What’s your travel kryptonite?

Some people like a little danger. And what’s more dangerous than almost missing your carefully planned vacation?

Sure, missing your flight isn’t exactly akin to skydiving out of a plane or trekking an active volcano, but some people actually do get a bit of a rush by showing up to their gate at the very last minute.

Maybe it’s the thrill of running through a busy airport, a la "Home Alone 2," or maybe you’re just so optimistic about time that you don’t manage it quite right, but there are usually two types of people at the airport: early – or very late.

And it isn’t just at the airport! It’s at the train station, the marina, the restaurant… any time that time is a factor.

But when it comes to travel, the world doesn’t wait for tardiness, so here are a few tips to help if you find you’re (literally) running behind!

1. Alert The Airline

Let the airline know if you know in advance you’ll be late for a flight. Plenty of flights end up being delayed due to waiting on passengers.

2. Check-In ASAP

Check in on your phone as soon as you can — as early as 24 hours prior to the flight. Why? Having a mobile boarding pass makes it so that you can head right to security and skip the ticketing line to get a paper copy.

3. Get Through Each Step As Quickly As You Can

The moves you make throughout an airport are well noted — whether it’s checking in with an agent, or passing through security. Get through each action as quickly as you can. This not only helps you get to the gate faster, but as you move through each stop, you’re tracked and the gate agents at the gate can see how close you are. They may be more likely to hold the flight another minute if you’ve already gone through security.

*Bonus Tip*

Find a Friendly Agent

There’s not much the airline can do for you without charging you if you miss a flight because of your own fault. However, it’s important to find a friendly agent to work with at the airport if you miss your flight. If you’re kind to them – and they’re in a good mood – they’re more likely to waive the change fee, and set you up on a later flight if one is available.

“Nothing is as far away as one minute ago.” -Jim Bishop

All Aboard!

Many things make a trip go smoothly, but we’ve broken it down to 3 main steps

1. Book It

Before you even pick a destination, find out what kind of traveler you are.

Are you all about R&R? Or do you wanna see ALL THE THINGS? Or is your main priority a worldy Feast of Kings, on the search for the best restaurant in every city you visit?

Once you know what your travel style is and pick your adventure buddies (or choose to fly solo) you can pick a destination, set your budget, and start scoping fun excursions and sight-seeing tours.

If you’re not a planner, or love to plan almost too much, try booking a travel consultation with one of our agents, or pick from one of our ready-made Vacation Bundles. Maybe a decadent Taste of the Mediterranean wine and food centric getaway, or an Art Walk Of The Ages tour through some of the most artistically historical vistas of central Europe.

And by booking through us, you’ll have complete access to Trip Concierge, the fully Mapped Out, Reservation confirmation, Pre-flight alarm, ticket-tracking Super App that makes sure your trip goes smoothly, from the time you leave your front door, to the time you come home.

2. Insure It

The world is a large and wondrous place, and even the best planned trip can come with unexpected hiccups. A cancelled or missed flight, lost baggage, even personal injury can be a real killjoy for the intrepid adventurer, so make sure that you’ve taken out all the right travel insurance.

Check your credit card’s travel insurance policy, you could save a bundle just by booking on your Visa!

3. Prep for it

Packing can be one of the hardest things to get right, so consider investing in some packing aids.

Head over to our online store for a great selection of Travellers Vacuum Bags to help you maximize your luggage space. And our Globetrotter Toiletries Organizer is a no brainer way to keep track of your necessities.

There are also immunizations to be taken into account, so refer to our Travel MD site for any typhoid boosters or anti-malaria warnings for the regions you want to explore.

And be sure to check for any and all Visa Requirements. Some countries are surrounded by a sea of red tape, and you don’t want to land without the proper documentation.

If you book with us, our Paper Packets guarantee everything from plane tickets to travel visas will be printed out and mailed to your door in time for departure — so you can just pack your passport and breathe easy, knowing the rest of your trip is in good hands.

🗺 Happiness is Traveling! 🗺

Hey there, world traveler! I'm Marco Poloski, globetrotting travel enthusiast, travel agent, and owner of Small World Travel. Our specialty is creating one-of-a-kind travel experiences for every traveler, from adventure newbies to seasoned explorers.

I’ve traveled to every continent and have brought all my experience together to help you plan the travel experience of a lifetime! You won’t be stuck wandering the same beaten paths that a million tourists have walked – I want you to have the getaway of your dreams.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned travel influencers and have been featured in “Journey” magazine. No matter where you want to go, we can get you there.

