30 Travel Tips to Have a Smooth and Fun Trip When Flying Solo
By Jenny Trimble 5/1/2021
In the last few years, I’ve had the blessing of getting paid to travel for work and have learned a thing or two of how to set myself up for a smooth and fun trip. Hope you find some of these tips helpful. They are listed in no particular order
1. WHITE NOISE
At home, we sleep with a fan on every night. So when I travel I have hard time falling asleep without it. I purchased a small travel fan and it almost ensures I actually get sleep and the stay asleep. The other option is a white noise app you can download on your phone.
On the topic of sleep, I do carry a few melatonin with me (just 1mg tabs) to take just in case I have a difficult time falling asleep. I’m pretty much worthless without good sleep.
2. ROLLERBAG
I quickly learned that I needed to get a roller bag with 4 wheels. I have not a single regret. It was very frustrating trying to squeeze between the aisles of a tiny plane eventually having to just pick up the suitcase which was uncomfortable and awkward bumping people along the way. This is obviously not a necessity, but I am so happy I got one! Fortunately, I found one for $35 at an Aldi’s. The one I originally wanted was like $100 lol. You can check Burlington coat factory, Ross and TJ Max to save money 😉
3. COMFY BACKPACK OR BAG
You’re typically allowed two carry-on items. I alternate between a backpack or a weekend bag plus my roller suitcase. When I realized I was going to be traveling a lot, I ordered three different travel back packs to see which one would be the comfiest. I returned all of them! (the straps were rough and uncomfortable on my shoulders) I found that my Osprey hiking bag that I already had was the most comfortable. (makes sense since it’s made for hiking) I don’t know which travel backpack is best yet, but I do know that my pricey hiking back gets a lot more use now because I use it for more than just hiking.
You can see the one I have here. (I HIGHLY recommend for hiking if you are in the market. This was an amazing find)
The weekend bag I use is a new purchase. We do a lot of road trips and the handles broke on my go to weekend bag. (I try not to use a suitcase when it’s just a weekend getaway to save space) I tried 4 different bags from amazon. All with great reviews but the final one was the winner. Its comfy, fits plenty of clothes for a short getaway, has lots of pockets where I can store, pens, my laptop and has side pockets for waters bottles. I took it with me on my out of state trip, but I don’t think I will use it again for flying. I realized I much prefer the backpack. (It does have a pocket that fits over your roller bag handle which is very convenient.)
P.S. Any links I share, are just pure links, I am not currently an amazon affiliate or affiliated with these products (even though, I’d love to be)
4. DOUBLE CHECK
Always double check that you will have enough time with your connections if you are taking more than one plane. Double check that you’ve entered in the correct destination in your GPS and that you’ve booked the hotel in the correct area. Double check to make sure you have your ID and ticket/passport.
5. CARRY CASH ON HAND
At minimum a few bills. It’s nice to have available to tip a shuttle driver should you end up using one.
EMBARRASING MISTAKE #1
I LOST MY ID AND CREDIT CARD! Can you believe this? It ended up being at my patient’s house, but I actually traveled home with no cash, no credit card and no ID. Fortunately, they mailed it to me right away and I got it in a few days, but talk about stressed out. The embarrassing part was that I couldn’t stop crying from the stress of thinking I would not be able to get home AND they do a full-blown cavity check. EVERY part of me was inspected, but I am so grateful they let me get home.
6. PHONE CASE WITH CARD SLOT
While traveling you need access to your ID and credit card ( if purchasing things) I found that once I got a case that had card holder, it made it so much easier for me to remember first off where I placed my card/ID and it was quicker to access because I always have my phone on hand.
7. BE LOYAL
Good advice that was given to me by a friend that I’d like to share with you is to stick with one airline, one hotel chain, one car rental company. I chose Delta, Hilton and Hertz. I love them and am so glad this advice was given to me because now I have plenty of miles racked up that I can fly for free for a personal trip.
I have not stayed at any other the other hotel chains so cannot say if one is better than another. I can say, my experiences with Delta Airlines far supersede my experience with American or United.
For the Hotel you earn free hotel nights over time and with Hertz I’ve gotten free upgrades before.
I am very satisfied with the chains I chose. Love flying with Delta and my favorite Hilton hotels are are Hampton Inn and Suites, middle of the road with free breakfast, always comfy and the other is Embassy suites. This one is much fancier and they have cocktail hour with free drinks and typically a free buffet style breakfast. Since Covid, the buffet style breakfast options are more limited but still nice. With Delta and Hilton, I use the apps to book my flights and hotels and it is all very easy and user friendly.
8. BRING AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE
I have now learned to bring a plastic water to fill at a fountain once I get passed TSA. (My favorite one to bring along is Smart water bottle, because it holds its shape while stuffed in the side pocket.
It not only saves money, but it’s important to stay hydrated while flying because the air is very dry. The humidity on a plane is approximately less than 20%. This leave you with dry everything. Dry eyes, hand, mucous membranes and leaves you dehydrated.
