Travel Hacks from an Experienced Traveler

I love travel hacks and I’ve used many over the years!

An experienced traveler, I’ve visited 30 countries on five-ish continents.

For many years, I never flew anywhere without a child on my lap.

(They grew out of that need–eventually.)

I’ve driven across North America nine times, and we’ve lived in six states including Hawai’i.

Kids and/or cats came with us everywhere.

What kind of travel hacks do I have?

Many.

I could write a book . . . this is just a sample.

(If headed to Europe, I always start with Rick Steves books).

Have a folder in your email for travel documents and travel information. They’re not the same thing.

Print out and put everything in a folder to carry with you.

Travel documents folder (in email and in hand) includes:

A photocopy of your passport’s pertinent pages: your information, visa information.
Any TSA numbers, immunization cards (take a photo), cancellation confirmation emails.
All the reservations connected to your trip: auto, plane, hotel, amusement parks, etc.
An email describing your travel dates and details (I send a copy to pertinent relatives if they need to find me, or–worse– trace what happened to me.)
Phone numbers of people I’ll be meeting on the trip.

The travel information folder in my email includes:

This involves plenty of life hacks.

Always carry food and snacks.
Let them tote their own backpack full of “entertainment.”
For every hour you travel with a toddler, bring a book to read, or fresh small toys.
Be prepared to sing songs, tell stories, practice jokes (Here’s a list of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids).
Carry a tennis ball if you have an airport layover. (Find a corner away from people and play fetch.)
Consider putting kids in their pajamas if you’re traveling late or overnight.
Teach them the words for food they like in a foreign language–if you’re traveling to one.
Anyone under five needs a change of clothing.

My father, who visited more than 100 countries before he died, had travel hacks as well.

Don’t worry if you forget something. You can always buy it there.
Visiting grocery stores is an adventure in another language–find it there.
Ask at the hotel where to find specialized items–like Tylenol. (Especially on a Sunday in Austria).
Purchase forgotten items as souvenirs (Why carry a towel if you can buy one in Hawai’i?)
Assume you will be buying a child some item of forgotten clothing.
Don’t overdo physical souvenirs. Memories are more important.
Think through what documents you’ll need in advance–scan and then email copies to yourself and to someone not traveling with you who knows how to forward emails.
If you carry a copy of your passport, the embassy can more quickly issue a new one if needed.
Emailing yourself copies of everything (and remembering your password), means all is not lost if your lose your phone!

Traveling with animals can be tricky.

Some places have restrictions on what types of animals you can bring with you.

When we lived in Hawai’i, you could not transport animals in or out of the state during the summer (airplane holds were too hot for animals).

Riding in a car with a loose animal can be dangerous (One cat leapt for the clutch pedal when we crossed the George Washington Bridge–both going to New England and leaving it!).
Try to drive early in the morning or late at night.
Obviously, bring a cage and use it.
Don’t leave an animal in a car–eat outside with it, or leave it in a cage where you can see it from a restaurant.
Make sure they’re wearing collars and are micro-chipped.
Consider leaving them home unless absolutely necessary.

Our #1 travel hack is everyone gets only one suitcase and one carry-on.

You have to manage your own luggage.
You’re responsible if you leave something at home you wanted to bring.
Plot what you’re going to wear for each day of the trip.
Expect to do laundry if you’re gone for more than a week.
On a ten-day trip, plan to do laundry about day five. (Visit a laundromat or send it out.)
It’s still cheaper to pay, even ridiculous costs, for laundry than to haul another suitcase.
Bring an expandable bag.
When the luggage is at home, store smaller pieces inside of large and put a dryer sheet in each.
A roller bag is great–but make sure it rolls smoothly.
Consider carrying a computer, or other electronics in a backpack as your carryon.
Make sure you can carry your own backpack.

Period.

Bring a charger with multiple ports–so you only need to use one plug.
If traveling overseas, make sure you have the appropriate electric transformer.
If you forget a charger, ask at the hotel’s front desk–they often have “used” ones.
Or buy one at the airport.
Download videos before you leave–or download the airplane apps before you go.
Consider bringing an extra charger for when you’re out.
Clear excess photos out of your phone before you leave (into the cloud, onto your computer).
Do you really need a computer, E-book reader, phone, and an Ipad?
Check with your phone service if you need an international plan if traveling internationally.
Check out the Translator apps on your phone.

Travel hacks always include healthy tips

Always have a water bottle–I either reuse one I buy at the airport, or carry a refillable one.
You might consider a water filtered straw or bottle.
Laundry sheets rather than liquid soap.
A small first aid kit.
Stamps if you’re mailing postcards to people in the United States (and you’re traveling in the US).
More than one credit card.
Money belt if you’re uneasy.
Photos of your family–to show to people you meet.

A spirit of adventure.

Smiles and laughter.

An easy-going attitude.

Patience.

Joy.

Curiosity.

Have a great trip!

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