Stress-free Trip Planning (Airline & Budget-friendly)
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If travel is back on your agenda, you might be looking for some tips to make it as stress-free as possible. It’s been a number of years since I went anywhere on a plane and there have been some changes since then.
Trip planning research...Step One
First – where are you going? And will it be for business, pleasure or some other reason? Research as much as possible about every step of the way. A lot can be found online, but sometimes it’s helpful if you know someone where you are going.
Your short-term rental hosts, family and friends may have invaluable suggestions that can save you time and money. The last time I went to Victoria B.C. we took a train from Vancouver to a bus stop and then the ferry. It wasn’t until after I got there that I was told I could have taken a much easier way. I could have just got on a bus directly in Vancouver and it would have taken me all the way. It would have been a lot less stressful, but where’s the adventure in that?
Breaking down the steps for planning your trip...
Step #1 - Going to the airport?
How will you get there? Will you be driving, taking a bus, train or airport service? If you are driving, where will you park your car until you return? Will you be staying at a hotel the night before where you can leave your car, and taking a shuttle? I did that the last time I went when I had an early morning flight, and it was only $50 for my car to stay there for almost 2 weeks. This time I am using the Park’n’Fly at the airport where I will still have to take a shuttle to the terminal.
Step #2 - Check in at the airport.
If you don’t like standing in long lines, you can check-in easily on-line if you are taking carry-on only. If you are taking a checked bag, you will still have to get in line. Allow extra time. Be there at least two hours before departure for domestic flights, and three hours for international. Check with your airline to get updates and other recommendations.
Trip planning ... learning new technology
Digital self-check-in was available the last time I flew, but it wasn’t as widely used. At least not by the older generations. Now, almost everyone has a cellphone so they can download the applicable apps. As long as you have an internet connection though, you can access the airline site and check-in there without downloading an app.
Step #3 - Go through airport security...TSA
Pay close attention to what the TSA agents are telling you to do and follow all guidelines. Here are a few tips I found out for my trip:
Liquids:
- All liquid & paste toiletries have to be in containers no more than 100ml or 3.4oz. and fit in a 1 liter or quart clear bag, per person.
- If you are taking food to eat on the plane, any liquid or paste also has to conform to the above and fit in the same clear bag as the toiletries.
- Peanut butter and hummus are considered liquids.
- Liquid medications, baby food, formula, and sanitizer are exempt from this guideline but must be declared so they can go through screening separately. Same with inhalers.
- Take an empty water bottle and fill it after going through security.
More TSA tips.
Other Food:
- You don’t have to take your other non-liquid food out of your bag when scanned.
Electronics:
- If you are bringing a laptop, tablet or other electronic device you will be asked to put them in a separate bin to be scanned.
Your person:
- Remove belts, jewelry and metal items if possible. Don’t forget change in your pockets.
- Wear shoes that are easy to get on and take off. If wearing laces – loosen before going through security.
Packing for your trip...
I always advise to pack as lightly as you can. In my younger days I was not very good at this. You had to have everything you might possibly need, right? Because there were no stores that sold shampoo or _____ where I was going, right? (And of course, there were no laundromats either.) The first few flights I took also allowed you carry-on and check-in bags for free! Now a lot of airlines charge extra for check-in and carry-on bags and the TSA restrictions have gotten tighter.
Seriously though, the more stuff you take, the more you have to cart around with you. At least wheeled luggage and knapsacks make it a little easier. You can read my tips for packing in a carry-on only in the link below.
New Items i purchased for my trip...
After checking the specifications for my personal bag, I realized that the knapsack I was going to use was too large. The airline I was going on required my personal bag to be 16″x 13″x6″. I debated whether I really wanted to take my laptop or not. Since my tablet was not reliable anymore and I thought I might actually do some work, it is coming! I also considered bringing a leather tote I already had, but it was heavy and didn’t have many compartments. I found this knapsack and collapsible water bottle on Amazon.
Trip planning checklist...
There are so many details to work out when planning your trip. I have prepared a travel checklist that can help with your packing and other to dos. Who is going to take care of your pets, your plants, and your mail? Are any bills due while you are gone set up for automatic payment? What do you need to pack? Tailor it to suit your needs and disregard the items that aren’t pertinent to you.
Do you need to take some food with you?
Depending on your airline and length on your trip, they may not provide you with meals or snacks. Or you may be able to purchase them separately onboard with a credit card. These are typically expensive and not very good.
What about health insurance?
If you are travelling out of country or province you might want to get extra health insurance. Whether you are healthy or not, you never know when an accident may befall you.
some final thoughts...
Before you leave your home:
- Use up any perishable food in your fridge.
- Put out garbage and recycling if necessary.
- Check your security system if applicable.
- Make sure all doors & windows are locked.
- Give keys or codes to anyone watering plants, getting mail or checking on your home while you are gone.
Do you have any travel tips to share?
You can see my carry-on and personal bag packing video below...
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