Have you ever noticed that the busier you are, the more you seem to accomplish and the less you miss? Similarly, I also notice that the more often I travel, the more I have a flawless routine and the less I’m likely to forget something. Practice makes perfect, right?
Conversely, when you don’t travel for a while, it’s very easy to forget those basics that were once ingrained in your brain and used to come naturally to you. It is so easy to forget those simple, basic things that are often ignored, assumed or just taken for granted. It takes time to get your groove back.
This Travel Tip Tuesday, I thought I’d remind us all of some basic travel tips, that can always benefit from repeating!
1. Keep your passport in a safe place. The same place every time. One that you’ll remember. Pull it out from time to time to check the expiration date. Nothing squashes your excitement for a last-minute International trip more than realizing your passport has expired!
2. Take advantage of early, on-line check-in if your airline offers it. I know you may intend to do it, but when you’re running around getting ready and packing, you may just forget. Mark your calendar or set an alarm – make it happen.
3. Call your credit card companies and bank (if you intend to use your ATM card) and inform them of your travels. Always.
4. Make lists. A packing list. A general to-do list. A list for the housesitter or dog walker. Check things off as you go. Revise them. You’re less likely to forget, it puts your mind at ease and can often deter that feeling of ‘I feel like I forgot something’.
5. Wear slip on shoes to the airport. You’ll save time and dirty looks from those in line at airport security.
6. Double, triple and quadruple check your flight times. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way.
7. Program your airline’s important phone numbers into your cell phone before you leave. At the rate flights are canceled or delayed and with missed connections – you never know when it will come in handy. It’s never a bad idea to call before you leave for the airport, just to make sure there haven’t been any changes to your flights either.
8. Hold your mail at the post office. Especially during long trips.
9. Write down and bring the name, address and phone number for your hotel. You’d be surprised how many forget it – and perhaps how many taxi drivers don’t know where that hotel is!
Now it’s your turn. I’d love for you to share a tip in the comments.
What is something basic that you always forget when traveling? And how do you avoid missing the basics?