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Traveling is wonderful…except when flying on the busiest days of the year. Here are some stress free travel tips and things to bring to the airport to help maintain your sanity!
Stress Free Travel: Airport Tips
Written by: Josie Reim
You just booked your flight home for Thanksgiving. Although you haven’t seen your family in a while, you suddenly regret your decision when you start to hear newscasters talk about the busiest travel weekend of the year. How will you survive the Thanksgiving travel nightmare ahead?
I’ve spent many years flying back home for Thanksgiving so I’ve spent a good chunk of time in airports. The biggest travel weekend of the year coupled with intermittent weather changes can turn a five-hour flight into fifteen. Here is a list of things I always bring to keep me sane enough to get home for the weekend trip!
Water bottle
I always bring an empty water bottle when I’m traveling. If I’m flying on Thanksgiving weekend, it’s even more important that I carry one! Getting dehydrated is a surefire way to lose your sanity. Bring one with a filter so that you can fill it up from any potable water source. It’ll save you time and money – instead of waiting in line for a $5 bottle of water, you can take some time to meditate and prepare for time with your family.
Compass Rose Dual USB Port Travel Adapter
Universal Travel Adapter with Two USB Ports
If you’re traveling to multiple countries in Europe or around the world, for example, you’ll want to bring a universal adapter, which is much easier than taking several different adapters for each country. Plus, this one by Compass Rose International Travel Adapter (our brand!) will help you make the most of limited airport charging space!
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Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones
Although these are great to wear in-flight, these are even better when you need a quiet moment to yourself in a noisy airport. Sometimes I wear these without listening to music just so that I can have some much needed introvert time.
Lightweight blanket
I’ve slept in a few airports because of this holiday. Sleeping on my backpack worked but wasn’t super comfortable. I know that a few airports will hand out blankets if people get stranded at an airport but I like to be prepared in the event that they don’t. Also, because the weather can be so unpredictable, this functions as an additional layer to keep you warm.
Portable charger
The most popular spots at airports are now wherever the electric plugs or USB ports are. Ever since they let people use their devices during takeoff and landing, more people need to charge their electronics. Avoid the crowd by bringing a portable charger. Some chargers can charge two devices at the same time!
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Backpack
I’m already a light traveler in that I travel carry-on only. But Thanksgiving weekend brings in a whole different packing process – this weekend is probably the worse weekend to check any luggage in. I ditch the rolling luggage and travel with a backpack that I can run around easily in. The only reason I ever go anywhere during Thanksgiving is to see family anyway so I usually don’t have to bring as many things.
Although I avoid traveling on Thanksgiving weekend, these are my must-haves when I do decide to brave the crowds. Traveling on Thanksgiving isn’t so bad if you have some creature comforts along the way.
How do you stay sane during holiday travel? Comment below!
For comforting travel essentials, please read:
- 6 Europe Train Travel Essentials for Overnight Journeys
- Business Travel Essentials: 10 Products to Simplify Your Life
- Safe Travel Essentials: Will these 5 Products Help You?
- My 5 Must Have Travel Essentials
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Author Bio: Josie Reim has been traveling the world with a carry-on luggage since 1995. In that time, she has visited 18 countries, including 12 visits to the Philippines and a month in Brazil. She loves immersing herself in the local culture, including learning the language and seeking out local wildlife. Packing is a way of life for Josie as she and her husband move their home around the United States often.
I am as robbed of my passport and US cash in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain. Using a Day backpack, I know exactly when it happened (in retrospect). I heard a LOUD cough in my ear (that is when he/she opened the zipper and helped themselves) . Noticed it 30 min later and know how I was set up. On entrance a staff person yelled “put it in front” but I did not catch on to understand her to mean ” it prevents theft from behind. Lesson learned:
1. Never bring valuables or passport out in the street. That is what your room safe is for
2. Never feel comfortable, be on guard , always!
3. Use the zippered shirt you bought to hide credit cards & small amt of money and pin zipper shut.
4. Don’t take train if you do not have to. Packed areas with massive humanity are where the vast amt of theft occurs !!