What are your best tips for more comfortable and happy travel?

[PeninsulaPerson]

The problem with the list is it's what flight attendants care about. Us passengers have a different set of priorities - I am more interested in passenger tips ...

Taking SmileyFace up on that idea!

This is obviously a well-travelled bunch, so what are your best tips for travel - apart from "checked vs. no checked luggage" please - .

One for me is having my great Tempur-pedic eyeshades. They take me from the brightest plane trip -or- hotel room with the other person still reading right into Dreamland with no light coming in around the edges. They're soft. Not sweaty. Definitely makes travel more comfortable and happy for me.

[OnBoard]

Global Entry is a must for international travel. The last thing you want is to come home after a very long flight and have to stand in the passport control line.

[SmileyFace]

The problem with the list is it's what flight attendants care about. Us passengers have a different set of priorities - I am more interested in passenger tips ...

Taking SmileyFace up on that idea!

This is obviously a well-travelled bunch, so what are your best tips for travel - apart from "checked vs. no checked luggage" please - .

One for me is having my great Tempur-pedic eyeshades. They take me from the brightest plane trip -or- hotel room with the other person still reading right into Dreamland with no light coming in around the edges. They're soft. Not sweaty. Definitely makes travel more comfortable and happy for me.

- For US travel - TSA Precheck is a must. For international consider Global Entry. In any case - download and use the Mobile Passport App to get back in and through customs more quickly.
- Noise canceling headphones. Music makes the trip more enjoyable (if not watching TV) and if a chatty person next to me sees the headphones they are less likely to tell me their life story (I am not on an airplane to make friends - others think differently).
- On longer flights I take off my shoes and get comfortable. I don't bother putting them back on to walk around
- My smartphone case has a kickstand - makes it easier to stand up if the entertainment systems doesn't work or has nothing of interest - personal mini-TV.
- Pre-download some netflix/etc to my Smartphone for entertainment
- Bring my kindle for reading
- Always have a power-bar or other healthy meal substitute in my carryon - sitting on the runway for a long time can make me grumpy - adding hunger to that is a bad mix (and the junk that the airline gives you does not always work for me).
- I have been lucky (or perhaps unlucky - too much business travel) to have FF status on nearly every airline which typically gets me Exit-row or extra legroom. In other cases I have paid for it. I am tall and having my legs crammed is a bad experience. Always a aisle seat so I can get up when I want. Since I am in the aisle I don't mine getting up as many times as necessary to let others out.
- [Unnecessary comment removed by admin LadyGeek]
- I guess the luggage debate is like the Windows versus MacOS one but after having business trips and vacations delayed multiple times due to lost or delayed luggage I am in the carry on camp. I don't fault others that want to take a chance. I also spent time helping people that overpack into huge luggage move their luggage across the streets of Venice to their destination so with any packing even for checked-baggage - If you can't bring it with you - you have overpacked in my opinion. Oh - and "Carry On" luggage means you should be able to "Carry it on" and put it in an overhead. I lost count of how many times I helped someone with a 100 pound carry on lift it into the overhead (are these people bringing canned goods with them? I couldn't make my bag that heavy if I tried).

[Shallowpockets]

Travel is inherently poor when using the airlines. The best tip is to adjust your mindset to expecting the worst. Not only are you then never disappointed, but anything less than aggravation, and negative happenings is seen in a positive light.

[PeninsulaPerson]

The best tip is to adjust your mindset to expecting the worst. Not only are you then never disappointed, but anything less than aggravation, and negative happenings is seen in a positive light.

+ A million!

Travel is tough. Usually worth it but usually at least one thing goes kerflooey.

I'd only say it's not just the airlines. When I was young and did not have as reliable a car as I do now, things occurred. Easy to laugh about now but not then! And my husband who takes Amtrak a lot has had "adventures" ... . To some extent, I wonder if that's why the stories of sea captains often seem to involve being happy to be retired in port - life being more generally controllable at home?

If anything, I would say that I have learned patience from travelling - sort of a priceless souvenir!

