Travel Tips

Travel never stops being exciting.

No matter where your next adventure takes you, you’re always looking to explore new landscapes, foods, levels of relaxation and moments of wonder with the people you love, or new people you meet.

The best part about travel is the unexpected: what amazing surprises does this trip have in store for you?

In order to be the most open to these happy surprises, you want to make sure there are no surprises on the business-end of your vacation: are there mistakes you can avoid? Tricks to make that plane ride easier? Ways to protect your things abroad? We’ll cover all that and more to help you focus less on the not-so-fun and way more on the excitement that awaits you.

Common Passport Mistakes

If you’re traveling abroad, there are tons of passport mistakes that might hold you up at security. Some of these mistakes are easily avoidable, while others might just surprise you!

1. Not checking the expiration date
   While this seems obvious, it’s also easily overlooked. Ensure your expiration date is far enough in the future, because some countries won’t accept passports that will expire in six months!
2. Waiting too long to apply
   While expedited shipping is available, it still takes $60 more and three weeks.
3. Not correctly filling out the form
   Luckily the correction process is free for typo’s made to your passport.
4. Not updating your name after a change
   Passports don’t automatically update, so when a name change occurs you’ll have to go through the renewal process.
5. Having too many stamps
   Who would of thunk it? Some countries have a requirement for the amount of blank pages that travelers have in their books.

To those that want to keep their healthy lifestyle or diets under control while on vacation, being prepared will be the best way to do this.

Must-Have Items for Flying

While you probably know the basic necessities for having an enjoyable flight (ear buds, a blanket, chewing gym, etc.), there are still some items that might make your time inflight even better.

1. Queasy Pops
   Helps those who get nauseous in an airplane.
2. Colgate Wisps
   Disposable toothbrushes that require zero water.
3. Power case
   Many planes now have outlets on them, but for the ones that still don’t, having a phone case that moonlights as a battery pack will help keep you juiced up.
4. Dry Shampoo
   Nothing freshens up your hair after a long flight quite like some dry shampoo.
5. Zip & Flip Headrest
   For those that don’t want to walk around with headrests, these kind look like an unsuspecting stuffed animal.

How to Make Your Hotel Room More Comfy

Especially if you’re on a long business trip, or even if you just get homesick easily, you can make your hotel room feel a bit more comfy with just a few easy moves:

1. Unpack
   Try to avoid living out of your suitcase. Unpacking your bags will help you feel like your hotel room is more than just a place to crash.
2. Light a Candle
   There’s nothing like scents to transport you to your more comfortable place. Get out that just-cleaned hotel smell with your favorite candle (after checking with the front desk).
3. Bring Your Own Coffee
   The most important “meal” of the day: your morning coffee. Bring your own and you’ll instantly feel a little bit better.
4. Bring Your Own Pillow & Blanket
   Nothing will help you feel more comfortable quite like your own blanket and pillows.
5. Pack Some Family Photos
   A trick for those who travel a lot for business, bring your family with you.
6. Stream Your Own Shows
   So long as the hotel’s tv has an HDMI cable you can stream whatever show you were binging.

How to Protect Your Stuff While Traveling

It’s always a good idea to think about how to ensure all of your belongings, whether at home or on vacation with you, are secure and protected while you’re away.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

Depending on where you’re going, you might want to bring your pet along.

In general, cats are happier at home, so we’re thinking more dogs here – especially if they can tagalong on some outdoorsy adventures!

Where Should You Go Next?

When you’ve got the travel itch but don’t know exactly where you want to go next, ask yourself these questions:

1. How long do I want to travel for?
   If you’ve only got a week, and it takes an entire day to get to that dream country, you might want to save the vacation for another time. But no worries, there are plenty of closer places you can jet to.
2. What’s my budget?
   What you want to get out of this trip will help dictate where to go.
3. Am I looking for a cultural experience?
   The most important “meal” of the day: your morning coffee. Bring your own and you’ll instantly feel a little bit better.
4. What kind of activities do I want to do?
   Looking for adventure travel? Want to bask in the sun? Your desired extracurricular vacation activities will help guide where to go.
5. What kind of environment do I want to be in?
   Dreaming of being in the cold? Want to be in the mountains or a big city? Think about the environment you want to spend your vacation in, or ask a travel agent to help you.