* We’re sending lots of love to everyone in Boston (our cousins were at the marathon but are thankfully safe).
When we started the book tour last year, we wouldn’t have called ourselves frequent travelers. We used to fly once every few years—Alaska for our honeymoon in 2007, then not again until a family trip in 2012. The tour changed all that: we took dozens of flights in a short span, and learned a lot about flying and staying in hotels. Below are practical, straightforward tips that made travel smoother, less stressful, and more efficient.
#1. If the airline is gate-checking bags, board toward the end of the process. On smaller planes where carry-on suitcases are tagged and stowed under the aircraft, bags loaded last are often unloaded first. If you want your luggage sooner—especially when you have a tight connection—avoid boarding in the first groups. You don’t want to be the last person left behind, but try boarding with mid-to-late zones so your bag isn’t buried under everyone else’s.
#2. Call the hotel if you arrive before check-in time. Flying into a city early is common, but most hotels list check-in around mid-afternoon. A quick phone call—either before you leave or as you land—often secures an early room at no extra charge. We had it work nearly every time; on rare occasions no room was available, but it’s always worth trying before planning long waits or extra activities.
#3. Be friendly to front desk staff. Hotel employees encounter all kinds of travelers. Being polite, patient, and pleasant pays off: staff remember kind guests, and you might score small perks like a room upgrade or useful local tips. A smile goes a long way.
#4. If you can’t reserve adjacent seats, choose ones close together and negotiate politely on board. When seats aren’t available as a pair, book seats in neighboring rows—say an aisle in one row and a window in the row behind—and ask passengers to swap after boarding. Most people are accommodating if you ask politely before they settle in. It’s not guaranteed, but it often works better than you’d expect.
#5. Pack light and carry on whenever possible. Over dozens of flights we never lost a bag because we minimized checked luggage. One personal item and one small carry-on per person kept us mobile and stress-free. Pack interchangeable wardrobe staples—tops and bottoms that mix and match—and limit shoes to a couple of versatile pairs. When traveling with a child, add one extra suitcase for their essentials, but aim to avoid checking bags when possible.
#6. Keep toiletries in an easy-to-access clear bag for security. Many airports require liquids to be removed at security, and digging through a suitcase wastes time. Stow your quart-size bag of liquids in an outer pocket of your carry-on so it can be pulled out in seconds. That small habit speeds you through queues and reduces stress.
#7. Create a single-sheet travel itinerary. Compile flight numbers, hotel addresses, confirmation codes, and check-in/out times on one printed page. Keep it in your personal item and leave a copy with someone at home. It’s a quick reference for you and a useful contact tool for family in case of emergency.
#8. Check your flight and hotel the night before travel. Confirm flights the evening before to catch delays or cancellations early. If possible, print boarding passes at home to save time. Also double-check hotel reservations—mistakes happen, and arriving to find your reservation for the wrong date will cost precious hours that could otherwise be spent relaxing or working.
#9. Build extra time into every part of your schedule. Travel tasks take longer than you expect: deplaning, baggage waits, taxis, and meals add up. Avoid squeezing too much into tight windows. Allowing “fuzzy” time between commitments keeps you rested and flexible, and helps you avoid late-night scrambles that undermine the next day’s plans.
#10. Bring simple comforts to make hotel nights feel like home. Hotel TVs and channels can be disappointing. Streaming services on a laptop or tablet can recreate familiar shows and ease travel fatigue. Even small comforts—a favorite blanket, a familiar playlist, or a reliable streaming show—can make nights away feel more relaxed and restorative.
Travel becomes easier with a few repeatable habits: plan ahead, pack smart, be polite, and give yourself extra time. These practices helped us stay organized and sane during a busy tour, and they’ll help you whether you travel occasionally or frequently. What travel tips have worked for you?
Psst—there’s also a helpful post about traveling with toddlers if you need family-focused tips.