While there is a collective eagerness to get back out there, your travel routine might be a little rusty. If you have pre-travel jitters, here are a few tips to smooth out the rough edges.

Before you fly:

Look for tickets without change fees. Read the fine print and know what kind of ticket you’re purchasing. If the ticket is not changeable, consider finding a travel insurance policy that will cover the cost of changing your flight.
Allow time between your connections. London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam are hubs that are particularly busy during peak travel months. Delays will happen, so a cushion of time will buy you peace of mind.
Consider 2 one-way tickets. Often, one direction of the flight is direct, but the return is less attractive. If you book these flights separately, you can choose your way home with minimal extra costs.
Select your seat when you book the flight. Check and double-check at check-in to make sure your seat selection has not changed.
Use packing cubes. These are a great way to organize your belongings and can compress the items inside to create more space in your suitcase.
Pack a “Go-Bag”. With current luggage tracking, it’s rare for an airline to totally lose a bag, but there could be a delay that will spoil the first part of your trip. I bring extra contact lenses, a change of clothes, and make-up/toiletry items. Obviously, essential medication should travel with you.
Download your airline’s app so you can get updates about delayed flights or changed gates. Check your gate when you arrive and right before boarding time. Gates will often change at the last minute.

At the airport:

GET THERE EARLY and make yourself comfortable. Anything can happen in the check-in process. Allow plenty of room for error.
Get TSA Precheck and global entry (if you travel internationally). Just do it. It will save you hours.
Have everything that needs to come out at security ready to go. Save yourself (and them) a big hassle and have everything in one place. Place liquids in a 1-quart Ziploc and keep all your electronics together.
Walk, walk, walk at the airport! Stretch your legs while you can.
NEVER board a plane hungry. It could be a while before meal service.

On the plane:

Create a kit with small items you might want handy. I keep a little fanny pack with mints, eye drops, headphones (I have AirPods and a plug-in set), hand cream, and lip balm.
Accept water any time it’s offered, and drink it.
Be considerate. The person behind you does not want your head in their lap.
If you can sleep on planes - book a window seat and enjoy your good luck.
If you can’t sleep on planes (like me), book an aisle and get up to stretch every couple of hours. Bring things to keep you relaxed and occupied. Mindset is key.
Plane snacks! Especially for long-haul flights. You cannot count on the airline to feed you well. I bring something salty, something sweet, chocolate, and a little fruit (tangerines travel well and are very refreshing in the dry air).
During the meal service, opt for a movie on your seat back to avoid squeezing your iPad on the tray with your meal.

When you arrive:

STAY AWAKE! Schedule a tour, go for a walk, and fill your time until you can go to bed at a reasonable hour. When possible, get out into the morning sunlight to help your body’s clock recalibrate.
Be kind to yourself. 🫶 Lower your expectations those first couple of days. Save the big days for when you’ve adjusted to the time change.

The elephant in the room: COVID

There are no guarantees, even if you’re vaccinated and boosted. There are also viruses other than COVID that can be transmissible. Here are a few common-sense guidelines:

Know yourself — if you’re vulnerable, take precautions! This could be the time to splurge on priority boarding, TSA Pre-check, or anything that can keep you out of a crowd.
Wipe down your area with an antiseptic towel. Get your tray table, touch screen, and armrests. Wash your hands often, just like mom told you.
Read up on the guidelines at your destination in case you get a positive. If this will be catastrophic for you, invest in a good travel insurance policy beforehand.
Be respectful. You have a right to wear a mask, or double mask if you’re really concerned. If you don’t want to mask, be aware that different airlines have different policies. Always follow the guidance of the flight crew. Arguing could get you booted off your flight.

Travel tips to make your journey smooth sailing