Being a frequent traveler, I stay prepared for everything. I even welcome the unexpected things in travel because it is the core for lasting memories and adventures, but not everyone has the same thinking as mine.
My last trip to the Northern Areas of Pakistan was pretty amazing and difficult, my battery died out my camera refused to work and at a high altitude we were running low on oxygen, with all these problems I wished I packed my luggage a little more sensibly.
Here are some of my tips which I now follow in planning a good trip.
Think Small And Big
Pack only a single suitcase with you and get it checked in for your flight for your destination, if you are heading home then take it with you as a hand carry.
Don't Assume
Never assume when traveling, check your flight status from "on time" it can turn to "delayed " at any time. Besides checking the airport flight board, you should also check flightview.com or flightaware.com
Be Sure
You have seen the gate number, but there is no plane there. Don't just sit there and keep thinking where the plane is, go and ask the airport authorities that where the plane went, is there any mechanical or bad weather issues due to which the flight may get late.
Take A Step
If there is a flight delay, then ask for another flight for the same destination even if it is a connecting flight. Or you can get yourself rebooked for another flight rather than waiting in a long queue of the reception counter.
Write Down The Details
Note the name of the person who gives you answers, so that if anything goes wrong or things just keep getting complicated you can speak to the person again about your travel plan.
Keep All Your Important Documents
Important documents include boarding passes, identity cards, credit cards, passport and cash. In a bad situation or late night hours you might need these things to rebook your ticket, so I'll advice that you keep these things at hand.
Make Use Of Your Smartphone
Download different apps like Yelp and My Taxi to find food and conveyance, even if you are stuck at the airport in the middle of the night with the help of such apps you can easily book yourself a taxi or find food at or near the airport.
Time Is Important
If your baggage gets lost and it is lost by the airlines, then file a baggage lost complaint as soon as possible. Don't fall for the talks of the baggage claim office that you can file it in the morning or online, make sure you do, it the moment you see that the airline hasn't loaded your suitcase on the same flight.