Oh, and we just signed up for Clear as a kind of post-Covid treat to ourselves. Jumping even the TSA lines seems like it will be a bit of a travel pleasure!

[bob60014]

Premium economy or business class for flights over 2 hours.
TSA PRE and Global Entry are must haves to avoid the scrum!

[Silverado]

[ quoted post and response removed by admin LadyGeek]

We should have a thread on how to float the entire travel ship. Never recline your seat. Never carry on smelly food. Never talk.

Answer to OP: patience, comfortable clothes, tablet.

[PeninsulaPerson]

Answer to OP: patience, comfortable clothes, tablet.

I'd only add "warm" to your clothes ... .

Tablets - love my tablet! The phone is very nice but the tablet has saved me from taking along books I never read anyway! How about that, I am "packing light" these days after all!

[AnnetteLouisan]

-select your aircraft in advance
-select your airline for its safety record
-travel off peak
-ask to switch seats early if you are claustrophobic or there is some issue
-cognac before take off
-exit row, aisle seat
-get there early
-roller bag carry on
-don’t look out the window on take off or landing
-deep breathing exercises
-if you are scared on flights, tell your seat mate in advance that you will be doing some breathing exercises on take off and landing
-hit the bookstore, chair massage and meditation room
-dress comfortably but not sloppily
-bring a sweater since cabins can be cold
-eye patches/pillows, block the light/conversation
-use the rest room early
-bring healthy snacks and skip the heavy meal on international flights
-hydrate!!
-wait seated where possible, don’t wait standing with the newbies
-tsa are just doing their jobs
-bring a good book
-leg exercises, stretches and periodic walks
-bring your own tasty herbal tea, not coffee
-be friendly to staff, look cute, smile!
-report suspicious behavior
-try to nap on the plane

And remember that security, not comfort, is the most important thing on flights.

[Xrayman69]

Expectation, expectations, expectations.

Set them low and you won’t be disappointed.

Plan A, B, and C when things don’t go as originally planned.

My weekly business trips:
Have developed a very efficient trips and timing to and through airport to minimize standing around waiting airport time.

TSA line is the BEST value.

If traveling frequently stick with a single carrier or alliance group to maximize benefits such as free premium seating choices and upgrades. Use their credit card for said additional benefits.

Good noise canceling headphones.

Comfortable clothes that are not pajamas and shoes.

Drink water and limit alcohol even if it’s free. (Aisle seat for the hydration plan)

Leisure trips with family:
Fewer trips a year that are more “comfortable” (quality over quantity)

Avoid red eyes. (No you will not get good rest and sleep in the seated upright position and thus wasting the next day already due to fatigue)

Must get to airport earlier with family and thus get lounge annual pass if you travel more than 3 times a year with family. (Annual lounge access typically around $500 year and thus you use it 6 times for 4 people and it’s worth it for this minimum). We use it obviously on outgoing flight but also upon arrival for drinks, bathroom and snacks before picking up luggage)

Pay the premium for lodging and convenience (time is really precious). It always shocks me when I see a family or group of 4-6 take a generic commercial shuttle to hotel (not the hotel shuttle) at a cost of $15-25 each and it takes 2 hours to get to the hotel. A larger taxi is only slight more or possibly same cost for a group of 4-6 and much more efficient.


Location, location, location. Stay where you can walk to the local activities. Minimize time in which you are doing what you can do at home (driving and parking).

Local transport is fine if good infrastructure that’s efficient and economical (NYC, Paris, London and Chicago with subways etc)

Do a staples run and have them in your lodging : bottles of water and breakfast pastries, coffee. Breakfast is the most variable timing for meal for group of people. Lunch and dinners more reliable group timing. People will be happy in morning if edge is taken off and not grumpy because waiting for someone else who is still sleeping.

Patience, patience, patience. Don’t be pressured to do ALL the bucket list items. Do 1 major activity a day and the rest is let’s see where it goes and enjoy.

Look to increase knowledge of the local culture, in NYC we have New York pizza, in Chicago it’s Chicago style pizza, in Rome in Roman pizza (for example).