🌍Go Anywhere🌏

Check out these resources to see the world!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From beautiful location videos, to travel hacks, and everything in between, follow @SmallWorldTravel for drool worthy vistas and hidden hot spots.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on TravelTalk. I share my outrageous travel stories, personal fave destinations, and the Travel Hacks that have literally saved my life.

3. Want guidance on your very own dream vaycay? Book a call with me. We’ll get your flights booked, restaurants picked, and bags packed before you can say “Window seat, please!”

Make the World Your Playground

Now that you've got some insight into your very own travel kryptonite, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable pre-board checklist, to help with packing and ensure you won’t leave anything crucial behind – ahem, passports, anyone?

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more tips for easeful travel, and tell you about some hidden gem destinations that will inspire you to get your suitcase out of storage.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius

Packing is pivotal. Forget an essential item and you're left disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. Pack too much and you end up disorganized, burdened with heavy bags, and hemorrhaging money to pay for pricey airline baggage fees.

So you’re an influencer and need to make sure that every ‘fit is insta-worthy… Where do you fit your wardrobe?

But then you end up so worried about over packing that you decide to bring only one pair of shoes… that’s supposed to do triple duty as urban commuter, beach lounger, and evening show-stopper?

Packing right isn’t all about making every item spark joy like a Marie Kondo marathon.

Here are some packing tips to help you prepare for your journey:

1. Roll, don't fold.

Many travel experts—including backpackers, who stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

2. Make a packing list

When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.

3. Wash your clothes on the road

Laundry facilities are one of my favorite parts about staying in vacation rentals. If you know your accommodations will have free laundry facilities, you're golden. You can wash and wear just a handful of outfits for the duration of even very long trips.

4. Pack dual-purpose garments

If it's two-in-one, it's one less thing to pack. Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow (see these items here) are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.

5. Never check essential items

It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you.

*Bonus Tip*

Know your airline's baggage-fee policy

If you absolutely have to pack that extra outfit, make sure you know what it’s going to cost you. Likewise, be sure to stick to the 3-1-1 rule for gels and liquids, and place your 3oz bottle in a single, 1 quart plastic ziploc bag.

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.” -Cesare Pavese

All Aboard!

Many things make a trip go smoothly, but we’ve broken it down to 3 main steps

1. Book It

Before you even pick a destination, find out what kind of traveler you are.

Are you all about R&R? Or do you wanna see ALL THE THINGS? Or is your main priority a worldy Feast of Kings, on the search for the best restaurant in every city you visit?

Once you know what your travel style is and pick your adventure buddies (or choose to fly solo) you can pick a destination, set your budget, and start scoping fun excursions and sight-seeing tours.

If you’re not a planner, or love to plan almost too much, try booking a travel consultation with one of our agents, or pick from one of our ready-made Vacation Bundles. Maybe a decadent Taste of the Mediterranean wine and food centric getaway, or an Art Walk Of The Ages tour through some of the most artistically historical vistas of central Europe.

And by booking through us, you’ll have complete access to Trip Concierge, the fully Mapped Out, Reservation confirmation, Pre-flight alarm, ticket-tracking Super App that makes sure your trip goes smoothly, from the time you leave your front door, to the time you come home.

2. Insure It

The world is a large and wondrous place, and even the best planned trip can come with unexpected hiccups. A cancelled or missed flight, lost baggage, even personal injury can be a real killjoy for the intrepid adventurer, so make sure that you’ve taken out all the right travel insurance.

Check your credit card’s travel insurance policy, you could save a bundle just by booking on your Visa!

3. Prep for it

Packing can be one of the hardest things to get right, so consider investing in some packing aids.

Head over to our online store for a great selection of Travellers Vacuum Bags to help you maximize your luggage space. And our Globetrotter Toiletries Organizer is a no brainer way to keep track of your necessities.

There are also immunizations to be taken into account, so refer to our Travel MD site for any typhoid boosters or anti-malaria warnings for the regions you want to explore.

And be sure to check for any and all Visa Requirements. Some countries are surrounded by a sea of red tape, and you don’t want to land without the proper documentation.

If you book with us, our Paper Packets guarantee everything from plane tickets to travel visas will be printed out and mailed to your door in time for departure — so you can just pack your passport and breathe easy, knowing the rest of your trip is in good hands.

