Traveling can be a hectic and overwhelming experience, from planning your itinerary to navigating the airport and the flight itself. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a first-timer, it always helps to be well-prepared. If you’re ready to board your flight with ease, buckle up and get ready for a smooth takeoff with these helpful tips.
The Best Times to Fly to Avoid Turbulence
Choosing the right day and time to fly can impact your flight experience, especially if you’re sensitive to turbulence. Morning flights are often recommended because the air is cooler, reducing the likelihood of turbulence. This is because heating from the ground, which occurs later in the day, can create unstable conditions, leading to bumpy flying, storms, and winds. So, if you want a smoother ride, it’s a good idea to consider booking morning flights.
The Truth About Airplane Blankets
In recent years, there’s been increased awareness about germs, especially during travel. If you’re looking to stay healthy on a flight, here’s a pro tip: consider skipping the blanket offered by flight attendants at the beginning of the journey. These blankets might not be the cleanest, so it’s a good idea to bring your own to ensure a more comfortable and hygienic experience.
Never Ask the Flight Attendant for Ice
Flight attendants have shared an industry secret: the ice served on flights is often made from the plane’s water tank, which is not regularly cleaned. As a result, some flight attendants choose not to order drinks with ice for themselves. If you’re mindful of hygiene, you might want to reconsider opting for ice in your drinks during a flight.
Don’t Sit in the Back if Turbulence Bothers You
Flying can indeed be exciting, but turbulence can lead to anxiety and discomfort, causing issues like nausea and dizziness. The intense shaking of a plane can induce panic, even when you’re safe. To reduce this discomfort, it can be helpful to focus on controlled breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system and alleviate some of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Additionally, engaging in distractions such as reading or listening to music may help take your mind off the turbulence.
If Your Phone Is About to Die, Do This
Scan and Digitalize Everything
Having scans of your essential documents is a smart travel tip. In case of a lost document, having digital copies on your phone can be a lifesaver. Even if you don’t lose anything, it’s convenient not to carry your passport everywhere. Keeping it in a safe or your suitcase at the hotel and having a digital copy provides both security and accessibility during your travels.
The Only Packing Hack You Will Ever Need
Packing smarter involves more than just packing light. One technique is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, as rolling reduces bulk. For shoes, you can maximize space by rolling up smaller items like tank tops, underwear, or socks and tucking them into the shoe soles. These strategies help optimize space and make your suitcase more efficient.
Use Air Tag to Keep Track of Your Luggage
Using luggage trackers is a brilliant solution to alleviate worries and stress associated with flying, particularly the concern of losing checked suitcases. By attaching these trackers to your luggage, you can monitor their location in real-time through your phone. This technology provides peace of mind, allowing you to stay informed about your luggage’s whereabouts and potentially avoid the stress of lost belongings during travel.
Why You Should Mark Your Luggage as Fragile When Checking in
If you have fragile items to pack in your suitcase and worry about them getting damaged during travel, a helpful trick is to label your baggage as fragile when checking in. This alert can prompt airport staff to handle your luggage with extra care. While it’s not a foolproof guarantee, it may increase the likelihood that your delicate items will be treated more cautiously, providing an added layer of protection for your purchases or souvenirs.
Why USB Ports Are a Lifesaver
Traveling and navigating airports can indeed be stressful, and oversights happen. One common concern is arriving in a new country and realizing that the wall plugs are different. If you’re worried about charging your devices, a quick fix is to check if the TV in your hotel has a USB port. Many modern TVs have USB ports that you can use to charge your devices, providing a convenient solution to the mismatched wall plug issue.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones Seriously Change Everything
Dealing with crying babies or other disruptive noises during a flight can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to relax or nap. Noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer in such situations. These headphones help block out background noise, allowing you to enjoy a quieter and more peaceful environment. Whether you want to fall asleep undisturbed or listen to your favorite music without interference, noise-canceling headphones are a valuable accessory for a more enjoyable travel experience.
Protect Suitcases Against All Kind of Weather
Facing bad weather while traveling, especially in the rain, can be a concern for protecting your belongings in suitcases and bags. If you don’t have a waterproof suitcase, a quick and simple solution is to use garbage bags. Placing your items inside garbage bags before placing them in your luggage can help keep them dry and prevent water damage, offering a makeshift waterproofing solution during inclement weather.
