Planning a vacation is exciting, but between booking flights, finding accommodation, packing, and figuring out what to do when you arrive, nothing feels so simple. A few easy travel hacks can make everything go more smoothly, and it starts with thinking about what you need to do before you leave, not what you want to do when you arrive.
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Consider Booking an Airport Hotel
Booking an airport hotel for a morning flight saves hassle, gives you extra sleep, and puts you close to the airport. It’s especially useful if you don’t live near the airport or for afternoon long-haul flights if you want to avoid extra travel. Just ask for a late check-out well in advance, and book early to avoid higher prices.
What to Book for the Airport in Advance to Save Money and Stress
The airport is often one of the least fun parts of a holiday, but with some preparation, a lot of the stress can be avoided.
Airport Parking
If you’re traveling to the airport by car, book your car parking well in advance to save a lot of money. Spaces aren’t guaranteed during peak periods, and last-minute parking can cost considerably more.
Offsite airport parking is usually the cheaper option. They’re secure, close to the airport, and include a free shuttle so you can get to the departure terminal easily. You can usually get airport parking reservation coupons if you book online, which is a bonus, and most booking platforms let you cancel for free if you change your mind.
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Bag Drop-Offs and Queue Skips
Check-in and bag drop-off areas, plus security, are the busiest, most passenger-dense parts of the airport. And to make it worse, everyone seems to forget how to function as a human.
Check with the airport you’re flying from to see if they offer services like early bag drop-offs, security fast tracks, and queue skips, and always check in online through your airline (usually open 24 hours before you travel).
Essentially, you need to look for options that help you get through large crowds without long lines, and book before you arrive. Services like queue skips and fast tracks can sell out.
Use a Vacation Planner App
Even if you’re a ‘go with the flow’ type of traveler, a vacation planner app has many uses beyond simply what to do on what day.
The Wanderlog app, for example, lets you create day-by-day itineraries, organize attractions on a map, collaborate with other travelers, and track expenses. The expense-tracking part is particularly useful. Stippl is a similar AI version of Wanderlog that generates itineraries, daily schedules, maps, budgets, packing lists, and does the group planning for you.
Roadtrippers is another good one if your next adventure is an American road trip. You can use it to plan destinations and routes, attractions, including national parks, and find roadside stops.
With plenty of pre-trip planning, your vacation will feel like an adventure the minute you leave your home. Don’t leave everything until the last minute and miss out on deals, or, worse, create a mountain of stress for yourself.
