Always be prepared: TPG staffers share how they make their travel days easier

Since many members of the TPG staff are often on the move, we’ve each developed our own way of preparing for an easier travel day. Every step of the travel journey, from packing to negotiating airports, has become second nature. And in this guide, four TPG staffers will weigh in on their favorite travel tips.

You’ll see some tips that you’re probably familiar with, like having Priority Pass lounge access, but we’ll also be covering some lesser-known suggestions like the right time to withdraw cash from an ATM with no fees.

So without further ado, let’s dive in.

Ryan Smith, credit cards writer

Many people will tell you to mentally dress yourself while packing to not forget anything. Shoes, socks, pants … so the story goes.

I use the same concept when packing my carry-on bag. I visualize the trip and think about what I’ll need and in what order I’ll use it. The first items I put into my backpack are those I won’t need anytime soon. The last items — those I can reach easiest — are the items I’ll need to use between home and my final destination.

This includes my headphones, phone charger and wallet, for example. You’ll need to access your ID or passport at the security checkpoint, so packing these items first (buried deep inside your backpack) doesn’t make sense. It will slow you down at security, slow you down when trying to buy the overpriced airport coffee and frustrate you when you’re digging in your carry-on bag for those elusive headphones during your flight.

Think about which items you won’t need during your travel day and put those in your carry-on bag first. The last items you pack will be the easiest to access. These should be items you’ll need along the way: ID, wallet, medications, phone charger, etc.

Katie Genter, senior points and miles reporter

Many of my day-of-travel habits are the same regardless of my trip. For example, I always set an alarm on both my Fitbit and phone if I need to be up at a particular time. I pack as much as I can the night before, leaving just the items I’ll need to use in the morning to pack on my travel day.

If I’m flying, on my way to the airport I check out what airport lounges might be available at my origin and connection points. And if I’m driving, I look at my route and consider where I might want to stop for meals and breaks before hitting the road.

Once at the airport, I check for priority lanes that I might be able to use for check-in, security and — if traveling internationally — immigration. Sometimes my status, fare type or even credit card can unlock shorter lines. Then I head to the lounge or find a seating area in the terminal to get some work and last-minute tasks done.

For example, if I’m traveling internationally, I check whether my Airalo Discover Global eSIM covers my destination before boarding my flight. If so, I check the Airalo app for the covered network name and screenshot the settings I’ll need once I arrive at my destination. If not, I consider whether buying a different eSIM makes sense for my trip.

If I have a long time in the lounge or airport terminal at my origin or connecting point, I’ll set an alarm on my Fitbit for about 15 minutes before the scheduled boarding time. At this point, I can get to a stopping point in my work, grab a final snack and check whether my flight is still on time.

Once I’m at my destination, I’ll visit an ATM if I need cash (especially if I’m in a country that uses a currency I don’t already have). Luckily, my Charles Schwab debit card reimburses fees at ATMs worldwide, so I don’t have to worry about the high fees airport ATMs often charge. If I’m traveling internationally, I may also price out local SIM cards at the airport and buy one if the price is right.

Once at my accommodation, I unpack and then take a walk around the property and — unless it’s late, unsafe or extremely hot out — the neighborhood. Especially for longer stays, getting accustomed to your lodging and neighborhood on your first day can make the rest of your stay smoother.

Emily Thompson, credit cards writer

I usually leave pretty early in the morning on my travel days, so most of my prep is done the night before.

Before I go to bed, I double-check my packing list and circle anything that I need to take care of in the morning. I check to make sure I have the right credit cards in my wallet and enough snacks to get me through the day if I have unexpected delays. Finally, I lay out my ID and program my coffee maker for a few minutes before I’ll need to leave the next morning.

When I wake up on departure day, I check to see if my flight is on time. Then, I double-check my bag for the essentials: ID, headphones,…