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There's no doubt about it — travel can be overwhelming, no matter how experienced you are. From packing your bags to navigating airports and new cities, it’s easy to feel stressed along the way.
Whether you're traveling with family, your partner, or on your own, the right gear and apps can make the journey a lot smoother. Here are the top tips and tricks we use to make travel less stressful.
TSA PreCheck is a must have for any traveler, even if you're only flying a handful of times throughout the year. You'll usually find yourself in a shorter line at TSA checkpoints when you have TSA PreCheck, which means you can zip through security. Plus, you don’t have to take off your shoes or belt, or remove laptops from your carry-on.
If you already have Global Entry — which is highly recommended for international travelers — you also automatically have access to TSA PreCheck. And don’t forget that many credit cards will reimburse the enrollment fee.
Start getting organized a few weeks before your trip. Planning ahead helps make sure you have everything you need without scrambling as your departure date approaches.
One of the keys to staying organized is having a packing list. You can easily create a note in your phone or even use old fashioned paper for this. But if you want a list that's already laid out for you, a set of pre-printed packing lists can help you prepare and reduce last-minute stress.
If there’s one item that can seriously simplify your packing experience, it’s packing cubes. I tried them for the first time a few years ago, and they were a total game changer.
I rotate between a few different sets of cubes — mainly the BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes and the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes.
The compression ones, in particular, help my family save space and stay organized, both while packing and once we arrive at the hotel. Everyone in my family has their own set in a different color, which makes it easy to keep things separated and stress-free.
Before you head out to the airport, make sure your suitcase doesn't fall into the expensive "oversize" luggage category. I use a travel inspira Luggage Scale to weigh my bag at home, so I can avoid surprise fees — and the hassle of repacking at the check-in counter.
Keep your electronics charged during your flight or while exploring a new city with a reliable power bank. One of my go-to options is the Anker Zolo Portable Charger 30W, thanks to its built-in USB-C cable. It offers fast charging and a 10,000mAh capacity — enough to fully charge my iPhone twice.
With the FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch, I can keep all my cables organized in a single place, so nothing gets left behind and everything’s easy to find. Knowing your chargers and accessories are organized takes one more stress off your plate while traveling.
Set yourself up for a stress-free TSA experience by prepping your liquids ahead of time. Since carry-on liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces, these leakproof silicone travel bottles help ensure everything gets through security without a hitch.
These bottles are TSA-approved and perfect for bringing your everyday essentials — like shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and even Advil — right in your carry-on luggage.
Relax on your next plane ride by downloading the Calm app in advance. Available for both iOS and Android, the app features guided meditations, sleep stories, and nature sounds. Some of the stories are even narrated by celebrities.
Headspace is another soothing app, designed to reduce stress while traveling. This app is slightly more focused on meditation compared to Calm, providing more structure and techniques.
If you're traveling internationally, the free Google Translate app is a must-have. On my recent trip to Japan, it helped bridge the language gap and made the entire experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
The FlightAware website provides real-time flight updates, letting you track your flight, set alerts, check delays, and even monitor the weather. Having this info at your fingertips helps reduce stress and keeps you one step ahead if any disruptions occur.
Finally, once you're settled into your seat, getting comfortable and squeezing in a solid airplane nap can make flying a lot less stressful. Having a quality travel pillow makes all the difference.
I’ve tested a few over the years, and the FlyHugz Neck Travel Pillow is one of my favorites. It keeps my head from flopping around and features a breathable, sweat-resistant, super-soft fabric that makes it easy to relax mid-flight.
Or if you truly want to tune out the world around you, the Ostrichpillow Light Travel Pillow offers a unique design. It includes a built-in eye mask and lets you rest your head comfortably on just about anything — from a window to the tray table — while blocking out light. Plus, thanks to the adjustable elastic cord, it fits snugly on any traveler’s head for added comfort and support.
Do you have a credit card with American Express, Discover, or U.S. Bank? Check to see if you’re eligible to get a discount on this and many other products by using your credit card points.