Staying hydrated will help prevent potential headaches and fatigue. Some of us suffer jet lag and part of that can be due to dehydration. *Bonus tip: Bring lotion and chap stick to help too.
9. NECK PILLOW
I never saw the need for a neck pillow for myself until several months ago. I was on the aisle seat and woke up with a terrible pain in my neck. This lasted for a little while. So, if you’re one that is able to nap on a plane, bring one. Your neck will thank me.
10. DOWNLOAD IT
You typically have a lot of down time while you are traveling, whether it is waiting on your flight, connection or while on the plane to your destination. If you haven’t tried an audio book, it’s the perfect time. You can always do a trial of audible or use your library’s version of audible for free. If you are a podcast person, download a few episodes of your favorite podcast ahead of time (before you arrive at the airport) I also bring my IPAD with me and choose at least one movie or a couple of episodes of a series to download while at home to have available as options.
Many of the flights you take will offer free movies, but one, it’s not every plane and two, your options are limited.
11. TRIPADVISOR
We travel often via road trips and just recently discovered trip advisor. I love it because I can search for the top recommendations with ratings on things to do, places to eat, in the area you are traveling to. You can favorite what you want to check out, so you have it to reference later.
As I am typing this article I’m traveling back home from North Dakota. I used trip advisor to discover the restaurant CRAVE in Fargo and it was conveniently located in their West acres mall which in my opinion was a GEM. It also recommended I go to their welcome center as the number one spot, which I thought was weird, but it did turn out to be a great tip. That led me to some other fun adventures.
12. PAIN RELIEF
I can only speak for myself, but often when I fly, I sometimes end up with a headache. It helps to have something on hand you can take (and not have to pay a lot extra for it)
13. PACK A SNACK OR A FEW
Having snacks on hand is so nice. This means you are prepared and will minimize the opportunity of getting hangry on your travels in case of delays, shortened layovers or simply not having any good options to eat. On the plane they are providing snacks again, but depending on the flight, it is only almonds or goldfish & biscoff cookies. Hopefully soon they bring back the option of purchasing a meal on the flight for those occasions you really need it.
BONUS TIP: Be considerate and don’t choose things that have a pungent smell. Example: boiled eggs, tuna, cauliflower etc…
14. TSA PRE-CHECK
My absolute favorite advice I received that I’m so glad I listened to. Was to get TSA pre-check. So as soon as I found out I was going to be doing a lot of travel, I had this done.
There is an $85 fee and It took a couple of weeks to get my TSA # but this has saved me so much time. Now when I go through security, I don’t have to take anything out of my bags, I don’t have to remove my shoes and the lines are ALMOST always shorter. HIGHLY recommend you do this. You can find more information about TSA pre-check here.
I found this article here that tells you ways to get TSA pre-check for FREE!
15. BUBBLE GUM
Sometimes it’s nice to have chewing gum while your on the plane to help your ears, adjust to the constant change in pressure.
16. BRING WARMTH
I get cold very easily so I always wear (or wrap around my waist) a light jacket to wear if it’s chilly on the plane. If I know I’m flying to much colder weather I also pack a fleece coat the shrinks up really small into a bag. I found mine at Burlington Coat Factory.
17. TRAVEL BUDDY
If you have kids, this is fun. Since I can’t bring them with me. I bring a travel buddy. A favorite toy or plushy and I take picture of him where ever I go. My children love this. This trip it was a Pokemon named Munchlax. Sometimes I take pictures of my travel buddy in incognito areas, so the kids have to find where he is hidden. Just adds a bit more fun. This picture is in the West Acres mall in Fargo, North Dakota.
Can you spot Munchlax?
18. PORTABLE CHARGER
This is a nice to have (must have for me) there are technically power stations around MOST airports and many of the planes have a USB plug for you to recharge your phone, but of course that is not always the case. I recommend having one on hand as back up.
19. USE THE APPS
I enjoy and appreciate apps and find they make my life easier. I personally use Delta app to book my flights, check in and everything related to my flights.
This most recent trip I had to extend for an additional day, as I received a second patient. I tried calling Delta Airlines and It kept hanging up on me so I finally tried adjusting my flight through the app and it was EASY! A+ on the app. Saves you from having to print tickets, and you constantly get updates, if you gate changed/flight is behind/ bags are checked etc.
With my Hilton App, I can set my preferences. For example, I prefer a higher floor and corner room by the exit. ( BONUS TIP: Corner rooms are nice and spacious and you only have one neighbor which decreases your risk of having loud ones). The app allows me to keep track of my points, book rooms check out, view receipts, use it to open my room with an electronic key and I can check in via the app without even having to go to the front desk believe it or not.
BONUS TIP *Take a screen shot of your tickets. Even if you print them take a picture. You never know when your app will malfunction, or you lose a ticket. You at least have a picture which works just fine for them to scan for you.
20. BE UNIQUE
Black seems to be a common color for luggage. My black carry on has a bright pink tag on it with my name and unique keychain this helps so it’s very easy for me to spot my bag even from far away.
