You may wonder if dressing up for a flight matters if you always see everyone in sweatshirts and jeans when you go to the airport. However, style experts like David Hoggins think it does. He believes that putting some effort into how you dress shows you respect the flight attendants and gate agents who work hard to make your journey smooth.
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Plus, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and respecting those around you. Other experts like Rick Stevens and Jessica Poitevien also have great tips to share on how you can travel with style. Let’s discuss what they have to say.
Dress Up for Your Flight
David Coggins, the author of “Men and Style,” wishes air travel could be more glamorous, like in the old days. He believes dressing well for your flight shows respect for the gate agents, flight attendants, and your fellow passengers. Coggins thinks that wearing nice clothes can make the whole flying experience feel more special. He admits that this might be a losing battle because most people prefer comfort over style when traveling.
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However, he still thinks it’s worth trying to look good. Coggins says that nobody has ever looked great in a sweatsuit, no matter how comfortable it is. He jokes that wearing a checked blazer probably won’t get you upgraded to first class, but it can’t hurt. For him, making an effort to dress nicely for a flight is a way to show respect and add a touch of dignity to air travel.
Visit ‘Second Cities’ in Europe
Rick Steves, a well-known travel expert, loves Europe and often shares his travel tips. One of his favorite suggestions is to visit “second cities” in Europe. These are the less famous cities that are not the capital or the most popular tourist destinations. For example, instead of going to Lisbon, you could visit Porto, or instead of Edinburgh, you could explore Glasgow. Steves believes that these second cities have a lot to offer.
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They tend to be more creative, have a strong local spirit, and are often more authentic than the bigger, more famous cities. Plus, there are usually fewer tourists, which means lower prices and a more authentic experience. Steves thinks that by visiting these second cities, you can get a better feel for the local culture and enjoy a different side of Europe that many tourists miss.
The Perks of Visiting Second Cities
Rick Steves points out several benefits of visiting Europe’s second cities. First, these cities often have a creative edge. You might find unique art, music, and food scenes that are different from the more touristy places. Second, the people in these cities usually have a strong sense of community and pride in their city. This means you can experience a more authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Third, because these cities are not as popular with tourists, you can enjoy a less crowded and more relaxed visit.
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This also means that prices for things like hotels, food, and attractions are often lower. Finally, visiting second cities can give you a deeper understanding of the country you are visiting. You get to see how people live outside the major tourist hubs, which can be a more honest and enriching experience.
Rick Steves’ Travel Philosophy
Rick Steves has a simple travel philosophy: explore beyond the obvious. He believes that while it’s great to see the famous landmarks and cities, there’s so much more to discover. By visiting second cities, you can find hidden gems and have experiences that are just as memorable, if not more so.
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Steves encourages travelers to step off the beaten path and see what else a country has to offer. He suggests breaking up your trip by spending time in both the capital city and a second city. This way, you get to experience the best of both worlds: the famous sights and the local, everyday life. Steves’ approach to travel is about seeking out authentic experiences and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Pick Your Travel Uniform
Jessica Poitevien, a travel writer, has a great tip for making travel easier: pick a travel uniform. This means having a set of clothes that you always wear when you fly. Poitevien finds that this helps reduce the stress of packing and ensures that she doesn’t forget anything important. She keeps two sets of her travel clothes – one at home and one in her travel bag.
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This way, all she needs to add is her passport, laptop, and something to read, and she’s ready to go. Her travel uniform includes a long, loose-fitting T-shirt or sweater, which is comfortable and practical for all the bending and lifting that comes with traveling. She also wears a jean jacket to stay warm on cold planes and uses its pockets to keep her phone, passport, and boarding pass handy.
Why Have Travel Uniforms?
Jessica Poitevien believes that having a travel uniform makes flying easier and more comfortable. By wearing the same set of clothes for every flight, you don’t have to worry about what to pack or if you have forgotten something important. This can save you a lot of time and stress.
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The long T-shirt or sweater keeps her covered and comfortable during all the travel movements, like lifting bags and going through security. The jean jacket not only keeps her warm but also provides extra pockets for her essentials. Having a set of travel outfits means you can focus on other things, like enjoying your trip and staying organized.
Cut Your Airport Arrival Close
Brad Japhe, another travel writer, has a different approach to flying: he likes to cut his airport arrival time as close as possible. Japhe lives close to Los Angeles International Airport and tries to spend as little time waiting at the airport as he can.
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For example, if he has a flight at 9 a.m., he might not leave his house until 8:30 a.m. This strategy is not for everyone, but Japhe finds that it works for him. He uses PreCheck or Clear to speed through security, which helps him save even more time. Japhe usually travels solo, uses express security lanes, and knows his airport well, which all make this strategy possible. He also avoids checking bags to skip the lines at the baggage drop.
Tips for Cutting Airport Arrival Time
Brad Japhe’s strategy for cutting airport arrival time close requires some preparation and the right conditions. First, using services like PreCheck or Clear can help you get through security quickly. These programs allow you to skip the regular lines and go through a faster, more streamlined process. Second, traveling solo can make it easier to move quickly through the airport without waiting for others.
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Third, knowing your airport well helps you navigate it efficiently, so you don’t waste time finding your way. Finally, not checking any bags means you can go straight to security and then to your gate without having to wait in line at the baggage drop. Japhe’s approach isn’t for everyone, but it can save you a lot of time if done right.
Order the Hindu Meal
Food and travel writer David Farley has a tasty tip for your next long-haul flight: order the Hindu meal. Most airlines offer special meal options, and the Hindu meal is often a flavorful, plant-based choice. By reserving this meal at least 24 hours before your flight, you can avoid the usual chicken or pasta options and enjoy something different, like dal makhani with naan or bhindi masala with raita.
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Farley believes this is a great way to add some variety to your in-flight dining experience. Plus, since these meals are prepared in limited quantities, they are often fresher and better quality than the standard options. Ordering a special meal can make your flight more enjoyable and give you something to look forward to.
Get Up Early on Vacation
Amanda Finnegan, a Deputy Features Editor, has a tip for making the most of your vacation: get up early. While it might be tempting to sleep in, getting up with the sun can give you a head start on your day. Finnegan finds that the early morning hours are the best time to explore before the crowds arrive. You can enjoy a peaceful walk, visit popular attractions without the long lines, and take in the sights and sounds of the city waking up.
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By the time your travel partners are ready to start their day, you’ve already had a few hours to yourself. Finnegan also notes that getting up early means you can fit in an afternoon nap, so you stay refreshed and make the most of your time away.
Make a Fashion Statement in Black and Blue
Fashion writer Rachel Tashjian has a simple but stylish travel tip: mix black and blue in your wardrobe. Tashjian travels to Europe several times a year for fashion shows and needs to look great every day. She finds that combining black and navy blue pieces creates a chic and sophisticated look.
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This color combination breaks one of the primary rules of fashion, but Tashjian loves its daring and modern feel. Her travel packing list includes two skirts (one flowy and one fitted), three jackets (a classic blazer, something unique, and an open-front wool jacket), one pair of trousers, one black dress, three T-shirts, and black shoes. By sticking to these basics, she can mix and match to create different outfits that always look stylish and put together.
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