Research and Reservations

Once your flights and accommodations are booked, look at the rest of the trip. Do you need to book a rental car or are you traveling by public transit?

If traveling by public transit, are you taking inter-city or cross country trains? Think taking a train from Munich to Berlin. Booking in advance generally yields some savings. Research and understand how you are getting around.

Once you’ve figured out your logistics for your destination, look at how are you getting to the airport. Are you taking a rideshare? You can book 30 days in advance on Uber and Lyft. While the prices can sometimes be a bit higher, I’ve found that it gives a peace of mind that it is already done.

If you are planning to drive yourself to the airport, if your airport offers it, book your parking online in advance. Again, once less thing to worry about. Some airports offer Parking Discount Programs where you can earn rewards for parking.

Tools

Use Google Maps to pin locations you’re planning to visit and create lists so you have an outline of where to go/what you’re planning to do.

Download Google Maps so they are available offline in the event that you lose cell service.

Along those same lines, screenshot all reservations so you have easy access to them and don’t have to worry about not being able to access them if you can’t get to your email or find a hard copy.

Security Screening and Packing

Do you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? If you travel frequently, this may be worth it. Many credit cards also pay for this. I recommend Global Entry if you are planning any international travel as it also includes TSA PreCheck. These take some advance planning though so give yourself enough time. And, remember if you have PreCheck, to save the Known Traveler number in your airline account.

If you don’t have one of the Trusted Traveler Programs mentioned above, some airports offer a free program that allows you to save your place and reduce your wait in the security lines. Check the airport’s website for more information.

The day before you travel make sure you’ve packed everything. I like making travel lists (sample lists to come). Check it twice. Make sure you have a change of clothes, important meds and docs in your carry-on. And, invest in some Airtags so you can track your bag(s).

Also make sure you don’t have prohibited items in your carryon bags. Check TSA’s site for more info.

And, make sure you’ve packed your chargers for your electronic devices. Be aware of airline policies if you are bringing external chargers.

More Tips

Make sure you’ve taken care of things at your house and get a good night’s sleep if you can (I never can because I’m usually so excited.)

Day off – if you have time, exercise. If not, get up and make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the airport, check-in etc. Arrive at least two hours prior if flying domestically, three if flying internationally. You may need more depending upon time of year (i.e. holidays or if you are flying out of a busy airport).

Have an outline and plan of what you want to do. Pick the most important sites and make reservations if those require advance tickets. But remember you don’t need a packed itinerary to have a great trip. Leave that time for wandering, shopping, relaxing. These might just be the moments you remember most.

When you’ve arrived, my best piece of advice is to start early and then slow down. This will help to try and avoid crowds and long lines. Then, you can more easily enjoy the rest of the day.

Don’t underestimate walking. It provides you with an opportunity to potentially discover neighborhoods you didn’t plan to visit and experience a place beyond just the highlights.

Build that time in to do nothing or see something that caught your eye that you weren’t planning. You don’t have to chase everything the Instagrammers tell you to.

Expect the unexpected. Something is bound to go wrong. This could be flight delays, lost luggage, weather changes. Stay flexible and adaptable. And, most importantly try and keep your attitude positive because this will make a difference. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and just try to make the best of it. It’s in your approach.