Tips and Suggestions
Based on my adventures, here are some tips, tricks and favorites.
My Favorites
Disclaimer: I, Artilya Key (A. Key) nor A Key To Adventure Travel Journal, have no affiliation with the following entities. I am only listing them as my favorites I use when I am planning my adventures.
Airlines
• Southwest Airlines www.southwest.com
I use them for their Wanna Get Away deals or for last-minute trip decisions.
• United Airlines www.united.com
I use them when Southwest does not have a direct flight to where I want to go.
Hotels
• Hotels.com
I like this website because I can book and pay later at the hotel. As a member, I collect points from previous stays and usually use them if I am only staying in a certain place for a night because I can use the points and only have to pay the hotel’s deposit upon arrival.
• Marriott www.marriott.com I really just like the selection Marriott has and as a Marriott rewards member I can save points from previous stays to pay for future stays. This is my go-to for trips longer than two (2 days).
Things to Do
I use these websites (other than a good old Google search) to find popular (and cheap) things to do in the places I visit. Their ticket prices are usually cheaper than the tickets on the company’s official websites.
• Trip Advisor www.tripadvisor.com
• Viator www.viator.com
Tricks
Wanna skip the lines at the airport?
Sign up for TSA PreCheck (www.tsa.gov/precheck) or Clear (www.clearme.com) to skip the general security lines. It’s great to have both because not all airports have TSA PreCheck and not all airports have Clear so you’re covered either way and can choose the shorter line to get through security if the airport has both.
Looking for trip discounts or an estimate on how much gas you will use for a road trip?
Try AAA. They have discounts on a lot of things outside of roadside assistance like hotels and can help you plan your trip.
Packing for a Short Trip
Whenever I am traveling just for 2-3 days, I only travel with a back pack. Using the rolling method and space saver bags, I pack the following:
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two pairs of pants such as jeans or leggings
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three to four shirts (2 T-shirts, 1 dressy shirt, 1 casual shirt)
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undergarmens and socks to last for 4 days
This gets you through security quickly and you do not have to worry about checked baggage because the backpack is a carry-on that can fit under the seat of the airplane. Also, you can wash the clothing at the hotel, if needed.
You can duplicate this for each travel member and minimizes waiting for carry-on luggage upon arrival to your destination.
Travel Tips
Take lots of photos!! You never know if you will ever return to the destination so save the memories via photos.
Break out of your comfort zone. Try things you would not normally try where you live. It will give you a whole new experience.
Wherever you travel keep an open mind. There are various cultures all over the world and they may not align with your particular beliefs but that doesn’t necessarily mean their beliefs are wrong. You may even learn something new!
Have copies of your important documents such as passport and visas in case your originals are lost or stolen. Having both hard copies and digital copies sent to a respected family member or friend for safe keeping is best.
Keep your money in multiple places. Never store all of your money in one place in case your bag, coat, etc. is lost or stolen. Try to keep some money on you, some in your bag, and some stored safely at your hotel.
Be flexible. Sometimes things don’t work out as planned. Make a list of bucket list things for each stop on your trip, leaving some days open in case you need extra rest or the weather is unfavorable.
Be weary of free Wi-Fi. Research trusted places like Starbucks, McDonalds etc. If you can, set up a VPN (virtual private network) on your phone for security.
Travel in the off season, if you can, to save money.