Travel Like a Local With a Sim Card
To be well-prepared for traveling abroad, purchasing an international SIM card is a crucial step. Arriving at your destination without cell service, the ability to contact others, or access to navigation can indeed be a nightmare. Having an international SIM card ensures that you have connectivity and data access, allowing you to navigate, communicate, and get around with ease during your travels. It’s a practical and essential solution for a smoother and more enjoyable international travel experience.
Why You Should Always Go Incognito When Booking Tickets
To secure the best price when booking a plane ticket, consider browsing in private or incognito mode. Airline and flight booking websites often track your cookies and the number of times you search for a specific flight. Based on this information, they may increase the flight price, anticipating your high interest. Browsing in private mode helps prevent this tracking, allowing you to search for flights without potentially triggering price hikes. It’s a useful tip for savvy travelers looking to get the most favorable deals.
Genius Way to Get Drinks Through Security
If you’ve ever had to discard perfectly good water at security or chug down a whole bottle before a flight, you know these situations are far from ideal. However, there’s a fantastic loophole to avoid these inconveniences.
Here’s How to Skip the Lines Like a Pro
Waiting in long lines, particularly at airports, can indeed be frustrating, and flight cancellations only add to the chaos. Dealing with the rush of people trying to change their flights can be overwhelming and time-consuming. However, there’s a hack that many people overlook to skip this hassle.
Power Strip to the Rescue
Bringing a portable charger is a smart move, but what happens when it also needs a recharge, and you’re stuck searching for outlets at the airport? Here’s a life-saving tip: bring your own power strip. This simple solution allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, eliminating the need to take turns or scour the airport for available outlets. It’s a convenient and efficient way to keep your devices powered up during your travels.
Here’s How to Avoid Swollen Feet After Flying
Long flights can sometimes lead to stagnant blood circulation, causing swelling in your feet and hands. Although usually not serious, there are ways to ease and prevent this discomfort. It’s essential to stretch and get up periodically during the flight to promote healthy blood flow. These simple actions can make a significant difference in your comfort and well-being during long journeys.
Don’t Forget to Add a Bag to Your Booking
A valuable travel hack is to always add a bag to your booking when purchasing a ticket. This is often cheaper than paying for checked luggage at the airport. Even if you forget to do it initially, a handy trick is to use your phone, open the airline’s browser or app, and pay for a checked bag there. It’s a smart and cost-effective way to save money on luggage fees.
You’ll Always Pick the Faster Line With This Trick
This next travel trick involves a bit of psychology and can make you feel like a genius. When choosing a security line at the airport, opt for the lines further to the left. The reasoning is that most people tend to choose the right lines, so going left can potentially lead to shorter wait times. It’s a clever strategy based on human behavior that might just make your airport experience a bit smoother.
How to Finally Keep Your Suitcase Fresh
Frequent travelers often face the challenge of finding time to wash clothes or dealing with the expense of dry cleaning. However, a simple and effective solution is to use scented dryer sheets. By packing a few in your suitcase, you can keep your clothes smelling fresh and avoid flying home with a suitcase full of unpleasant odors. It’s a straightforward and convenient way to maintain a pleasant wardrobe during your travels.
Sleeping Kits Will Change Your Life
Creating your own in-flight comfort kit can be a game-changer on long-haul flights. Rather than relying on the often low-quality packaged sleeping masks and plastic earbuds provided, bring your own essentials. Pack your favorite earbuds, invest in a high-quality eye mask for better comfort, and include socks and slippers for added relaxation. Tailoring your comfort kit to your preferences ensures a more enjoyable and restful travel experience.
How to Avoid Germs on the Plane
To reduce the risk of getting sick from circulated air on airplanes, it’s advised to leave the air conditioning vents above you fully open. This allows the air to circulate more efficiently around you. Although it might make you feel a bit cold, having the vents on full blast can help minimize the concentration of germs in your immediate vicinity. It’s a simple but effective strategy for staying healthy during your flight.