🗺 Happiness is Traveling! 🗺

Hey there, world traveler! I'm Marco Poloski, globetrotting travel enthusiast, travel agent, and owner of Small World Travel. Our specialty is creating one-of-a-kind travel experiences for every traveler, from adventure newbies to seasoned explorers.

I’ve traveled to every continent and have brought all my experience together to help you plan the travel experience of a lifetime! You won’t be stuck wandering the same beaten paths that a million tourists have walked – I want you to have the getaway of your dreams.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned travel influencers and have been featured in “Journey” magazine. No matter where you want to go, we can get you there.

🌍Go Anywhere🌏

Check out these resources to see the world!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From beautiful location videos, to travel hacks, and everything in between, follow @SmallWorldTravel for drool worthy vistas and hidden hot spots.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on TravelTalk. I share my outrageous travel stories, personal fave destinations, and the Travel Hacks that have literally saved my life.

3. Want guidance on your very own dream vaycay? Book a call with me. We’ll get your flights booked, restaurants picked, and bags packed before you can say “Window seat, please!”

Make the World Your Playground

Now that you've got some insight into your very own travel kryptonite, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable pre-board checklist, to help with packing and ensure you won’t leave anything crucial behind – ahem, passports, anyone?

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more tips for easeful travel, and tell you about some hidden gem destinations that will inspire you to get your suitcase out of storage.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius

There’s always the temptation to cram everything into one trip in a frenzied attempt to get the most bang for your buck, especially when you’re heading abroad.

But when you spend your whole vacation rushing from Point A to Point B, you aren’t really experiencing that place. You’re merely ticking items off a to-do list.

Instead of worrying about what you “should” be doing on vacation, figuring out what kind of activity you find most restorative—whether it’s spending a week on the beach, traipsing around a city all day and returning to your hotel just to sleep, or somewhere in the middle.

Once you’ve decided what kind of traveler you are, you’ll have some idea of how much or how little to add to your itinerary.

1. Don’t Overplan

For Type A personalities, this is easier said than done—but it’s not impossible.

Instead of planning every single day of your trip down to the minute, come up with a few different options for your daily schedule.

Planning each day of your vacation can set you up for disappointment: maybe one day you wake up not feeling up for the activities you have planned, perhaps the weather turns, maybe you find something else you’d like to do instead once you arrive.

Instead, plan out a few day options to choose from: perhaps a group of activities all in one area, or a day of seeing museums.

2. ..But Do Remember the Important Details

The business hours, address, and cost of any sites or activities on your itinerary are worth noting.

If you need to take any trains or buses from place to place, it’s also helpful to have station addresses and schedules on hand so you don't have to look them up each time.

3. Map It Out

Map stuff out a little bit to group things into manageable days—if you find a cluster of things close to each other, group them together and call that an option for a day’s itinerary.

Google MyMaps is a great tool because it lets you create personalized maps and mark the locations you’d like to check out.

4. Give Yourself Time To Rest

If you do happen to be the type of person who overplans, try adding some scheduled breaks to your itinerary.

If you’re traveling across time zones, be sure to give yourself the chance to sleep in and adjust. Otherwise, you’ll be especially cranky when you’re trekking up the gazillion stairs of the Eiffel Tower.

5. Google Doesn’t Know Everything

Sure, Google is a helpful tool when it comes to itinerary planning, but it isn’t the only tool. Ask taxi drivers, hotel housekeepers, and grocery store clerks for local recommendations on where to eat, where to watch the sunset, and other must-do activities in the area.

*Bonus Tip*

Schedule a Hands-On Activity

A batik textile course in Kuala Lumpur or a tango lesson in Madrid are great ways to learn about the culture while mastering a new skill. It’s also a useful strategy for travelers who fret if they don’t have a set schedule

“It is better to travel well than arrive.” – Buddah

All Aboard!

Many things make a trip go smoothly, but we’ve broken it down to 3 main steps

1. Book It

Before you even pick a destination, find out what kind of traveler you are.

Are you all about R&R? Or do you wanna see ALL THE THINGS? Or is your main priority a worldy Feast of Kings, on the search for the best restaurant in every city you visit?

Once you know what your travel style is and pick your adventure buddies (or choose to fly solo) you can pick a destination, set your budget, and start scoping fun excursions and sight-seeing tours.

If you’re not a planner, or love to plan almost too much, try booking a travel consultation with one of our agents, or pick from one of our ready-made Vacation Bundles. Maybe a decadent Taste of the Mediterranean wine and food centric getaway, or an Art Walk Of The Ages tour through some of the most artistically historical vistas of central Europe.

