For those who do not know, I had a very busy 2014. I traveled to more than 10 states for events and other athletic activities. Traveling by car, train, plane, and bus you have to get creative and efficient in order to make sure that you can travel efficiently with all of the things that you need while minimizing the amount of bags that you have. Although it may be hard to cram 3-5 days worth of things in one small duffel bag, sometimes you have to improvise to travel with everything you need without having to pay the extra baggage fees while traveling.
Over the past year, I was able to learn a few things that have saved me time AND also money while traveling. I figured that the tricks that I learned could be valuable tips that can be adopted by other travelers like myself.
Liquid Beverages:
Traveling on any airline limits you on the amount of liquids you can carry and the types of liquids that you can carry with you through the security check and onto the plane. Simple trick: bring an EMPTY water bottle (or small container) that you can refill once you make it through the security check. This will save you time (you will not have to stand in line to get a beverage), and you can also save money (who wants to spend $3-$8 on one bottle of water!??). You can also get creative and carry powdered beverage packets so you can have flavored water once you refill your bottle with water.
F*ck Checked Bags:
Pardon my language but checked bags is one of the most annoying processes about traveling by plane (in my personal opinion). Not only do some airlines charge you a large sum of money per bag, but you also have to wait an extra 20-45 minutes for you to collect your bags from the plane once you arrive. Solution…don’t check your bags. If possible fit everything needed into two carry on bags. And purchase the traveling size body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc to carry on in your bag. You an also purchase refillable containers so you can fill them with your current toiletries. I know that it may be hard to do so, but think of the $100’s of dollars (and time) you will save from not having to check your bags! You can also consider not carrying on any liquids and try to find a Dollar Store or local super center and pick some up while you are at your visiting destination.
Snack Attack:
It is a proven fact that the food that is found in airports are more expensive than what you can get it at the grocery store. The best way to save money is to pack your own food/snacks to have while traveling. I have found that things like: nuts, protein bars, beef jerky, dried fruit, fruit leather, trail mix, etc can be small things that can be kept in your bag or purse. Try to pack things that do not contain strong smells!! Nothing is more annoying than the person next to you pulling out a snack that has a strong pungent smell. No one wants to smell a tuna sandwich for 1-8 hours. NOTE: I have made my own turkey sandwiches and brought other food items that need to remain cold. I packed them in a small lunchbox and used the blue freezer packs. Make sure the freezer packs are still frozen when you get to the airport. If they turn back into gel the security agents may make you dispose of them. Regardless if they do, carry with you extra sandwich/freezer bags. Fill them with ice and use them as a way to keep your food items cool just in case you have to discard your freezer packs.
Curb Side Check:
Most major airlines have a curb side baggage checking kiosk. I use them when they are open for several reasons. (1) It allows you to skip the long lines inside of he airport at your airline counter. The workers at the kiosk can check you into your flight as well as check your bags. (2) Remember you can tip the workers at the kiosk. I typically do if I know there is a long line inside the terminal or if my bag is heavier than the required 50 lbs. (aaaand I have been know to get away with not having to pay the extra over weight baggage fee. Some airlines are sticklers about the 50lb limit. I know my bag has been a few pounds over and the curb side check has been more lenient on those guidelines).
Sigh Up For Flight Update Alerts:
As annoying as they may be, it has been proven to be very helpful for me. For example, your flight pulls into the terminal a littler later than expected. Instead of having to find the flight monitors as you rush off of the plane, some airline alert systems can call or text you with your connecting flight number and gate location. So all you have to do is check those messages once you turn your phone back on and rush over to your connecting flight.
Hotel Room Freebies:
The bag that is typically found in the closet for dry cleaning makes a perfect “dirty laundry” bag. I will grab it and toss all of my dirty laundry in it. This will allow me to keep the separate from my other clothes as well as identify the dirty clothes while unpacking when I get home. You can also use the shampoo and conditioner that can be found in hotels so that you will not have to pack them in your luggage. Some hotels will even offer body wash, lotion, tooth paste, mouth wash, etc. The best way to find out what your hotel offers is to call them and ask.
These are just a few tips that I have discovered and have used over the past 12 months. I am still learning new things about things that can be done to make my traveling experience more efficient and less stressful. What I have shared is what I have learned thus far and I hope to share more tricks and tips as I discover them!
