Travel Tips

Make a checklist and check it twice (or thrice). Before any trip, it’s important to make a checklist of essential items like chargers for electronic devices or prescription medications. It’s easy to forget the items you use every day and you don’t want to spend your trip seeking replacements. Add to your list a portable battery charger (power bank) with a USB connector as “backup” to your backup.

Remove excess packaging. When you are bringing over toys or other products that come with their own packaging (in boxes), they take up more room in your suitcase or baggage than they should. Best way is to remove the product from the box and pack it in your suitcase. This will save up more room space for other items.

Double check your baggage. Overhead space will be at a premium during the holiday travel season, especially as people bring gifts for friends and family or return home with gifts they’ve received. So when preparing to pack your bags, it’s crucial to check in advance whether your luggage meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions for checked baggage and carry-ons.

Leave early for the Airport. From traffic that may be heavier than usual and hard-to-find parking spots, to longer lines in check-in counters and security screenings, you’ll ease your stress if you give yourself extra wiggle room in your schedule. Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours prior to departure. It may get a bit boring if you’re waiting around in an airport but it’s better than stressing out and starting your trip on a bad note.

Save gift wrapping for later. Speaking of gifts, wrapped packages are screened like any other item. So, to allow for an easy transition to the gate, carry your gifts unwrapped through security. Consider packing pre-cut paper and a small roll of tape so you can wrap them after you pass through security or when you reach your destination. Or, better yet, buy wrapping paper upon arrival.

Bring digital and hard copies of identification card and papers. It’s good to have a printed copy of your passport information page showing your picture and digitally in your email or a flash drive as well. In addition, other important items to keep copies of are visas, front and back of credit cards and health insurance information.

Keep the kids entertained. If travelling with kids, ensure you have their game devices handy (and FULLY charged) to allow you to have as stress-free a time while waiting to depart.

Know your emergency contacts. Email yourself a copy of your emergency contact info or print them out on paper and store it in your handbag or wallet where it’s easily accessible. Don’t rely solely on your cell phone contact list.

Look before you leave. Whenever you get up to leave somewhere at the airport, whether in a café, restaurant, bar or at the gate, always turn around and make sure you haven’t left anything behind – like your tickets.

Be prepare to take laptops out and shoes off. These rules don’t always apply but make your life easier and just plan for it. Laptops and tables usually need to be removed from your luggage and submitted separately for screening. You might also have to place your shoes and belt in the plastic bin that goes through the X-Ray screening. While you’re at it, remove any metal jewelry or accessories.

Label prescription medication. In addition to packing enough prescriptions to last your entire trip, bring extra in case you decide to extend your visit. Keep your medications in their original labeled containers to avoid mix up, then place them in a clear plastic bag. You can also carry a smaller pill box to carry in your carry-on item for easy access.

Keep valid identification at hand. Make sure your passport has at least six blank pages and will not expire before the end of your trip, and make sure your ID is valid.

Don’t rush to board the plane. Sit comfortably in departures where you can see the boarding desk and (assuming you have a pre-allocated seat) read your book until the last possible minute. When the queue is down to one person, get up and casually stroll through the departure gate onto the plane. The plane won’t leave without you until they have at least called out your name.

Don’t forget to have fun. When you have arrived to your final destination, either for business or pleasure, just don’t forget to have fun and enjoy!

Make a checklist and check it twice (or thrice). Before any trip, it’s important to make a checklist of essential items like chargers for electronic devices or prescription medications. It’s easy to forget the items you use every day and you don’t want to spend your trip seeking replacements. Add to your list a portable battery charger (power bank) with a USB connector as “backup” to your backup.

Remove excess packaging. When you are bringing over toys or other products that come with their own packaging (in boxes), they take up more room in your suitcase or baggage than they should. Best way is to remove the product from the box and pack it in your suitcase. This will save up more room space for other items.

Double check your baggage. Overhead space will be at a premium during the holiday travel season, especially as people bring gifts for friends and family or return home with gifts they’ve received. So when preparing to pack your bags, it’s crucial to check in advance whether your luggage meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions for checked baggage and carry-ons.

Leave early for the Airport. From traffic that may be heavier than usual and hard-to-find parking spots, to longer lines in check-in counters and security screenings, you’ll ease your stress if you give yourself extra wiggle room in your schedule. Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours prior to departure. It may get a bit boring if you’re waiting around in an airport but it’s better than stressing out and starting your trip on a bad note.

Save gift wrapping for later. Speaking of gifts, wrapped packages are screened like any other item. So, to allow for an easy transition to the gate, carry your gifts unwrapped through security. Consider packing pre-cut paper and a small roll of tape so you can wrap them after you pass through security or when you reach your destination. Or, better yet, buy wrapping paper upon arrival.

Bring digital and hard copies of identification card and papers. It’s good to have a printed copy of your passport information page showing your picture and digitally in your email or a flash drive as well. In addition, other important items to keep copies of are visas, front and back of credit cards and health insurance information.

Keep the kids entertained. If travelling with kids, ensure you have their game devices handy (and FULLY charged) to allow you to have as stress-free a time while waiting to depart.

Know your emergency contacts. Email yourself a copy of your emergency contact info or print them out on paper and store it in your handbag or wallet where it’s easily accessible. Don’t rely solely on your cell phone contact list.

Look before you leave. Whenever you get up to leave somewhere at the airport, whether in a café, restaurant, bar or at the gate, always turn around and make sure you haven’t left anything behind – like your tickets.

Be prepare to take laptops out and shoes off. These rules don’t always apply but make your life easier and just plan for it. Laptops and tables usually need to be removed from your luggage and submitted separately for screening. You might also have to place your shoes and belt in the plastic bin that goes through the X-Ray screening. While you’re at it, remove any metal jewelry or accessories.

Label prescription medication. In addition to packing enough prescriptions to last your entire trip, bring extra in case you decide to extend your visit. Keep your medications in their original labeled containers to avoid mix up, then place them in a clear plastic bag. You can also carry a smaller pill box to carry in your carry-on item for easy access.

Keep valid identification at hand. Make sure your passport has at least six blank pages and will not expire before the end of your trip, and make sure your ID is valid.

Don’t rush to board the plane. Sit comfortably in departures where you can see the boarding desk and (assuming you have a pre-allocated seat) read your book until the last possible minute. When the queue is down to one person, get up and casually stroll through the departure gate onto the plane. The plane won’t leave without you until they have at least called out your name.

Don’t forget to have fun. When you have arrived to your final destination, either for business or pleasure, just don’t forget to have fun and enjoy!