As a travel management company, we obviously deal with travel…. a lot. So it might not come as much of a surprise when I tell you that the majority of us at Encore Travel enjoy travelling in our free time. And, since Encore Travel is filled with such experienced travellers, I was able to pick their brains and compile a list of all their best travel tips and tricks, just for you!
Tip 1 – Choose the right luggage
If you travel often, you know that using the right luggage is key to having an enjoyable travel experience. It’s important that your luggage is sturdy enough to hold all of your possessions without you having to worry about the possibility of it breaking when heading to the airport.
That’s why we recommend the AWAY suitcase. This suitcase has more than just an unbreakable shell. It also has various interior compartments and built-in USB chargers, allowing you to easily charge your gadgets while you’re on-the-go. The AWAY suitcase is designed to make travel simple, and aims to “help you find your way by staying out of it.”
Tip 2 – Make a checklist
Put your mind at ease by making a checklist before you travel. You can easily create one on your phone, or find one on the internet to use.
Having a checklist will ensure that you won’t forget to pack any necessary items for your trip. And your checklist doesn’t need to only focus on packing. You can also include any tasks or errands that need to be completed, in preparation for your trip.
Tip 3 – Charge your gadgets the night before
There’s nothing worse than reaching the airport and having to search for an outlet because your phone battery is about to die. Charging your gadgets the night before will ensure that you’re ready to go the next morning, and focus on more important things.
Tip 4 – Pack smart
Pack your heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and keep your lighter items at the top. This way your more precious items (and usually the potentially messier items) won’t get crushed during transportation.
And don’t forget that all liquid products larger than 100ml must be packed in your suitcase. Any liquids that are under 100ml can travel in your carry-on bag if they’re in a clear plastic bag. Also, travelling with only a carry-on bag ensures that you’ll have a smoother travel journey. It allows you to avoid waiting for your luggage at the baggage carousel, or having your possessions lost.
Tip 5 – Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on
When travelling, especially for business purposes, it’s important to be well-rested. That’s why we recommend investing in a good pair of earplugs. While using earplugs won’t completely eliminate the noise around you, it will at least lessen its impact. You will get the rest that you need. We suggest getting a pair of Happy Ear earplugs. They’re great at blocking out the noise and their funky shape makes for a great conversation starter.
Tip 6 – Invest in a good pair of earplugs
Lorsque vous voyagez, et tout particulièrement pour votre travail, il est primordial que vous vous sentiez reposés. C’est pourquoi nous vous recommandons d’acheter une bonne paire de bouchons d’oreilles. Bien que leur utilisation ne supprimera pas totalement le bruit qui vous entoure, cela permettra d’en réduire l’impact et vous aidera à vous reposer. Nous vous recommandons les bouchons Happy Ears – très efficaces pour bloquer le son, et leur look hors du commun vous permettra de briser la glace avec votre voisin de siège!
Tip 7 – Bring a stress ball
If you’re a nervous flyer, bring along a stress ball to help you relieve your nervous energy. And if you don’t get nervous when you fly, you can instead use the stress ball to help alleviate any stiffness or soreness you might experience throughout a long flight. Simply roll the ball under your feet or thighs and you’ll see a difference!
Tip 8 – Use your shoes for packing
Don’t waste any of your precious packing space! The interior of your shoes can be used to pack any of your smaller, or more fragile, items.
Tip 9 – Pack a snack
We all get a little grumpy when we’re hungry. So, to keep the grumpiness at bay, pack a snack (like an energy or granola bar) in carry-on luggage. This way you’ll always have something to munch on when you’re travelling or when you’re on your way to an important business meeting.
Tip 10 – Buy the local paper
Take a minute to stop and buy the local newspaper. Reading and carrying the local newspaper with you will help you blend in. Don’t stand out as an obvious tourist!
Travel Tip – Carry the local paper to blend in and to keep from standing out as a tourist.
BONUS TIP! These days, everyone carries their phone with them –so use it! There are a ton of apps out there that can help you when you’re travelling. If you need some suggestions about which apps to download, check out our article “5 Must-Have Apps to Simplify your Business Travel.”
Also, download our itinerary app, EncoreGo, today to ensure a smooth travel journey. EncoreGo will ease your travel through real-time notifications to alert you when a change or update is made to your travel arrangements.