Airport Tricks and Packing Lists
So you’re excited for your trip but dreading the packing part? Shuddering at the thought of dealing with airport drama? I am going to share with you Airport Tricks and Packing Lists. This post includes my essential packing list and some tips for making the airport a LESS horrible experience (I can’t work miracles so I’m only promising LESS horrible).
I’m sure you’ve heard some of these, but a few might surprise you.
Tips to make the Airport LESS horrible:
- Take a photo of your parking space or download a “Find your Car” app. You’d be amazed how easy it is to forget which section or level you parked on after a two week vacation.
- Easily find your luggage on the carousel by using a bright colored tag or scarf or BOTH.
- Charge your phone before you go. If you are using all electronic confirmations you don’t want to be a wall outlet hogger. Keep the charger in your carry on just in case you need a little extra juice.
- Bring a travel pillow and blanket. You will want a blanket that has two different colored sides. This way you can identify the dirty side (touches the floor/seat) vs. the clean side (touches your face).
- Snacks! Airport food is expensive so bring along some snacks. Besides, the more you eat the lighter your luggage will be.
- Wear shoes without laces or buckles to the airport. This will make going through security a little easier and faster. Wear socks! The airport floor is probably disgusting. I wouldn’t want to walk barefoot across those floors. I’m a little crazy and actually wear two pairs of sock. After going through security, I take off the top pair before putting my shoes back on. Listen! try not to judge me.
- Wear comfortable clothes. You don’t have to dress in your pajamas but you will likely be in a very small seat for several hours, it is best to avoid really uncomfortable clothing. I opt for leggings and a nice but comfortable long sweater/shirt.
- Empty water bottle. There are usually water foundations around the airport. You can’t take a bottle with water through security but once on the other side you can fill up your empty bottle. Stay hydrated my friends.
My packing mantra is “all you need is your passport and a credit card.” Of course there are things that you SHOULD pack but don’t STRESS if you forget something. You’re going on vacation for heavens sake! It will be okay I promise. I’ll go over the must haves in detail and some other key essentials. The rest of the items are pretty basic but are a helpful reminder.
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Let’s get down to business, shall we?
Must haves:
- Passport/Photo ID/Visas
Duh! But seriously triple check that you have these items before you leave the house. This would definitely put a damper on your day if you have to turn around and potentially miss your flight. Also you want to keep these items close by. Make sure you keep it in your carry-on/purse because you will need easy access to these documents. Note: DON’T accidentally pack this in your checked bag..
- Reservation confirmations
This includes your boarding passes, hotel reservations, car rentals etc. I typically use my phone for most of these items but make sure you SCREENSHOT these documents! You might not have signal or don’t have a chance to swap out SIM cards. Trust me roaming charges aren’t cheap. You also do not want to deal with the attitude, if you have a slow loading electronic boarding pass and an impatient TSA agent. I also bring printed copies stowed away in my carry-on but my phone is the easiest to use.
- Emergency documentation
Health insurance card, travel insurance phone numbers and ID numbers, in case of emergency contact information, and list of medications. Again, I’ll take pictures of these items but will also have printed copies.
- Money
I will bring my bank card, a credit card, and a few bucks in cash (local currency). Money is king, so make sure you have this covered. If you haven’t already I highly recommend you check out your local credit union for banking options. My bank offers free checking, no ATM fees AND reimburses other banks’ ATM withdrawal fees (domestically), and the savings account rates are better than most big banks. Check it out, maybe not for this trip but plan for the next one. Check that your credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, only bring the ones that don’t.
- Prescription Medications
If you are on prescription medicines, double check that you have enough for your entire trip and a little extra. These items aren’t impossible to replace or to get more but it’s not easy and likely VERY expensive.
Other Essentials:
- Tweezers
These aren’t just used to pluck your eyebrows, they have a number of uses. Especially if you are going on an outdoorsy type trip, these are life savers. I’m not an outdoors type but I always seem to find a way to get a splinter.
- Headphones
Mostly used to avoid chatty neighbors but you really don’t want to use the free/never cleaned headphones on the plane.
- Surge Protector/Travel Adapters
I bought this Heavy Duty – Universal Power Strip that accepts plugs from any country. This thing has been a crowd pleaser on more than one occasion. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CONVERTER! You need to check if your devices have the correct voltage. If not, you will need a voltage converter or risk frying your devices. See below for examples.
Here are some options for converters if your devices aren’t the correct voltage. Try this one or this other one.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
The airport/public transportation is FILLED with germs which is a good and bad thing. However, you really don’t want a cold or stomach virus to ruin your plans. Washing your hands is the best defense but the 2nd best thing is hand sanitizer/wipes. You definitely want to wipe down your fold down tray on the plane and sanitize your hands before eating. Try to keep the germs at bay!
- Ziplock bags/heavy duty trash bag
Ziplock bags are so universal. Need to dispose the sanitizing wipes you just used? ziplock bag. Need to keep all of your jewelry together? ziplock bag. The list goes on and on, its best just throw a handle full in your carry-on.
I know you are thinking, why would I bring a heavy duty trash bag? WELL let me tell you! If you find yourself in a sketchy hotel that looked perfect online, you will need a trash bag. This will help to prevent any unwanted “friends” hiking a ride back home with you. What do you do if your luggage zipper breaks? a heavy duty trash bag will hold you over until you can find a better option.
- Empty plastic bag
I use my old Walmart/Target plastic shopping bags for a bunch of things. Some examples are dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, shoes, etc. You never know when one will come in handy and it doesn’t take up any space in your luggage.
I hope you learned something new and helpful for your next vacation. Thanks for reading about my airport tricks and packing lists. Leave a comment with some of your favorite travel tips and packing must haves!
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Sweet post, so detailed–good job. ? Can’t believe you wear two socks though. ??
Thanks for the feedback ??. I might be a little crazy but seriously! I’ve never seen anyone mopping those floors and I’ve spent the night in a airport before!