3 Ways to Save Time (And Your Sanity) Before Your Next Vacation

We all know how stressful traveling can be.

Whether it’s trawling the web in the search for a cheap flight or rummaging through drawers trying to find your passport, it’s a universal truth your vacation’s preamble is designed to push your patience to the limit.

Admittedly, when you’re flying from a large commercial airport, the annoyances of travel, from finding a parking spot to waiting in endless lines, may seem inevitable … but it doesn’t have to be that way.

To save you time (and to preserve your sanity) before your next vacation, we’ve put together three top tips that’ll combine to have you breezing through the airport and onto your flight without a care in the world. Maybe.

Take a look …

1. Pre-book your airport parking

Regardless of whether you’re flying from LAX, O’Hare or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, if you’re taking your own vehicle to the airport, it pays to pre-book your airport parking by using the coast-to-coast comparison site Looking4.com.

Why? Because aside from saving you time searching for a space when you get to the airport, you can very often get a much better deal by booking in advance. If you want to make your initial journey even easier, opt for a valet parking option. You’ll thank us for the tip later.

2. Check-in for your flight online

There’s a certain hypnotic allure of a long line and conformity, especially at an airport. But this attraction is fleeting, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or if you happen to be accompanied by a bunch of cranky kids shouting down the airport.

To avoid standing in line, then, it’s a great idea to check-in for your flight online. This means that all you have to do is leave your luggage at the designated drop-off point, and you and your family will be well on your way to enjoying the comforts of the departure lounge. Easy!

3.Skip the boarding line

There’s something a little weird about human behavior at an airport. Some folk forget their manners, while others behave in ways they never normally would—and nowhere is this more evident than a line to board an airplane.

For some unknown reason, folks will flock through security and immediately stand in line for their flight, even if it’s not due to depart for another three hours. But you’re much more sensible. You understand that your seat is reserved, which means waiting in line is an exercise in futility.

And with all the time and energy you’ll save by NOT waiting in line, you can enjoy a nice meal or a couple of drinks in the departure lounge. Don’t forget to raise a glass to those waiting miserably in line for the flight. The fools!

Now it’s your turn …

Do you have any top tips for our readers looking to save time and energy at the airport? Have you ever put any of the tips above into action? Please let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

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