Smooth Summer Travels

Summer is the peak travel season for most destinations, and demand is higher than ever. How can you help your summer travels go smoothly? Here are four simple tips. 

1. Leave more time than you think you'll need. Get to the airport three hours early for international flights, pad the time you leave your hotel room to reach a museum, and head to restaurants before you're “gotta eat right now!” hungry.
2. Be flexible; go with the flow. Things might not go according to plan (unbearably long lines at a food cart festival, a violent thunderstorm when you planned a hike…). If you don't rest the hopes for your vacation all on one activity, and you aren't afraid to pivot to different plans, you'll be better able to roll with challenges.
3. Be prepared, but not anxious. Carry a mini first-aid kit with bandages and basic medicine in your bag in case you get a blister or feel sick; keep your water bottle full; pack an umbrella. But most of all, if you forget something, don't panic. Unless you are truly going into the wilderness, you likely can buy what you're missing or find help if needed.
4. Use the “six-month-old baby” metric. Travel can be stressful, and when you notice yourself getting crabby, treat yourself as you would a six-month-old baby. Ask yourself “Am I hungry? Tired? Thirsty? Over-stimulated? In uncomfortable clothes?” and then get what you need. Being tuned in to your own needs can turn an irritating day into an enjoyable one.