Travel Smarter, Not Harder: 6 Hacks for More Efficient Trips
Travel can be exciting —the thrill of heading to the airport, chance to experience new places and break from routine. But let’s face it, the logistics can be a major drain. From long lines to layovers, travel time creates a lot of “dead time”. After plenty of trips, I’ve developed a few simple strategies that help cut down the hassle and make every trip feel smoother and far more productive.
Prioritise good sleep. Good quality sleep is foundational for an enjoyable (and productive) trip. But sleeping in a new environment is never as good as the comfort of home, so I do whatever I can to avoid a completely terrible night’s sleep. To ensure I can replicate my at home sleep environment as best as possible I pack an eye mask, earplugs, effervescent magnesium tablets, and peppermint tea bags.
Duplicate your toiletries bag. Packing is the most annoying part of travel for me, and packing toiletries (especially as a woman) is the most painful. There is face wash, moisturisers, serums, makeup, hair products. I have streamlined my packing process by creating a duplicate set of toiletries packed in a bag and ready for travel. It’s a bit of an upfront cost to set up, but the time and mental load it saves me every time I pack makes it worth it.
Turn travel time into learning time. If you are anything like me you have a backlog of podcasts, books, online courses, and bookmarked articles. Travel time is perfect for working through these. I download podcasts and articles in advance for offline access. Think of all the “dead time” spent in Ubers, security lines, departure lounges, and on the aeroplane – turn that into learning time.
Have plenty of snacks. I will admit that I get grumpy when I’m hungry. The unpredictable meal times and limited food choices when travelling make this risk a lot higher. My solution is to always pack plenty of snacks. I always travel with some protein bars and small bags of nuts to maintain energy levels and to ensure I always have access to a healthy and filling snack.
Pack a portable charger. Running out of battery on your device when you need it most is extra stressful when travelling. Avoid this by always packing a portable charger (just double check it is full charged before you leave!).
Take your vitamins. Getting sick while travelling is the worst. While I usually prefer to get my vitamins and minerals from whole foods, in the few days lead up to travel and while I am away I take a vitamin C and zinc effervescent tablet to boost my immune system and reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
Travel doesn’t have to be a series of time drains and inconveniences. With these suggestions, the journey can be a little smoother and more productive. Whether travel for work or play, trying these simple hacks can help you focus on the destination rather than the hassle of getting there.