For many of us, navigating an airport, figuring out public transport, and deciding what to pack can feel like a test we forgot to study for. Even if you love to travel, not everyone is born with a knack for city directions and a list of items to pack at the front of their mind.
If you’re the type who likes to go with the flow rather than being meticulous about planning and logistics, this article is for you. With just a few tips and tricks, these travel hacks can make your trip smoother, easier, and way more enjoyable:
Apply For Global Entry
Security and customs lines aren’t for the faint-hearted. Long, tedious, and intimidating security checks can make the most innocent traveler feel like they’ve committed a heinous crime.
Global Entry is like a VIP pass through security checks. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers with a low risk, when arriving in the U.S.
You can use it to skip the line for customs and immigration and receive TSA PreCheck, which is included in the package. This is particularly useful for frequent domestic flight travelers.
You can check if you’re eligible for global entry here.
Be Last On, Last Off the Plane
Unless you need to fight for space in the overhead compartments, being the last person to get on the plane is a power move. You won’t have to wait around in cramped aisles while others struggle to find seats. But the best part about this is that you’ll be able to spot an empty row to snag at the very last minute.
Sure, you might wait longer at the gate, but with a Starbucks nearby and free airport Wi-Fi, you’re better off here than standing between screaming babies and scrambling travelers.
Use a Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus
I know what you’re thinking. Hop-on/hop-off buses are for tourists with binoculars. But hear me out here: they’re a secret trick when visiting a new city. These buses hit all the major attractions and sites in one go, saving you time, energy, and the headache of trying to navigate public transport.
They’re also non-committal, which means you can get on and off as you please. I like to stop along all the main high streets and wander around on foot. When I’m done, I simply head back to a bus station and wait for the next red bus to pick me up.
Book an All-Inclusive Resort
All-inclusive resorts are a lazy traveler’s nirvana, especially if you’re the type who wants other people to plan the logistics of your vacation. Food, drinks, accommodation, and entertainment are all included in one upfront cost.
There is something magical about waking up to a resort buffet, ordering margarita after margarita at the pool bar, and not paying an (additional) cent for it. There are all-inclusive resorts for all sorts of travelers – some are family-friendly, while others are all about adults-only relaxation.
Buy a Skip-the-Line Ticket
Whoever invented the skip-the-line ticket deserves a medal. Some travel attractions are so popular that there are snaking lines just to enter the building. This relatively new concept involves paying a bit extra on top of an entrance ticket to skip right to the front of the line.
For places like the Vatican in Rome and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, skip-the-line tickets are a game changer. They’re most useful when you only have a few days in a location, and spending hours in a line would gnaw into your precious time. Not to mention, it’s a crazy futuristic experience.
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