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Tricks for Travelers

I've done a lot of business (and, some family-related) travel over the last 15 years. I've learned a lot about streamlining the process. Below are a few of the things that can make the experience better.

Air Travel:
  1. If you have a bag that is on the cusp of being too big to be a carry-on, DON'T check in at the gate. Instead, go through using your home-printed passes or phone app, and just get in line. IF it's too big, they will tell you to check it - but, generally, WON'T charge you for it. I didn't do this on a recent trip, and found a half dozen people with bags that were bigger than mine either being permitted to put it in the overhead, or just having it taken on the boarding ramp (again, no charge). The closer you are to your plane, the less likely they are to charge you.
  2. Ziplock bags are your friend. Use the Freezer type - they can make it through multiple trips without damage. Use for unmentionables, small electronics parts/cables, shampoo/conditioner/lotion, etc.
  3. Make copies of all ID and credit cards you will be carrying - if they are lost, it makes the job of notifying companies easier. Put those copies/list in a safe place.
  4. Even easier, use your cell phone to take pictures of those IDs and credit cards, store them online. Access to any computer will allow you to bring up the pictures. Don't forget to delete them from your phone.
  5. Keep a small amount of medication, hearing aid batteries, extra glasses, a change of clothes/underwear, a credit card, and ID in your carryon, just in case your luggage gets lost.
  6. If you sometimes need a cane or walker, take it. Invariably, if you don't, some body part will act up.
  7. Bring eye drops - pressurized cabins will dry you out.
Over the Road Travel:
  1. Spend time PLANNING your trip. What do/might you need? What can you either do without/buy along the way? Make a list and use it to pack containers - whether tubs or suitcases. If you add in something, add it to the list.
  2. Never forget to pack a swimsuit or shorts - really - even in the middle of winter. If you have to buy them, they will often be unavailable or at break-the-bank prices. Preparing for access to a pool/hot tub will allow you to take advantage of circumstances. There have been trips that were murder on these aging bodies, that were made bearable by our ability to benefit from soaking/swimming at the end of the day.
  3. Pack meds for twice the time you will be gone. Things happen, and you don't want to miss your meds - or, worse, have to pay full-price because it wasn't time for a refill at a discount.
  4. If you have asthma, pack your emergency meds or a Nebulizer - or both. It could save you having to make a trip to the emergency room.
  5. If you have ever been prescribed an Epi-Pen, get a fresh one, and make sure it's accessible.
  6. In fact, put all meds in a clearly labeled first aid container - except for 3 doses of daily meds (just in case your car is stolen/wrecked). Make sure that container is on top of all other luggage, in plain sight.
  7. Sunglasses, extra pair of eyeglasses, hat/visor, sunscreen, lotion. Muscle rub.
  8. Take breaks. Every time you stop, get out a cold drink - preferably water. Stretch. Stand. Walk around.
  9. Enjoy the journey - don't be hesitant to take side trips, extra stops for tourist attractions, festivals, or local celebrations. Have fun, take lots of pictures.
  10. When you do take pictures, make a note of the day/place/people in the picture - carry a small notebook for this, and write it down right away. Otherwise, you'll forget.
  11. Or, if you're the kind of person that Instagrams/Facebooks everything, just add a quick tag to the picture before you post.
  12. At the border of every state, stop at the Tourist Information Center, and pick up:
    1. Physical maps
    2. Information about events
    3. Coupons
    4. Park information
  13. If you already bought your Senior Lifetime Pass to our National Parks, congratulations! The price just went up - it's now $80/person. Still might be a good idea - check the places you can use it, and decide for yourself if you're likely to visit.


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