Travel can be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences we have in life. The opportunity to explore new places, emerge ourselves in a unique culture, and get outside of our own “normal” can be the refreshing change of pace we need to refocus in our life back home. Unfortunately, the part of travel where you have to, well, get there, can be such a nightmare that it prevents many of us from taking the critical first steps to getting out the door and on the plane.
The reality is that if you want to maximize your travel potential, you have to pass through airports. Commonly considered the most hectic and unsettling part of any travel plan, the airport can be a source of enormous anxiety for travelers looking to rid themselves of worry and relax.
Luckily, I’ve come up with a handful of game-changing hacks which, by themselves, may not seem like much, but when paired together, create the ultimate strategy for getting through the airport without a care in the world.
Stick to the plan outlined below, and you will be amazed at how smooth your trip can go if you follow the right steps.
Arrive Early And Plan For Traffic
There is nothing more nerve-wracking and unsettling than rushing to the airport, only to come across a security line for TSA that might as well be ten miles long. Airline tickets are expensive, and vacation days are limited; don’t set yourself up to potentially miss the flight. Arrive at least an hour and a half early, and budget time for traffic on your way even if navigation says otherwise.
Charge Your Phone
A day of travel can be made significantly more stressful if you are watching your phone slowly breath it’s last breaths. Phones have become a tool for major convenience and entertainment while traveling, but only if they have the battery to be used to their fullest.
Download Your Boarding Pass
Major airlines all have their own apps in 2020, allowing you to check-in and even access your boarding pass without the burdensome check-in line. Don’t risk losing the slips of paper as you navigate security; your phone is harder to lose and stores a boarding pass better than your pocket.
Get Precheck
TSA has offered precheck for quite some time, but for some reason, many travelers have yet to sign up for it. Why wait in line for longer than you need to? Precheck will cut down on your trip anxiety by allowing you to skip the security line and pass through to your gate without the wait.
Plan Your Next Move
Do you have a plan after you land at your destination? Arranging your ride and knowing where you need to go will make your arrival so much smoother than it might otherwise be. Do the research ahead of time, so you don’t run into any surprises.
Stick to the above travel hacks, and you will be amazed at how painless it can be to travel. Having the opportunity to see different parts of the world is a blessing, it would be foolish to pass up on, but for many, the process of getting there is just too much. Don’t be one of these people! Stick to the plan while navigating airports, and you will unlock the power of stress-free travel. Bon Voyage!
