Each airport is going to offer its own unique set of challenges, but here are a few solid tips and tricks for navigating through a Domestic US Airport.

Download your airline’s App to your smartphone at least 24 hours before your departure time.

This will allow you to check in for your flight, and monitor your flight for any delays or cancellations. You can also use this feature to obtain a digital boarding pass, if you prefer that method.

Arrive 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

You never know how long it will take to get your checked bags dropped, and to get through TSA Security. You could hit it just right and breeze through in 20 minutes. Or, you could stand in line for over an hour just to go through the metal detector. So it’s always going to be my professional advice to arrive 2 hours ahead of time. I’d rather you be early and have time to kill than miss your flight!

Do NOT attempt to bring beverages through TSA Security.

Do not forget about the liquids rule at TSA Security – you are not allowed to bring your own beverages! If you have any bottles of water, soda or coffee with you when you get in line, you will need to finish it and throw it away prior to going through security. If you forget, the TSA Agents will be sure to remind you…and it can often lead to a more detailed bag check. So it’s better to go ahead and throw them out before you get in line. You can always fill an empty water bottle or purchase a beverage once you’ve cleared the security checkpoint.

Check for your gate number once you are through TSA Security.

After you have cleared security, gather yourself and your belongings and check the monitors that are located directly above where you are standing. Identify your departure gate, and get an idea of where that gate is located. If you have time to kill and you are going to go shop and dine, make sure you have a good idea of where you need to be when it’s time to board.

If your flight departs at 11:30am, there is a good chance that your plane will be boarded with the doors shut by 11:20am. Always check the BOARDING time on your documents. This is the time you should be at the gate. Typically, boarding begins 30 minutes before a scheduled departure.

I know there are a lot of fears and worry around traveling right now. As I keep telling my clients (and myself!) this will end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we all will begin to travel again very soon!

No matter where in the world you are going, here are some easy, standard tips for keeping safe when traveling internationally. Whether you are traveling to Europe, Costa Rica, Australia or Thailand, these tips will help everyone stay safe in a country that is not your own.

Getting There

• Make a color copy of your passport or take a picture and email it to yourself. This will be a great backup if your passport is lost or stolen.
• Arrive at your destination during daylight hours so you can check out the surroundings to make sure it’s safe.

Full Service Hotel

• Consider staying at a hotel that has staff working 24/7 rather than a home share.
• Write down the exact address of where you’re staying in case your phone dies or gets lost or stolen.
• Request a room on a higher floor. There is generally a layer of security before you get to the elevators.
• If you’re riding the elevator with a stranger, let them press their floor number first. If it’s the same as yours, go up another level just to be safe.

During your Trip

• Check in with family or friends at home shortly after arriving. Share your itinerary with someone at home so folks know what you are doing.
• Check in frequently throughout your trip.

Around Town

• Wear clothes that blend in while out in public. You do not want to advertise that you’re a tourist.
• Only carry what you need, primarily your phone, ID and some cash.
• Use a purse or pocket that can be worn in the front so that way you prevent pickpockets from reaching into a back pocket.
• Carry your cash in more than one spot. This way, if your purse does get stolen, you still have some money on you.
• When enjoying the nightlife, keep an eye on the person making your drink. Don’t ever let your drink out of your sight. And stay sober if you are by yourself!
• Don’t tell strangers where you are staying. If someone asks, keep it vague. (“Down near the Boat Dock”)

Excursions

• Book group tours with certified tour operators. Thoroughly read the reviews before booking.

Ready to book your next Adventure? Contact your Must Love Travel Planner today!