Planes, trains and automobiles have been the name of the game over the past nine months, and I am going to share with you ‘how to travel in comfort and style’. For those of you who are new readers; I started this blog shortly after winning a nation-wide fitness model contest. At 27, I left my teaching career [that I just landed…tenure track btw] to move across the country to Portland for my then fiancé, now husband Cory. At 29, I started navigating the modeling world with Wilhelmina and now have representation in New York, Florida and North Carolina. I was not born to be a model, six feet tall, flawless skin and all that, but I was born with the ability to dance, a serious work ethic and belief that you reap what you sow. After four years in Miami, I am finally reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication to an active and healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that is not always easy to keep when you are away from home, your routine and healthy food options.
Some of you may only travel a couple of times per year, but others like me, may be traveling every week. Just to give you an idea of what the past few weeks have looked like travel-wise; Cory and I ventured to Europe mid January, and on the way back got stuck in a snow storm in D.C.. We came home for a day before we headed to Orlando for work/bachelor party. After we came back to Miami I prepared for three weeks of chaos! I had to go back to Orlando to shoot Belk commercial, then to New York for my best friends wedding, back to Miami, then off to San Diego for a LG Commercial, again back to Miami with a brutal cold before I was off to Tampa for HSN back to Miami for a day, and now I am currently at a Holiday Inn in Denver, CO, but will finally be back in Miami for a few days tomorrow before leaving for Vegas on Tuesday. I get to work locally Friday-Monday and I CAN NOT WAIT. So that is just a little peak into the absolute crazy that is our life. Cory is going every which way too, but we are working hard now so that we have an easier future. At least that is what we tell ourselves, and thankfully, we truly love what we do! How many people can say that?
Ok, now to the task at hand as you have had a glimpse into my chaotic life, I feel like I have become a bit of an expert on how travel, especially flying. I am going to share with you how to travel a little more comfortably and relatively stress-free. I will discuss everything from credit cards to TSA Pre perks, and how to stay cozy and cold-free during those long freezing cold flights.
TSA Pre Check: If you travel more than 4-5 times a year spend the $90.00 on getting TSA Pre Check. Some credit cards will actually reimburse you for it these days, but we will get to credit cards a little later. All of the major airlines allow TSA Pre Access. The cheaper airlines like Spirit and Frontier do not participate in the program because they do not want to pay the fee…SHOCKER! My suggestion is stay away from those airlines because you end up having to pay through the nose for all of the extras…even water! Make your appointment today. It should take less than an hour.
After you apply for TSA Pre Check; you will make an appointment for an interview and background check. Once all of that goes through you will be issued a Known Traveler Number that you can add to all of your itineraries upon check out. When you print or pull up your boarding pass on your phone it will have a Pre Check notification on it. Then you get to go on a special line, leave your shoes and jacket on, your laptop in your bag, and you will be through security in less than five minutes on average. Some airports do not have designated lines, like Denver, but most major ones do. As Pre Check becomes increasingly popular the lines are getting a bit longer, but it is usually smooth sailing and hassle free.
Credit Cards: Cory is like a credit card guru. We are usually able to fly first class and stay in amazing hotels in on vacation because of his strategic use of credit card and hotel points. Everyday I feel like he is opening another card, but we are extremely fiscally responsible with them. If you aren’t then I would suggest limiting yourself to one card with a low limit. We pay balances in full immediately, and because he is a manager, and travels a lot for work he has the option of expensing travel and meals for both of our jobs. Depending on what part of the country you spend your time in, an airline card that allows you lounge access is key. We love our American Airlines Citi cards because there is an Admirals Lounge in almost every city we travel, and no matter what airline you are traveling you can get access with your AA Advantage number and proof that you are a card holder. The AA card also offers you priority or group one boarding as well as free checked bags, and priority security access. Lounges are great for a quick snack, drink or meal before your flight.
If you are an AMEX holder the Centurion lounges are top notch! When I fly to and from Vegas I usually have to spend 3-4 hours in the airport. The Centuriun Lounge has become my saving grace. If you have a platinum card with them you get in free, otherwise it is $50.00, but it is open bar and a full gourmet buffet, less than a bar meal with a cocktail in any terminal. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is modern, and they have a child’s play room. I can even take a solid nap in their couch nooks. Also, when you open a new card like the Delta, British Airways or AA Citi Advantage card, they offer you a large amount of miles if you hit a certain amount over the course of a certain period of time. That is a free first-class ticked to SOMEWHERE so go get yours today!
