10 Things Expert Travelers Are Doing

10 Things Expert Travelers Are Doing

You can spot an expert traveler a mile away. They breeze through security lines and down to their gates like they own the place (typically with a light, neatly packed carry-on in tow). You overhear them chatting with strangers about many miles they’ve accrued this year or how they just got bumped up to first class…again. As much as we pretend to be annoyed, we secretly want to be that expert traveler. Frequent travel will get you there eventually, but there are a few things you can do to get the “insider’s scoop” early in the game.

Whether you travel to volunteer, learn, work, or relax, these tips will help create a smoother travel experience and make the most of every flight.

Insider tips for planning, packing and traveling

1. Take advantage of multiple mileage programs

We all have airlines we prefer to use, but if there’s a better deal with another airline, try it out! You can always sign up for more than one mileage program. If you travel enough, you can earn flights with multiple airlines in no time. Start paying attention to airline alliances. Knowing what airlines have codeshare agreements will help you know when you can earn miles for a current membership even when traveling on another carrier.

2. Use credit cards with travel perks

See what travel benefits your current credit cards offer. Consider looking into these top travel rewards credit cards and determine if they would be viable options. The American Express Platinum card gets you into Delta and Centurion lounges. Others might offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance, car rental insurance, baggage delay, and more.

3. Rest at airport lounges

How do you rest between flights? Do you pick up a few, overpriced snacks from one of the shops, and then hunt down an empty terminal to take a quick nap on the floor? There’s a better way to get your fuel, rest, and a quiet corner with some Wifi. If you travel regularly, you might benefit from an annual lounge membership. Priority Pass gives travelers access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world. Annual memberships start at $99.

4. Sign up for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry

Tired of wasting time in airport security lines? Passengers with TSA Pre-Check head for a special line, skipping the wait and the trouble of removing shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids. Setting this up is a fairly simple process that requires a quick, online application and scheduled appointment at an enrollment center. The cost is $85 for 5 years. If your travels take you abroad, apply instead for Global Entry. The cost of Global Entry is $100 for 5 years and gives you all the benefits of TSA Pre-Check plus expedited customs screening for passengers re-entering the United States.

5. Request a special meal for your flight

Did you know that you can request a special meal for your flight? Most airlines will accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and more! Special meals are often brought out first, meaning you could finish your meal and power down for your nap before the rest of the plane is even served.

6. Stay partially packed at all times

Frequent fliers have the packing routine worked out to a fine art. Have separate toiletries and personal items you use just for travel to avoid forgetting something important in the packing rush. Keep anything you don’t need for travel packed and ready to go. Draft a full packing list in a Google spreadsheet to double check each time you travel. This will save you from having to make a new packing list for every trip. You can have separate tabs in your spreadsheet for different types of trips such as, “business travel,” “missions trips,” “family vacations,” etc. Or just download our carry-on packing list for free!

7. Let an agent help you with airfare

A travel agent can help you save time, money, and frustrating booking errors. If something goes wrong on your trip, you have a name and number to call. Fly For Good works with over 30 airlines to offer contracted airfare rates exclusively for humanitarian and student travelers. Talk to one of our agents for a quote today!

8. Don’t be afraid of a stopover

The more you travel, the more comfortable you will feel adding a “mini-adventure” to your itinerary. A built-in stopover is a great way to explore a new city for a very low price. Your travel agent can help you price out a stopover or may even know of airlines that offer free STPC (Stopover Paid by Carrier) programs along their routes.

9. Sign up for a hotel rewards program

Brand loyalty is highly valued in the world of travel. Sticking to a favorite hotel brand such as Marriott or Hilton can earn you special treatment, upgrades, and free stays. Check out some of these top hotel loyalty programs to see if you can find one with a brand you already love!

10. Don’t leave home without insurance

Many travelers don’t realize that their primary health care coverage will not work while they are abroad. As your chances of getting sick or injured may actually increase, depending on the nature of your trip, this presents a huge risk. Our Fly For Good team can help you find the right travel insurance policy for your trip.

Traveling to the Philippines at just 8 months old, Shawna grew up loving all things related to travel and serving abroad. She is passionate about helping others travel safely and make the most of their time abroad.