March 4, 2025
The day of travel always brings a mix of emotions for me. There’s the excitement—finally, the trip I’ve been planning for months is happening! But, if I’m being honest, there’s also a bit of anxiety. Even after years of traveling, there’s always that feeling of needing to make sure everything goes smoothly—getting to the airport on time, making it through security, ensuring I have everything I need, and hoping for no unexpected surprises along the way.
The good news is that travel day doesn’t have to be stressful. I’ve learned through experience that with the right planning and mindset, it can actually be enjoyable. Whether it’s a short domestic flight or a long-haul journey to an all-inclusive paradise, having a strategy in place makes all the difference. Today, I’m sharing exactly how I navigate the day of travel, from pre-trip preparation to landing at my destination, so that you can have a smooth, stress-free experience every time.
The Night Before – Setting Myself Up for a Stress-Free Morning
I’ve learned that the key to a smooth travel day starts the night before. If I leave everything until the morning, I start the day feeling rushed and stressed, and that’s never how I want to begin a trip. Instead, I take time the evening before to make sure I’m fully prepared, so I wake up knowing that all I need to do is get dressed, grab my bags, and head out the door.
I always make sure that my suitcase is packed, zipped, and ready to go before I go to bed. I double-check my carry-on and personal bag to ensure that I have all my essential documents—passport, wallet, travel itinerary, boarding pass, phone charger, and any medications I might need. Nothing ruins a trip faster than realizing I left something important behind.
Checking my flight status the night before is another habit I never skip. Airlines can make last-minute schedule changes, and the last thing I want is to show up at the airport only to find out my flight was delayed or rescheduled. A quick check on my airline’s app or website gives me peace of mind and allows me to adjust my plans if necessary.
Since travel mornings tend to be hectic, I set multiple alarms to ensure I wake up on time. I don’t take chances when it comes to making a flight. I also make sure my phone is fully charged and have a portable charger ready to go in case I need extra power during the day.
Finally, I try my best to get a good night’s sleep. While excitement might make that difficult, even a little extra rest makes a big difference in how I feel the next day. A well-rested traveler is a more patient and prepared traveler!
The Morning of Travel – Keeping It Calm and Simple
When my alarm goes off on travel day, I focus on keeping my routine simple and stress-free. I avoid making any last-minute decisions or rushing around, because that’s when things go wrong.
I make sure to eat something light but filling before I leave. Airport food is unpredictable—sometimes there are great options, and sometimes I can’t find anything I actually want to eat before boarding my flight. Having a quick meal at home ensures that I’m not starving by the time I get to my gate.
Before heading out, I take a final moment to double-check my essentials. I physically touch my passport, wallet, boarding pass, and phone to make sure I have them. I’ve had too many moments of panic thinking I forgot something, only to find out it was buried in my bag.
When it comes to getting to the airport, I always give myself extra time. If I think I need to leave by 6:30 AM, I leave at 6:00 AM instead. It’s much better to have extra time at the airport than to be sweating in a cab, wondering if I’m going to miss my flight. Unexpected delays—whether it’s traffic, long security lines, or a mix-up at check-in—are a lot less stressful when I have a time cushion built into my schedule.
I also remind myself that things don’t always go as planned. Travel comes with unpredictability—flights get delayed, security lines take longer than expected, and sometimes things just don’t go smoothly. Accepting this reality ahead of time helps me stay calm and go with the flow when things don’t go exactly as expected.
At the Airport – Getting Through Security & Boarding with Ease
Once I arrive at the airport, my priority is getting through security and to my gate as quickly as possible. I don’t like to wander around or grab food until I know exactly where I need to be.
If I have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, I make sure my Known Traveler Number is linked to my reservation so I can go through the expedited line. If I don’t have PreCheck, I prepare for standard security by making sure my liquids are packed correctly and that I’m wearing shoes that are easy to remove.
As soon as I clear security, I head straight to my gate to confirm its location. I’ve learned that airport gate assignments can change last-minute, so I always check the departure screens and make sure I’m in the right place before getting comfortable.
Once I’m at my gate, I use my extra time to charge my phone, grab a snack, or walk around the terminal before boarding. Sitting for long periods on a flight isn’t always the most comfortable, so I like to stretch my legs while I can.
