This is a post sponsored by U.S. Cellular. I have received compensation, either monetarily or in product. With that said, the opinions herein are 100% my own. I have a silly fact about myself to share. I had only been on an airplane once in 50 years! Until I was 30 years old and took a business trip to Washington, D.C., I had not been on a plane before! My parents were older and they were not much into travel in general. The few trips we did take were local road trips. I bet we didn’t travel more than a few hundred miles for any trip we took! I don’t feel alone as Millions of Americans have not traveled or have not left the state they grew up in. Sounds like me! Many people have dreamed of taking a special trip, but they either lacked the time or opportunity. A recent travel survey conducted by U.S. Cellular (Results are from an online survey of 3,562 nationally-representative smart phone owners conducted by Ipsos Marketing on behalf of U.S. Cellular. The survey was conducted from Jun 18-25, 2015.) found that about one in three or 30% of Americans have never traveled across the country. Until I was 51 years old, that would have included me! If that resonates with you, and you are planning to travel soon, here are 6 hacks to help you along the way!
Six Travel Hacks For Newbie Travelers
- Pack Light: This was a hard lesson learned after I ended up checking 2 bags for my first trip. The rub was I didn’t wear half of the clothes I packed. I learned to pack clothes that travel well like dresses that don’t need ironing, just 1 or 2 pairs of shoes, shorts, pants that go with several tops, etc.
- Email Yourself Travel Docs: This was another hard lesson to learn. I printed my itinerary and boarding passes and lost them in the cab on the way to the airport. This made the first leg of my trip a total nightmare.
- Quick Dry Clothes: I have a few dresses that are a poly blend that I can wash in the sink and hang to dry. This means I can wear something twice that is clean and pack less. Win-Win!!
- Pack Plastic Grocery Bags: When I went to San Francisco, I got my sneakers muddy. This presented a problem when I got ready to pack. I had to beg for a plastic bag from housekeeping. The next trip, I grabbed a few plastic Kroger bags for dirty items, making my life much easier.
- First Aid Kit: Always, always pack a small first aid kit. My first trip I wore new shoes, the cable car broke down and I had to walk 2 miles to the hotel. My heels were a bloody mess and I had no band-aids. The hotel gift shop had a pack for almost $5. Thanks!!
- Bring Portable Charges: You would be surprised how quickly your smartphone or tablet can die after taking photos, accessing documents, maps, etc. I always keep a portable charger in my purse and backpack, so I am always powered up.
One thing I never have to worry about when I am traveling is the pone coverage I need. With being a U.S. Cellular customer, I get national coverage from coast to coast to the middle of anywhere across this Big Country. This summer, U.S. Cellular, is teaming up with award-winning television personality, chef and food writer, (my favorite) Andrew Zimmern, to premiere “Big Country,” a five-episode digital series where U.S. Cellular and Zimmern will find deserving customers from across the U.S. and take them to places they’ve always wanted to visit, including New York City, Portland, Maine, Bend, Ore. and San Francisco (my favorite). This new five-part digital series from U.S. Cellular, “Big Country”, will give five of their customers the chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience with Andrew Zimmern. There is also an exciting opportunity to nominate a U.S. Cellular customer (could it be you?) to star in the fifth episode and travel to a new destination with Zimmern.
“Big Country” began airing July 20 online at U.S. Cellular and will features U.S. Cellular customers who have been unable to travel far from home due to time, financial or other constraints. Zimmern will allow customers to experience amazing sights and tastes around the country, all while staying connected to their family and friends back home through U.S. Cellular’s nationwide coverage. Participants were selected via nominations from friends and family encouraging them to enjoy the travel experience. Their stories include overcoming the fear of flying and seeing the New York City skyline via a helicopter tour. The folks at U.S. Cellular are searching for one more hopeful explorer to star in the fifth and final episode of “Big Country.”
You can apply or nominate others from now until August 10 for the opportunity to travel with Andrew Zimmern, backed by U.S. Cellular’s nationwide wireless coverage. This opportunity is only opened for U.S. Cellular customers. Be sure to stay current with U.S. Cellular and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have a favorite travel hack you want to share?
