The Escape Trails...

  “The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton.

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The "Stay"cation

As much as we would all love to go on vacations to amazing places across the world, sometimes we simply don't have to ability to. But just because you are stuck at home doesn't mean you can't enjoy your at home vacation or your "stay-cation". Here are some ways to enjoy your stay at home.

 1. Spend the night in a hotel 

For the vacationers who cannot afford a seven day , all-inclusive resort oceans away, try spending the night at a hotel out of the city just to relax, unwind, and order room service,and comfy hotel robes. Oh! and some Netflix bring your lap top!

 2. Have a mini get together with family and or friends

If you often enjoy entertaining during the summer, but never have the time. Spend a few days of your stay cation planning a little get together with friends and family.

 3. Take some time to do things you want to do ex. Go to the spa, enjoy a movie, go shopping 

During your everyday normal schedule, you often don’t have time to do the things you enjoy, like enjoying a movie or going shopping.

 4. Go to a city close by that you've never been to before 

 There are tons of cities less than an hour away that have beautiful sights and people right in your backyard.

 5. Spend all your time resting (if you can) 

No better way to spend your stay cation than lying in your bed with a good book and a cozy blanket. (and air conditioning)

6. Enjoy the local festivities in your city ex. Parades, events, carnivals.

During the summer time many cities nearby have many concerts and festivals. It is one way to spend a day enjoying the summer weather and the people.

J.S.

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Mississauga

Welcome to the great city of Mississauga. There are lots of fun activities to do in this beautiful city.

Square One is one of the biggest malls in the city of Mississauga. If you are looking for a place to go shopping whether it be high end such as Rolex or even just wanting to go to a nice restaurant such as Moxies this is the place to be. With over 320 shops, services, dining, and entertainment options Square one is your one stop shop for premier fashion and great dining. 

Another great attraction in Mississauga is the lakefront. There is many places you are able to go but the most common lakefront is Promenade. It is a beautiful place if you want to just go for a nice walk, have a picnic or go boating by the marina. 

If you are looking for a beautiful place to enjoy a nice meal Snug Harbour is the place to go. They have everything from an oyster bar to gourmet pizzas. You are able to enjoy your meal either inside the beautiful decorated restaurant, or you can sit on the patio outside and look onto the water while enjoying. 

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Buddy Pass

Finding a travel buddy can be difficult, you want to choose someone who is interested in the things you are, as well as have the same level of enthusiasm towards travelling.Here are the top 3 people that might make your travelling experience a tad bit better.

1.Best Friend (s)

Who knows you better than your best friend? Um no one! Travelling with your best friend has many benefits. For example , they like exactly what you like (sometimes), there is never a dull moment with your best friend, and you are almost guaranteed to have a good time, In my opinion some of my best adventures have been with my best friend. 

2. Significant Other

If your best friend is too busy to travel with you, you can settle for your significant other. (unless your significant other is your best friend) There is nothing like traveling the world and creating milestones with the person you love. Traveling with your significant other is a  very special thing, especially when you want someone to hold your hand the entire trip <3 

3. Siblings/ Family Member(s)

Family members are number 3 on this list simply because of the themed dinner evenings, where you all have to wear matching outfits/colors (been there, done that). Other than that, people really look forward to annual family trips, where you all forget you have problems for a week and just enjoy your time away from real life. Your sibling(s) are one of the best travel buddies to have because your bond with each other is something unexplained and unparalleled.There is no doubt after arguing over who gets the window seat on the plane, that you will have an amazing time! 

Who is your travel buddy? Share Below.

J.S

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Beautiful Lake Dalrymple

Lake Dalrymple is a fun way to enjoy friends and family company during long weekends or even over a couple weeks during the summer. 

There are lots of fun activities to do at Lake Dalrymple such as fishing! There are lots of fish in the lake such as perch, bass and sunfish ranging in different sizes which makes for a fun fishing trip either if you are on a boat or just fishing off of the dock.

Another fun activity to do is going on the jetskii. There lake is so big that you are able to go travel and see all of the different little islands and cottages that are on the lake. Whether you are just messing around or going to site see it is a great time. 

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The Sunshine State

Welcome to Florida, also known as the sunshine state! There are many attractions available for site seeing in this beautiful state. 

Disney World is a place for people young and old. Theres many attractions to go and see as well as rides for young children and adults. During Christmas there is a huge fireworks show as well as fireworks during the whole year. You can go into different parts and visit many of the Disney characters, take photos and meet and greet with them!

Next place that is a must see in florida is the Florida Keys. Being able to see the beautiful blue waters whether you are lying on the beach or playing volleyball on the beach it is a nice relaxing way to spend a couple days. 

