Must Know Summer Travel Tips — The Millennial Miss

The sand in between your toes, cold drink in your hand and no worries in the world – hello sweet summertime. When the calendar hits the summer months most of us exchange the office for time spent in the airport.

To alleviate the pounding headache that traveling can cause and get you to your final destination with a smile on your face I’m sharing an insight into how I prep for a trip. So, before you jet set off to your next adventure read the below for budget friendly and time saving travel tips + tricks.

Best Time To Book Airfare:
Since airfare prices are through the roof I have personally dived deep into the notion if there actually is a ‘best time’ to book a flight. Lucky for those of us who are on a budget that answer is yes. Research shows the best time to book a flight in the U.S. is Tuesday at 3PM/EST. The reason behind that is this is when airlines release the most sales and the competition matches the lower prices which will leave you with more deals to choose from. If you really want to get the best bang for your buck then, generally speaking, the best time to book domestic travel is 30 days to 3 months in advance and international travel 1 ½ to 5 ½ months in advance.

Healthy Travel Snacks:
If it’s remotely healthy and within the 4 walls of an airport, then you can bet your bottom dollar it’s going to be overpriced. However, the price tag is no excuse to not eat healthy while traveling. My hack? Prepare ahead of time and take snacks with you. Before heading to the airport I always make sure my carry on is full of healthy goodies that can get me through a long travel day. Below are some TSA approved + body loving travel snacks.

1. Raw Nuts
Whether it’s almonds, walnuts or cashews, raw nuts are a great grab and go snack. Nuts are rich in protein which will boost your mood and keep you from getting hungry throughout your travels. If you are traveling with a group then make a bag of trail mix (no, that does not mean the trail mix full of M&M’s) and throw it into your carry on. It’s easy to share and the blend of flavors + nutrition won’t disappoint your fellow travel buddy.

2. An Apple A Day
Apples are high in water content which will help you stay hydrated throughout your travels plus they are a yummy snack that are super easy to toss into your purse. If you are traveling with children, I would recommend cutting the apple prior to departing for the airport.

3. Protein Bar
The key here is to make sure the bar is made with real ingredients and that there isn’t a ton of hidden sugars. KIND or QUEST bars are my favorite on the go bar. Seriously, try them!

Packing Tips:
If you ask me, packing is the most dreaded part of the traveling process. The pure thought of packing and making those crucial fashion decisions makes me want to curl up in my suitcase and cry. Dramatic antics aside I follow these stress free rules while packing:

1. Lay everything out that you want to take and then put half of it back in your closet. Yes, I’m being totally serious. This will help keep your packing practical and light. When laying out options or pre-planning outfits concentrate on selecting clothes in the same color family and do your best to pack more tops than bottoms

2. Anything that you will need immediately upon arrival (i.e: bathing suit or pajamas) lay as the top layer in your suitcase so that way you aren’t digging through your suitcase.

3. Pack all essentials in a light suitcase, or consider using an expandable travel backpack made of light materials. Just make sure that the size of your travel luggage does not exceed your airline’s carry-on requirements to avoid excess baggage fees.

What is your #1 travel hack?
Where are you most excited to travel to this summer?