Jetsetter's Journal: Unveiling Top Travel Tips for Your Next Adventure
Traveling is one of my passions and I believe it is one of the greatest joys in life, but it can also be exhausting. Long travel days, unfamiliar surroundings, and the constant change in routine can all take their toll on your energy levels.
If you're a frequent traveler, you've probably learned a few tricks along the way to keep your energy up, but if you're new to travel, or if you're just looking for some fresh tips, here are a few things you can do to stay energized and make the most of your trip.
Fuel Your Body
Airport food is notoriously expensive and unhealthy, so I always pack a stash of healthy snacks in my carry on, such as nuts and protein bars. This helps me avoid getting hungry and resorting to unhealthy options at the airport. I also pack my supplements, especially vitamin D3, to stay healthy while I'm away from home.
When traveling internationally, I also take jet lag relief tablets. I’m not sure if they are just having a placebo effect, but they are working well for my husband and me. We used to feel exhausted on the first day of our trips to Europe, but since we started taking jet lag prevention supplements, we've had much more energy when we land. The brand I bought for my last trip was the Boiron Jet Relief Kit on Amazon.
Stay Hydrated
I'm good at staying hydrated at home, but I used to struggle to do the same when traveling. This led to frequent headaches and exhaustion. Now, I start drinking extra water the day before my trip and buy a few bottles of water at the airport to keep in my carry-on. Once I arrive at my hotel, I stock up on bottled water at a nearby convenience store.
My husband carries a Hydroflask and refills it frequently, but I prefer bottled water because I'm not a fan of public water fountains and don't always like the tap water in some of the places we visit.
Whatever your preference, Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health and energy levels, especially when traveling.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
I've struggled with getting enough sleep, especially when traveling, over the years. Here are some tips that have helped me:
Choose a quiet room. If possible, get a corner room on an upper floor away from elevators and busy areas of the hotel. If you are a loyalty member with a hotel chain, you can usually choose your room and check in prior to arrival.
Block out light. Even with blackout curtains, there is often lift shining into the hotel room in between the curtains. I pack a hair clip to keep the curtains shut and unplug the alarm clock if it's adding extra light. A sleep mask also works well.
Stick to your sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up close to the same time you do at home, especially when traveling for work. Keeping this habit in place helps me to have more energy and also make better eating choices as well as stick to my exercise plan.
Stay Active
I haven't always been consistent with working out while traveling for work or fun. I always have good intentions and pack my workout clothes, but then end up skipping the gym.
Instead of beating myself up about it, I now focus on walking at least three miles each day. I try to find a fun place to walk and see new things in whatever city I'm in. I also pack an exercise band and use my Peloton app in my hotel room to do Pilates, yoga, or strength training, even if it's just for 15 or 20 minutes. I know I have more energy and feel better when I do some type of movement, even if it's not my usual routine.
Depending on where you are, it can also be fun to go for a hike or get a day pass for a gym and try a workout that is different from your normal routine.
Staying active while traveling is important for your physical and mental health. It can help you reduce stress, improve your sleep, and boost your mood. So find what works for you and make it a priority to move your body every day, even when you're on the go.
Elevate Your Airport Experience
Flying can be frustrating and is not for the faint of heart. Over the last few years, I have had so many flight delays and cancellations that it is a pleasant surprise when I have a trip with no issues. Rather than being upset for too long about something that is out of my control, I always plan to bring something I look forward to. Flying is a great way to have uninterrupted time to finish a good book, binge a Netflix series or catch up on your favorite podcast. Before I leave for a trip I download several podcasts and movies that I want to watch. I also always pack a great book and pack my journal to capture any great ideas that come to me when I have time alone to think. I recommend packing a comfortable pair of noise canceling earphones that are easily visible to your seat mates. A big pair of Bose earphones is perfect when you are not in the mood to chat and want some quiet time on your flight.
I’ve also met several very interesting people at the airport so it can also be fun to meet new people. You never know who you will meet on a flight and what helpful connections you could make. I have a good friend that travelled next to the CEO of a company that ended up hiring her. I always meet fascinating people while traveling.
If you have a long layover, the airline club lounges can be a lifesaver. Even if you aren’t a member, you can typically buy a day pass which costs approximately $50. The pass gives you access to more comfortable chairs and quieter places to relax or work. The bathrooms are also less crowded and the meals, snacks and beverages are complimentary. My husband and I use the airport lounges whenever we have a layover of four hours or more. It can help save your sanity and is usually worth the cost of a day pass.
Get Organized
When I first started traveling, I was not organized. I would end up frustrated whenever I went to unpack on arrival, unable to find things easily and forgetting to pack essential items. I would also frequently end up with extremely wrinkled clothes.
Here are a few tips to help you make your next trip a breeze:
Use a toiletry organizer. A toiletry organizer is a great way to keep all of your toiletries in one place and prevent them from leaking. I recommend the Bagsmart toiletry travel bag, which has four separate waterproof compartments and a hook so you can hang it up in the bathroom. I also have designated products and an extra iPhone charger that I keep in this bag so that I never forget to pack something that I need on trips.
A jewelry travel case is a great way to keep your necklaces from getting tangled. There are many different types of jewelry travel cases available on Amazon, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Pack clothes that wrinkle easily on hangers and make unpacking quicker and easier. I use hangers that aren’t very bulky and keep my clothes on the hanger and fold in half in my suitcase. When you arrive at your hotel, simply hang your clothes up in the closet. I also pack a travel sized steamer when I am on work trips.
Invest in Apple AirTags. AirTags are small tracking devices that can be attached to your luggage and other belongings. This way, if your luggage is lost or stolen, you can track its location using the Find My app on your iPhone. A pack of four AirTags costs approximately $88 on Amazon. After losing my luggage in Italy for over a week I decided to invest in these and I also keep one in my purse just in case.
Embrace the Local Culture
One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to try new things. Be open to new experiences and step outside of your comfort zone. Even while on work trips, I always try to find great restaurants and experiences when I have the time. Don’t be afraid to utilize the concierge at your hotel. They will have great recommendations and can help get you into busy restaurants even when they appear to be full on reservation apps like Open Table.
Taking a tour at the beginning of a trip can give you great ideas for restaurants and places to visit that are less touristy and frequented by the locals. I use Viator or other tour apps to find new adventures while I’m traveling. Tour guides are usually very knowledgeable of history and the local sites. In Europe tour guides are typically required to pass an exam before they can be hired by tour companies.
Some ideas for tours and experiences that I’ve enjoyed while traveling include taking cooking classes to learn how to prepare local cuisine, ghost tours which are great history lessons along with some fascinating folklore, food and wine tours are always fun and a great way to meet interesting people from all over the world. My husband and I have also taken swamp boat tours, dinner cruises, food tours and city walking tours. There are so many options for fun ways to experience the places that you are visiting.
Choose the tips that work for you and make your next trip a more organized and stress-free experience. Remember, the most important thing about traveling is to enjoy the journey and create wonderful memories. Safe travels!