How to Get Travel Ready with My Go-To Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Vacation

As I am preparing for my next vacation, my thoughts go to all the preparations that need to happen before I leave. Travelling can bring immense joy, but it can also be overwhelming without proper preparation. Over the years of travelling I have gathered effective strategies that can help make your travel experiences smoother and more enjoyable. In this post, I’ll share my top tips ranging from helpful apps to packing strategies, eSIMs, and more. Grab your pen and notebook (or just your phone), and let's prepare for your next adventure!

Download Useful Apps

There was a time when I would travel with loads of paper and have all my documents and written directions to my favourite places but now a days in our tech-savvy world, there's an app for nearly every travel need. Before any trip, I focus on installing essential travel apps that simplify my journey.

Consider downloading:

• Google Maps or City Mapper (in Europe): I have spent too much time wandering lost in big cities, but no more. With live tracking for walking as well as public transit this is a must for every traveller. City Mapper in particular is really helpful with public transport.

• WhatsApp: Many tour operators use WhatsApp for communication

• Airline Apps: These keep you updated with real-time flight information, including any delays or gate changes.

• Cruise Line Apps: Cruise lines have moved to apps to house just about everything. In advance of boarding it can be used to book excursions, dining reservations and your check in. Once on board it will house all the activities planned for the cruise and give abilities to contact guest services and even stay connected with other cruisers. It will be invaluable for your entire cruise.

• Uber/ Lyft Apps: Help you get from A to B easily

• FreeNow: If travelling to Europe, this app is used in many countries for hiring taxis. It will allow you to store credit card information so you do not need to worry about having cash in hand in the right currency.

• XE App: There is nothing like standing in a store looking at prices in different currency and wondering what the price is in Canadian. Or worse, getting home and getting your credit card bill and realizing that coffee you bought in Colombia cost How Much?? This app converts currency from one to another with ease so you will always know what you are paying.

  
  

Many travel advisers (including me) create their itineraries for clients in TravelJoy. The advantage of this is the Itineraries by TravelJoy app which will put all your flights, travel details and documents in one place on your phone. If your travel adviser doesn't use this or you booked your trip yourself you can download TripIt. By simply forwarding your confirmation emails, it organizes all your travel itineraries in one spot. It’s the next best thing.

Create a Packing List

An organized packing plan can save time and lower travel stress. I recommend creating a checklist focused on essentials like clothes, toiletries, chargers, and travel documents.

Before each trip, I jot down planned activities to pack accordingly. For example, if you're heading to a beach destination, items like swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses should top your list. You can even find multiple packing list templates online that cater to various trip types or use an AI site to build a packing list specific to your trip.

Keeping a digital checklist offers a modern approach, allowing you to update it for your future travels. I have done this with our trips where many essentials are the same for any trip but can be tailored to your specific destination.

Consider Getting an eSIM

Traveling abroad often leads to unexpected and expensive roaming charges. That's why I swear by eSIMs. They connect you to a local network without needing a physical SIM card and can greatly reduce costs.

Before I travel I purchase an eSIM plan offered by providers like Airalo and Saily. Many plans start at just $5 for 1GB. For my upcoming trip it is costing $18.00 for 3G for 30 days. Setting up an eSIM is usually straightforward and I can stay connected and use all my apps without the worry of high costs.

If you are cruising, you might want to explore getting GigSky. It can provide connection while at sea as well as in ports and on flights.

Check-In Online

Streamline your travel experience by checking in online. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 to 48 hours before your flight, saving you precious time at the airport.

This process not only allows you to secure better seating options but also lets you download your boarding pass directly to your phone, so one less piece of paper to keep track of or lose. If you're traveling in peak seasons, online check-in can give you an edge in the race for preferred seating choices.

Prep for Security Checks

Security checks can be one of the more tedious parts of traveling, but preparation can ease the process. I always opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Additionally, keeping my laptop and larger electronics in an accessible part of my bag. Make sure all gels/liquids that are in your carry-on are less than 100mL and all are in one 1L plastic bag that is easily reachable. Airports differ on whether you have to pull out the liquids, or the size of electronics that need to be removed from luggage for screening so always be prepared to remove these items if needed.

Being ready with my passport and boarding pass can speed things up significantly. I recommend checking if your airport allows pre-booking security appointments. Programs like CLEAR and YHZexpress can help frequent travelers skip long lines and get through security faster, making the journey more pleasant. Depending on the airport these can be booked 7 days to 48 hours before your scheduled flight. In North America these are offered free of charge. Similar options are available in some European airports but many charge a fee for this service.

Use the MPC App for Smooth Immigration

Navigating immigration can seem daunting, but using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app transforms the experience. The first time I used this was in the Toronto airport. By putting your passport and other information into the app in advance it allowed us to skip most of the really long line that we would have been in getting us to our gate in plenty of time to relax before our flight. I highly recommend the MPC app, particularly for travelers heading to the USA, where it’s accepted at many international entry points.

Protect Yourself with Travel Insurance

While many overlook travel insurance, it’s a crucial part of stress-free travel. Although optimism guides my trips, I believe it's smart to prepare for unforeseen events. Travel insurance can cover issues like lost luggage, unexpected illness, or even flight cancellations.

I recommend shopping around for plans that match your specific travel needs. It’s essential to read the fine print carefully to understand what is covered. I have had to use my insurance for unforeseen delays for my last two trips and statistics show that approximately 30% of travelers have faced issues that could have been mitigated with insurance.

Let Your Journey Begin

By following these tips, you're setting yourself up for a successful and enjoyable trip. From downloading essential travel apps to preparing for security and navigating immigration, thoughtful preparation can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

I hope these insights prove helpful as you gear up for your next journey. Remember, every adventure is an opportunity to learn and grow, so embrace the excitement of exploration. Safe travels!