always better than being late. Minimize the stress on travel day, and don’t waste energy worrying you’ll miss your flight. Just breeze through TSA, grab a latte and some snacks for the kids, and relax.
DO skip the checked bags and opt for carry-ons if you’re able, especially if you have a connecting flight. And while we’re on the subject, please try to book direct flights only. Connecting flights are an invitation for delays, lost luggage, and missed flights.
When you do have to check your suitcases, (we all overpack, no judgement here) then DO invest in the miraculous Apple AirTags. You can buy a 4 pack for $99 and then you’ll always know where your bags are, even when the airlines don’t have a clue.
To maximize your packing space, DO use compression packing cubes. They’re a great way to organize your suitcase and keep everything in its place. They are also great for separating dirty clothes from clean clothes, and packing individual outfits together. We like these from Tripped Travel Gear. They come in a carry-on size and a checked bag size, and are available in pretty colors!
DO make your luggage easy to pick out of the crowd. There will be many black roller bags on the conveyer belt and in the overhead bins, so tie on a colored ribbon or attach a snazzy luggage tag to minimize confusion. (Also, luggage tags make a nice gift for your travel oriented friends and family.)
The U.S. Department of State recommends you DO photocopy or save a PDF copy of your passport on your phone before leaving on international trips. DO NOT store it in the same location as your actual passport. If you lose your passport or someone steals it, obtaining a replacement will be considerably easier if you have the photocopy to prove your identity.
DO apply for TSA pre-check/Global Entry and/or Clear. They are not the same thing, and each has different benefits. The short of it is, participating in these programs will speed up your TSA security line experience, or even allow you to bypass the line completely (Clear). For more details on the benefits of these programs, this article does a great job of breaking it down.
DO pack disinfecting wipes in your carry-on! One of the best ways to ensure that your trip remains germ-free is to have your disinfectant wipes easily accessible. Make sure to wipe down tray tables, armrests, seatbelts, and any surfaces that are not upholstered. PS, one of the dirtiest places on a plane is the seatback pocket, so we advise you DO NOT use it.
DO work with a travel advisor! We make your travel planning as seamless as possible. Travel advisors help guide your planning from bucket list to booked, and even afterwards. We’ll help you find the best values, and collaborate with you to create the trip of your dreams. Contact us to set up a complimentary planning call and learn how LA Luxury Travel can help you.