There’s nothing worse than starting a trip feeling overwhelmed — whether because long security lines, an uncomfortable flight experience, or a brutal jet lag. Let’s say that over the past two years – and after taking 11 flights in a period of 3 months – I took my travel experience to the next level and nailed down some travel hacks and essentials that make every trip smoother, whether I’m flying across the country or halfway around the world. Below, I share the game-changers I can’t travel without. If you’re looking to make your journeys more efficient, comfortable, and stress-free, these tried-and-true must-haves will do the trick.
You should also check:
- 10 best tips for surviving a long-haul flight – tested and approved
- 6 packing hacks to travel with a carry-on only
- Tips for traveling with only carry-on luggage – summer edition!
- Winter travel capsule wardrobe: what I packed and how I styled my outfits for 30 Days
1. Global Entry
Source: https://www.cbp.gov/
To give you some context, I’m a Brazilian living in the US for over a decade – and I’ve always found the immigration lines insane… And as someone who used to hold a “non-immigrant” visa, there were no quick lines for us, and a lot of times, when we were arriving from Brazil, we faced pretty long lines. I’ve always found that brutal – cause after almost 24h traveling, last thing you want is standing in line for, sometimes, more than an hour…
After we got our Green Cards, the situation got a little better – but there were some situations where I still had to wait in line for a long time. So, one of the best things we did was signing up for Global Entry.
In case you are not familiar, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows pre-approved travelers to expedite immigration clearance when returning to the U.S. Travelers use a dedicated kiosk, skipping long passport control lines. The application process requires an online form, a background check, and an in-person interview.
In fact, I don’t know why we waited until we got our Green Cards to apply for it – Global Entry eligibility not only includes citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. but also select partner countries can apply. You can check more details here.
The Global Entry application fee is $120, and it’s non-refundable – and it’s valid for 5 years. I think it’s a pretty good deal, since it also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, which leads me to the next topic…
- BONUS TIP: your Global Entry enrollment can actually be free – certain credit cards reimburse you the fee. The Capital One Venture is one of them – you can apply for it using my link and you will be eligible for an exclusive referral offer to earn 100,000 miles in your first three months.
2. TSA PreCheck
What it’s better than skip the immigration lines? Expediting the airport security screening. Through TSA PreCheck, members can use dedicated lanes, keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. It’s available at 200+ U.S. airports with most major airlines. Learn more about it.
Enrollment requires an online application, background check, and in-person appointment – but you get TSA PreCheck when you are approved for Global Entry.
Honestly, paying for these services brings us such a piece of mind when going on a trip and when we are coming back home. It definitely mitigates a lot of stress.
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership.
- Don’t forget: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and the enrollment can actually be free – certain credit cards reimburse you the fee. The Capital One Venture is one of them – you can apply for it using my link and you will be eligible for an exclusive referral offer to earn 100,000 miles in your first three months.
3. Packing Cubes
I had never cared enough about packing cubes – I had never understood the hype. Until my sister, who has been using this system for a while, finally convinced me I should buy a set, especially because she knew I had a lot of upcoming trips.
And let’s face it: they are not super expensive, so I decided to give it a chance (also because my sister doesn’t share bad tips, lol!). And when I started to pack, I’ve quickly become obsessed and I finally understood the hype.
Besides the organization aspect – I use one cube for intimates, another one for tops, another one for bottoms, etc, – packing cubes make the clothing fit better in your carry-on or luggage. And the most important aspect: it keeps your bag organized on the go, cause you take what you need from the packing cube and you put it back.
Honestly, I don’t know why it took me so long to buy these things. Another tip: make sure to get the ones with a compression system – a double ziper that allows you to squeeze out air and save more space.
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4. Get more space to pack with a smart backpack
Most of airlines basic fares allow you to bring a carry-on and a personal item – that has to fit under the seat in front of you. If you choose your item wisely, you can not only optimize your organization but also increase your space significantly.
I highly recommend bringing a smart backpack with you. I personally love this one from Knack bags, because it’s sturdy, and there are a lot of pockets! In my last trip, I was able to pack a sneaker, a toiletry bag, a neck pillow, a hair dryer and a camera inside of it.
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For a budget-friendly option, I recommend this viral one from Amazon, with two main pockets, a laptop compartment x 2 (fit for a 13” tablet and 14” laptop respectively), and many other pockets for different purposes, a separate shoe compartment can help you carry and keep your shoes better in your travel bag and It can be easily attached to your carry-on.
5. Compression socks
Besides preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – long flights can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs due to prolonged inactivity, and these socks apply graduated pressure, which helps maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of clots; compression socks also reduce swelling, alleviate leg fatigue and boost comfort and circulation. I always put mine on right before boarding – or sometimes before leaving to the airport – and they make a huge difference in how I feel. Compression socks are a game-changer for long flights – and can make a big difference in how your legs feel post-flight.
6. Earplugs
I first heard about loop earplugs through my sister (told you!). She is very sensitive to noise and uses hers for the subway and other noisy environments, as well as for sleep. Inspired by her, I bought a pair of the loop quiet – I’m a light sleeper, my husband snores sometimes, and I got to a point where I don’t want to compromise my sleep quality anymore. Let’s say that, when it comes to using it for sleeping, I was not super impressed with the loop quiet.
Enter loop dream, their new product. I was intrigued and decided to give it a chance – yes, it’s kinda expensive for an earplug, but they have a good return policy, so I thought, why not? Well, what a game-changer. This cute little thing offers maximum noise reduction – 27 dB (SNR), to be exact and I’ve been sleeping so much better! Turns out it was “cheap” considering the benefits that it has brought me!
And for a flight experience, it’s not different. Yeah, you can use noice-cancelling headphones, but they are not the most comfortable ones when you want to rest your head. Trust me, these little babies are a game changer.
7. TimeShifter App
I found out about this app while talking to a friend and sharing my concerns about jet leg with her due an upcoming trip to Japan. I decided to give it a try and then we had it: another game-changer. We followed 85% of the plan, and we barely felt jet lag effects.
So, how does this app work?
Timeshifter combines the only elements shown to reset the circadian clock (light-dark exposure and melatonin supplements), and alleviate the symptoms (light, melatonin, caffeine, naps), and not surprisingly, the sum of their effects is greater than the individual parts. There are many scientific studies attesting to the benefits of the app’s approach, and their algorithm has been used for many years by NASA, F1 drivers, and elite athletes, and more recently by astronauts and mission controllers at Axiom Space.
All you have to do is include your flight info. Two days before the trip, the plan starts. The app sends you notifications for when you should get some light when to avoid light, when to have and avoid caffeine, and when to take melatonin (that’s not a request, but it really helps!). The plan includes your time on the flight, which goes about two or three days after your arrival. We had no issues waking up in the morning; we didn’t feel crashes in the middle of the day. Yes, the first two nights, we woke up two or three times, but we were able to get back to sleep quicker. On my second day in Tokyo, I remember getting a comment from a follower who was in Japan for 4 days, and she mentioned the jet lag was killing her. That’s when I realized: ok, I think this app works cause we are feeling great.
You can try Timeshifter for free for one trip and then you can choose an annual plan for $24,99 or $9,90 for each trip.
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You should also check:
- 10 best tips for surviving a long-haul flight – tested and approved
- 6 packing hacks to travel with a carry-on only
- Tips for traveling with only carry-on luggage – summer edition!
- Winter travel capsule wardrobe: what I packed and how I styled my outfits for 30 Days
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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