Airline Loyalty Programs: There is no sense in not letting your travels do work for you. It is free to sign up for loyalty programs. So do not be lazy, and start earning those points and miles! While I was dancing and choreographing, I was a diehard Southwest traveler. Why not? Their customer service is second to none, they do not have any baggage or change fees. Their reward tickets can be booked like any other flight, and everyone is ALWAYS happy! Well, I am part of team Sinning now, and traveling a ton more so Cory and I decided that Delta and American are the airlines for us, and also the ones that will help up go on our next European adventure. Now that Cory has status, he is routinely upgraded to first class on American and Delta, but because I am legally bound/borderline obsessed with my hunnie, when he gets upgraded…so do I if we are traveling together. A perk of marriage I never thought about until I was sitting in the front of the plane sipping on champagne and snacking on a bowl of warm nuts. lol
What to Pack: Now on to the most important part! For Christmas Cory spoiled the hell out of me and bought me a new TUMI roller bag and a Tory Burch bangle that I unfortunately but fortunately had to exchange for a Large Nylon Ella Tote because it didn’t fit my bony wrists. When I was making my list for santa I mentioned that I needed a new roller bag. Cory purchased my last one for me on our second Christmas together, and it was completely worn out. I call Cory my “bougie bitch” because he really likes the finer things in life. I could have went to TJ Maxx and picked up a new roller bag no problem! In fact I mentioned that to him when I wrote my X-Mas list lol, And then I took my purple TUMI on its first trip. It sits on four wheels so it rides upright and Ella fits on top perfectly. I can slide so fast and move with ease wherever I need it to go. Figure eights? No problem! Spend money on a good quality roller bag and tote that will be your BFF, and allow you max amount of room so you do not have to check a bag…especially on business. I can fit a weeks worth of clothes and goods into my roller and tote, and a bonus no more shoulder pain!
Electronics:Please pack USB Cord/Apple phone charger, a charged external charger and a lap top. I just treated myself to a Macbook Air (which is now a tax write-off because of my Rodan and Fields business btw). My Macbook Pro added so much weight to my bag it would kill me, and I am mad I didn’t make the transition sooner, the air is as light as an iPad. Newer planes have built in TV’s to binge watch Scandal as well as power outlets for laptops and USB’s. For flights that do not, I make sure my wireless charger is full of juice because there is nothing worse the getting off a plane with no battery life and no way to get an Uber! I mean a cab?! AS IF….they’re way too expensive. While we are at it…download Uber if you don’t already have it for seamless transit to your hotel.
Stay Comfortable: The key to a happy well rested flight is homeostasis. The temperatures may fluctuate from cool to arctic to stifling, and the key is to be prepared for it all! In my bag make sure to have:
- A blanket Scarf
- Neck Pillow
- Fluffy Socks
- Sunglasses-For a day flight when you do not have control of the window
- Ear Plugs or Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Cross Body Wallet-To wear when going through security. It is easy access to passport, ID, phone, money and chapstick. My mom got me this one for my birthday, and I have worn it every day and every flight since.
Stay Healthy: It never fails that if I forget to put antibiotic ointment in my nose I get sick. Do it and DO NOT FORGET IT…so here is what I have to get through a flight germ free. Pack a medium size ziplock with all of these goodies. This way you can move it from bag to bag as needed.
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Antibacterial Wipes and Sanitizers
- Anti-inflammatory
- Throat Lozenges
- Vitamin C
- Meds Cold and Stomach-Imodium (Just in Case)
- Tea
- Lip Balm
- Tissues
- Gum
Work-Life Balance: Pack a good selection of work and play items for long flights. For Example I have packed:
- ACE Group Fitness Study Guides
- Fiction Book-Opening Belle
- Shape Magazine…work and play!
- Adult Coloring Book
- Lap Top
How To Dress: Layers, Layers, Layers:
Now that you have TSA wear at least a lightweight jacket even if you are traveling some place worm. my winter coat actually acts as a great blanket on a red-eye. Oh and ladies….please leave the stilettos at home a wedge sneaker or booties will do just fine is you simply cannot live without the heels on a travel day.
Here are my two wardrobe go-to’s, ‘Athleisure’ all the way:
- Cute Tights, Hoodie with a tank underneath or a vest, with wedge or or regular sneakers
- Comfortable Jeans, light jacket, comfortable booties and a cute sweater/lightweight sweatshirt
I know this post was super long, but I hope it helps you the next time you travel! With or without kids traveling can be a complete headache, but with a little knowledge you can actually begin to enjoy it. I would love to hear if you have any other tips of tricks. Feel free to comment below.