Be prepared to double your budget on lodging (especially if you use Air-BNB or equivalent- they will let you down reliably 10-15% ). We have used VRBO and prepared to have alternative (plan B)lodging. We like the locations of many VRBO or Air BNB sites but understand that these sites are middle men and ultimate have little influence and accountability if the owner is not reliable (refunding for a service not rendered is not really being accountable it’s just the law- and offering me another lodging alternative that’s 2 stars for the 5 star prior price is not a real alternative as well so be careful and have low expectations with these services). We have actually gone back to hotels more frequently as the price difference has drastically narrowed with the VrBOs and Air BNBs now charging much higher prices as many properties are actually bought to be business of lodging.

[MarkBarb]

When driving, stop at Buc-cee's for gas and potty stops. At this point in time, this is only possible in the civilized parts of the US, but they're working on it.

When flying, be small or rich.

[AlohaBill]

I get the irony in your statement.

[whodidntante]

I don’t expect much and hope for upside.

[Normchad]

My best tip is to come back from your trips on a Friday. Then you have an entire weekend to get yourself back to normal before attacking another work week.

For too long now I’ve been coming back from vacations late on Sunday night. I wish I would have thought of this sooner.

[SmileyFace]

My best tip is to come back from your (vacation) trips on a Friday. Then you have an entire weekend to get yourself back to normal before attacking another work week.

For too long now I’ve been coming back from vacations late on Sunday night. I wish I would have thought of this sooner.

This one is a trade-off.
You have 2 nights back at home versus staying in whatever paradise you have gone to 2 extra nights. Flight-costs and travel-time wasted is what makes me want to maximum my vacation time away.
I do go out of my way not to come back from a business trip on a Friday whenever possible - too many times of delayed/canceled flights cutting into my weekend. The goal is to always be home by Thursday night (so if travel is delayed - it bleeds to Friday versus my weekend).

[AnnetteLouisan]

Say what you do so folks don’t have to guess.

[WhiteMaxima]

Pick slow season.Mild weather, cheap price and less crowd.

[22twain]

To me "travel" means "road trip."

Allow enough days for the trip. For me, more than about 350 miles is a too-long day. Stop before it gets dark.

Take frequent breaks for coffee, gas, bathrooms, and sightseeing. I always listen to music from my collection, so my rule is to take a break at the end of each album.

I avoid Interstates where possible. Going through the small towns is slower, but keeps me awake better, and gives more opportunities for serendipitous sightseeing.

However, it's often useful to end the day at an Interstate exit because that's where most of the motels are.

When heading west, don't drive late enough that the sun is in your eyes. Once I was on I-10 in west Texas and had to get off at an exit in the middle of nowhere and just sit for a while, because the sun was about to set on the road directly in front of me.

[KSOC]

When driving, stop at Buc-cee's for gas and potty stops. At this point in time, this is only possible in the civilized parts of the US, but they're working on it.

When flying, be small or rich.

And get the chopped brisket sandwich! Oh my!

[whodidntante]

If I travel more than three time zones the first thing I do upon arrival is to hit the gym. Even though I don’t feel like it going in, I feel much better after. Preferably a gym with heavy metal discs. I also typically walk around 8 miles a day when I travel and sometimes much more. Not for exercise specifically, but it’s a 2 for 1 special. Pretty easy. Skip the taxis and go hiking if there is scenery.

Try not to eat crap. I prefer no food to bad food. It can be difficult to get enough protein in some countries, especially if you are not near the coast. In that case I’ll supplement protein or just go to a convenience store and let people look on in horror as I slam a ridiculous amount of skim milk. Also, don’t overeat.

Watch the alcohol, mainly because it reduces your sleep quality. I’ll fill some capsules with NMN as I find it helps with jet lag when I take that.

Strongly prefer busy local restaurants.

Try to wear shoes that work for everything. Hiking shoes that are somewhat office friendly will do the trick most of the time. Attempt to dry them out overnight.

Umbrellas, people. Not useful in the artic in winter but can be a game changer in warmer climates. Worst case, buy one and then give it away on your way back home. You’ll brighten someone’s day.

