Travel Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Matt and I recently got back from a quick trip to Charleston and it got me thinking about all of the travel tips I’ve learned over the years. Traveling can be exciting, but it can also become quite overwhelming. Since I’m a bit of a nervous traveler and always like to be prepared, I wanted to share my top travel tips . They’re pretty simple but have seriously made our lives easier when heading out on a vacation! I mean, we all want to spend more time relaxing and less stressing about the little things, right?!

Read on for all of my game-changing travel tips and don’t miss all of my go-to travel essentials here!

Plan your outfits in advance

I’m someone who tends to overpack a bit because I want to be prepared for everything. It’s tempting to throw an extra top or pair of shoes in your luggage on the off chance you *might* wear it… but you usually never do! Before a trip, I now plan my outfits in advance and it has made such a difference in how much I pack. It might seem like a little extra leg work, but knowing what you’re going to wear each day makes getting dressed on vacation stress-free. Consider the weather and activities you have planned for each day and choose outfits accordingly. No more rummaging through your luggage to plan a cute outfit, you’ll already know what you’re wearing! And it minimizes the amount of clothing you bring which is ALWAYS a plus.

Bring a change of clothes in your carry on

If you’ve ever been in a situation where your checked luggage is lost or delayed… it’s NOT fun. It’s one of those things you feel like will never happen to you until it does! I always like to pack an extra change of clothes in my carry-on to ensure I’ll have something to change into just in case. There is nothing worse than not having your luggage and being forced to wear the clothing you traveled in for who knows how long. At least with an extra outfit, you have a backup plan.

Plan things out (but not too much…)

I definitely think it’s a good idea to do your research on the location you’re traveling to. I always make a list of must-see attractions and I even like to have a few reservations booked. Having a plan is smart, but don’t plan too much. I think it’s important to allow yourself time to have nothing on the schedule and see where your vacation takes you. You never know what you might stumble upon, and it’s nice to go with the flow and not keep things completely rigid. Leave some room for spontaneity and unexpected adventures.

Make an extensive packing list

I always (and I mean always) make a packing list before I go on a trip. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a weekend or two weeks, a packing list is so crucial! I sit down and write out everything I need and organize them into categories. This prevents me from forgetting anything, plus it makes packing much more manageable because it’s broken down into sections. If you’re not good at making packing lists, I have one that you can download HERE for your next trip!

Just get the travel insurance

I know a lot of us tend to skip the travel insurance when the option rolls around. I get it, so much money is already spent on vacation so the thought of paying even MORE for insurance seems unnecessary. But take it from someone who has had to cancel a vacation last minute, just get the travel insurance. Of course, when booking a vacation you always expect to go, but you never know what might happen and travel insurance allows you to have a backup. It can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations or delays, lost or stolen luggage, and more. Just make sure to read the policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered.

Get lounge access

If you’ve been inside an airport you’ve probably seen the doors to the fancy airport lounges. Typically, these lounges are reserved for people with particular credit cards, but did you know that most airlines allow you to purchase a single-day pass? The price of the day pass varies based on the airline, but they can be worth it if you have extra time at the airport. These lounges usually have complimentary food and drinks, plus comfortable seating, and outlets. Some even have showers! If you have a long layover or just want to indulge a little at the airport, try out the lounge day pass.

Bring a portable charger

One of the most frustrating things that can happen while traveling is having your phone or other devices run out of battery. I tend to take a lot of photos on vacation so my phone battery is depleted quickly, so I love carrying a portable charger. Or if you have a long travel day and can’t find an open outlet, a portable charger is the way to go. Make sure to charge your portable charger before you leave and keep it in your carry-on bag for easy access.