I am a professional traveler. After two summers as an intern for United Airlines, I am all too familiar with the world of aviation. Having taken 30 flights in six months, sometimes averaging two to four a week, I am all too familiar with getting through the airport and packing light. I almost never check a bag, sometimes only bringing a purse, but I always have what I need. However, before I travel somewhere, I’m always anxiously checking everything about my next destination. I have to check the weather, the sights, my passport, the travel time to the airport, etc. Like many people, preparing to travel is a huge stressor for me, even though the process should be as fun as the destination. Going through all of these steps will ensure that you have nothing to worry about on your next trip.
Where are we going?
There is one key decision that impacts the entire travel process: the destination. There are some very key items that get discussed in the first phase of the travel process, with the most important being cost, duration and lodging.
Cost can determine whether or not the trip will be international or domestic, at the Four Seasons or in a hostel. The problem of cost is multiplied by how many people are coming, what their budget is for the trip and if they do or do not have a passport. For this reason, I often travel solo; although trips with friends do end up being more lively. Assuming you have chosen the budget and found a group of people to go with, you now have to decide where you are going.
After cost, one of the best ways to decide where to go revolves around how long you want to stay there. Duration can increase or decrease expenses, due to more days at a hotel, renting a car or eating out. Would you like to stay in 40 degree weather for a week? Or 80 degree weather? Are you going somewhere tropical? Or somewhere dry? Deciding on a climate is important, but if you go to a destination in peak season there’s a higher likelihood the cost of your travels will increase.
Another climate to look at is the country’s current political climate. If you are a person of color or a part of the LGBTQ+ community, certain destinations are more or less likely to appreciate your company. Use resources online to determine if a place is safe enough for you, and remember to look at the travel advisories regarding certain countries. Because traveling involves you being a guest in a certain place’s culture, it is important to be cognizant of how their cultural norms differ from yours.
Lodging is very important, because this is not only the place that you will sleep, but also the place where your things will be stored for the day. Often during my travels, I stay with friends or family to cut down on costs. If I do not have friends or family available, I find a hostel or hotel. However, if you want a truly relaxing vacation, you might want to look into resorts, which usually feature pools, spas and sometimes even food and drink packages.
How are we getting there?
After deciding on the budget and destination, you have to figure out how you are getting there. Driving is a very common option for domestic travel with road trips being a time to see the country, listen to music and experience the open road. Taking the train can also be a very thrilling experience because Amtrak and Eurostar offer the ability to see a country without having to drive yourself. While these can sometimes be the same or more expensive than a flight, the sightseeing opportunities can make up for the difference.
My favorite option is flying, however it can be a hassle. Getting to the airport, getting through TSA and going through customs can be very taxing and add on extra hours that driving does not. However, for long distances this can be a faster, easier option. Many airlines offer discounts during certain periods of the year or have discounts for frequent flyers. Sticking with one airline if you intend to be a professional traveler can end up being very beneficial in the long run. As a frequent flier, I also have TSA PreCheck. This aids in cutting down travel times.
Overall, when it comes to how you will get to a destination, sometimes the journey might be the fun part, other times, speed can be a huge asset.
What are we packing?
As my trip draws nearer, the first question I ask myself is “Am I checking a bag?” The answer is almost always no. Even on longer trips, I never bring a suitcase, usually in favor of my travel bag. Unless you are fully moving, going somewhere for an extended period of time or bringing formal wear, packing light is always the best option.
My travel bag is always packed with my essentials so I can leave at the drop of a hat. My essentials include, but are not limited to:
- Chapstick
- Perfume
- Pens
- Contact cases with the solution inside
- Medicine (ibuprofen, inhalers, cough drops, etc)
- Tissues
- Masks
- Full dental kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)
- Soap and sponge
- Cotton swabs and circles
- Skin care (face wash, toner, moisturizer)
- Charger with universal block
- Book
- Hair care
When I get closer to the date that I leave, I check the weather and see my work/school schedule and add more stuff. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Outfits (at least one per day, but I do pack party clothes)
- Jewelry
- Pajamas
- Laptop (if I have things to do, tablet if I do not)
- Headphones
- Phone
- Wallet
- Optional: Gift for the person who I am meeting in the new location
As you can see, my bag remains packed so if I need to pick up and go, I can very easily.
What are we doing?
Once I finally arrive at my destination, I usually go straight to where I am staying and drop my things off. This gives me a second to decompress. Directly after that, it’s game time. Some of my trips are planned out by the hour, and some of my trips have involved me wandering around a country where I do not speak the language. Both are equally enriching, but for different reasons.
Deciding on whether you want to plan activities, wander or do a bit of both is integral. If you are in a city with beautiful scenery, you might want to plan a day where you go see it. However in certain cities, especially those in Europe, wandering around in the area with the scenery could enhance your experience or be a tourist trap. If you want to experience the nightlife of a certain area, then checking to see what clubs or bars are popular and getting tickets to them is always a step in the right direction. However, some of my best trips have revolved around me ending up in a random club simply because I was in the area. When I plan a trip, I usually check TripAdvisor (or a country’s respective travel website) to grab a ticket for the activity I want to go to. Asking locals, hostel or hotel workers and friends who have been to the location before is always a good option.
On your last day, timing is key. Do you have an early flight or check out? Then you probably shouldn’t plan any activities for that day. If you have a late check out, then you can store your items at your hostel or hotel or pay money to store them at a central location. When flying or taking the train, checking to see how far you are from the respective location is essential, and planning to have extra time never hurts due to traffic or delays.
Summary
I hope this makes your next trip a lot easier to go on. While this list is what I go through before doing something, you might do things in a different order or think some steps are unnecessary, which is fine. I just hope that you find this list helpful, and travel safely.