The 13 Best Travel Tips for a Smoother Journey

Everyone needs a vacation. You might already be picturing yourself lounging in a pool and sipping a tropical drink. But, once you get into the details, you'll realize all the planning involved, including what to pack, what to schedule, how you'll get there and all that jazz.

That's why these smart travel tips can help make sure everything goes according to plan for a smooth and stress-free vacation.

Let's start packing!

• One of the best tools you can use to organize everything are packing cubes. These mini bags make sure everything is where it should be, while saving space.
• To keep packing simple, consider a capsule wardrobe. Even for longer trips, you probably don’t need multiples of everything. A well-planned selection of mix-and-match outfits keeps things practical and leaves extra room in your luggage for any souvenirs or shopping along the way.
• Once you open your bags after arriving at your destination, you'll encounter the first problem: wrinkled clothes. That's why you're better off packing wrinkle-resistant outfits. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding an iron or wearing creased clothes during your travels.
• If you're worried about losing valuables while traveling, consider leaving expensive or sentimental items at home. Subsequently, you can enjoy your trip without stressing over keeping track of pricey belongings.

Plan your airport outfit.

• Dressing in light layers is a great idea when traveling. Temperature can vary a lot between outside, the airport, and the plane, so wearing clothes you can easily take off or put on will help you stay comfortable throughout your trip.
• Cargo pants may seem innocent, but they’re not the best option for the airport. All those extra pockets can cause issues at security, often triggering alarms and creating unnecessary delays for you and everyone else.
• Avoid wearing too many accessories. Metal bracelets, rings, and earrings can trigger security alarms, slowing you down. Plus, they might get caught on something, which could be risky for you and those around you.

Comfort first!

• Airports are filled with germs. One way to avoid them is to keep your legs covered. That means no shorts or dresses. Jeans and sweatpants are your best options.

Ditch the heels.

• Go for shoes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Avoid high heels and flip-flops since they can slow you down in an emergency and might even create problems for other travelers. High heels can also set off metal detectors because of the nails inside them.
• When it comes to clothing, make sure everything fits comfortably. Clothes that are too tight or too long can be restricting and even unsafe. For example, pants that are too long could make you or someone else trip, which is the last thing you need while traveling.

You made it! Here's how to stay safe.

• Make it a habit to double-check that your belongings are with you before leaving any place, whether it's a hotel room, taxi, or café. This quick routine can help prevent you from accidentally leaving something important behind.
• When you're in crowded places, stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. It's best to hold your bag or purse in front of you where you can see it, making it harder for anyone to grab or open it. Carrying a backpack on your back or letting a bag hang loosely at your side can make it an easy target for pickpockets.
• Unexpected things can happen, so it’s smart to take extra steps to recover lost items. Adding a small tag or note in your valuables with your contact details—like your phone number or email—can make it much easier for someone to return them if they go missing.

If you frequently stay in hotels during your travels, you won’t want to miss these 14 insider tips from hotel staff. They share secrets that most guests have no idea about!