You know that dreaded feeling. After getting in the car or hopping on the plane to your vacation getaway, you realize you left behind your trusty cell phone charger or toothbrush. Of course, neglecting these items is certainly the last worry you need before embarking on your weekend excursion.
When traveling near or far, meticulous planning and putting systems in place to not forget anything is the name of the game, especially if you want to enjoy your vacation without any major hiccups. Here are some tips on how to get your vacation started off on the right foot.
Planning Your Dream Getaway
When planning your vacation, you’ll likely need to buy a plane ticket, as well as make hotel, car rental and restaurant reservations well in advance. But you can make your life infinitely easier by keeping all these details organized — and in one go-to place — with a travel planning app like TripIt. TripIt records your plans into a master itinerary by pulling email confirmation details based on your airline and rental car reservations and vacation activities of choice. When you are done planning your trip you should also conduct travel health research that will tell you how to take care of yourself. Some countries have exotic diseases and foods that your body isn’t ready for, and others have mandatory vaccination requirements for foreign citizens.
Additionally, the app can help you keep track of other important details, including the dates, times, locations and contact information for each place you plan to visit. TripIt can also anticipate your next steps while on vacation, as the app’s built-in technology can provide you with maps, directions and reminders about any upcoming planned activities.
Packing All Those Essential Items
Packing mishaps can range from forgetting a week’s supply of socks and underwear to experiencing a full-on freakout if you somehow leave behind your child. That’s why instituting a thorough and systematic packing system will allow you to travel with all your vacation necessities without a hitch.
Need a little inspiration? Smarter Travel has created the ultimate packing list, which includes a comprehensive checklist of items — clothes, garments, toiletries, electronics and more — you’ll need while on vacation. But that’s not all. You’ll also want to bring sound and sturdy luggage that will keep your belongings both safe and organized.
For example, Away Travel luggage sets feature a polycarbonate shell and TSA-approved lock, which will not only safeguard your items, but also get them through security without any hassle. Additionally, these suitcases include an interior compression system and removable laundry bag to keep all contents tidy and organized. But perhaps the most convenient feature of Away Travel’s carry-on-sized luggage is its built-in-battery, which can charge any USB device while you’re on the go. Shop my travel accessories…
Enjoying the Perks of Traveling
Beyond forgetting your cell phone charger, passport or credit card, the aggravation of your luggage getting lost or stolen could ultimately ruin what should’ve been a dream getaway. So before leaving your house, make sure to label and/or put a tracking device on your most important belongings.
Through its Bluetooth finder, Chipolo tracking chips can help you easily locate your luggage once it comes off the carousel or even recover any misplaced items. These water-resistant tracking chips connect to a user-friendly mobile app and stay fully operational with a one-year battery.
Of course, beyond serving as a luggage locator, your smartphone or tablet can provide a host of in-flight entertainment options via apps like Facebook, Netflix, Words with Friends and more. Just make sure your cell phone service plan includes unlimited texting and one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi, so you easily conduct business or kick back and enjoy yourself before landing. These days, most flights are equipped with Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi.
