5 Tips For Stress-Free Travel
Travel logistics are getting more complicated every day, it seems. The good news is, there are more modern-day solutions than ever before to help you navigate the chaos and arrive at your destinations like a pro. These are my top five tips for stress-free travel.
Written by Emily Plug, Head of Content & Sales at El Camino Travel. Originally published February 2, 2023.
Purchase travel insurance
At El Camino, we are huge believers in travel insurance. For a relatively minimal cost, you buy yourself a little inner calm. In fact, we actually require travel insurance on our El Camino trips. ECT CEO and co-founder, Katalina Mayorga, said this in an ECT Clubhouse post titled, Travel Insurance Fan Girl Post: “I know it seems like an added cost or unnecessary, but it is one of the best ways to protect the financial investment you have made for your trip. I know many of us are using a good chunk of our annual savings to take that amazing trip of a lifetime, so why wouldn't you protect all your hard work and have some peace of mind?!”
Ship your luggage
Please hold while I ship my luggage for my next trip. In full disclosure, this hasn't been ECT-tested yet, however, companies like this one have been backed by CNN, Travel + Leisure, and The New York Times. We’ve all seen the images in the news of the mountains of lost bags at seemingly every major airport recently. But what does one do when you can’t fit it all in a carry-on? I’m a huge proponent of traveling light, but somethings it’s just not possible. Companies like Luggage Forward can contribute to a stress-free experience, giving you one less thing to worry about on travel day. They’ll pick up your bags from wherever you want and deliver them to you at your destination.
Have a local contact
Having someone on the ground is a game-changer. But what if you don’t know anyone? My suggestion? Join a travel club, like our El Camino Travel Clubhouse. It’s a great place to meet and connect with other travelers and experts from around the world. In The Clubhouse, we produce curated travel guides twice a month to destinations like Rio, Lagos, New Orleans, and Guadalajara. Our guides are an excellent resource to get connected with locals and destination experts. ECT destination expert, Omolola Adele-Oso, gave us this exact tip for travelers who wish to visit her hometown of Lagos, “Always have a soft landing in Lagos. Don’t do it alone. You should have some sort of local help as the way you enter the city will affect the way that you see Lagos.”
Work with an expert
Piggybacking off the last point, take things one step further by paying a destination expert (you know, someone who does this for a living!) to plan a trip that is tailored to your needs. This is the most impactful step you can take to elevate your travels and provide you with peace of mind. Though travel planning can be fulfilling, it can also be very stressful. When you work with an expert, you’ll still get to put your stamp on everything you do, but you won’t have to worry about all the little details. Working with an expert is also the best way to gain access to exclusive experiences. In The ECT Clubhouse, we have a well-rounded roster of over 60 destination experts from around the world that you can connect with when you are planning your next trip.
Plan your airport transfer in advance
I’m definitely guilty of this one. In my younger backpacking days, I never wanted to splash out for a ride from the airport, or, heaven forbid, plan it in advance! I was always so confident that I could somehow figure out a cheaper solution on my own. I was almost always wrong. After a long day of traveling, you could be tired, anxious, and more susceptible to scams or overpriced “solutions” from people who are preying on your vulnerability of being in a new place. Is there anything more luxurious that having someone already there waiting to pick you up? When planned in advance, you’ll have the time and wherewithal to vet your driver and pick the best option for yourself, whether that means paying a little extra for private transport or saving a little with a shared ride with other travelers. Even if this means taking public transport, do your research in advance so you aren’t attracting unwanted attention by looking like a lost traveler. For example, if you are traveling to Paris, I would never suggest getting a ride. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the RER train directly into the city. It’s the fastest, most convenient, and most cost-effective way. No matter your style or preference, do yourself a favor and have a plan in place.
What travel tip would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments. If you’re always searching for the latest and greatest travel tips, join us in The ECT Clubhouse to be in community with other bold and savvy travelers like yourself.