Pack All of These Essentials in Your Carry-On
For long days and nights of travel, it’s essential to stay fresh and comfortable. To prevent that icky feeling, pack extra undergarments such as underwear and socks in your carry-on. Having an additional outfit to change into upon landing is also a great idea. This way, you can stay clean and refreshed throughout your journey, even if you don’t have the opportunity to shower or freshen up for an extended period. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance your travel comfort.
Portable Chargers Are the Best Investment
Portable chargers have indeed become a game-changer in the world of travel. These handy devices are a must-have, providing a convenient solution to the constant struggle of low battery notifications. With a portable charger in your bag, you can confidently navigate through your day without the fear of running out of battery. It’s a valuable investment for ensuring your devices stay charged and operational, especially when you’re on the go.
Switching Seats Can Be Easy With This Simple Trick
Avoiding the middle seat on a plane is a common desire due to the cramped and uncomfortable experience, especially when sitting next to strangers. If the person on the aisle is asleep and someone in the middle or window seat needs to get up, it can lead to awkward situations. Fortunately, there’s a hack to potentially avoid this discomfort.
Save Money on Drinks
As airlines continue to cut down on complimentary services, there are still ways to enjoy a pleasant beverage without breaking the bank, even if some amenities are no longer included in your ticket price. And the best part is that this travel hack won’t take up much space in your bags.
Always Pack Snacks
Preparing for a trip can indeed be stressful, especially with the numerous responsibilities we juggle in our daily lives. It’s natural to skip certain things to make the process more manageable. However, there’s one common habit that many of us have that might be hurting us in the long run.
Always Take These Handy Items With You
When traveling for various reasons such as visiting family, business trips, or vacations, the last thing you want is to get sick. To protect yourself against germs, especially in airports and airplanes, consider carrying sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your carry-on bag. These simple hygiene measures can help you stay clean and reduce the risk of illness while on the go.
No More Exhaustion After a Long Flight
Creating a comfortable sleeping environment on a flight can be challenging, leading some travelers to resort to sleeping pills or forgo sleep altogether. However, New Zealand Air has introduced an innovative concept to address this issue. They offer economy travelers the option to transform an entire row of seats into a bed. This creative solution aims to provide a more restful experience for passengers during their journey.
Make Security Lines Less Daunting
The experience of rushing through airport security is a common one, and many have either been through it or heard horror stories from friends and family. The process often involves waiting in line, removing electronics and personal items, and then putting everything back in your bag after screening. It’s a familiar scenario that can be time-consuming and stressful.
Soda May Be Tasty but in the Air It Causes Intense Bloating
While flying, soda might not be the best beverage choice due to the combination of high altitude and carbonation, which can lead to discomfort such as bloating or gas. If you’re thirsty and want a more comfortable experience during the flight, consider opting for non-carbonated beverages like water or herbal tea. These choices can help keep you hydrated without contributing to the potential discomfort caused by carbonation at high altitudes.
You Probably Already Have This Travel Hack Device Sitting at Home
When we buy brand new razors, they typically come with a plastic cover to protect our fingers from the sharp blade. However, razors can be expensive, and losing the plastic cover is a common occurrence. This can be especially inconvenient when traveling.
You Should Always Layer Your Clothes When Traveling
Even if the temperature is hot outside, airports and airplanes tend to get cold. But if you forget a jacket, your whole flight experience could be uncomfortable. It’s essential to check the weather at your destinations and account for time spent traveling. That way, you can be dressed perfectly for each situation. Wearing a shirt and pants while packing a layering piece like a jacket, sweater, or scarf in your carry-on bag is always the best choice.
Know the Directions Without Wifi
The More Water You Drink, the Better
Staying hydrated is essential, and it becomes even more crucial when traveling, particularly during flights. Flying can lead to faster dehydration, increased thirst, and dry skin. It’s important to ensure you meet your daily water intake, and you may need to drink even more than usual while in the air. Neglecting proper hydration during flights can contribute to feelings of sickness and discomfort.
Rechargeable Batteries Are a Game Changer
Rechargeable batteries might seem like a small detail, but they can be a lifesaver in certain situations while traveling or when stuck at the airport. They can power various devices like cameras, flashlights, or even a remote for an AC unit in a hostel. Beyond their practicality, using rechargeable batteries is also better for the environment as you can charge and reuse them. While it might seem like a random item, having rechargeable batteries can be a valuable emergency asset during your travels.