I have come up with some tips to help make your travels so much easier during one of the busiest times of the year!
1. Finding cheap tickets!
When John and I were dating, he'd come visit once a month if it was possible. I became a pro at looking up super cheap tickets! The ONE time he booked a ticket, it was a $700+ disaster! >=/ I learned my lesson, and I am the only one that ever books tickets now!
My all time favorite airline is SOUTHWEST Airlines! I am on their email list and they send me so many updates when they have great discounts. I also am enrolled in their rewards programs that gives me points for every flight I book. Look under their 'Wanna get away' section for some great deals
*I've also learned that when booking a flight, it's almost always better to book directly through the airline's site. If you ever need to change anything, you'll have better luck dealing with them, than having to call up travelocity or expedia.
My military friends: never forget to call airlines and ask for military discounts!
2. Baggage fees
Another reason I LOVE Southwest is because they don't charge for up to TWO bags!! (each bag has to be 50lbs or under)
Make sure to check with the airline you are flying with to check out their weight restrictions and fees. Last time I flew with AA, I looked online and they wanted to charge $25 per checked bag! COUNT ME OUT! I was fine with my carry on! Which brings me to my next point...
3. Do you really need to take 40 pairs of shoes?
Sometimes, less is MORE! I am lucky that John will be traveling with me so I can mooch off his extra bag, but I do I really need to check 4 bags? Pack just what you need for the time you're going to be gone! No need in taking every single shoe you own. I plan out outfits that can mix and match with certain shoes, accessories, tops and bottoms. The one thing you can never have enough of is underwear IMO lol
4. Getting there faster
If you are flying with Southwest, take advantage of checking your bags. I plan on only checking 2 big luggages for my husband and I and my carry-on. This way I only have to carry (or should I say, John has to carry) my backpack with my laptop and snacks (granola bars, chips, apple, etc) and other important things (read #5). This will get me through security check points faster and I won't have to worry about looking for overhead space to put our carry-on (BIGGEST PAIN EVER!!) Instead, I can just put it in the space in front of me. I also usually just use my clutch or cross body purse so I don't have to fuss with a regular purse.
5. What do I wear and bring on the plane?
*Comfy jeans and a nice top with SLIP ON SHOES! (I hate sweatpants in public lol)
*Have belts, coats, and jewelry taken off when you get to security so you'll get through faster
*Pack your phone, laptop, etc chargers! Trust me, you're going to need them!
*Movie already in your laptop
*put car keys in your backpack/purse, you're not going to need these for days
*GUM
6. Before you go!
*Remember if you live in colder climates, to leave your heat on! You don't want your pipes to burst.
*Make sure all windows are closed and locked
*Hide expensive things (just in case lol)
*Stop mail delivery for as long as you're gone https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
*Check the weather and traffic to plan ahead your route. You need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
7. The waiting game
*I HATE waiting! lol Bring a book, magazine, newspaper or watch the news that is played over and over again lol
*Military- take advantage of the USO! :)
*When picking your seat, pick closer to the front so you're one of the first to exit. If you can't sit next to your significant other, it is by no means the end of the world! haha I've seen flight attendants get yelled at for this! Thankfully, our flight is super short! Either way, John would rather play angry birds than talk to me, so I'm not missing anything. haha
8. Have fun!
Once you get where ever you're going, HAVE FUN! I love vacation! :)
