It’s crazy how December is already here, which means we’re almost done with the fall semester! Once you’re done with classes and exams, there’s nothing more exciting than leaving campus and enjoying three weeks of winter break. Since most people on campus are not from Maine, the trip back home can be quite long and exhausting, especially if you live on the other side of the country or outside of the states. In order to make travel day less miserable, here are some travel hacks for you!
1. Have a paper copy of your travel documents
While most travel documents, from ticket confirmation receipts to boarding passes, come in both paper copy and electronic copy now, I still print out my bus tickets and boarding passes just to be safe. It’s always better to have a backup in case your phone decides to stop working when you need it the most.
2. Download songs & Netflix shows
Domestic flights and bus rides can not only be long but also boring. And they can get really annoying if there are delays or cancellations because of the inclement weather. If you want to make the ride/flight less miserable, make sure to download some of your favorite TV shows from Netflix or songs from Apple Music/Spotify before you leave so you can watch/listen to them to kill time even if your phone is on airplane mode.
3. Pack enough food
Even though I usually go on my phone, listen to music, or sleep, I am somehow always hungry on the bus. Whenever I have to catch a bus that leaves at noon, I always make sure to swing by take 4 to grab a burrito wrap and some snacks before I leave. And if I still haven’t used my board plan for the week, I also get a board plan meal from the Spa before I hop on the bus. Pro tip: If you prefer a healthier snack option, granola bars from take 4 also do the job and keep your stomach from growling.
4. Put on the right amount of clothing
I always find it annoying when it comes to choosing what to wear on a travel day. I don’t want to freeze in the cold, but I also don’t want to be wearing too many clothes on the bus/plane because it can get really hot sometimes. In order to stay warm but not crazy warm, I usually keep a t-shirt in my carry on bag, so I get to change into my t-shirt when needed. Besides bringing a t-shirt with me, I also keep a pair of fuzzy socks in my carry on bag because my feet always get really cold on the plane.
5. Stay hydrated
Hydrate or diedrate! While I understand how much of a hassle it is to use the bathroom when you’re sitting in a window seat, it’s important to always stay hydrated because there are more germs than you think on an airplane, and I bet nobody wants to be sick in bed all day when you’re finally back home. If you want to avoid the hassle, make sure to select your seat after you have reserved a plane ticket, so you have a higher chance of getting an aisle seat and having an easier walk to the bathroom.
Safe travels and happy holidays!