Obviously, travelling for pleasure is something to be savored and cherished. You don’t travel just “to get it over with.” However, there are situations when there really is a limited amount of time to explore and take in the sights and sounds of the destination one is visiting. Moreover, a traveler who’s “always in a hurry” could simply be someone who’s looking for the best way to do things. From efficient packing to the fastest way to get through customs and immigration lines, these people “rush” so they actually have more time to enjoy the places they are visiting.
If you’re among these people who are always in a hurry while travelling, here are a few tips to make your life easier.
Pack in Advance, and Have a List
Even if you’re only traveling for a couple of days, it’s still best to start your packing two or three days ahead of your departure. If your trip is longer or would need special items like winter wear, a week of preparation might even be better. You should also draw up a list of the things that you need to pack. This way, you won’t run the risk of forgetting important stuff, and you’ll be able to buy in advance any additional items you don’t already have. If you’re flying to your destination, make sure to check your airline’s hand-carry baggage policies, since in some cases, you’ll want to avoid checking in your luggage to save time. And remember: roll, don’t fold!
Check into a Hotel Near the Airport
The roads going to NAIA are notorious for congestion, especially during rush hours. Thankfully, there are already connecting expressways like NAIAX to make your trip to the airport faster than ever. However, there may still be instances that could catch you unawares, like accidents and bad weather conditions. To avoid the hassle of arriving late and missing your flight, it’s a good idea to check into one of the many cheap hotels near NAIA. Doing so will also give you more time for travel preparations, like taking a shower and eating a good meal.
Buy Passes in Advance, or Get Special Tickets
If there’s an option to purchase all your admission tickets in advance, do it. Not only will you avoid lines at the venue, you may even get discounts and exclusive online-only promos. There are also things like the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Fastpass, which are essentially reservations. These tickets tell you what time to go to your preferred ride so you can do other things first. The lines are also much shorter. See if this kind of ticket is available for the attraction you’re planning to visit. Moreover, you should also check if there are public transportation cards that you can buy in advance and preload with credits.
Avoid Metal Accessories in the Airport
If you can, avoid wearing metal accessories like watches and buckled belt to minimize the time you have to take off and re-wear these items. They’re not dangerous, obviously, but you never know how sensitive the settings are in metal detectors. If they go off, that’s a few seconds or minutes you’re going to waste. You may want to instead opt for alternatives like snap-on elastic belts. For watches, if you really must wear one, remove it and put it in an easy-access pocket of your bag or jacket. Do this before entering the airport, and then just wear the watch again once you’ve passed security. It’s also a good idea to wear slip-on shoes so you don’t have to unlace and re-lace if you’re asked to remove your footwear.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons and Hours
There are times when off-peak travel is impossible. For example, if you want to catch the sakura season in Japan, then you MUST go there at a specific time. However, for trips that aren’t time-specific, you’ll have an easier experience if you travel during off-peak seasons. If possible, book bus or plane tickets that leave or arrive at odd hours when not too many people are travelling. Of course, you have to make sure that when you arrive, there are transportation options to take you to your accommodation or destination. If not, then be prepared to pass your time at the terminal or airport, or book a room in a nearby hotel.
Be a Frequent Flyer or Upgrade Your Ticket
Frequent traveling may not be doable for some, but for those who can, it’s good to cultivate some positive reputation with your airline. Loyal and frequent flyers simply have more privileges, including VIP queues at security and check-in counters. If this option isn’t possible for you, you may want to consider upgrading your ticket if there are available seats. This may incur a minor fee, but if you get a VIP ticket, you’ll enjoy not just more leg room but also early boarding and access to expedited lanes.
When you keep these tips in mind and do other simple steps like printing your tickets at home, you can easily cut down the hassles in your travels.
