How to travel like an adult
On the heels of a recent uptick in my travel schedule, I submit to you a very simple list to take your travel skills from amateur hour to pro level with very little effort.
1. Don’t miss your flight.
2. Be mindful of what you wear and pack.
1. Don’t miss your flight.
- Double check your flight times and check in before you leave your house. I’ll refrain from dabbling in the conspiracies surrounding whether or not airlines want to give your seat away if you’re a minute too late to check in. Just know that not even the saddest puppy-dog eyes will get you past the gate if you don’t check in on time.
- Check-in requirements vary by airlines so you’ll want to know when you need to check in and do it as soon as you are able from your phone.
2. Be mindful of what you wear and pack.
- Don’t forget you’ll have to take your shoes off to get through security. If you don’t want to walk around in public in your bare feet for a few minutes, make sure you wear socks that day.
- Pay attention to what the people in front of you are doing when you go through TSA. Sometimes I could swear the rules change every day. I never know whether I’m supposed to take my laptop out of my bag until it’s the last second.
- Crucial reminder: Don’t pack anything in your carryon bag that you might get embarrassed about if you are selected for a bag check. Do pack your daily must-haves (like your prescription medications) in your carry on instead of a checked bag just in case they lose track of your luggage.
- Don’t overload your carryon to be too heavy. You’re going to look silly if you can’t lift it up to the overhead bin.
3. Don't stink up the plane.
4. Be courteous (or at least decent).
- Shower the day of your flight. No one likes a stinky. Also, keep your shoes on while in flight.
- Don’t bring stinky food on a plane. For example, charcuterie with salami should not be a go-to choice for your mid-flight snack (yes, true story).
4. Be courteous (or at least decent).
- If you have to chat on the plane, use your inside voice.
- Never have any of your devices off of silent mode.
- Wait your turn to deplane. If you notice others are in a rush, likely trying to make another flight, let them go ahead of you.
- Be kind to flight attendants. Be kind to everyone, but especially to flight attendants.
Do you have any great tips or travel horror stories of your own? If so, drop them in the comments - we can’t wait to hear!