Take credit cards from at least three different issuers. Take at least two ATM cards. Never carry all of that on you. Have some local currency.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Just be a person. Some of my best leads came from casual conversations. Some of the nicest people look a little rough. Don’t ask people how they are doing though. That’s mostly an American thing and they will think you’re weird.

Ask your doctor to prescribe ciproflaxin. It can make life threatening food borne illness a non event if started soon enough. Get all recommended vaccinations for your destination. Also take malaria prophylaxis if recommended.

Make sure you have mobile data and enough of it. Make sure you don’t look at your phone more than necessary.

Don’t take pictures of everything. Take a few, not too many.

Carry your passport and proof of vaccination depending on your destination. Take a picture of your passport. It might help if you end up at an embassy.

Be wary of police in some countries. It’s best if you do not need their help.

Have a basic grasp of the local language. If unable, make sure to download that language in google translate. Have a basic understanding of the culture.

Hiring a personal driver is a great idea in some countries. Taxis can be scammy and a cab marks you.

Don’t give money to people on the street. You might get swarmed.

Don’t be a sucker. Read up on common scams. You won’t just lose money, but also valuable time.

[windaar]

Travel light. I used to go to Europe every year. Rule of thumb was to pack and then only take half of what you packed. For international travel throw a few Advil and Tums in your bag because in some countries even OTC meds are only sold at pharmacies which are often closed. Otherwise skip anything you "might need" and if you need it buy it when you get there. Bon Voyage!

[Ependytis]

I am surprised no one mentioned this. I always use a checklist and pack the day before. The checklist makes packing simple, quick, and I only take the things that I know are necessary. It saves a lot of energy, so that you don't waste it on the travel day. After each trip, I review the checklist to see if I would take out anything or add anything. I second arriving early, drinking plenty of water, having earplugs, and a sleeping mask. Arriving early reduces the stress of missing the plane, With these last 2 items, I can actually sleep on the plane. The ear plugs also reduce noise fatigue.The checklist includes the following items:


Brimmed hat
Glasses
Sun glasses (2)
Flash light
GPS
Computer
Computer jack
Directions
Itinerary
Hygiene kit
Work bands
Hat
Beany
Jacket
Running shoes
Pen
Wallet
Pills
Cell phone
Ear Plugs
Phone charger
Phone
Snacks/Tea/Nut butter, crackers
Coffee mug- for water
Plastic bags/Zip lock bags
Binoculars
Belt (1)
T-Shirt (2)
Underware (2)
Socks (2)
Pants (2)
Book
Shirt (2 long, 1 short)
Running shorts
Map
Dental guard
Sleeping mask
Family Room
Dress shoes
Magazines

Actions:
Pack the night before
Get gas the night before (if traveling by car)
Set out cloths for morning
Set alarm
Bring fruits and vegetables
Water
Reserve seat
Plug in phone

Check this list before leaving

[KSOC]

Never book through a third party.
Book nothing without rewards credit card or airline/hotel points credit card.
Figure your transportation from/to hotel/airport/train station before you go.
Know your seasons and climate before you book.
If possible get there early. My family travel motto is "We can wait with the best of them".
Watch your diet the day before & day of travel. Let it rip once you arrive.
Make a list of what must be done to prepare your home for your absence.
Enjoy your trip. You'll be home before you know it.
The house and pets are fine. The stove and curling iron is off, and no, the faucet was not left on.
No matter where you go, there you are. Learn the history and culture, respect your hosts.
If you aren't sure, ask.
Be a nice person and have patience.

Mundane and trivial yes, but these things I remind myself when planning and during trips. I'm the guy that does the booking and itinerary, with much feedback of course from fellow passengers. But I'm the guy who's looked at when things go awry.

[HawkeyePierce]

Former consultant/frequent flyer here.

When I fly:

Improving Convenience

- Global Entry and Pre. I also have a smattering of Global Entry-esque memberships for other countries.
- If I have an overnight connection, splurge for the on-airport hotel so I don't have to wait for shuttles
- Never book a ticket so cheap I'm stuck in the last boarding group without a carry-on
- Depending on destination, pre-book my ground transport if I'm arriving off a long flight. Some destinations this is great (Auckland, Singapore) but others public transit is more efficient anyways (Hong Kong, Tokyo, London-Heathrow). Know how you'll reach your hotel before you even leave for the airport.

