Hello Readers!

It is no secret that traveling is stressful and can be hectic especially when traveling with a bigger group or children. I want to share with you some tips and tricks I have learned over the years of traveling that have made it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.

1) ARRIVE EARLY

Arriving early at the airport may seem like a drag because you don’t want to just sit there when you could be doing so many other things. However, if you arrive early you will ensure you have enough time to get checked in, get your bags checks, make it through security and find your gate. If you are flying international, it is suggested to arrive 3 hours early and domestic 2 hours early. Another benefit of this is that you may be able to get an upgrade in your seat or different advantages that are first come first serve.

2) Label your luggage loudly

I don’t know about you, but when I am waiting for my luggage at baggage claim I always have to guess which bag mine is. At least that is how it used to be until I labeled it loudly. There are so many variations of luggage, but the most common seems to be black or blue and that is what I have. So, after struggling to find my luggage I decided to put bright greet tags on them and wrap green ribbon on all the handles and now I have no problem finding my luggage. This makes it a less stressful process and makes my time in the airport even shorter.

3) Keep your passport/ID and boarding pass in your hand or in a close pocket until you are through security and customs

Most of the TSA workers will tell you to keep your passport in hand so I don’t necessarily need to put it in here, but I do think that it is something important to remember. By keeping your passport and boarding pass in hand (or in a close pocket) you will be able to get through security/customs much faster and will not be the one person who holds up the line because you were fumbling for your stuff.

4) Keep a picture of your passport/ID, boarding pass and return ticket on your phone or printed out

This is a tip I learned the hard way. When I was on my way back from Nicaragua to Costa Rica we got stopped at the boarder to check our passports which was very normal, but one thing I did not expect was to have to show my departure flight plans. I understand why they asked about it, but I was stuck in a tricky spot because all that information was back at the hotel and there was no way for me to get it. Luckily after a while I was able to get through and be on my way, but from then on, I learned that it is very important to keep a photo of your passport and flight information on your phone or printed out at all times just in case you need it.

5) (If you are able to) Print out your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport

By printing out your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport you will be able to save time waiting in line and be able to get to your gate and relax before your flight.

6) Know the layout of the airport you are flying out of, flying through or arriving at

I personally really enjoy knowing where I am or at least a basic layout of the airport, city, or building I am in. So, something I always try to do especially while traveling is know the layout of the airport. This will help you know where you need to go so you don’t get lost and miss your flight and it will take a bit of stress off your traveling. Most airport websites will have a map right on their website. If you are trying to look up a map of the MSP Airport you just type in MSP Airport Map and you get this link to a map: https://www.mspairport.com/sites/default/files/201807/T1_quickmap_4_2018%20copy.pdf

7) Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to get on and off

Not only do you want to wear comfortable closes when you travel, you also want to wear layers and easy to get off shoes. Airplanes are not built for comfort and the last thing you want to do is wear clothes that will be uncomfortably after the first hour. By wearing layers you will be able to wear your sweatshirt if it is cold or if you are warm you can take it off and use it for a pillow. It is hard to judge what the temperature of the airport and airplane will be so it is nice to be able to have options.

The second thing to remember is to wear shoes that are easier to get on and off. This is not so you can kick off your shoes and stink up the whole plane it is so that when you are going through security you can waste less time taking your shoes off and putting them on and holding up the line.

8) Take a picture of each member of your family

This tip is especially useful for families who are traveling with children. Most kids will behave and listen when you ask, but as scary as it is something could happen where you get separated. This is one of the scariest things a parent can go through and a way to be able to identify your child to the airport staff is to have a photo of them, so they will know exactly what they are looking for. This tip not only works at the airport but can be used when you go to the state fair, a mall or any place that has large crowds.

9) Keep your kids entertained and travel ready

• Bring a surprise that they can play with on the plane or in the airport

Most kids love when they get little presents or new toys they can play with. By packing a small surprise for them to play with it will keep them entertained longer and hopefully will not get too restless through the travel.

• Dress your kids in comfortable layers and are easy to get on and off depending on the temperature

This tip is similar to #7. This will allow the child to keep warm with more layers or cool off by taking off a layer as well as staying comfortable in clothes that are not constricting.

10) Double check that everything is TSA approved (Liquids especially)

In one of my last blog posts I talked about how to be TSA approved. This will help make everything go smooth through the airport.

Link: https://rovephotos.travel.blog/2018/06/21/be-tsa-approved-security-checkpoint/

I hope you learned something from these tips and remember them the next time you are traveling. Thanks for reading I be back soon!