5 TIPS TO MAKE TRAVEL AND PLANNING EASIER

1. Do your Homework

It is funny that when we graduated from high school we thought that the need to do homework would stop but the truth is it never ends. Before you go anywhere research the location and the areas around it. Become familiar with the places and activities you would like to experience. If you like to travel alone or you are thinking about solo travel this will help you not LOOK lost. You will move with purpose and confidence which may deter those looking for an easy target. Research the currency rate; you may find that it is better to keep your currency and have smaller denominations. So it's okay to travel SOLO!

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2. Window shop

Don’t be afraid to compare prices. Someone else’s nightmare is NOT yours. Remember different personalities and preferences equal a different experience. At the same time take heed if there are numerous complaints about the same issue. I also like to see if there are any current reviews.

Side note: Be careful about going from one travel agent to the next. Every agent gives you what they have to offer based on their level of experience, booking, and personal travel. One agent may give you better information because they have more experience; please do not assume the other is trying to get over on you. They just may not know.

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3. Learn how to make a few coins look like A LOT!

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to get the best experience…. Trust ME! I say all the time that “I make broke look good”. I use sites various sites you can find on the My Services page to get some of the best prices at a reasonable cost. It also helps me to not look like a lost tourist traveling without purpose. This helps me to cut down on the amount of money I travel with. These sites not only include activities but entertainment, and food!

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4. Feel Bougie

So, the reason why this is titled as such is that when I use my TSA Precheck (which I always do) I feel BOUGIE! If you have flown before I am sure you see there are two lines that divide and form when you go through the security checkpoint. Some of you may get upset when you see someone in the TSA Precheck bypass everyone and you are the next person in line to get your boarding pass and ID checked and they are told to go in front of you. Yeah, that was me, I was you! I thought you had to have a lot of money to have the ability to do that. In reality, all you need is $85. So, you go to tsa.gov, fill out the application, pay your $85 (your status is valid for 5 years, that’s about $17 a year), set up your appointment, and you will receive an email notifying you if you are approved. If you are not you do not get your money back.

If you travel internationally and go through Customs, I recommend you get Global Entry. It is only $100 ($15 more) and last 5 years. This helps to expedite your entry coming through Customs and gives you the same benefits of TSA Precheck. (I will create a separate post to give you more information about the benefits of TSA Precheck and ways to make your life easier going through customs and security checkpoints)

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5. Pack Smart

So, I have found that if I roll my clothes I can fit more into my suitcase. I also use travel cubes that help keep items from shifting, stay organized, and help easily transfer clothes from suitcases to drawers (I still leave certain items in the packing cubes while they are in the drawers). You can find packing cubes at places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Amazon.com. These are some of the most cost-efficient places/sites to buy from. I also have multi-charging stations that keep me from having to find more than one outlet or having all my electronics spread out throughout my room. I use it when I need to charge more than one item at the airport. Always pack earplugs (I pack more than one now, just in case I lose one or someone I’m with didn’t bring theirs)

*More tips to come!!!! Oh, I am not getting paid from most of the sites I have recommended...well not yet.

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