Mad Max’s No-Fail Travel Tips for North Dakota and Beyond

Whether you're a frequent globetrotter or just an occasional traveler, there's always a neat travel hack you might not have heard of. Planning a trip involves so many tasks – choosing a destination, booking flights, making an itinerary, and packing your bags.

With the holidays approaching, we all could use a few travel tips, especially since airports are busier than ever and airfare prices seem to keep climbing.Here's one I recommend: Get yourself signed up for TSA Pre-Check. I recently did it at Williston's XWA Airport, and it's a breeze. It took me less than ten minutes. They take your fingerprints, snap a quick picture, you sign a form, and pay $78 for a five-year membership. Once you have TSA Pre-Check, you'll breeze through security without removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. Totally worth it, even if you're an occasional traveler!If you're an international traveler, consider Global Entry – that's next on my list.Now, I'll share some personal travel tips to keep you well-prepared and ensure you have your best trip ever. I always carry disinfecting wipes to clean my tray table and the area around my seat. Plus, I swear by using Ziploc Space Bags for my clothes, and here are a few more tips I can't travel without:

1. Use CBD to combat jet lag and travel anxiety. CBD can help regulate your mood, reduce stress, boost your energy, and leave you feeling balanced, which is a game-changer for jet lag and travel anxiety.
2. Don't break the bank on flights. There are tons of ways to save money on airfare, and it's a no-brainer to take advantage of them.
   • Apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights let you compare airline prices and even set up fare notifications.
   • If your travel dates are flexible, use a low fare calendar to find the cheapest times to fly.
   • Consider joining a frequent flyer program with your favorite airline and maybe even get their credit card for extra savings.
3. Fresh-smelling clothes on the go. Tuck a few dryer sheets between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh and reduce static.
4. Bring a zipper pillowcase. It's a great space-saver for your luggage and can be a lifesaver if you need to shift items between bags due to weight limits.
5. Download Google Maps offline. Losing phone service while on the road is a real possibility, and if you're traveling abroad, you might not have a data plan. To always know your way around, download specific map areas for offline use. While you can't ask for directions, you can use your good old map-reading skills to navigate the city.
6. Tangle-free jewelry with cling wrap. If you don't have a travel jewelry case, just wrap your necklaces and bracelets in cling wrap, preventing them from getting all tangled up. It takes up very little suitcase space."

I hope this helps, and safe travels!

Do you have any travel hacks that you swear by? I'd love to know.