25 Travel Tips You Need to Know
Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, domestically or internationally, by plane or by car, you need to know these 25 travel tips for your next vacation!
Tip #1: Track Your Flight on iPhone
To track your flight on an iPhone, you can text your flight number using the iMessage app: 1. Open a new text message to yourself. 2. Type in the airline code and flight number, for example "DL125" 3. The text will change into a clickable link 4. Click on the link to preview your flight! You'll see a card with important information about your flight, including: *Flight status *Terminal and gate information *Departure and arrival times *Baggage claim
Tip #2: Currency Converters
If you have an iPhone, go to your calculator app, and at the bottom left touch the calculator icon. Turn on “convert” and you can choose the currency you need to convert to! No WiFi needed!
Tip #3: Packing for Littles
When packing for babies/toddlers/preschoolers, put each outfit -complete with socks, hair bow, etc - into a gallon ziplock bag. Makes it so easy to have their outfit ready for the day!
Tip #4: Airport Security
Download the My TSA app, and you can set your airport, and easily check the security wait times, delays, and more!
Tip #5: Exclusive Cruise Rates
Travel advisors have access to special rates on cruises, called “Group Space”. Travel agencies book these cabins the day they are released, often locking in the lowest rates, so their clients can benefit with a price that is better than what is published by the cruise line.
Tip #6: Cruise Packing Hack
Cruise staterooms have magnetic walls! Pack magnetic hooks to help you stay more organized - you can hang hats, bags, toiletry bags, swim coverups, and more!
Tip #7: National Parks
Want to take your family to see America’s National Parks? There’s no better time than when you have a fourth grader! The Every Kid Outdoors pass allows every fourth grader in the US and their families entrance to National Parks for FREE for a year! Go to their website, fill out the info, and print out your pass!
Tip #8: Real ID
The Real ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025! If you’d like to travel by plane, you’ll need a Real ID or your passport to fly. Time to make an appointment at your DMV!
Tip #9: Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a great way to stay organized. But compression packing cubes are next level! Packing cubes help your clothing to be less wrinkled, and you can also use packing cubes for other travel items or electronics. You are sure to find what you need quicker when you “cube” everything in your suitcase!
Tip #10: Laundry Hack
When you’re headed out for a family vacation, make sure to pack a pop up hamper at the bottom of your suitcase. When you’re at your destination - whether a hotel room or cruise ship stateroom, the pop-up hamper is a great way to keep all the dirty clothes contained. When it’s time to head home, one suitcase can hold all the dirty clothes and go straight to the laundry room.
Tip #11: Theme Park Necessity
You’ll never regret packing a portable handheld fan that has a USB charger when you visit theme parks during warm weather. It’s so nice to whip it out and cool off while standing in line. And it’s a great way to make friends!
Tip #12: Airport Parking
Pay for airport parking in advance! You want to have your parking reserved so you have one less surprise to deal with on your travel day. Find the link at your airport, and search for promo codes too!
Tip #13: It’s Simple - Packing List
Make a packing checklist for yourself so you don’t forget anything! Sounds simple, but put it into action. Especially the last minute items you can’t pack until morning of! Check out our Cruise Packing List HERE.
Tip #14: Toiletries
Solid shampoo and conditioner. It’s a great way to reduce the liquids you’re traveling with so you can be Team Carry On!
Tip #15: Early Earners
Make sure you sign your kids up to earn their frequent flyer miles!
Tip #16: Sleeping While Traveling
Pack a sound machine when you travel (or even better, install a sound machine app on your phone) - it helps to block out unfamiliar sounds so you can sleep well!
Tip #17: Phone Storage
Before every trip, make sure you have enough storage on your phone for all the photos/video you may take on vacation!
Tip #18: Large Parking Lots
Always take a photo of where you parked your car! Whether it’s an airport parking garage, theme park, or stadium parking lot…better to snap a photo just in case you forget!
Tip #19: Stroller Necessities
Traveling with little ones? A stroller with a one-handed fold and a full recline, as well as a generous sunshade is what you need! This makes it easier to travel! Cup holder for a mama is a huge bonus as well! The City Mini is our personal fave.
Tip #20: Luggage Tags
It’s an easy one. Make sure your luggage is tagged with your contact info! Even better, pop an air tag inside so you’ll always know where your luggage is. Should the airlines lose your bag, it can be very helpful to get it back sooner if you can show them the exact location.
Tip #21: Elevator Buttons
Push the wrong button on the elevator by accident? Find yourself in an elevator with Buddy the Elf? With most elevators, simply press the same button again. This cancels that floor.
Tip #22: Packing with Shoes
Shoe bags. When you’re packing, put your shoes in bags to keep the organized and separate from your clean clothes.
Tip #23: And Socks
While you’re packing your shoes, maximize your space by stuffing your socks inside the shoes.
Tip #24: Learning Opportunity for Kids
When you’re traveling, it’s a great time to let your kids experience navigating public transportation, especially if you live in a small town with no taxis, busses, trains, or subways. Show them the maps in advance and have the kids figure out how to map out the route you need to take.
Tip #25: Big Tippers
Always get cash before you travel so you are prepared to tip for good service! Housekeeping, bell services, porter, hotel concierge, driver, wait staff all depend on gratuities to make a living.