Let’s talk about saving time. You’re spending your hard-earned money to travel. You don’t want to spend your valuable time standing in long lines or waiting for transportation from the airport. No! You want to get out and see all the things on your bucket list. Keep reading. We’ve got tips and tricks to help you save time when you travel.
Book Excursions In Advance
Research your destination. Look for any day-trips, local museums, theme parks, or any other things you’re interested in checking out. Plan and book these things in advance. It will save valuable time. There is no need for standing in long lines waiting to buy tickets.
Alert Your Bank To Your Travel Plans
We learned this the hard way. There’s nothing like a middle of the night phone call from your husband who is half-way across the world to get your adrenaline going. His debit card was useless. A few hours of panic and a phone call with our bank revealed that we had neglected to let them know he would be out of the country.
This can easily be prevented. And, in most cases, is as simple as a quick call or click of a mouse in your banking app.
Purchase Your Foreign Currency
Contact your bank at least a month in advance to purchase your foreign currency. This can save both time and money. The exchange rate is usually much better through your bank than at the exchange venues you will encounter on your trip. It also saves you the time of stopping to pick up local currency.
Also, be sure that you fully understand the value of the currency you are using.
Learn About Public Transportation
Many countries, other than the U.S., rely heavily on public transportation. Don’t worry! Most forms of public transportation abroad are clean and relatively safe, sans the occasional pick pocket. Whether you’re boarding a metro or a bus, this form of getting around your destination can be a huge time saver. It beats having to learn the rules of the road and navigating traffic in a another country.
Update Your Cell Phone Travel Plan
There is nothing like the panicked feeling of driving into another country and realizing that your driving directions are no longer working…neither are any of your phone’s other features. Yep, it happened to us in Canada! We were in Quebec and the road signs are in French. Umm…did I mention that we speak very little to no French? After a couple of hours we managed to find our destination and a very nice hotel employee who told us how to fix the situation.
Since that time in Canada, we have learned that the easiest and most efficient way to keep your cell phone working abroad is to contact you carrier and see if they offer a travel plan. Our carrier offers a travel plan that works in many countries around the world for an extra $10 per day. This beats having to change your SIM card and risking not having the same features of your normal plan. By contacting your provider a week or two ahead of your trip you can save a lot of time and stress.
Pack Light. It Saves Time!
Whether you’re traveling abroad or embarking on a road trip adventure, packing light can save you a lot of time. This helps get you through the airport faster, especially if you don’t have to check a bag. As for road trips, this fewer bags you have to pack up when leaving your hotel, the faster you get back on the road.
Remember to take pictures of your packed luggage, inside and out. This will be very beneficial if you are flying and your luggage gets lost. You will be able to easily file a claim. It’s also helpful to remember how you packed everything, making repacking a breeze.
Try On Clothes Ahead Of Time
Make sure to give your clothes a trial run. This not only lets you know that everything fits, it also gives you the opportunity to see if there are any wholes, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc. This can save you an unplanned time-consuming shopping trip.
Pre-plan Your Transportation To and From The Airport
By arranging your transportation to and from the airport ahead of time you can save a tremendous amount of your vacation time. Calling a taxi or ride star service on the spot can cost you hours, especially in a busy tourist area.
Along this same line. As soon as you disembark from the plane, turn your phone off of airplane mode and confirm your transportation is ready and waiting.
Explain The Airport Process To Children
By explaining what will be happening during the time with TSA and waiting at the airport, you may be able to prevent a meltdown. The process of going through the security checks can be frightening for children, and even young teens. Actually, it can be a lot for anyone who has not traveled before. So, explain to your child what happens and practice, practice, practice! This can save you a lot of time.
It’s also important to explain to kids that there may be some wait time, but an airport can be a fun place to wait. Bring a few small items to keep young children entertained. It’s really helpful to bring new items or items reserved just for this purpose. This makes the items novel and will hold your child’s attention longer.
Pack Essential Liquids In Appropriate Size Containers
3.4 ounces or less is the rule for liquids such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, contact solution, etc. By adhering to this rule, you can save some time. If your containers don’t meet the requirements, you will be asked to throw away the item. You can easily save time just by following this rule.
Remember this when shopping for your return trip as well!
Take Advantage of Early TSA Check-in
There are several ways to save a lot of time in the airport. First, check in with your airline online. Make sure you have screenshots of every member of your travel party saved on your phone. This can be a lifesaver! Next, if you will be flying frequently, or at least once per year, look into TSA Pre. It’s a pre-check in program that can be a BIG time saver.
Also, consider getting Global Entry if you will be flying abroad. This will prevent you from standing in the long immigration line when re-entering the U.S..
These programs cost a little up front, but if you fly they are worth it.
Shoes Can Save You Time
That’s right. If you are not a member of TSA Pre, you will have to remove your shoes in the security check line. So, be sure to wear shoes that slip on and off easily. This can save you the time of dealing with getting your shoes off and back on again while juggling all of your items.
Get To The Airport Early
Yes, you will still have a wait at the airport, but things will run much more smoothly if you arrive a little early. Remember, there are fewer TSA agents than travelers. They have to screen a lot of people. The security line can get backed up. So, plan for that. Arrive two hours ahead of your flight time. This will also give you time to unwind before your flight.
Have Your ID Ready
Having your ID ready at security can be a big time saver. If you have to dig through your bag or wallet you are not only wasting your time, but that of the travelers in line behind you.
Electronics Can Cost You Time
Make sure you place all of your electronics in the bin provided by TSA, including your phone. Also, remember to remove any lithium batteries from laptops or other devices. Having to do this in line holds up you and your fellow travelers.
Drinks In Line Can Cost You Time
If you purchased a drink or have a water bottle before entering the security checkpoint you will be asked to dispose of it or pour the liquid out. This will take a bite out of your travel time. Make sure your water bottle is empty and refill it once you’re inside the gate.
Early Boarding For People With Special Circumstances
If you are military, have a small child, or have a disability, many airlines offer the opportunity for you to board the plane early. Simply reach out to the airline prior to your trip and inquire about this option. This could be a time and patience saver with young children.
Mobile Ordering
Many restaurants, mostly in the U.S. and at theme parks, offer mobile ordering. This can be a great time saver during your vacation. Simply place your order in the app and the restaurant will notify you when it’s ready. You can use the wait time to do something other than stand in a long line.
Disability Passes
If you or anyone in your travel party have a disability, you may qualify for a disability pass at many venues. Be sure to inquire at least two weeks prior to your vacation. This can prevent the person affected from having to wait in a long unnecessary line.
Remember, saving time doesn’t mean that every minute of your vacation is scheduled. You can be spontaneous! Saving time just means that you are prioritizing your vacation time and doing some of the boring tasks ahead of time.
Need more information and time-saving tips? Check out our podcast! How to Save Time When You Travel.
Before you work on maximizing your time, you need to decide where you are going. Check out our post with tips on Choosing a Travel Destination.
