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If you’re short on time, click the links below to jump ahead to any specific travel questions you want answered:
- When should I book my flights?
- When should I book my hotels?
- How do I get the best travel deals?
- Do I need a vaccination for travel?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- What documents do I need to bring with me?
- What luggage is the best?
- Are compression packing cubes worth it?
- What can I bring on the plane?
- How can I get access to travel lounges?
- Is TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry worth it?
- How do I use my phone abroad?
- How do I beat jet lag?
- Is it safe to travel alone?
- What happens if there’s a natural disaster?
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Pre-Trip Planning Travel Questions
Getting ready for your trip involves careful planning and consideration. Here are some common pre-trip planning travel questions to guide you, from booking flights and hotels to making sure your trip (and your health) are protected while you travel.
When should I book my flights?
One of the most frequent travel questions is about booking flights. To get the best pricing and flight path options, it’s generally recommended to book your flights 2-3 months in advance for domestic trips and 5-6 months in advance for international travel.
When should I book my hotels?
To secure the best rates and room availability, I recommend you book your hotels at least 3-4 months in advance if you can. For peak travel seasons or special events, you might want to consider booking even earlier. That being said, you can find some last-minute deals by booking a week or two before your trip, it just depends. I wouldn’t rely on that, though!
How do I get the best travel deals?
Scoring the best travel deals requires a combination of timing, research, and flexibility. We talked about timing with the travel questions above, but there is one myth I want to address. Some people say you should book flights on a certain day to get a better deal, but that’s not true. It’s the day you’re flying on that matters, not the day you book.
Weekends tend to be the most expensive days, while weekdays are typically cheaper. Of course, holidays are going to be pricier, too. I recommend monitoring flights and hotel prices with sites like Skyscanner and Hotels.com. Sign up for deal alerts and be ready to book when you find a great offer!
You can also get incredible deals on travel by using credit cards with excellent perks, like bonus points and miles, free hotel stays, and access to exclusive events and airport lounges.
Do I need a vaccination for travel?
Depending on your destination, you may need a specific vaccination for travel to that area. Consult with your doctor or a travel medicine specialist, or check the CDC’s website for recommended vaccinations well in advance of your trip. And don’t forget to bring proof of your vaccination(s) on your travels with you!
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is always a good idea. It can protect you from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, depending on the coverage you purchase. Travel insurance should never be one size fits all. I use Travelex, where you can easily plug in your trip and traveler details and get recommendations for the best travel insurance plan for you.
I also recommend you get an emergency medical transport policy for your trip. I use MedJet, so I know I’m covered if I need to be medically evacuated for an illness or injury.
Packing & Logistics Travel Questions
In this section, I’ll give you answers to travel questions about packing and logistics, including what luggage to use, how to pack efficiently, and other tips to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.
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What luggage is the best?
The best luggage to get depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and what kind of traveler you are. I know, you were probably looking for an easy answer! My recommendation is that you find a brand you really love and then find the size and style that works for you. Some of my favorite luggage brands for checked bags, carry-ons, backpacks, purses, and day packs are:
When it comes to your checked bag and carry-on, do you prefer hard-sided or soft-sided luggage? Are you not sure? Check out my video, where I talk about the pros and cons of each to help you decide the best fit for you. I personally love rolling luggage that has four wheels that can rotate in any direction, so it’s easier to pull or push my bag through the airport.
What documents do I need to bring with me?
If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling domestically, you’ll only need a government-issued photo ID. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a valid passport with an expiration date at least 3-6 months past your return date. Some countries also require a visa, depending on your reason for travel and the duration of your trip. You can view visa requirements by searching for your destination country on the government travel website.
Another very important thing to do is to make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your ID and passport. Do not use a nickname when booking your flight, or you might run into problems at the airport.
Are compression packing cubes worth it?
Speaking of luggage and packing, compression packing cubes are absolutely worth it if you want to maximize the space in your suitcase. They have an extra zipper that squishes your stuff down to make room for more items, so you can bring that extra outfit or make room to bring souvenirs home with you.
Check out my video review of different compression packing cubes to hear what I like and don’t like about each brand. Or read about them in my blog post, along with some common FAQs about how best to use them.
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What can I bring on the plane?
When traveling in the U.S., you’ve got to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. You’re allowed to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes that do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each. All your carry-on liquids have to fit in the quart-sized bag and be separate from your baggage for screening (unless you have TSA Pre-Check). The 3-1-1 rule is generally followed internationally, but it’s best to check your destination’s rules before you leave.
As for your carry-on bags, the commonly accepted size in the U.S. is 22” x 14” x 9”, and internationally, it is 21.5” x 15.5” x 9”. Luggage size and weight limits vary by airline, so I recommend checking with your airline carrier before packing to avoid any last-minute fees or inconveniences.