Improving Comfort

- Earplugs and an eye mask
- Pay for extra legroom or an upgrade
- Shower before and after long flights if you have lounge access
- Burt's Bees face wipes
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes to wipe down the arm rest, tray table, seat belt, etc
- Large reusable water bottle, most airports have water fountains these days
- Electrolyte tablets (I like Nuun)
- Eat light, don't drink
- Noise canceling earbuds
- Chapstick and hand lotion
- A few Clif bars
- Breathable non-cotton clothing so I don't overheat. Uniqlo makes some great stuff for flying and I second the hiking shoe recommendation.
- Aim the overhead air vent at my face
- On eastbound transatlantic redeyes, skip the meal and go straight to sleep. Even if business class it's still just airline food but the whole meal service can take up to two hours on some carriers.

Improving my chances of not getting stuck

- Watch weather and the inbound aircraft like a hawk using FlightAware. If things look pear-shaped don't be afraid to jump to another flight. Carry-on only helps here.
- If it looks like you're going to get stuck at an airport for the night, book a hotel early before they're all gone.
- Be willing to fly into alternate cities. I used to fly to upstate NY often and if the flight to Ithaca looked dicey I'd just switch to Syracuse or Rochester instead. Gate agents would usually do this for free because you're now one less angry passenger for them to deal with if the flight gets canceled
- If things are going sideways, find alternate flights yourself. I use a combo of ExpertFlyer and FlightAware and this has saved me more than once by showing me exact fare inventory and airport delay info
- Never ever ever ever connect through Chicago

Reducing Stress

- Use a packing list religiously. I have mine down to a science at this point.
- Book direct always.
- Take deep breaths and/or use the Calm app
- Depending on your credit card, you likely have trip delay/cancellation insurance. Book that emergency hotel room and worry about the rest later.
- Some airlines publish laughable minimum connection times, don't trust them. Can you technically make a 35 minute domestic connection in Denver? Yes. Should you book one? No.
- Prefer connections in LAX, SEA, DFW, IAH, DEN, SLC, DTW over ATL, ORD, anything NYC, BOS, SFO
- Avoid connection in LHR, CDG or FRA. MUC, ZRH, BRU are great alternatives.
- Never ever ever ever connect through Chicago

[Bogle7]

Business class
Pack light - carry on
Minimum 3 week vacation in Europe
T-Mobile - phone just works in Europe

[rockstar]

Don't fly Southwest.

[DesertDiva]

Check the forecast at the destination when checking in for the flight. Make lists and include only what is necessary. Never carry full-size grooming products. Plan what to wear and how to optimize daily clothing choices (e.g., color coordination). Question the need for everything packed. Use packing cubes.

When you get home, review the list and modify as needed. Ask what you might have done differently. Save the list for reuse.

And I also like the recommendation to avoid Southwest.

[MJS]

International travel: Before you leave, get an e-SIM for your phone and install it. Being able to communicate on arrival increases comfort.

Second, read Two Years Before the Mast before you embark on low-cost travel. Rejoice in not having an unwashed flatulent sailor sleeping 2" above your nose while becalmed in the tropics. Or worse, being an unwashed ...

[neilpilot]

International travel: Before you leave, get an e-SIM for your phone and install it. Being able to communicate on arrival increases comfort.

Second, read Two Years Before the Mast before you embark on low-cost travel. Rejoice in not having an unwashed flatulent sailor sleeping 2" above your nose while becalmed in the tropics. Or worse, being an unwashed ...

With the exception of peak Covid, we've travelled to Europe at least once each year. We use our phone for voice calls and off-wifi data sparingly, preferring to communicate using texts. However, we used our regular sim. Never an issue being able to communicate, and no excessive charges.

[ekid]

Someone said "off season" or "shoulder"?

My last trip to EU was first week in December. Plane was half full or less both ways!

[neilpilot]

Someone said "off season" or "shoulder"?

My last trip to EU was first week in December. Plane was half full or less both ways!

We almost always travel shoulder or off season. Not so much to avoid full aircraft, although the tickets are often cheaper. It's to avoid crowds at our destination. For example, we'll be going to Spain for 2 weeks in late March, and if previous trips are any indication the crowds will be minimal. In season, the same area is overrun with tourists, many from the UK. Not to mention the hot weather!

[Me!]

Limit connecting flights - always direct (if possible) regardless of extra cost

[stoptothink]

If I travel more than three time zones the first thing I do upon arrival is to hit the gym. Even though I don’t feel like it going in, I feel much better after. Preferably a gym with heavy metal discs. I also typically walk around 8 miles a day when I travel and sometimes much more. Not for exercise specifically, but it’s a 2 for 1 special. Pretty easy. Skip the taxis and go hiking if there is scenery.

Try not to eat crap. I prefer no food to bad food. It can be difficult to get enough protein in some countries, especially if you are not near the coast. In that case I’ll supplement protein or just go to a convenience store and let people look on in horror as I slam a ridiculous amount of skim milk. Also, don’t overeat.

This pretty much sums it up for me. If travel means getting out of my normal lifestyle behaviors, then I am going to feel wrecked the entire time and even worse when I get home. This may sound over the top to many, but my (or our, family of 4) accommodations are planned around where we can conveniently get good food and exercise. Biggest priorities for hotel or AirBnB are proximity to grocery stores and gym or parks where we can work out. I plan ahead so that first thing out of the car or off the plane I can get in a workout and then get some quality food in me.

"Comfort" to me means routine, so when I travel (whether for work or vacation), I try to maintain my normal routine as much as possible, just in a different setting.

[ScubaHogg]

- Precheck or Global entry
- get to the airport ten minutes earlier than you think you should.
- bring a bottle of water and a snack on the plane. Drink the water (no one drinks enough when they fly)
- for connections: Give yourself at least an hour for domestic connections. Barring that make sure your connecting city has back up flights to your destination city. For international connections give yourself at least 2.5 hours. That way you can suffer a small delay without missing the only flight overseas.
- wear some type of ear plug on the plane
- Kindles are your friend
- if you don’t have status get yourself a credit card that lets you board early
- learn to use the apps on your phone! Small example. Many airports have Starbucks mobile order. When I’m connecting I’ll literally order something at Starbucks on the taxi in. Then as I’m passing Starbucks to my next flight I’ll just grab my drink without breaking stride. There are so many useful ones (Uber, airline apps, etc.)
- if you start seeing signs of delays start considering your back up plans. Think you might miss your connection? Figure out the other flights heading to your destination that day. Preload the airline phone number. Then when you think you are gonna miss your flight you can call the airline without delay and tell them exactly the solution you want.
- if everything is falling apart don’t stand in line to have the gate agent rebook you! Call the airline! It’s faster and easier (generally).
- travel in the mornings. Less delays. More backups. You aren’t as tired.
- don’t connect in Chicago, particularly in winter

- cultivate a little patience and remember for a relatively small fee you are being transported around the world with almost perfect safety.

[ScubaHogg]

International travel: Before you leave, get an e-SIM for your phone and install it. Being able to communicate on arrival increases comfort.

If you have T-Mobile a daily international plan is similar in cost to an esim plan

[cbox]

One for me is having my great Tempur-pedic eyeshades. They take me from the brightest plane trip -or- hotel room with the other person still reading right into Dreamland with no light coming in around the edges.

I always take the Bose QuietComfort headphones on planes. They're bulky, but they cut out most of the annoying plane noise and let me relax and listen to music or hear the movies as they should be heard. Actually I would no longer fly without these unless I had no option.

You'd be surprised at how the noise inside of an airplane makes you tense up without your being aware of it.

I also prefer traveling off season--way off, even. They go, I stay. They stay, I go. My personal philosophy for sane and peaceful living.