The Woods Jupiter is one of the most well known restaurants in Florida. Owned by Tiger Woods this place is a very sophisticated and fancy place to eat. 

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Cruising the 6ix:  Toronto Attractions PT2.

Toronto Attractions Pt1.

In my Cruising the 6ix: Toronto Attractions PT1. (link above), I listed mostly the tourist-y places you can see in Toronto

BUT NOW we’re going to get a little deeper into some true Torontonian culture.

The St. Lawrence Market.

All local vendors where you can get such a range of things. From groceries, to kitchen supplies/appliances, clothing, food, jewelry, you name it!

*must try*: Paddingtons - located inside the St. Lawrence Market and has a breakfast you could die for (seriously, those hangover kind of breakfasts)

and also: right across the street is my favourite pub The Corner Place - amazing drink deals and food 

Kensington Market.

Its a place where you can experience the true diversity of Toronto, you can enjoy the scenery with all the outdoor artwork while doing a little shopping.

Union Station.

Literally the heart of downtown Toronto, where all trains and buses meet. You can find multiple restaurants, activities, and local events.

Union Station usually does a summer market where you can relax and enjoy some food and entertainment.

Some restaurants I personally love that’s not far from here are The Loose Moose, Queen St Warehouse, Jack Astors, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and Caseys. (all places to grab a good meal and drink before a game or hangout, plus great patios)

CARIBANA. big upp

Growing up in a Trinidadian family, we take pride in our caribbean culture and Toronto is gladly to welcome it. 

Caribana (now named Caribbean Carnival...ok) is becoming increasingly larger over the years with people flying in to either participate or just to come watch. Most people come for the parade which takes place on Lakeshore in Toronto but there are also events leading up to it and afterwards. Cabana Pool Bar usually hosts Soca or Die, other places take it upon themselves to host SOS which is Summer Of Soca, just to name a couple. oh and boat cruises.. obvs. 

This is something I recommend everyone to experience and enjoy.

Salsa on St. Clair.

This street festival is welcome to all and why not salsa dance in uptown Toronto?

This festival usually runs for a couple days in July and incorporates food vendors, music on multiple stages, and the street is closed off so you can wander as you please. 

You can eat, dance, and meet new people. or just enjoy your time with people you already know but what could get better than frolicking on the streets of Toronto?

Be sure to check these out if you find yourself in the 6ix in the summer.

- hL

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Bienvenue à Montréal!

Welcome to Montréal! Also know as Canadian Fashion District. Located in the Province of Québec, Montréal Is located in the province of Québec and yes, they speak French. This little city is an amazing place to spend the weekend getting to see the old Architecture and experience a little bit of the French-Canadian culture.

Notre Dame Basilica

Opened in 1830, this beautiful cathedral is amazing in its own right. It Is super amazing and if you aren’t attending mass they run tours of the cathedral for $5CDN. The architecture inside the cathedral alone will amaze you, but if that isn’t enough the history of the cathedral will take your breath away.

Food

Montréal is a very diverse city, it is guaranteed that you will find at least one restaurant that reminds you of home no matter where you go in the city.

Hotels

Montréal isn’t an expensive place to spend a few nights, there are many hotels that offer many different deals. If you have the chance to visit, you won’t be disappointed.

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Ways to save up for travel

Traveling while on a budget is not as hard as everyone puts it out to be, what's even harder? It's the months before where you have to save up for your vacation so you can fulfill all your holiday wishes, while remembering you have a budget you need to maintain. There are many ways that you can save up, from a small cut back on fancy drinks all the way to creating a savings plan, we have gathered a few ways to save up.

The first step to any sort of saving is to commit to it, remember what your goal is and that you want to achieve it. Mark your calendar, and put up a picture of one of the few activities you might want to do to, somewhere in plain sight so you can see it every day. This is just a way to remind yourself daily that this is something you want to do, and you will do it.

Eat out less often: Small step but big impact, eating out can be fun and something that can become habitual. Restaurants and fast food chains can really dazzle you with their low prices, but those $5.99 and $4.99 deals end up adding really quickly. Learning how to cook small meals for yourself can be very satisfying and a way for you to feel accomplished.

Alternatives methods of transportation: This can really help you save up, saving all that money on gas will go a long way. Taking the bus or a cab to work or school does not take up that much money, and better yet hitching a ride with your friends or coworkers. Another way to save money in terms of transportation is walking to work or school, it is good for your health and a plus you will be helping out the environment simultaneously.

Make a list: As you may all have guessed by now lists are my favorite things in the world, there are so many benefits to them. Make a list of all your important monthly expenses, like utility bills, groceries etc and calculate your monthly budget. This will allow you to eliminate any expenses you deem unnecessary and focus your budget only on what you need.

