Summer is synonymous with sun, fun, and vacation. But traveling can be stressful between planning, packing, and the trip itself. We rounded up some of the best tips from well-versed travelers to help you reach your destination on-time and worry-free.
Before the trip
- Planning and preparation
- Establish a summer travel budget. Determine the cost of transportation, lodging, and how much you’re planning to spend on meals, activities, etc., so you don’t go over budget.
- Compare prices for hotels and flights. Check for special offers through credit card perks or memberships like AAA.
- Download the airline app. That way, you’ll know if there’s a cancellation or delay.
- It’s worth applying for TSA PreCheck. Keep in mind that there’s an online application and an in-person meeting before you can be approved. The program offers expedited screening at the airport, which can come in handy if you’re running late or just don’t want to wait in line.
- Packing
- Pack fewer clothes than you think you’ll need. You can use the room for souvenirs.
- Use packing cubes. They save so much space.
- Always keep a small box in your luggage to hold fragile purchases. Trash bags can come in handy for dirty clothes and other items you need to isolate.
- Don’t bring anything valuable. That way, if you lose it, it’s no big deal.
- If you need chewing gum to deal with the change in altitude, buy some before you get to the airport. Some airports don’t sell gum.
Pack gum or hard candy for your keiki to help reduce ear pain during takeoff and landing.
At the airport
- Go to the airport earlier than you think you need to. Waiting in security lines and walking to the gates can take time.
- Bring snacks and an empty, reusable water bottle (although ice is allowed). There are usually water stations inside the gate area where you can fill your bottle.
- If you have a long layover, check out the airport’s amenities. For example, there are yoga rooms at San Francisco International Airport and live music throughout Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas.
- When traveling with your family, consider having one adult board first to stow all your gear while one adult stays at the gate with the kids. Let the kids run around until the last boarding call to help them burn off some energy and reduce their time sitting in their seats, waiting for takeoff.
Let keiki explore the airport and burn off some energy before boarding.
- Never leave anything of value in your rental car.
- Remove expensive jewelry before going into the ocean. Wedding and engagement rings often get lost.
- Need ibuprofen? Forgot your medication for motion sickness? Are those new shoes giving you a blister? Before searching for a pharmacy or store, ask about first-aid kits or stations at the hotel, airport, or visitor attraction. They often have supplies like gauze pads, bandages, and alcohol and wipes.
- Buy sunscreen that won’t damage the ocean ecosystem.
- Don’t take shells when scuba diving. That’s housing for a variety of sea critters!
- Have no shame! Do something you wouldn’t normally do that’s crazy fun – like ride a mechanical bull! The people over there don’t know who you are.
- Nobody cares that you’re wearing what you wore yesterday.
- Don’t be afraid of getting lost. It’s all part of the adventure.
All silly poses encouraged!
More summer fun:
