Notary Public Underwriters Blog
NPU's Travel Hacks
- Details
- Published: November 16, 2015
Revised June 5, 2024
Here at NPU, travel is one of our favorite employee pastimes. It seems like we are either talking about a trip that just happened or planning the next one. Of course, we love to share our favorite travel hacks with each other. Whether you are traveling for work or play, we have compiled a list of things you can do to help ensure your travels are not riddled with unnecessary stress, so you can enjoy your next adventure.
Plan Ahead
No matter how you plan to travel, some measures are universal in making sure you and your family are traveling both smartly and safely. Planning for the unexpected and giving yourself extra time is always a good idea. Try to think ahead and anticipate things you can do to prepare for your travels.
Communicate
It's a very important safety measure to keep in touch with someone throughout your travels. Usually, this is the person who is expecting your arrival, but it can be anyone. It's good for someone to know where you are and where you are planning to go, in case of an emergency. Traveling with a fully charged phone and phone charger is a must, so you can stay in touch. Posting your travel plans on social media has become the norm. Everyone wants to share fun photos of their travels with friends and family, but keep in mind that this informs others that your residence will be vacant during that time. If you must share, text photos to those closest to you. Avoid posting on social media until after you have returned.
Flight tips
Before booking your flight, research the airlines you plan to fly with. Pay attention to such things as their respective fees and policies regarding both carry-on and checked luggage. When booking, keep in mind that flights leaving earlier in the day have a better on-time record than those that leave in the late afternoon or evening. When packing for your trip, it always helps to pack lightly. Lost luggage is an unpredictable occurrence and can add extra stress to your trip. If you don’t have to check any bags, you can avoid this risk as well as the waiting time at baggage claim. If you do have to check bags, make sure that you have all your essential items in your carry-on with you. Include items such as important paperwork, medications, a change of clothes, and any other items that would be pertinent if your checked bags were lost. Finally, on the day of your flight, it is important to give yourself extra time in case life does what it has a tendency to do: not go as planned. The stress and hassle you can save yourself by arriving at the airport early is well worth it.
Road trip
In the weeks before your trip, it is important to have your vehicle and tires inspected. Making sure your vehicle is road-worthy can avoid major hassles.
Busy travel seasons mean more traffic. Drivers should be completely awake and alert at all times. In case you are met with heavy traffic, it helps to have a few alternative routes planned. If you’re planning on avoiding as much traffic as possible, it is best to travel when the fewest number of people are on the road. This usually means early in the morning or late at night. Remember, the more you plan ahead, the less likely something will go wrong when you’re on the road.
There are traffic apps that can be downloaded to your mobile device to help you navigate and notify you of accidents or delays.
In case of an emergency, essentials such as water, flashlights, and a first-aid kit should be kept in the car. Additionally, if you have roadside assistance, be sure to have the necessary contact information on hand. When traveling with kids, it helps to have books, games, electronic devices, and music. They are all great ways to keep kids busy and less focused on if you’re “there yet.” For really long road trips, planning stops at parks or playgrounds that the kids will enjoy can help release all the pent up energy accumulated from sitting in a car for long periods of time.
Cruisin'
Here at NPU, we have many seasoned cruisers. We even go on a company wide cruise every few years to celebrate important milestones. Here is our list of tried and true cruise hacks.
- Plan to arrive at your cruise port the day before. Flights get delayed and car trouble happens, so make sure you avoid the unexpected.
- Get your passport to avoid the long disembarkation lines. The birth certificate lines for verifying identity are much longer than the passport lines.
- Pack a carry-on bag with any important medications or items you may need before your luggage arrives at your stateroom.
- Turn your phone on airplane mode prior to the ship leaving the port to avoid roaming charges.
- Buy the internet package if you want to check emails and stay connected to family.
- Seasickness remedies: Take Bonine before you start feeling ill. We have employees who swear by electrode stimulation bracelets that deliver small electric currents to relieve seasickness and nausea.
- A cruise ship is foodie heaven. The food is outstanding in the main dining room and cafes, but make sure to eat at some of the specialty restaurants. You will pay a little extra, but the dining experience is well worth the money.
- Commit to a cruise line. At NPU, we are loyal to Carnival Cruise Line. The more you sail, the more loyalty points you get. Loyalty points mean rewards like upgrades, stateroom account credits, and even free cruises!
We hope you are inspired to plan your next adventure! Where will you go next?
"Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain