1. Prebook your airline seats. Did you know that some airlines overbook their flights - knowing customers will change/cancel their flights? The first people to be bumped off their flight in an over booking situation are the customers that didn’t pre book their seats

2. Check-in online within 24 hours of departure even if you have already pre booked your seats. If there is a last minute schedule change, chances are you will catch it here. It also speeds up your check-in time at the airport because you you already have your boarding pass and this allows you to go to the bag drop” line up. If you are traveling with just carry on you can by pass check in all together and go straight to security

3. Download the resort app. If you are going on an all inclusive vacation, check if the hotel you are going to has an app. If so download it ahead of time. Some benefits may include property maps, pre booking dinner reservations or checking in online for your room.

4. Download the airline app. Always download the airline app that you are flying with ahead of time. You can check in online, sometimes see the movies they offer or even watch the movies they offer while flying as some airlines don’t have personal tv screens in the seat backs

5. Noise cancelling earphones. Yes they are worth the money. Get some!

6. Luggage tags. When attaching your luggage tag to your bag, always include your name, phone number and email address. If your bag is found someone can call, text or email you. If you put your address only, it’s hard to get ahold of you and informs potential thieves your address and that you are not home

7. Save this link! A great website to keep handy is https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en (there’s is an app but it doesn’t work as well). This website allows you to search items and tell you if you are allowed to bring that item back to Canada with you (i.e. cheese, wood carvings, spices etc)

8. Bring an empty sports water bottle. Many airports around the world have water refills stations past security and it’s always a good item to stay hydrated when travelling. This way you aren’t spending the crazy airport prices for spring water

9. Baggage Tracker. If you are worried about your checked bag getting lost while travelling and you are an IPhone user, Apple has come out with something called an AirTag. Android users can use a similar product called a Tile. They go for about $35-40. Throw one in your bag and it acts as a gps tracker of sorts. You will be able to tell the airline where your bag is, even if they can’t.

10. Meals. Most flights nowadays don’t include a meal (some will on transatlantic flights but not all) so make sure you buy something to eat at the airport or bring something before leaving home. If you plan to buy snacks on the plane, make sure you have a credit card. Airlines will not accept cash for meals, snacks or drinks

Happy travels!

Windmills in Kinderdijk, Holland

Early morning hot air balloon ride in Jaipur, India