Hey there, fellow adventurers! The summer holiday season is peeking around the corner, ready to whisk us away on exciting journeys. Whether you’re gearing up for family fun riding roller coasters at a theme park, planning to soak in the culture in a European city, or dreaming of toes-in-the-sand bliss in Hawaii, the world is yours to explore!
But hey, let’s be real—sometimes, even the best-laid travel plans can hit a few bumps. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Lost luggage, vanishing passports, and the dreaded “no signal” zone on your phone can turn your dream vacation into a comedy of errors.
Fret not, my friends! After traveling to more than 45 countries, we’ve got your back with some of our nifty tricks to keep those travel mishaps at bay and ensure smooth sailing (or flying) on your adventures. So, buckle up and let’s dive into these handy tips to dodge the travel blues!
Pre-Travel Checklist:
Let’s gear up for travel success, starting with the ultimate travel companion: your smartphone!
- Snap Away: Before you embark on your journey, whip out your phone and start snapping photos. Capture shots of your luggage, the photo page of your passport, those crucial ID cards, and any confirmations related to your travels. Be sure everything is downloaded so you can access the information if you don’t have Wi-Fi or cell phone service. Pro tip: Organize these gems into an album or mark them as favorites on your phone for quick access whenever needed. And for good measure, share them with your traveling partners and maybe even a close friend or family member staying at home.
- Notify When Left Behind: For all you Apple aficionados out there, here’s a neat trick to keep your belongings in check. Activate the Notify When Left Behind feature on your compatible Apple devices—think iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods. This handy tool will ping you if you accidentally leave something behind, like your precious AirPods lounging in your hotel room. Simply hop into the “Find My” app, select your device, and toggle the setting on or off—voila!
- Keep the Bank in the Loop: Avoid those cringe-worthy moments of declined card payments by giving your credit card company a heads-up about your upcoming adventures. Set a travel notification to let them know you’re jetting off, whether it’s for a domestic jaunt or an international escapade. Most credit card companies offer easy online or app-based options for this, though some may not even require it—score!
- Explore with e-SIM Cards: Consider using an e-SIM card for seamless connectivity while traveling internationally. With an e-SIM, you can easily switch between local carriers without having to swap physical SIM cards. Simply activate a plan with your desired carrier upon arrival in a new country, and you’re ready to stay connected without missing a beat! Pro tip: Take advantage of offline map downloads for seamless exploration in new territories! HERE is a full breakdown with everything you need to know about e-SIM cards.
- Track Your Belongings with Apple AirTags: Keep tabs on your luggage and other valuables with Apple AirTags. These small tracking devices can be attached to your belongings and tracked via the Find My app on your Apple devices. Never worry about lost luggage again—simply check the app to locate your items with ease!
With these savvy pre-travel tips in your arsenal, you’re all set to jet off on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Bon voyage, my fellow wanderers!
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people, experiences, and making memories. Hi! We are Shayne and Shelly Peterson. As empty nesters, we’ve found new ways to connect with the world (and each other) through travel. Follow our journey at JetSetPetersons.comand let’s explore together!
At Jet Set Petersons, we occasionally collaborate with brands, companies, and tourism boards to bring you content that aligns with our love for travel. Some of the posts on this website may include sponsored content, affiliate links, or gifted experiences.
We only partner with brands that we genuinely love and believe will bring value to our readers. While we may receive compensation in the form of payment, free stays, or complimentary products, all opinions expressed are our own. Honesty and transparency are at the core of what we do, and we would never recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use or enjoy.