On the Flight – Settling in & Enjoying the Ride
Once I’m on the plane, I take a deep breath and shift into relaxation mode. The stressful part is over, and now it’s time to enjoy the journey.
I always pack noise-canceling headphones, which are a game-changer for blocking out crying babies or loud conversations. I also download movies, playlists, and books ahead of time, so I don’t have to rely on spotty in-flight Wi-Fi.
If I have a long flight, I bring a travel pillow, cozy socks, and an eye mask so I can get some rest. Staying comfortable on the plane makes a huge difference in how I feel when I land.
I also make sure to stay hydrated, since flying tends to be dehydrating. I drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can make jet lag worse.
How Elevating Travel Helps You Prepare for Travel Day
One of the ways I help my clients have a smooth, stress-free travel experience is by making sure they’re fully prepared before they even leave home. That’s why I send:
📩 Multiple pre-travel emails with essential reminders, travel tips, and entry requirements.
📑 A “Before You Go” tip sheet with everything you need to know, including packing tips, airport strategies, and pro travel hacks.
🌍 Destination-specific guidance, including pre-travel registration links, visa requirements, and important local information.
The more prepared you are, the easier your travel day will be. I believe that vacation should be about enjoyment, not stress, and I do everything I can to make sure my clients have the best possible experience.
Final Thoughts – Enjoying the Journey
The day of travel will always bring a mix of excitement and anticipation, but with the right planning and mindset, it can be smooth, easy, and even enjoyable. The key is preparation—by packing ahead of time, arriving early, and staying flexible, I make sure my trip starts off stress-free.
📖 Read my full blog for more pro tips: https://elevatingtravelblog.blogspot.com/
💬 What are your best travel day tips? Share in the comments!
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Recipe of the Week: Make-Ahead Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich 
Mornings before a flight can be hectic, and the last thing I want to do is cook a full meal while scrambling to get out the door. But skipping breakfast? Not happening.
That’s why I love a make-ahead Bacon, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich—it’s delicious, filling, and easy to grab and eat on the way to the airport. I can prep it the night before, store it in the fridge (or freezer), and reheat it in less than a minute before heading out.
Ingredients (Makes 1 sandwich per person, but can easily be prepped in batches for larger groups)
- 1 bagel, biscuit, or wrap (your choice!)
- 1 large egg
- 2 slices of bacon (or turkey bacon for a lighter option)
- 1 slice of cheddar or American cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter or cooking spray (for cooking the egg)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the bacon – In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels. If you’re short on time, microwave precooked bacon for 30–45 seconds.
2️⃣ Scramble or fry the egg – In the same pan, add a little butter and cook the egg to your preference. I usually go with a hard scrambled egg or a fried egg with the yolk slightly set to avoid mess while eating on the go. Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Assemble the sandwich – Place the cooked egg on the bottom half of the bagel, biscuit, or wrap. Add the cheese slice on top so it melts slightly, then layer on the crispy bacon.
4️⃣ Wrap & Store – If eating the next morning, wrap the sandwich in foil or parchment paper and store it in the fridge.
Quick Reheating Instructions
🚗 For Eating in the Car: Remove the sandwich from the fridge and microwave for 30–40 seconds to warm it up. If using a bagel or biscuit, a quick toaster oven reheat (3–5 minutes at 350°F) will bring back that fresh-baked texture.
✈️ For Taking to the Terminal: If you’re heading straight to the airport, wrap it in foil after warming it up. It stays warm for about 30 minutes, perfect for eating at the gate.
Why This Works for Travel Day
✔️ Make it the night before = no morning stress
✔️ Hearty & filling to hold you over until your next meal
✔️ Customizable – Add sausage, swap the bacon for ham, or use a whole wheat wrap for a lighter option
✔️ Better than airport food – Because overpriced, mediocre terminal sandwiches are not the move
Pro Tip:
If you’re making a batch for the week, freeze the sandwiches individually in foil, then reheat in the microwave for 45–60 seconds before heading out the door.
This sandwich is my go-to before an early flight—quick, satisfying, and zero hassle in the morning.
💬 What’s your favorite pre-flight breakfast? Let me know in the comments!
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