Eight Ways to Improve the Experience
Did you know that “travel” is one of the things most people say they wish they could do more often? We presume they’re thinking of leisure travel when they say that, but even if you’re a frequent business traveler, the team at WallyPark has come up with eight New Year’s Travel Resolutions that might make every trip a little better. Even if you just pick and keep one, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the journey more than you used to.
Stay Flexible
Many travelers find planning a trip more stressful than taking a trip. They pick their travel dates and locations, then try to find flights and accommodations that fit their schedule and budget. What if you tried the opposite? Keep an eye out all year for great deals to interesting destinations, then plan your trip and time off accordingly. You’ll not only discover all sorts of new places but save money while exploring them.
Pack Differently
Deep down inside you know you’re not going to need half of the clothes you usually bring “just in case.” So, stop overpacking. Keep everything to what fits in a regulation-sized carry-on (plus a purse, tote, briefcase or backpack) to avoid having to stand around the baggage carousel. And keep a bag of travel-sized toiletries in your carry-on all year round so you’re not rounding them up before every trip.
Arrive Earlier
Nothing ruins a trip like missing a flight – and once you’re at the airport, every minute matters. Why not plan to arrive 30 minutes earlier than you think you should? No one has ever regretted arriving at the airport or their departure gate earlier than they planned, and you can use the extra time to do whatever you were doing before you left (including eating, sleeping or streaming).
Fly Direct
Whenever possible, book single, non-stop flights to all your destinations. There might not be as many choices per day and direct flights usually cost a little more, but having to change planes can add hours to your travel day and wear you out before you even arrive. Even economy-minded travelers who seek out cost-efficient options will tell you non-stop flights are worth every dime.
Upgrade Security Clearance
If you haven’t taken the time to acquire TSA Pre-Check or Clear status for airport security, we suggest you do so before your next flight. The lines at the airport might not look a lot shorter but they move much faster, so you’ll be at your gate sooner and worry far less. But you’ll need to plan ahead and allow time for these services to do their jobs. A simple online search of either term will get you started.
Surf More Securely
Data security and privacy are a growing concern, not just when traveling but any day and anywhere. When was the last time you checked to ensure the antivirus software on your smartphone, laptop and other devices is up to date? Hotel and coffee shop Wi-Fi may be free but is rarely secure, so you might also consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to make sure you can access everything you need safely – especially if you’re traveling to another country.
Schedule Less
How many times have you found yourself in a new place and thought, “I wish I had time to do that”? Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, try to leave a few holes in your schedule that can be filled with some of the unexpected opportunities that might pop up. If nothing special occurs you can always use those times to relax or catch up on emails, but in our experience the things you didn’t plan are often the most memorable.
Plan More
Of course, the best way to ensure any surprises you experience are good surprises is to plan ahead and prevent potentially bad ones – like driving around the airport looking for a parking place until you’re sure you’re going to miss your flight. Let’s resolve to never do that again. WallyPark makes it easy. Just reserve your space online, let our shuttles deliver you to the door, and then relax.