And by booking through us, you’ll have complete access to Trip Concierge, the fully Mapped Out, Reservation confirmation, Pre-flight alarm, ticket-tracking Super App that makes sure your trip goes smoothly, from the time you leave your front door, to the time you come home.

2. Insure It

The world is a large and wondrous place, and even the best planned trip can come with unexpected hiccups. A cancelled or missed flight, lost baggage, even personal injury can be a real killjoy for the intrepid adventurer, so make sure that you’ve taken out all the right travel insurance.

Check your credit card’s travel insurance policy, you could save a bundle just by booking on your Visa!

3. Prep for it

Packing can be one of the hardest things to get right, so consider investing in some packing aids.

Head over to our online store for a great selection of Travellers Vacuum Bags to help you maximize your luggage space. And our Globetrotter Toiletries Organizer is a no brainer way to keep track of your necessities.

There are also immunizations to be taken into account, so refer to our Travel MD site for any typhoid boosters or anti-malaria warnings for the regions you want to explore.

And be sure to check for any and all Visa Requirements. Some countries are surrounded by a sea of red tape, and you don’t want to land without the proper documentation.

If you book with us, our Paper Packets guarantee everything from plane tickets to travel visas will be printed out and mailed to your door in time for departure — so you can just pack your passport and breathe easy, knowing the rest of your trip is in good hands.

🗺 Happiness is Traveling! 🗺

Hey there, world traveler! I'm Marco Poloski, globetrotting travel enthusiast, travel agent, and owner of Small World Travel. Our specialty is creating one-of-a-kind travel experiences for every traveler, from adventure newbies to seasoned explorers.

I’ve traveled to every continent and have brought all my experience together to help you plan the travel experience of a lifetime! You won’t be stuck wandering the same beaten paths that a million tourists have walked – I want you to have the getaway of your dreams.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned travel influencers and have been featured in “Journey” magazine. No matter where you want to go, we can get you there.

🌍Go Anywhere🌏

Check out these resources to see the world!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From beautiful location videos, to travel hacks, and everything in between, follow @SmallWorldTravel for drool worthy vistas and hidden hot spots.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on TravelTalk. I share my outrageous travel stories, personal fave destinations, and the Travel Hacks that have literally saved my life.

3. Want guidance on your very own dream vaycay? Book a call with me. We’ll get your flights booked, restaurants picked, and bags packed before you can say “Window seat, please!”

Make the World Your Playground

Now that you've got some insight into your very own travel kryptonite, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable pre-board checklist, to help with packing and ensure you won’t leave anything crucial behind – ahem, passports, anyone?

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more tips for easeful travel, and tell you about some hidden gem destinations that will inspire you to get your suitcase out of storage.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius

Being away from home and routine is a powerful temptation to do too much, eat too much and throw caution to the wind.

With so many fast food chains and large food portions served in restaurants, being too casual and having a mindset of, “I can eat whatever I want," can wind up working against you, leaving you bloated, irritable and tired.

The phrase “If you don’t have your health, you’ve got nothing”, rings true as ever, especially when you are far from home.

When you need energy for a long hike, a long drive, or a day at the beach, make sure your diet includes high-quality, lean protein. It’s important to eat balanced meals throughout the day, but not having protein can leave you worn out before your time.

Balancing healthy eating habits while on the road can be tricky. From a scarcity of fresh fruit and vegetables to eating at unaccustomed hours, the food you consume while traveling can sometimes make you feel worse than before you set off.

Here are some tips to keep your belly happy and your energy up for your fun-filled days in paradise:

1. Pack healthy snacks

Travel with a selection of protein and nutrient-dense foods such as nuts and energy bars, and stop at a grocery store when you arrive at your destination to stock up on firm fresh fruits that won’t get crushed in your bag such as apples or small, easy-to-peel citrus. Carry these with you on the road so you aren’t tempted to reach for junk food when you are hungry.

2. Take care of your tummy

Your digestive system can go haywire when traveling, so pack probiotic supplements and some peppermint and ginger teas to keep your gut happy.

3. Stay somewhere you can cook

Cooking for yourself makes such a difference when trying to eat healthy while traveling, so when possible, book a place to stay with a small kitchen and commit to eating at least one meal a day that you have prepared. Alternatively, pick a hotel room with a fridge to store your own snacks.

