10 insider tips and tricks for easy and less stressful travel
By: Patricia

By Kim Milnes

I am always looking for tips and tricks to make my travel easy and less stressful. It is hard enough to pack up the family for that special vacation, no one wants to run in to problems or issues along the way. So, if I can save you time, money or stress than I will have done my job.


1. Check-In Online & Curbside Check-In - Checking in online the day before you can make sure you have the seats you booked, as well as it might save you from being bumped. Also check in at the curb, why wait in that long line inside. Save yourself the time and hassle. Some Airlines do charge a small fee, though I have yet to encounter this issue.


2. Ship A Box Ahead - This can actually save you money, especially when traveling with kids. I put clothes, diapers, baby items in a box and ship it ahead to the destination, unless I am traveling abroad. It could save you money by not having to check a bag, put everything else in your carry on.

3. Grocery Store Stop - When traveling as I recently did on our trip to Atlantis. I always have the driver stop at the nearest grocery or drug store. I drink a lot of water, so I save a lot of money not having to buy it from the hotel. You can also pick up some snacks, breakfast items.

4. Airport Pick Up - Have the driver or who ever is picking you up meet you outside of departures instead of arrivals. It is usually less crowded and easier to get to you.

5. Rental Cars - Make sure to take some photos of the car inside and out before you drive away on your cell phone that way if there is a dispute over damage you will have some proof to back you up.

6. Airline Fees - When you are booking a flight make sure you factor in all those pesky fees to the price,( i.e. bag fees) For example,. A flight might be a little more, but have no bag fees so it would really save you money in the end. Remember Jet Blue and Southwest do not charge a bag fee, as of today. I recently spent an additional $200 in bag fees on a trip to Bahamas. You can also check out kayak.com/airline-fees for the low down on other airlines.

7. Lost Luggage - Make sure you have a luggage tag with your address as well as the cell phone number you will have with you while you are traveling. Also, put a piece of paper in you bag with the airport code of your destination, as well as the address of where you will be staying.

8. Left or Right? - Whether it be airport security or the Magic Kingdom always choose the left. Studies show that people when given a choice tend to go to the right. So that means the lines on the left tend to move faster and be shorter.

9. Taxi! - Before you leave call your destination and find out how much it usually costs to get there from the airport. So, when your are about to get in to the taxi ask the driver "This trip usually costs $40, right?" (if it is a metered ride) or "Can you take me there for $40?" (if it is a flat fee). If he balks or says no, then get in a different taxi. Don't let yourself be ripped off.

10. The Right Time to Buy - When is the best time to buy a plane ticket? Tuesday and Wednesday are great days to check for cheaper rates. Airline sales agents will see what sold over the weekend and adjust prices on Monday, to be put in place on Tuesday. Also, prices usually will be the cheapest 6 weeks out from your travel date. I also use the fare tracker on Kayak.com to try to catch that great deal.

I hope you learned something new from the tips and information above. I always want my clients to have a safe, fun and stress free vacation. I am always on the look out for new information and tips so if you have something you want to share please send me an email.