Travel Notes
Traveling is one of my favorite ways to experience new places, cultures, and perspectives, and every trip teaches me something new. After returning from the Dominican Republic, I found myself reflecting on the little things that made the journey smoother, more enjoyable, and a bit more luxurious—from navigating the airport and understanding local tipping customs to packing a few unexpected essentials. Whether you're planning your first international trip or you're a seasoned traveler, here are a few travel notes, lessons learned, and little luxuries that made a difference on my adventure.
1. TSA at Hartsfield’s International Terminal now accepts digital driver’s licenses via Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. If you travel often, set this up—along with TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR.
2. TSA PreCheck (international side) doesn’t open until 7 a.m. (as of May 2026 for Hartsfield). Arrive earlier, and you’ll be in the regular line unless you have CLEAR. Side Note: If you travel with me and don’t have those perks, I will absolutely leave you in the regular TSA line.
3. Airport Outfit: *Side-eying Midway (they love to search me). Dress presentably, but if you don’t have Pre-Check, CLEAR, Digital ID, Priority, etc., dress to be undressed. Avoid metal and shoes that take effort to remove. Make it easy on yourself: wear comfy, layered clothes. Airports, planes, and tropical destinations all have their own wild temperatures!
Chicago
4. Tipping & Thank You Notes: Check what’s customary for tipping in your destination. In the U.S., tipping is expected, but that’s not always true abroad. We tipped airport transporters, bus drivers, bellhops, waitstaff, and housekeeping. Ask your travel agent for advice. Dynamite Travel was a lifesaver! For housekeeping, we left tips in thank-you cards. A little courtesy goes a long way!
5. Learn Greetings and Salutations: At the very least, learn basic greetings if you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language. Key phrases will save you from feeling “lost”.
6. Disposable washcloths: Even luxury hotels sometimes run low on towels, but they're clutch! They’re sturdy enough for washing up and removing makeup. Order a pack before you go—especially if you hate staining white towels with your makeup!
7. Portable Chargers: Bring a power bank. Between snapping photos, using GPS, and scrolling through your own vacation pics, your phone battery will disappear faster than your old iPhone battery... Photographers, pack extra batteries!
Traveling is so much smoother when you prepare—and when you’re kind to the people helping you out. A little patience, gratitude, and planning go a long way!
Bahamas