[Sandtrap]

If I travel more than three time zones the first thing I do upon arrival is to hit the gym. Even though I don’t feel like it going in, I feel much better after. Preferably a gym with heavy metal discs. I also typically walk around 8 miles a day when I travel and sometimes much more. Not for exercise specifically, but it’s a 2 for 1 special. Pretty easy. Skip the taxis and go hiking if there is scenery.

Try not to eat crap. I prefer no food to bad food. It can be difficult to get enough protein in some countries, especially if you are not near the coast. In that case I’ll supplement protein or just go to a convenience store and let people look on in horror as I slam a ridiculous amount of skim milk. Also, don’t overeat.

This pretty much sums it up for me. If travel means getting out of my normal lifestyle behaviors, then I am going to feel wrecked the entire time and even worse when I get home. This may sound over the top to many, but my (or our, family of 4) accommodations are planned around where we can conveniently get good food and exercise. Biggest priorities for hotel or AirBnB are proximity to grocery stores and gym or parks where we can work out. I plan ahead so that first thing out of the car or off the plane I can get in a workout and then get some quality food in me.

"Comfort" to me means routine, so when I travel (whether for work or vacation), I try to maintain my normal routine as much as possible, just in a different setting.

+1
Great points
Well said.

Exactly the same for DW and I.
j

[Doom&Gloom]

A comfortable vehicle and a pleasant, compatible companion.

[Sandtrap]

First Class or Business. . whichever is better. Lay flat full recline seats a must, or no traveling at all.
For myself, due to health issues (unable to stand too long or sit too long, etc), curbside wheelchair service that takes me direct to the lst class lounge then direct to the gate and boarding and the plane (usually first on and last off). And, in reverse when arriving. Have all passes and such ready. Avoid most all lines everywhere.
Bose QC noise cancellation headphones.
More than Enough movies loaded on my ipad.
Carry on only. No check in.
Bring my own meals.
Residence Inn or better for accomodations, must have a full size kitchen.
When traveling and need a hotel, then 4 or 5 star resort works well.
Must have a source of healthy food, etc, nearby. IE: Whole Foods, True Foods, etc.
Camera Gear
Laptop MacBook.
Etc.
Etc
Etc.

My most interesting experience was when an airline customer service rep, after checking in and security check my carry on, wheeled me through some back way, then down an elevator, across the tarmac and equipment area, then up another elevator that was very close to the boarding gate area where we needed to go. He said it was a shortcut because the terminal was so crowded. It was fascinating to get a look at what goes on behind the scenes so to speak.
j

[bradinsky]

When driving, stop at Buc-cee's for gas and potty stops. At this point in time, this is only possible in the civilized parts of the US, but they're working on it.

When flying, be small or rich.

That’s funny. Define civilized

[bradinsky]

If husband & wife are arguing, separate vacations fill the bill.

[olefoodie]

In addition to having a packing list, I also have a separate list for important things to do before leaving. Using this checklist gives me peace of mind.
- provide travel notifications to credit card co's and banks
- alert USPS to hold my mail if I'm gone for awhile
- freeze library book holds
- sign up for temporary VPN service for my cellphone if I know I'll need to use unsecured wifi
- send my trip itinerary to family members in case something happens; if international, I also provide a copy of our passports
- throw out perishables from the fridge + throw out trash from all trashcans
- charge camera batteries, Kindle, and cellphone the night before
- replace flashlight batteries (this is more for hiking trips)
- unplug any unnecessary electronics
- water the plants the morning I leave
- arrange for a taxi to the airport (if applicable)

[Random Musings]

My best tip is to come back from your (vacation) trips on a Friday. Then you have an entire weekend to get yourself back to normal before attacking another work week.

For too long now I’ve been coming back from vacations late on Sunday night. I wish I would have thought of this sooner.

This one is a trade-off.
You have 2 nights back at home versus staying in whatever paradise you have gone to 2 extra nights. Flight-costs and travel-time wasted is what makes me want to maximum my vacation time away.
I do go out of my way not to come back from a business trip on a Friday whenever possible - too many times of delayed/canceled flights cutting into my weekend. The goal is to always be home by Thursday night (so if travel is delayed - it bleeds to Friday versus my weekend).

