Experienced flight attendants reveal 10 ‘pocket’ tips to make every trip ‘as easy as pie’

Booking.com

Sharing on the Insider page, the former flight attendant with 10 years of experience shares her “bloody” secrets with anyone who needs to travel.

Sharing on Insider, former flight attendant Beth Windsor said she has worked in the industry for more than 10 years. Even after leaving her old job, she still regularly travels around the world and has visited 74 countries so far.

With such experience and “foot” walking, it is not difficult to understand that Beth has saved a significant and valuable “capital” of experience for anyone who needs to go far. In her article, she offers 10 helpful tips that you can apply on your next trip.

1. Try to stay up until bedtime at your destination if it’s in a time zone difference

According to Beth, the desire to “take a nap” after a long and tiring flight is something everyone has probably experienced. However, if you go to bed as soon as you arrive, it will be even more difficult for your body to adjust to your new circadian rhythm and time zone.

In this case, it’s best to try to stay up until bedtime in the new time zone. Beth shared, she has a rule that if you arrive in the morning, you will allow yourself to take a short nap to restore energy, but if you arrive after noon, it is best to try to stay awake. to the night.

Trying to get through the first day in a new place not only helps us adjust to the new time zone better, but also sleep well and no longer have jetlag.

2. Always carry hand luggage only if possible

As someone who often has to travel by plane, Beth appreciates traveling light. She shared that she usually only carries a carry-on suitcase and a tote bag.

” This method allows me to carry my luggage with me at all times and reduce the risk of getting lost somewhere in the world. Carrying only my carry-on suitcase means I can avoid long queues waiting to receive my luggage. deposit ” – she wrote.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring carry-on suitcases with additional carry-on bags or small suitcases on board, but you should also check the regulations in advance. If applying this method, wear large items such as coats outside to save more space.

3. If you have checked baggage, invest in a luggage bag and tracker

The above 2 items – a packing cube and a compact luggage tracker (luggage tracker) will make a huge difference in packing and moving if you need to check in luggage.

Compact trackers can help you quickly locate your luggage and reduce the risk of it getting lost. Folding bags will help a lot in the need to pack a lot of things into the suitcase and make the most of the space.

4. Leave a shoe in the hotel safe so you don’t forget your valuables

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Leaving a hotel, heading to the airport and realizing you’ve just left one of your most valuable or important possessions can be a nightmare.

To deal with this, Beth has a rather unique tactic. When putting personal and possessions in a hotel safe, include an extra shoe in it – ideally one of the shoes you plan to wear on the day you check out.

This way, you won’t forget to check the safe before you leave. Beth finds this advice so helpful that she has repeatedly shared it with colleagues and passengers over the years.

5. “Thinking” through charter flights at the last minute

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Charter is a type of “hire flight” by airlines or individuals/organizations that rent a package and have their own schedule, regardless of the airline’s fixed flight schedule. Although free, these flights often cost more. However, Beth shared that depending on your location, this type of flight can be more economical than many people think, especially if flying in a group.

” Many operators offer discount offers for available seats if the flight time is near. If an aircraft is scheduled to fly to or from a destination without passengers, the companies will try to fill the void at a lower price ,” said Beth.

6. Is the clothes without an iron? No big deal

As a flight attendant and constantly having to keep her clothes neat, Beth realizes that many hotels around the world don’t have irons as a nuisance. However, thanks to that, she also learned how to deal with this situation.

There are several ways to deal with wrinkles on clothes. The first is that you can invest in a portable steam iron. If you’re not willing, you can also take advantage of the dryer in your hotel room and set it to the hottest setting to use as a steam treatment.

The last resort is to hang clothes in the bathroom, turn the shower on to the highest setting and close the door for 10 minutes to steam; However, this method is quite wasteful of water.

7. Pre-load translation and currency conversion apps if going abroad

Popular translation apps like Google Translate often have offline versions that you can download, so take advantage of this feature when you’re abroad. Even if their translations aren’t perfect, they’re still a useful tool for simple communication and getting the right message across.

Another type of app that can be used offline is a currency converter – this way you won’t need an internet connection to make the necessary conversions.

8. Always carry enough medicine for the whole trip or even more just in case of emergencies

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This advice does not need to be explained too much when you should always carry medicines for headaches, colds, and digestive problems … before each flight and even carry extra in case it is lost or has to be extended. go more than expected.

Of course, also don’t forget to check the drug laws in your destination to avoid regulatory risks.

9. Contact the hotel directly to ask for the best price

” Most people think that hotel booking platforms offer the cheapest accommodation, but that’s not always the case. If you want to stay at a particular hotel, call or email them directly. property to ask for a lower rate.

I was amazed at how many times this tip worked for me. Sometimes it even helps me upgrade to a higher room type “.

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If you want a quiet and easy night’s sleep, choose a room away from the pool or entertainment area.

For travelers looking for a good night’s sleep, call the hotel and ask for a room located in an area far from the pool or entertainment area.

10. Use a prepaid travel card to avoid overspending

Beth advises people can consider using a prepaid travel card with a certain amount to not spend more than they set out, save money and withdraw money at the destination.

Some prepaid travel cards come with fees, so do your research well before you go. That way, you can determine if a prepaid travel card, debit card, cash or credit card is the best choice for you.

Source: Insider

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