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Travel should be seamless, efficient, and, most importantly, enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve refined my travel habits to make packing effortless, maximize my time in each destination, and ensure I leave every trip with great memories. If you want to travel smarter and stress-free, here are some of my best travel tips.
Before the Trip: Packing & Preparation
Use a Pre-Populated Packing List
One of the easiest ways to save time before a trip is to create a reusable packing list. I use Apple’s Reminders app to keep a pre-populated list template of travel essentials—things I always bring, like running shoes, workout gear, international chargers, socks, and more. Since I travel frequently, this means I can pack in under 15 minutes without forgetting anything. If you travel often, I highly recommend setting this up—it eliminates the stress of last-minute packing.
Download Offline Google Maps
Before heading to a new destination, download a large offline map of the area in Google Maps. Even in a hyper-connected world, you might find yourself without reliable service, whether due to spotty reception or an attempt to minimize international data usage. Having an offline map ensures you can navigate without stress and still find key locations.
Pack Light—Yes, Even for Longer Trips
If you think traveling with just a carry-on is impossible, I promise you—it’s not. Even on international trips lasting five days or more, I stick to a carry-on bag only. The trick? Pack outfits you know you’ll wear (black shirt, white shirt, jeans, etc.) and ask yourself, Do I really need this? You’ll appreciate this strategy when you land tired from a long-haul flight and don’t have to wait for luggage.
Have a Flexible Backup Plan
I love planning my trips in detail, sometimes down to the exact coffee shop I’ll visit at a specific time. But reality doesn’t always go as planned—maybe the shop is closed unexpectedly, or the weather changes your plans. This is where a curated Google Maps list becomes invaluable.
By having a list of vetted places ready to go, you can be spontaneous in a controlled way—simply open your map and find an alternative spot nearby without wasting time searching. The best travel experiences often come from unexpected discoveries, so give yourself the gift of serendipity while still having a safety net.
During the Trip: Be Present & Capture the Moments
Put Your Phone Away (Sometimes)
Yes, your phone is a powerful travel tool, but don’t let it take over your experience. Use it for photos and navigation, but otherwise, stay present. Some of my best moments, like walking through Shinjuku at night or taking a sunset stroll on the beach in Maui, all happened when my head was up and not looking down at my screen.
Save Places & Add Personal Notes
One of my favorite features in Google Maps is the ability to save locations and add notes. I’ll mark spots I’ve visited with personal notes like, “Had an amazing croissant here – March 2014.” Years later, seeing those notes brings back instant nostalgia—just like flipping through an old photo album. Do this for yourself, and future-you will thank you.
After the Trip: Reflect & Improve
Take a Moment to Reflect
On the way home, I take a few minutes to assess the trip. What worked? What didn’t? Maybe a big group tour wasn’t worth it, or maybe saying yes to a local’s restaurant recommendation led to an unforgettable meal. Taking stock of what you enjoyed (and what you’d do differently) helps you refine your travel style for future trips.
General Travel Mindset: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Find Small Pockets of Exploration (Even on Business Trips)
Even when traveling for work, there are always opportunities for small adventures. Maybe it’s a quick detour to a local café between meetings or walking through a quaint neighborhood with loads of charm before taking an evening flight. Travel doesn’t always have to be grand—sometimes, it’s the little moments that stand out the most.
Invest in Comfort (Even If It Costs a Bit More)
If you’re traveling for business, consider upgrading your stay, even if it’s out of pocket. Sometimes, paying extra for a hotel with better amenities, a more central location, or a touch of luxury is worth the personal benefit—especially when you’re far from home and loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Traveling well isn’t about seeing the most places or cramming in the most activities—it’s about making the experience meaningful and stress-free. With a little planning, smart packing, and an open mind, every trip—whether for work or leisure—can be effortless, enjoyable, and full of memorable moments.
Looking for a curated Google Maps list to simplify your travels? Check out curated Google Maps lists and destination guides, designed to help you explore with confidence.