5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, you can follow a few simple tips to make your next trip go significantly smoother. These free and easy hacks will take just a few minutes to do but will have a big impact on your travel experience.

Make a Tiered Packing List

Woman sitting on bed writing packing list in a notebook — Daniel | Adobe Stock

If you’re like us, you can drive yourself crazy by double-checking everything you’ve packed to ensure you didn’t forget your cell phone charger or passport. Give yourself peace of mind by creating a tiered packing list in your notes app on your phone.

Divide everything you need to pack into two categories: essentials (anything that would ruin your trip if you forgot it, like your passport or credit card) and everything else (things that would be an inconvenience but not a trip-ender if you left it behind because you can go without it or buy it at your destination, like sweaters or toothpaste.)

Use the checkbox feature in the notes app to check off each item as you pack it. Tell yourself you’re only allowed to double-check the items in the “essentials” category, as you can easily see at a glance that you checked off and packed everything else.

Create a Critical Info Document for Your Trip

Close up of person holding passport and boarding pass at an airport — escapejaja | Adobe Stock

Create a Google doc containing a detailed itinerary for your trip and share it with all your travel companions. This document should contain all the critical information that you will need so that you can access everything quickly. Be sure to save this doc offline in case you don’t have WiFi or cell service when you need it.

This doc should include:

Flight numbers, flight times, airports, and confirmation codes
Hotel check-in and check-out dates, confirmation numbers, reservation information, and payment information
Rental car reservation details and phone number of rental car agency
Confirmation numbers and contact details for any tours booked
Directions to and from the airport to your hotel

Keep Your Toiletry Kit Ready

Person holding packed toiletry kit up to camera with a packed suitcase in the background — DALU11 | Adobe Stock

Make packing go much faster for your next trip by always keeping your toiletry kit packed and ready. Unlike your regular suitcase, your toiletry kit is likely stocked with mini items you only use for travel. After each trip, refresh your travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, etc., so that your kit is ready to go and simply be thrown in your carry-on the next time you travel. You’ll have one less thing to worry about packing for your next trip.

Download Key Apps Before You Leave

Close up of person holding phone and using rideshare app — Jacob Lund | Adobe Stock

Before your next trip, research which apps you’ll need while traveling and download them beforehand. This way, you’ll have them preloaded and logged into and don’t need to worry about data usage or finding WiFi on the road.

We recommend downloading the following:

The apps of any airlines you’re flying on
Local rideshare apps, like FREENOW in Europe or Alto in Dallas
WhatsApp for international trips

Screenshot All Your Important Documents

Man checking his phone in an airport — Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com | Adobe Stock

If you’ve ever stood at the gate to your flight frantically swiping through your phone for a screenshot of your mobile ticket, this tip is for you. Screenshot any important documents or QR codes that you need (like tickets, confirmations, or directions), and save them to an easily accessible photo folder on your phone.

Now, crucial travel information that you need will be organized and easily accessible at a moment’s notice.

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• 5 Things to Pack to Help You Sleep Better When Traveling
• The Best Luggage for Kids
• 5 Cool Travel Gadgets You Need for Your Next Trip

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