21. USE THE BATHROOM
This may sound dumb, but sometimes your body betrays you. You don’t have to use the bathroom and then suddenly you step on the plane and you now have to go and urgently. It only took once of that happening for me to self-impose the rule for myself to use the bathroom before every flight.
22. COMFY SHOES
You will be so glad you made this choice especially if you are at the Atlanta airport and need to go from Concourse A to Concourse F (or T). To give you an idea, concourse C in the Atlanta Airport has 48 gates. That is just one concourse. BONUS TIP: Bring long socks or wear them to keep you warm on a chilly flight.
23. CHECK YOUR CAR
I particularly mean if you are driving yourself and park at the airport, ensure that your interior lights are off. Car is locked and you grabbed your sunglasses, phone, and all items for your travel.
Embarrassing Mistake #2
Surprise surprise, I’ve left my interior lights on TWICE (insert facepalm) I now have the JAX airport security number saved on my phone. They are very nice and quick and will come and jump your car. (another reason that is nice to have cash so you can tip them.)
BONUS TIP: I always place my parking ticket in the same place, so I don’t stress out when I return from my trip.
24. KNOW WHERE YOU PARKED
Our phones make it so easy. Google maps can mark your location, but I use Siri and say “ Siri, remind me I parked on level 3 row C, when I arrive at the Jax Airport” and she does just that.
25. TALK TO STRANGERS
I have heard so many amazing stories from different people on my travels that really have added to my whole experience. Most of the conversations have been enjoyable and, on an occasion, or two, we end up helping each other in one way or another.
*Uncomfortable Conversations:
Some people don’t have a problem with this, but I hate to make anyone feel bad, or uncomfortable so occasionally I get stuck in an awkward conversation. This most recent trip, the older lady beside me started off by complimenting me on like 5 things. She then proceeded to talk about politics, conspiracy theories and vaccinations. HOT TOPICS. If you know me, I try and stay away from these types of conversations unless I am in a safe environment. So I gently said; “ I need to rest my eyes and brain a little, thanks so much for talking with me” and then put on headphones and rested my head on my neck pillow. It worked and she fell asleep (as did I).
When I know I don’t feel up for talking, I put on headphones right away
26. MAGNETIC PHONE CAR CHARGER
When renting a car, I like to use my phone as GPS. I typically don’t opt for the navigation system. I like the familiarity of my phone. Often, in a new car I have had trouble finding a place for my phone that I can see the screen. So, my FAVORITE accessory to bring while traveling is my magnetic car phone mount. I just stick it on a vent, and I am no longer stressing looking down at my GPS and trying to merge on the highway in an unfamiliar city with an unfamiliar car.
27. UBER OR LYFT SAFTEY
I feel like safety should be a whole other article but wanted to add a little here. I’ve taken over 20 rides with Uber or Lyft throughout my travels. As with anything else, using one of these services provide you reviews of your driver.
What I do is read the reviews of my driver to make sure there is nothing weird, I take a screen shot and share my trip with a friend and family member. If you have an awkward or uncomfortable experience make sure to report it and rate your driver a 3 or less. This rating ensures that the driver does not pop up as an option for you when you need your next ride.
P.S. You also get a rating, so be kind to your driver ;)
28. AAA TO THE RESCUE
I not only travel for work but we travel as a family we many fun road trips throughout the year. My husband got us AAA in case my car breaks down when I’m on my way to see a patient which is a nice assurance, but a nice extra perk is you can skip the car rental insurance because AAA coverage should be able to cover you. ( I would of course verify this, your coverage may not be enough if you drive a cheap car at home and then rent a Maserati, LOL)
BONUS TIP: AAA gives you many additional discounts. I currently have AAA number saved on my Hilton and HERTZ accounts which apply a nice discount. You can click the link here to see what other discounts they offer but I have learned to always just ask if they take AAA or a corporate discount if traveling for work.
29. SAFETY TIP
We have all watched the movie “TAKEN” and if you haven’t you should, LOL. Don’t share your location with anyone (except your family and those you trust). Another tip is don’t post on social media live. I will share posts of my travels but never live ( or I should say rarely).
30. DON’T BE THIS PERSON
I’m going to list out some tips on how to not to make people hate you on the plane.
Don’t be the person without their ticket or phone ready to scan in line. Have it out and ready to scan.
Don’t have a loud conversation on your phone as we are preparing for takeoff. It’s rude.
If you are playing a game on your phone/ mobile device, please play it on silent mode or use headphones. P.S. if your child is on a phone or tablet, make sure their volume is down.
Don’t constantly knee the seat in front of you. If you are a taller person and can’t help it, at least apologize for it.
When talking to your seat mate try to be aware of your volume. You don’t want to be that person talking so that everyone on the plane has to hear your conversation.
Sit in your assigned seat. I’ve noticed more than once, someone will be sitting in the window seat (not assigned to them) and then will ask the person “oh, do you want me to move?” It makes for an awkward situation.
Hope you’ve found these tips helpful! I’d love to hear what advice you have. Please share in comments.