Summary: Greetings, Crossroadies! On this week's episode your favourite self-improvement trio gives you 6 tips to make your travels more comfortable and efficient to maximise the potential for fun and reduce the frustration. If you are planning on travelling during the holidays, this episode is perfect to help iron out the finer details.6 Tips for TravellingPlan ahead!Create a packing list at least two weeks in advance (if you have that much time to plan)Starting a list early gives you time to rethink your list and add to itMy favourite list is KnockKnock’s Bon Voyage packing list Research your destination and write down a list of what you’re intoNarrow it down to what you have time forCreate a rough itinerary of what you can do each day (some places have shorter hours on weekends or are closed on Mondays)Trip Advisor has great reviews but tends to cater to middle-class familiesPack smart!Smart packing = what you take, and how you carry it.Packing CubesBest way to organize your bag: compartmentalize!My fave is Muji because light and affordable Also, hanging toiletry bag Travel sized itemsdetermine your basic items and then buy travel size bottles for liquidsFavourite is also Muji: smaller sizes and oh the variety!Alternative: liquids as solid such as shampoo bars and toothpaste tabletsAmazon has great options, my fave is LUSHCapsule wardrobe A few items that can create dozens of outfits Plan to do laundry on a weeklong tripAllows you to travel with just carry-on: no lost luggage!Favourite websites are onebag.com, ladylighttravel.com, and travelfashiongirl.com Luggage scale Cost saving tool every traveller should haveAirlines are strict about weightAny non-brand will doBe flexible!Be open for anythingAn itinerary will give structure to your trip, but don’t be afraid to abandon it for some spontaneous experiences!A good itinerary is a structure that supports improvisation. Improvising is harder without a structure, and hard with too rigid of a structure.Flight tip 1: Electronics bagPut all electronics that you want to use during the flight (gaming device, MP3 player, tablet, etc.) in a pouch or bag that you can then just whip out right before you put your carry on in the overheadRepack items after you are done using them so that you don't forget anything during disembarkationSaves time and keeps you stress freeFlight tip 2: Do online check in!It's astounding how few people are in the baggage drop off line because most people don't do or know about online check inYou can pick your seats and meals right on the airliner's websiteFlight tip 3: Smooth securitySecurity checks are slow and a painForego the belt, watch, small change, and jewellry to save yourself and others time and hassleAnything electronic or metal that doesn't need to be on your person or carry on can be easily stored and padded in your luggageAlso make sure your laptop and tablet are accessible because security in most airports will want you to take them outWear slip-on shoesComfortable clothes like sweatpants are also great for improving the flight experienceOur favourite websites for booking transportation or accommodationOrbitz.com, Ctrip for China, Airbnb (referral code: yng85)Our favourite travel-related apps (or the app we find most helpful when we travel)Trip It, XE, rGuide metro maps, Tap and Say Weekly ChallengeThink about a trip you had recently. What was good or bad about it? Think of a couple things you did well that you should remember for the next trip, and a couple things you should improve upon for your next trip.Where to find usTXR Podcaste-mail us at txrpodcast@gmail.comtweet @TXRPodcastjoin the community at facebook.com/txrpodcastYukitweet @YukiPhnxinstagram @YukiPhnxSamNOT in his kitchen...Yannistweet @YannisVatisGoogle+ Yannis Vatis
