10 Bright Ideas to Make Travel Merrier
The holidays can be a wonderful time for heading home, visiting with loved ones or exploring new destinations. But the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are the busiest time of the year for most airports. You already know you should book airline tickets early, but WallyPark has dug up some clever travel hacks that could make your holidays much happier.
1. Be Patient
Remember you’re traveling with thousands of other people who are just as eager to get where they’re going and might not be as experienced as you are. That can cause a little friction and a few delays. In fact, you should probably plan on it. But if you’re prepared and patient, you’ll arrive at your destination in a better mood without the fatigue of unnecessary frustration.
2. Buy Add-Ons at Booking
Want to save a few bucks? The cost of airline add-ons – like checked baggage, priority boarding, and seat reservations – is usually less if you reserve and pay for them when you book your ticket. Ensuring your TSA Pre-Check and/or Clear numbers are attached to your tickets will also save you time at the airport.
3. Call Your Credit Card Companies
Nothing puts the brakes on a vacation (especially abroad) like having your credit cards shut down due to “suspicious activity.” So, when you’re telling your friends and family where you’re going and when you’ll be there, think about calling your credit card companies, too.
4. Roll Your Clothes
Packing can sometimes cause more stressful than actual travel. But One of the simplest hacks is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. It not only saves space but reduces wrinkling and makes it easier to see where everything is in your suitcase.
5. Email Yourself
Email yourself copies of your driver’s license, passport, travel itinerary, boarding passes, hotel reservation and other travel documents so they’re accessible if you lose the originals. It only takes 20 minutes and can save you hours of anxiety if the originals are lost (or stolen).
6. Save Google Maps Offline
Google Maps is a great app for getting around in unfamiliar places, but what will you do if you don’t have Wi-Fi or a strong mobile connection? You can still download Google Maps offline before you go. Just find the mapped area you want to save and take a screen shot. You’ll have a map in your gallery you can reference anytime, anywhere.
7. Try Digital Tracking Tags
If you decide to check luggage, think about buying digital tracking tags – like Apple AirTags – and put one in each suitcase so you’ll know where they are at any point along the way and can help the airlines find them if they don’t reach your destination.
8. Dine Earlier
Think about making lunch your biggest meal of the day – at least on some days. it’s usually less expensive than dinner but can be just as filling. Then try to eat dinner at restaurants and full-service bars that offer happy hour specials so you can save on both food and drinks.
9. Take Photos of Your Rental Car
If you’re renting a vehicle, take photos of any flaws or damage before you drive off the lot so there are no questions when you bring it back. Then make a habit of shooting more pictures of your car wherever you go so you’ll remember what it looks like and where you parked.
10. Pre-Book Parking
Traveling with kids makes public transportation and Uber-style ride sharing particularly impractical. What do you do with the strollers and car seats? But WallyPark makes it all much easier. Just reserve your space online, let our friendly team help load all your gear onto our reliable shuttles, and then relax.
Remember: Creating a more enjoyable travel experience starts before you even leave the airport. But holiday spaces tend to fill up fast, so be sure to save yours today.
