Packing struggles, lengthy TSA lines, unexpected flight delays, complicated visa applications … We all know that travel comes with its own set of challenges. However, with the right knowledge, you can minimize hiccups during your trip and instead focus on what really matters: enjoying the adventure.
Check out our 25 all-important travel tips below for a smooth journey.
- Purchase travel insurance.
Your trip is an investment, so why wouldn’t you protect it? Depending on the insurer, travel insurance can cover emergency medical costs, delayed and/or lost luggage, delayed and/or cancelled flights, and more. Some plans may even refund the cost of your trip if you have to cancel due to illness or injury. Please note: Odysseys Unlimited offers the option to purchase travel insurance from TripMate when reserving a tour.
- Apply for or renew your passport/ID well in advance.
Check your passport/ID’s expiration dates when you plan your trip (or at least six months in advance of your departure, whichever comes first). Your passport/ID should be valid for at least six months after you return. Also ensure that you have the correct number of blank pages in your passport according to your destination’s requirements. For more information on passport renewal and application, click here.
- Get your REAL ID.
A REAL ID (or a valid passport) is now required for domestic travel. For more information, click here.
- Check for visa and/or travel authorization requirements.
If you’re traveling to another country – including the U.K. and, soon, much of Europe – you may need a visa or a travel authorization. Check the entry requirements for your destination(s) well in advance of your departure. And if you need help with visa applications, consider using a visa service such as the one we recommend, G3 Global Services. Please note: Odysseys Unlimited guests can learn about entry requirements for their tour in the General Information document and Entry Requirements Letter in the My Odyssey guest portal.
- Consider using bluetooth tracking devices, such as AirTags.
It’s an easy way to keep track of important or easily misplaced items, like your luggage, wallet, smartphone, purse, etc.
- Obtain a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (if traveling internationally).
Some credit cards do not charge fees for foreign transactions, making them perfect for international travel.
- Make a detailed packing list – and save it for future trips.
Check out The Ultimate Odysseys Unlimited Packing List for a detailed printable PDF packing checklist. Use it to create a default list for yourself, and you won’t have to create a packing list from scratch ever again.
- Pack smart.
Smart means light. By limiting the number of bags you bring, you'll simplify your travel experience (plus reduce your carbon footprint). Smart also means organized: Stash essentials, such as medications, in your carry-on, use packing cubes to organize your checked bag, and keep an extra outfit or two with you in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
- Leave valuable, sentimental, and/or otherwise irreplaceable belongings at home.
This includes expensive electronics, jewelry (including wedding rings and watches), and anything else you can’t afford to lose. You don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about your belongings.
- Protect your belongings and safeguard your luggage.
Lost or delayed luggage can put a damper on your journey. Learn how to best plan for this possibility – and what to do if it happens to you – by clicking here.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
That way, you’ll always have water on-hand to stay hydrated, which helps you recover from jet lag, stay energized, and regulate your body. Generally, 20 to 30 oz bottles tend to be ideal sizes for traveling.
- Ensure your electric plug adapter works at your destination.
Remember, not all “universal” adapters work at every destination. For tips on using electricity while abroad, click here.
- Make copies and/or take photos of important documents.
This includes your passport, ID(s), license(s), insurance cards, birth certificate, hotel contact information, itineraries, flight information, etc. Be sure to pack these in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to avoid lengthy waits at TSA and Customs.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are your tickets to an expedited travel experience. Both are valid for five years. For more information, click here.
- Purchase a local eSim for international cell phone/data service.
Companies like KnowRoaming sell temporary eSims that work on a variety of unlocked mobile devices. For more ideas on how to stay connected while traveling abroad, click here.
- Notify your bank(s) of your travel plans so that your accounts do not get flagged for suspicious activity.
You can often do this on your bank’s app and/or website. While you’re at it, you may also want to check your withdrawal limits.
- Learn about your destination’s culture and social norms.
From table manners and proper greetings to tipping practices and taboo topics, learning about your destination’s culture sets the table for warm, welcoming interactions with locals wherever you choose to travel.
- Learn the language.
Even if you think most people at your destination can speak English, learning basic words and phrases in the local language may save you in a pinch – and helps you be a conscientious traveler.
- Download media before departing.
This includes entertainment for your flight (such as videos, audiobooks, music, ebooks, etc.) and essential info (such as Google Maps of your destinations, boarding passes, hotel information, etc.). This is especially important for those who do not plan to obtain an international data plan.
- Download the airline’s app.
The best and easiest way to manage your flight is to use the airline’s smartphone app. Here, you will get the most up-to-date information about your flight, and can also obtain your boarding pass, purchase extra services, and more.
- Be smart about using your smartphone.
Your smartphone can be your most useful travel gadget. Click here for tips and tricks on how to best use it while traveling.
- Plan ahead to beat jet lag.
Jet lag is a traveler’s greatest saboteur. Learn how to mitigate its effects by clicking here.
- Bring sanitizing supplies to stay healthy.
Antibacterial wipes come in handy for cleaning armrests, tables, screens, toilet seats, and other high-touch surfaces you may encounter while on the road. For more information on staying healthy while traveling, click here.
- Be patient and flexible.
Travel hiccups are inevitable, so the best thing you can do (for yourself and others) is to practice patience and flexibility.
- Most importantly, enjoy your journey!
