For some people, traveling can be an intimidating task. Knowing what to pack, how to navigate an airport, or how to plan ahead are all worth consideration. Hopefully I will offer some tips and insights to make traveling as easy and seamless as possible.
What to Pack:
It’s extremely easy to overpack! Oftentimes, people overestimate their needs and pack much more than necessary. The basic items you’ll need to pack are:
- Phone Charger
- Headphones
- Clothes (roughly 2 outfits/day)
- Seasonal Wear (depending on the climate of the destination… winter coat vs. swim suit)
- ID
- Passport (if necessary)
- Wallet
- Glasses/Contacts
- Miscellaneous toiletries
How To Navigate An Airport:
Airports can be extremely confusing, so knowing how to navigate an airport will ease some anxiety. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to avoid checked luggage if at all possible. I would much rather pack lighter and fit into a carry-on than go through the whole process of checking luggage and then waiting at baggage claim after the flight. If you pack only a carry-on, you can head directly towards security. Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass ready to hand to the TSA agent, where they will scan your ID. The TSA agents will inform you how to proceed through security. Once through security, you can follow the signs to your gate! It is best to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your departure time to account for security, checking baggage, finding your gate, and the boarding process. Navigating an airport is sometimes hard and intimidating, but just know that there are always people there to help you get where you need to go!
Perhaps the most important tip for traveling is to plan ahead! Do some research to find interesting activities at your destination and book reservations in advance. It’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Happy traveling!
