How to improve bad travel conditions

Here are some common issues and solutions so you can try to make the most of your situation

Problem: There are long lines to check in at food establishments, tourist attractions, and hotels and cruises.

Lower your expectations before you travel and consider waiting in long lines.

Solution: Bring your own picnic, take a seat, listen to a podcast or meditate.

With BYOF (bring your own food), you can reframe the experience as fun as a picnic.

“Now when I go through the airport, I bring a picnic,” Newman said. “I bring sliced ​​kiwi fruit, cheese and crackers – basically anything that travels well, like those Babybell cheeses that are individually wrapped.”

Since you can’t bring liquids through security, Newman also recommends bringing your own refillable water bottle. Most airports have water bottle filling stations near restrooms.

To avoid those long lines before you travel, you should make reservations for restaurants and tourist attractions as far in advance as possible.

“We’re in a time of travel where you can’t get in if you don’t have a reservation,” said Shelby Dziwulski, founder of Denver-based Authenteco travel company. “Even historic attractions require reservations.”

If you’re already at your destination and can’t make a reservation, Newman suggests choosing a place that offers takeout and finding a nice outdoor place to eat. “I’m generally looking for places that have fast service because service is going down everywhere.”

If you have to wait in line, try listening to a podcast, watching a downloaded TV show, or listening to a guided meditation. You can use the time to learn a new language that will be useful in your intended destination.

Problem: You are stuck in an airport.

Flights are getting delayed or canceled, so if you’re flying, chances are you’re going to have to wait longer at the airport.

Solution: You’re not stuck, so get a spa treatment or find an airport lounge.

You can avoid this situation by using the word “stuck” and instead consider all the fun options offered at the airport.

“I love airports. Many have interesting architecture, amazing art exhibits, restaurants and shopping options,” said Stefan Bisiglia, director of I Cruise Solo and travel agent for Specialty Cruise & Villas in Gig Harbor, Wash.

If you’re interested in seeing art, Logan has a public art program. You can use their interactive map (terminals, select your terminal letter, departures and art exhibit) to view current exhibits.

Another option offered at airports is spa treatment. If the airport doesn’t have a spa, Newman recommends using a stress-relieving lavender lotion (3.4 ounces or less to be safe) on your hands while listening to spa music on your noise-canceling headphones.

After relaxing, you can find the airport lounge. In the past, lounges were the only option for frequent flyers, but now some are available to anyone willing to pay.

“Traditionally, lounges have been for first-class and business-class passengers, but many have shifted to a membership model,” Bisciglia said. At Logan, the lounge is available for $45 and includes unlimited drinks (including alcohol), food, newspapers and workstations.

Problem: The airline is losing luggage.

Many people recently said that the airline took their luggage to the wrong destination and sometimes the airport does not know the location of the luggage.

Solution: Use Apple AirTags to track your luggage.

Apple offers a product called Airtags that you can keep in your luggage so you can track them while you travel. When the airline says your luggage is missing, using Airtags you are not making this loop to find out where your luggage is, instead you can tell the airline ‘it’s here’. Dziwulski.

Problem: Are you having trouble booking hotels or reservations?

With everyone traveling now, booking a vacation can be challenging.

Solution: Hire a travel agent.

Most travel agents are free or charge a small fee. They are experienced in preventing problems and correcting problems when they occur.

“We’re here to help, and you don’t have to wait hours to get booked like you do with online companies,” said Phil Patterson, president and owner of P&H Travel in West Bridgewater.

Another advantage of using a travel agent is that they are knowledgeable. “We know all the secret tips and tricks for not handling the line. For example, if you’re active duty military, there’s a secret line that no one knows about,” Dziulski said.

Remember that traveling is a privilege.

People often think that vacations are a stress-free experience, but that’s not always the case. “If you want to travel, be happy that you have the opportunity to travel,” Dziulski said.

Newman says one of the most important things to remember when using your packing checklist is to “pack your patience.”