5 Tips from a Seasoned Traveler

It took years of savings, months of maneuvering schedules, and a pandemic with time to dream. The day has finally come to set off on that well-deserved vacation. My life is about traveling worldwide, either for business or for pleasure. Still, not everyone has the luxury to jet off on a Caribbean holiday or happen to have meetings in Paris.

When it comes to jet-setting, serial travelers have a prerequisite of steps in preparing for any departure, whether two days or an anticipated ten-day vacation. Experts can do it with their eyes closed and in record time. Lucky for you, they call me Champagne Travels, and I’m here to help you prepare for your next trip (you take care of the Champagne part).

Never over-pack

Unless you have the luxury of porters, bellhops, or a loved one willing to haul your bursting roller bag through the massive O’Hare airport, overpacking is never an option, whether checking luggage or not. Each day is meticulously planned. If a trip is business by day, then cocktails by night, every outfit is microscopically reviewed, laid out on the bed with all accessories detailed. Organized packing is not so the load is lighter; it makes your vacation effortless and surprisingly stress–free. The only question to ask yourself should be eggs or pancakes at the lavish buffet. Don’t allow yourself to make exceptions or “just in case” I need it. The only exceptions not combined with an ensemble would be an extra sweater or a pair of flats in case of an unexpected downpour or an inaccurate meteorologist.

Allow extra time...for everything!

You’re going to Hawaii; nothing should be stressful! Why add more pressure by allowing yourself to hit the snooze button twice on departure day? However long something will take, I build 30 minutes on top of that. Airport security is a crap shoot, so early arrival means you can read the paper over a Starbucks or maybe even enjoy a mimosa in the airline lounge once you’re through security.

Wet wipes/sanitary gel

Sanitary cleaners are now a daily part of our lives. The season, viruses, colds, flu, or any other germ doesn’t matter. Don’t ruin a hard-earned vacation because many people are not as conscious of cleanliness. Any local drug store has single packets of sanitary wipes or travel-size gels. A trick I use when exiting a bathroom or a bar is to use my pinky and thumb to open or close a door or throw my shoulder into it. Your index finger is what you use to wipe a crumb from your mouth or itch your eyelid. Keep those few fingers as hygienic as possible.

Pill organization

I mention this vital necessity not as a reminder of your daily medication, as I hope you’ll be conscious of packing those. I wish to suggest a few other possible pills to accompany your prescriptions. I always have regular over-the-counter acetaminophen when that shoulder ache comes from shopping bags. You may not have allergies, but a Sudafed may come in handy for your partner. A multivitamin is always a good idea when not adhering to your regular eating schedule. I always have something for the tummy, especially when enjoying foods a body is not used to consuming.

Document folder

Fortunately, most of our boarding passes and travel agendas are on our phones, so paper is the least of our worries now. If you need documents or meeting presentations, keep them meticulously organized in a specific location. Check out my favorite digital apps for travel here.

If you’re curious about other items I use on my worldly adventures, check out some of my favorites here.

Wherever your next destination may be, take the extra time to make your travels as stress-free as possible. You deserve this trip to your dream destination; pre-plan, so zero worries or dramas occur. It’s your time to chill and relax; travel has never been desired or deserved more than now! Read more about steps to your next vacation here.