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En Route & In-Destination Travel Questions
Once you’ve set out on your trip, new challenges and travel questions emerge. Here, I’ll cover how to navigate airports faster and access premium lounges, as well as how to adjust to a different time zone. Whether you’re in the air or on the ground, these are practical tips to help you travel with confidence, ensuring you make the most of your adventures.
How can I get access to travel lounges?
You know those moments when you’re stuck waiting for a flight or dealing with a long delay? Those airport lounge doors looks more and more tempting the more laps you take around the terminal. Well, Priority Pass has been a game-changer for me during those times!
Of course, you could gain access by booking a premium ticket with that airline. But with Priority Pass, you gain access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, offering comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments and snacks, and sometimes even shower facilities. With this handy membership, you can enjoy the benefits of lounge access no matter which airline you’re flying with.
Another great way to get access to travel lounges is by taking advantage of the travel perks that come with some of these credit cards. Look for the ones that specify airport lounge access!
Is TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry worth it?
For frequent flyers, enrolling in TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry can be a game-changer. TSA Pre-Check allows low-risk, pre-vetted travelers to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints. You don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets with pre-check.
Global Entry is expedited customs screening for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States, and it also includes TSA Pre-Check benefits. Whether either program is worth it for you will depend on how much you travel domestically versus internationally. At $100 or less for 5 years of membership, I think both are absolutely worth it if you travel more than twice in a year!
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How do I use my phone abroad?
Using your phone internationally can incur expensive roaming charges. Check with your service provider before your trip to see if they have a travel usage program. Even then, you’re likely going to pay around $10 per day and that can add up quickly!
I recommend you use an eSim, like this one from Holafly, to save the most money. It’s a digital sim card you can activate during your trip and then use your phone the same as you would back home! And the best part is the savings – for example, an eSim for a week-long trip to Spain would cost you less than $30. By using my referral link here, you can enjoy a 5% discount on any plan.
If you want to stay secure while using your phone abroad, then you might want to consider a VPN like this one from Surfshark. You can guard against viruses and protect your data while banking, booking tours, or simply browsing the internet.
How do I beat jet lag?
If there’s one bad thing about traveling, it’s that visiting different time zones can disrupt your sleep and eating schedules. But hey – I think the rewards of exploring a new destination are definitely worth it! Here are some personal tips for beating any tiredness or hunger you might feel from schedule changes while traveling:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip, and try to plan your flight times around your sleep.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this neck pillow is great for this), and try to stay awake if arriving later.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!).
- Bring tablets like these to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes during the flight.
Safety & Security Travel Questions
Traveling the world opens doors to incredible experiences, but it’s natural to have some concerns about safety and security. This section tackles common safety travel questions to help you feel more at ease in new destinations. So get ready to explore worry-free, knowing you’re prepared for a safe and enjoyable adventure!
Is it safe to travel alone?
I’ve been traveling solo and in groups for many years now, and I find it is safe to travel alone. That being said, there will always be some risks, whether you travel alone or with other people. Being aware of them can help you prepare for and avoid unsafe situations.
To start, always keep your luggage and personal items in sight while traveling, and consider using anti-theft bags or luggage locks for added security. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and avoid flashing valuables that may attract unwanted attention.
For your personal safety, research your destination to learn which areas may be unsafe and to get emergency contact numbers. Consider packing safety items like a portable door lock, door stop alarm, or a handheld safety alarm. Always let someone know your travel itinerary, and trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it as soon as you can and seek assistance if necessary.
What happens if there’s a natural disaster?
The risk of natural disasters while traveling is very real. Sometimes you can plan to avoid them, like not traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean during hurricane season. But sometimes, they’re unavoidable, and you need an emergency plan in case that happens.
Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the locations of shelters and emergency services in your destination area. Establish a communication and evacuation plan with your travel partners and loved ones back home.
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, as I mentioned before, offering coverage for unexpected events, including natural disasters. Be sure to review the details of your policy to understand the extent of the coverage provided for natural disasters. MedJet has comprehensive plans that specifically cover natural disasters and provide additional services that regular travel insurance does not.
Are All Your Travel Questions Answered?
Traveling is a journey of discovery! You might not get it perfectly right every time, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and memorable experience. Keep these travel questions and answers in mind as you plan your next adventure, and you’ll be off to a great start.
Do you have any more travel questions that I didn’t cover here? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll get back to you with my best tips!
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Looking for more answers to your travel questions or inspiration for your next trip? Check out my favorite travel products and some of my other posts on planning your adventure!
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