Travel Zen

With summertime travel in full swing, you may be jetting off to foreign countries, navigating airports with your family, or heading to a conference to be the keynote speaker. At some point, we’ve all experienced travel ordeals we never wish to repeat (like the time my pug escaped his leash and ran loops around airport security!). Get ahead of travel annoyances and be smooth sailing on your next getaway with these tricks.

Pack to Perfection

We’re pretty organized when it comes to travel, but PackPoint takes pre-trip preparation to a whole new level. This app builds a custom packing list based on the length of your travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your stay. PackPoint also gives your list its own website to share with fellow travelers. So go ahead—get those bonus points from friends and family for bringing your A-game.

Navigate the Airport Like a Boss

Getting around airports and to your gate or destination on time is what nightmares are made of, even for the most frequent travelers. You can speed up your wait times, and breeze through airports with these tools:

• TSA Precheck: This sanity saver is available in over 200 airports. TSA Precheck gives approved, low-risk travelers expedited security screening. No need to wait in long security lines, or remove shoes and electronics again. 93% of TSA Precheck travelers wait less than five minutes to get through security—so what are you waiting for?
• MyTSA app: If you’re out of time to apply for TSA Precheck before your next trip, download MyTSA stat. You can see real-time, crowd-sourced TSA security checkpoint wait times at your airport and add your own wait times for other travelers.
• Mobile Passport Control: Getting through customs upon re-entry to the U.S. can be excruciating. With Mobile Passport Control (the first app authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection), you can expedite your entry into the U.S. at 25 major airports. It’s simple to use—scan your passport, take a photo of yourself, answer the declaration questions, and submit. Plus, it’s free. Whisk yourself to the front of the customs line, and keep that vacation high alive!

Manage Your Workflow

You’re on an incredible vacation, but you still feel the weight of your inbox in your pocket. Though a hard reset is needed sometimes, there’s a small thing you can do to make office re-entry easier—file, delete, respond. Pick set times to look at your inbox, and quickly decide whether an email requires no action (delete), a quick response (respond immediately), or involves greater thought or other moving parts (file in a to-do folder for later). You’ll relieve some stress, and know exactly what to tackle when you’re back in the office.

Bon voyage!