Travel tips that redefined the way I travel.

I encounter so many stressed out people traveling. Last day worries, packing headaches, in flight nervousness, and security checkpoint stress plaque most travelers. There is always that doubt that you forgot to pack something even if its not true. But like Iv told many people and mentioned on the site many times, it doesnt have to be. Here are the top tips that had the biggest impact on my travels.

1. One bag

I used to be the person who would pack 5 pairs of pants for 3 days of travel, just in case. I was that guy tugging those roller suitcases filled with 50lb of stuff across the airport filled with stuff that I probably wouldn't use or at least didn't need. Check in luggage means you need to wait in a long line to have the airport weigh and ask you questions about your bag like your some sort of criminal, and then on top of that wait 30+ minutes for your luggage to appear on a carousel with other scuffed up, taped, and abused bags. I swear, after 20 minutes I'm always sure that my bag was lost or stolen and I'm the only one in that airport waiting there like an idiot.

I later found out you can fly without checking in a bag and have everything you need on the plane under the seat. How great is that? Headphones, switch, high quality movies, books, games, and snacks are within arms reach. You just need to pack one bag.

There are some caveats when onebagging. Some clothes, like jeans, can be worn, depending on the circumstances, more than once which means a pair can stretch across 2 and even 3 days if needed. Other garments, like cotton shirts, dont make it as far. This is where travel cloths come into play.

Minimalist travel clothes can help you overcome these qualms. Nylon, special blends, treated, and merino wool clothing can be worn more than once and are sometimes stain, odor, and wrinkle resistant. A pair of shorts can last a whole week and you would be surprised how little, if any, people notice. We should also be considered is some minimalist clothing dries quickly, so it can be washed in a sink or laundromat and left to dry overnight. 

For one to go from suitcase to onebag, one must forget those just-in-case items that they never use. You dont need a laptop if your going for a week long no-work vacation. It also helps to pack things that are very versatile. The easiest example is your smartphone. It is a communication device, GPS, flashlight, mirror, camera, and more. It can also be noted that anything you will need can be purchased at your destination.

2. Check luggage at the gate

I understand that not everyone can one-bag on every trip. Luckily, airlines (excluding budget airlines) allow a backpack and carry-on luggage. This gives a traveler a lot of flexibility. You can really cram those small roller luggages and backpacks since airlines rarely weigh them.

The only part I hate about brining a bag that doesnt fit under my seat is fighting for overhead space when I board the plane. What if I told you that roller luggage toeing around can be checked in for free? Airlines offer free check in at the gate. All you need to do is ask and they will take the bag off your hands and will place them with the other checked luggage. You then just simply pick up the bag when you land like other checked bags.

This is a great way to pack a lot more and not worry about your bag for half the trip. Its not as good as onebagging but better than checking-in a bag at the counter and possibly paying extra.

3. Sit by the wings

If your someone who is afraid of turbulence, then this simple hack will help ease your flight anxiety. Sitting by the wings, or the middle of the plane, will reduce the amount of turbulence you feel. Some of that shaking and jitter is from the plane naturally flexing along the area where its being held in the air, the wings. This is completely normal, but can make the turbulence feel more than it is,ui6 especially the vertical turbulence.

4. Take it easy

Doesn't matter if your first or last, the plane will take off at the same time. If you check-in early, you can choose your seat (usually for an additional fee), but if you check-in last, you will get whatever seat is available, sometimes the more expensive seats with extra leg room. 

Was your flight delayed more than 4 hours or even canceled. Dont worry, the airline will pay for your accommodations and help you book a new flight. It sucks, but it will all work out in the end.

My point is that you dont need to worry. Everything always works out. Sit back and enjoy your pre-downloaded movies or scroll through instagram using the airports free wifi. Dont be one of those people who starts yelling at the person behind the desk like its their fault or like they even have any power at all to change whats going on. Dont let the problems get to you, and be happy. Remember, your on vacation.

5. All you need is a passport

The only thing you need to travel is your *passport. You could show up with nothing expect a *passport and the clothes on your back and they would let you on the plane.

This means that the most important thing you are brining, the thing you should check you have every step of the way, is you passport. When your planning your trip check the dates on your passport. When you book your flight check the dates on your passport. Before you leave check for your passport. When you get in the car check for your passport. When you get to the airport check you have your passport. Everything else, except for life saving medication and maybe your phone or credit card, is supplementary. 

*that is not expired nor less then 3 months out from expiring when on your vacation.

Traveling can be simple, it really can. Bring some stuff you need, your passport, and enjoy. It just takes some time to get a comfortable routine. Next time you fly, if you haven't already, try some of these tips.