Traveling can quickly get hectic and frustrating. Navigating large airports and impatient crowds can stress even the calmest person. Taking the time to prepare for the rigors of traveling will help you avoid some stressful situations. Check out the following 7 ways you can stay calm and save time while traveling!
1. Prepare Your Paperwork Ahead Of Time
Nothing is worse than sorting through paperwork while you’re in line at a busy airport. Waiting until you’re asked by the airport staff to deal with your documents is just asking for trouble. Take some extra time before you enter the airport to ensure your boarding pass, drivers license, and ID are quickly available.
If you travel a lot, an ID holder that goes around your neck is a worthwhile investment. Dealing with your paperwork ahead of time will make navigating security and customs much easier.
2. Put Together A Travel Outfit
Wearing an outfit that’s made for traveling will help keep you comfortable while you’re on long trips. Make sure your travel outfit includes comfortable shoes that are easy to remove for security scans. Avoid wearing shoes that take forever to put on and off, just pack your daily shoes in your luggage.
It’s also important to ensure you have enough pockets to carry your essential items without them falling out and getting lost. Try and dress in layers so you can be flexible if you feel hot or cold on the plane.
3. Use Your Manners To Navigate Hectic Airports
Traveling is frustrating and tedious, so your manners are going to end up helping you a lot. Airports are stressful not just for traveler’s but also the airport staff. Saying please and thank you where possible is a small gesture you can make to keep things calm.
If your luggage gets lost or if there’s a delay due to aircraft maintenance, using your manners can help you keep things friendly and in perspective.
4. Download The App For Your Airport Or Airline
Most airports and airlines have invested in sophisticated aviation technology. They also have apps you can download to stay updated. You’ll get notifications if your flight is canceled or delayed. The updates directly from the airline are often more accurate than what you’ll find online. Having your local airport’s app is also is useful in cases of gate changes or lost luggage.
5. Always Check In Online
Checking in online is a simple way you can avoid waiting in another line at the airport. When you check in online, you’ll have an electronic version of your boarding pass on your computer and phone while having the option to print before you leave your home. Checking in online also gives you the opportunity to reserve the seat you want.
6. Come Prepared With Snacks
It’s a mistake to rely on the airline to feed you unless you’re flying first class. Unless you want to pay a lot of money for mediocre airline food, you’re better off sneaking some snacks in your carry-on. Once you pass the security section of the airport, food and drink are almost double the price. It’s also worth bringing an empty water bottle with you that you can fill up using a water fountain once you pass security.
7. Don’t Use Public WiFi For Important Work
Not every airport has a safe and secure WiFi connection. You never know who’s lurking on the public WiFi networks trying to take advantage of unsecured data. Make sure you’re working from a secure connection if you’re going to do work at the airport or on the plane. Some airlines allow you to upgrade your WiFi by including the fee in the ticket price.