I max the time on vacation - work is always there waiting for me the next morning. I do try to get home by about 11 pm at the latest to unload and get some reasonable amount of sleep.

RM

[orange96]

Business Class on long flights.

[Gnirk]

Gosh, I remember when air travel was fun, the airline food was actually good, and the seats were comfortable, and your fellow travelers were polite.
I also remember when smoking was allowed, and the last seat in the non-smoking section was directly in front of the first seat in the smoking section with no barier between.

it's very, very different now, and I appreciate the many suggestions to make air travel more comfotable these days, especially for those of us who fly coach on domestic flights..

[PeninsulaPerson]

I am surprised no one mentioned this. I always use a checklist and pack the day before. The checklist makes packing simple, quick, and I only take the things that I know are necessary. It saves a lot of energy, so that you don't waste it on the travel day. After each trip, I review the checklist to see if I would take out anything or add anything.

Also love my checklist! Since I am usually travelling on vacation (versus regular/heavy-duty business travel), my checklist actually starts two weeks out with a few things I can do each day to make the day before departure easy. Since we tend to try to fly on early AM flights out, the travel day is just for truly last-minute things.

I also make notes as I go on anything to change/update on the checklist for the next trip.

And sometimes I will get ideas from how regular/heavy-duty business travelers plan/pack that I incorporate into my checklist. One is to clean out & refill my toiletries bag when I return from a trip so it's ready to just toss in my bag for the next trip.

Having the checklist made such a difference when I started travelling again post-Covid restrictions. I felt so rusty but my checklist "from before" was still good and dependable. I have heard that pilots have lists they check and re-check before a flight. It's easy to see why!

(Once the night before a trip, I dreamed that I forgot to use my checklist! That one haunts me still - way worse than the dream I have heard some people have about discovering they can't graduate from college because of some class they forgot to take ... !)

[PeninsulaPerson]

Use packing cubes.

Packing cubes are great!

[Freefun]

If husband & wife are arguing, separate vacations fill the bill.

You reminded me of a joke from Nate Bargatze

https://youtu.be/exhvp-XmL4s

[PeninsulaPerson]

I always take the Bose QuietComfort headphones on planes. They're bulky, but they cut out most of the annoying plane noise and let me relax and listen to music or hear the movies as they should be heard. Actually I would no longer fly without these unless I had no option.

I also prefer traveling off season--way off, even. They go, I stay. They stay, I go. My personal philosophy for sane and peaceful living.

Agreed on the Bose 100% - bulky and worth it!

Also agree on off-season! Places that can be just plain awful with "peak crowds" (coastal Maine - especially Wiscasset! Cape Cod!) are fine and wonderful in their multiple off-seasons! Much more sane & peaceful.

But then, I also like the beach as much (or more!) in February as in July, so that could be the New Englander in me!

[vitaflo]

To me "travel" means "road trip."

Same. I road trip a lot. I rarely fly (once per decade). Here's what I've learned road tripping:

- Don't wait until the next big city to get gas, you'll just be trying to navigate a city you don't know to try and find a gas station. Easier to use the gas stations that are just off an exit on your way.

- If you are in a big city and don't know where the good/bad areas are, look on a map for windy roads (not a grid of streets) and lots of golf courses. That's where the rich people live.

- If checkout is at 11am and check-in at your next hotel is 4pm and you only have 4 hours to drive, take a scenic route or make a longer stop on the way. Take advantage of the time.

- Don't drive into a new place you've never been to at night. Get there before sundown.

- If you're visiting a national park, get there EARLY. Like sunrise early. You'll beat the crowds and have the place to yourself for at least a few minutes.

- Split an 8 hour drive into two 4 hour drives with an overnighter if you have the time. It will keep you more fresh and you'll be able to experience another new place for a day.

- Bring separate duffle bags for dirty clothes, when they're full go to a laundry mat. Don't put your dirty clothes in the same bag/suitcase as your cleans.

- Stay in hotels or airbnb's with laundry if you have the option (see above).

- If you're driving into high elevation, drink lots of water.

- Always keep at least a half tank of gas in the car, especially in the western US.