Travel Preparedness: What I’m Doing Before My Trips

As I pack and prepare for my upcoming trip to Greece, I have found myself thinking about something that every traveler faces, whether they are heading out on a dream vacation, a business trip, or a family visit: travel rarely goes exactly as planned.

The other day, I was watching the news—yes, I still watch the news—and saw a report about

TSA Lines are often unpredictable. Waiting in line is now a fact of life, even with TSA pre check.

a nearly three-and-a-half-hour wait at the TSA line at Hobby Airport. My first reaction was simple: wow. My second thought was much more practical: what can I do to make sure I am ready if something goes wrong? Those stuck in the line were worried that they would miss their flight, rightfully so.

Over the years, through both my military background and other life experiences, I have come to believe in a very old principle: "whatever can go wrong will go wrong". That may sound a little pessimistic, but I do not actually see it that way. To me, it is not about expecting disaster. It is about respecting reality. Delays happen. Technology fails. Flights get canceled. Bags get lost. Weather changes plans. A prepared traveler does not panic when these things happen, because they have already thought through a few possible challenges.

Airports have many more comfort options these days. there is plenty to do at the airport.

One of the biggest things I do is arrive early. Very early. I would much rather spend extra time sitting in the terminal with a coffee, reading a book, or just people-watching than standing in a stressful security line wondering if I am about to miss my flight. Some people think arriving at the airport too early is excessive. I see it as buying peace of mind.

I always carry multiple battery packs. In today’s world, your phone is not just your phone. It is your boarding pass, your communication device, your map, your translator, your hotel confirmation, your emergency contact list, and sometimes even your payment method. If your battery dies at the wrong moment, your day can get a lot more complicated. Keeping devices charged is one of the simplest ways to stay in control and connected.

I travel with several credit cards and make sure there is enough available credit for emergencies. Buying that amazing piece of art is NOT an emergency.

This is something many travelers overlook. Even if you have insurance, travel insurance, or medical coverage, many overseas providers expect payment upfront. Reimbursement often comes later. That means having immediate access to funds can make a major difference in an emergency, whether it is booking a new flight, covering an unexpected hotel stay, or paying for urgent medical treatment.

Five minutes to register, and it is just one more layer of security for your trip.

Before I leave the country, I also register my trip with the U.S. State Department. It is one of those small steps that can easily be forgotten, but it adds an extra layer of security and awareness. If there is an emergency, natural disaster, or other disruption, having your travel information on file can be helpful.

Finally, I usually travel with both my passport and a passport card, and I keep them in separate places. If one is lost or stolen, having another form of identification available can be extremely useful. The passport card is not a substitute for a passport for international air travel, but it can help establish identity more quickly if you need assistance from a U.S. embassy.

Travel is one of life’s great joys, but it comes with uncertainty. For me, preparation is not about fear. It is about freedom. The more prepared I am, the more I can relax and enjoy the journey.

As I get ready for my next rip to Amsterdam, that is exactly the mindset I am taking with me.