4. Go green

Getting your daily quota of veggies can be challenging when the places you visit don’t have a variety of vegetables on the menu. So bring along a powdered green supplement, such as Macro Greens, that you can buy in small packets and mix into water, smoothies, or oatmeal.

5. Treat yourself

If you’re going to have a calorie-indulgent meal or sweet treat, have it at lunchtime so you can walk it off after.

Heavy meals consumed late at night can be hard to digest and also interfere with your sleep.

In many European countries, such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, lunch is often the main meal of the day—and it is also when you’ll get the best deals, as restaurants often serve prix fixe lunchtime specials.

*Bonus Tip*

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Travelling can be very dehydrating, which in turn can make you feel tired and sluggish. To stay hydrated, bring a large water bottle with you and refill whenever you find a drinking fountain.

Keep in mind, some areas like Mexico or Thailand don’t have safe drinking water out of the taps, so you’re going to have to buy some bottled water.

"Love is the food of life, travel is the dessert." – Amanda June Sturges

All Aboard!

Many things make a trip go smoothly, but we’ve broken it down to 3 main steps

1. Book It

Before you even pick a destination, find out what kind of traveler you are.

Are you all about R&R? Or do you wanna see ALL THE THINGS? Or is your main priority a worldy Feast of Kings, on the search for the best restaurant in every city you visit?

Once you know what your travel style is and pick your adventure buddies (or choose to fly solo) you can pick a destination, set your budget, and start scoping fun excursions and sight-seeing tours.

If you’re not a planner, or love to plan almost too much, try booking a travel consultation with one of our agents, or pick from one of our ready-made Vacation Bundles. Maybe a decadent Taste of the Mediterranean wine and food centric getaway, or an Art Walk Of The Ages tour through some of the most artistically historical vistas of central Europe.

And by booking through us, you’ll have complete access to Trip Concierge, the fully Mapped Out, Reservation confirmation, Pre-flight alarm, ticket-tracking Super App that makes sure your trip goes smoothly, from the time you leave your front door, to the time you come home.

2. Insure It

The world is a large and wondrous place, and even the best planned trip can come with unexpected hiccups. A cancelled or missed flight, lost baggage, even personal injury can be a real killjoy for the intrepid adventurer, so make sure that you’ve taken out all the right travel insurance.

Check your credit card’s travel insurance policy, you could save a bundle just by booking on your Visa!

3. Prep for it

Packing can be one of the hardest things to get right, so consider investing in some packing aids.

Head over to our online store for a great selection of Travellers Vacuum Bags to help you maximize your luggage space. And our Globetrotter Toiletries Organizer is a no brainer way to keep track of your necessities.

There are also immunizations to be taken into account, so refer to our Travel MD site for any typhoid boosters or anti-malaria warnings for the regions you want to explore.

And be sure to check for any and all Visa Requirements. Some countries are surrounded by a sea of red tape, and you don’t want to land without the proper documentation.

If you book with us, our Paper Packets guarantee everything from plane tickets to travel visas will be printed out and mailed to your door in time for departure — so you can just pack your passport and breathe easy, knowing the rest of your trip is in good hands.

🗺 Happiness is Traveling! 🗺

Hey there, world traveler! I'm Marco Poloski, globetrotting travel enthusiast, travel agent, and owner of Small World Travel. Our specialty is creating one-of-a-kind travel experiences for every traveler, from adventure newbies to seasoned explorers.

I’ve traveled to every continent and have brought all my experience together to help you plan the travel experience of a lifetime! You won’t be stuck wandering the same beaten paths that a million tourists have walked – I want you to have the getaway of your dreams.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned travel influencers and have been featured in “Journey” magazine. No matter where you want to go, we can get you there.

🌍Go Anywhere🌏

Check out these resources to see the world!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From beautiful location videos, to travel hacks, and everything in between, follow @SmallWorldTravel for drool worthy vistas and hidden hot spots.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on TravelTalk. I share my outrageous travel stories, personal fave destinations, and the Travel Hacks that have literally saved my life.

3. Want guidance on your very own dream vaycay? Book a call with me. We’ll get your flights booked, restaurants picked, and bags packed before you can say “Window seat, please!”

Make the World Your Playground

Now that you've got some insight into your very own travel kryptonite, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable pre-board checklist, to help with packing and ensure you won’t leave anything crucial behind – ahem, passports, anyone?

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more tips for easeful travel, and tell you about some hidden gem destinations that will inspire you to get your suitcase out of storage.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius