At this time of year, most of us are counting down the days until our summer vacations. The winter tends to be the time when we think about where we want to spend those precious days and weeks as we push through the bad weather and short days. The spring is where we must remember how to be patient as we read about everyone going on Spring Break. However, it does not matter how far in advance you book your flight. There are always going to be a few things that you have forgotten, or that you will forget. We all know that moment when we arrive at the airport and panic that there is something that we did not remember to do. We also know that feeling when we arrive at our destination and realize that we left something essential at home.
There is a blend of anxiety and excitement that often feels unique to flying, and while it is special, it does not always allow us to be as organized as we would like to be. This is why it helps to have a clear list of things that you need to do and remember before the big travel day arrives. Let’s break down some of the most common, and some of the most important, things that people tend to miss.
Plan Your Route Ahead Of Time
Unless you are travelling by air on a very regular basis, the chances are good that you could probably use a refresher on the best route to the airport. Whether you are driving or taking public transport, you should always double check that you know how you are going to get there and how long it is going to take. It also very important to check shortly before the day in question, as there may be works or other last-minute factors that may cause delays.
Know Where You Are Going To Park
Do not leave the question of parking to the last minute if you are going to be driving to the airport. The best place to park may vary depending on whether you are simply dropping someone off or picking someone up, or whether you are going to be leaving your car there for the duration of your trip. You do not want to be making sure that you are getting the best price when you are racing for a flight. Say you are driving to Oakland airport, and you want to find the best parking options. If you want to find on-site airport parking at Oakland, visit Parkway Parking. Parkway Parking can help you to find the perfect parking solution for your airport trip.
Check Your Travel Insurance
When we are planning a big trip, it can be all too easy to miss some very important tasks. One of those things that you may end up seriously regretting if you do not get it sorted ahead of time is travel insurance. Good insurance coverage will make sure that you are covered in case of any accidents or injuries occurring on your trip. You do not want to be worrying about whether you can afford treatment while you are trying to get through a worst-case scenario away from home. But travel insurance is about more than these potential nightmares. It can also cover you in case you miss a connection, or if your plane is cancelled. It can also help to cover the cost of any lost or misplaced luggage. Do yourself a favor and make sure that this is near the top of your to-do list.
Get Your Foreign Currency
These days, it is so much easier to withdraw currency overseas. However, while it may be convenient, you may also be looking at some pretty hefty fees for using your bank card when you are in another country. Of course, you may not want to be walking around with a large amount of cash on you. But it is always worth making sure that you have withdrawn some for emergencies.
Check The Local Transport News In Your Destination
This is a very quick step, but it could save you a lot of hassle when you arrive. Find out if there are going to be any strikes, public holidays, or extensive works on public transport at your destination before you travel so you can plan accordingly.
Find Out If You Need Any Vaccinations
We have certainly heard a lot about vaccines in the last couple of years, but if you are heading overseas this summer then there is a good chance that you may need to look at getting a shot for something more than COVID-19. Even if you do not think that you need a vaccination before your trip, it is always worth double checking on the US government website. It is much better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it.
Pack Your Flight Bag
Even if you are going to be putting your main baggage in the hold of the plane, you will want to make sure that you have all your comfort items with you when you board. To save you having to race around the airport terminal looking for overpriced replacements, write a list ahead of time of all the things that you are going to want with you on the plane, from painkillers to eye masks.
Print Everything
We know that you can do everything from your phone or tablet these days, but you do not want to find yourself in a situation where you do not know where you are supposed to be going or at what time before your device has broken or been lost. Think about printing back-up copies of your tickets and your reservations before you travel to cut down on the risk of this happening.
Set Two Alarms
Finally, here is one of the most important things that anyone travelling by air needs to remember. Make sure that you set an alarm, and a back-up alarm, for the morning that you travel!