Use your Smartphone for some extra cash: We are very lucky to be alive in a time and age where things like UBER, UBEReats, DoorDash and postmates exist. These are all small ways to make a little extra cash on the side, downloading these apps will allow you to sign up and fulfill any task given. Things like postmates and DoorDash are third party services where you can pick up a delivery or groceries for others and deliver it to their doorstep. This is a good way to make some petty cash as well as gives you a chance to access it through your phone.

Vacation account: Make a separate account for your vacation a savings plan or something along that line. Depositing anywhere from $5-$25 on a monthly basis will help you save up quickly. With a little bit of restraint you will have more than enough to travel without stepping out of budget.

These are just a few ways we think will help save up for your vacation. Reblog with suggestions on how you guys save up money, we would love to hear your input.

-Z.K.

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Best Travel Cameras for 2017

With the constant traveling and vacations coming through, it’s essential to note the types and specifications of cameras that you can use to take splendid photos. Reading a lot of photography tips and tricks has now become a part of your life along with reading blogs about the perfect travel-friendly camera.

It is quintessential to know that whichever camera you’re buying should be completely portable, light weight, and the one that captures beautiful shots. Here, we have listed out some of the best cameras on the market that are cost efficient and traveler friendly.

1.     Sony RX100 for $500

This mini wonder is powerful when taking Point to Shoot photos but doesn’t have a viewfinder if you’re an SLR fan.

2.     Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 for $750

For all those intense photo depth lovers, DSLRs are your best bet and for $750, this camera is quite a steal.

3.     Canon PowerShot G9 X for $400 – 450

Canon has always been a forerunner when it comes to cameras. This little camera is very compatible for your vacation photographs with the same sensors as the pricier G5 X.

4.     Sony Alpha a6500 for $1,350

If the price doesn’t bother you, this camera is an all rounder.

5.     Nikon D3300 around $447 with lens

Another great DSLR camera that is on the heavier side but has amazing image stabilization and picture processing features.

What’s your favourite travel camera? Let us know! See you in the next post!

-V.S.

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Shopping Tips for Travelling

So most people tend to travel during the summer season and from working in retail, thats exactly when stores up their prices SPECIFICALLY for the reason that its vacation season. So I’m here to give you a few tips of how to plan your shopping for when you’re going travelling.

1. Summer in the Winter

You may think that shopping for all your vacation items in the summer makes sense (if you’re going somewhere warm) but the best time to grab all those good stuff is during the winter. 

During the holidays, most stores have discount deals on majority of their items and if you take a good look next time, you’ll see that they are on previous summer items because they are trying to make space for new winter items. 

You can grab sandals, shorts, tshirts, even bikinis during this time and you’ll be set for vacation season. 

2. “Travel Size”

A major misconception when travelling is buying travel size items and let me tell you why. It may seem like it makes sense to buy the smaller items when you’re travelling but the prices are almost the same as a regular size. 

Instead of buying those small little shampoos and conditioners,just buy a full sized one, stop by the dollar store and pick up some of those travel size containers. Trust me, you’ll get more for your buck and on the plus size, you can always refill them up whenever you’re travelling or going on overnight trips.  

3. Quality = $$ 

Knowing that some items for vacations are worth spending your dollars on. Instead of buying that cheaper brand of sunscreen, you can try buying the one that may be a little bit pricier (not like $50 pricier). Buy something that will do that job and lasts. Buy products that don’t require to be applied constantly. That goes for hair protecting product if you’re in the sun, sunscreen, moisturizers, bug spray, etc. 

You’ll appreciate it more because you wont be constantly having to buy the product.

-hL

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Tips to stay healthy while traveling

Traveling can be the most amazing thing in the world, being able to experience new places, to enjoy the beauty and culture of a completely different place with a fresh perspective. Giving your taste buds a unique wave of flavors by trying out new foods! However with all the traveling you do, it is easy for things to go sideways and start affecting your health. This is why we have come up with a few tips to maintain your health, while traveling.

Get enough sleep Often while traveling people tend to get caught up in what they are doing, whether you are on the road or just enjoying the many scenic views in a city. You want to make the most out of your trip so you try to hit up as many hotspots as possible, which can get overbearing if you take on more than you can handle. In order for you to get the most out of you trip it is important to get enough sleep, because if your body is not well rested you will not be able to enjoy your trip and instead be in a very cranky mood.

REST! From the day you learn you are going on a vacation to the day you actually leave it is a hassle of getting everything together. Think about it this way, you are traveling a long distance for this vacation, lugging around your suitcases, running from this destination to the next to experience as much as you possibly can; this has to tire a person out! So every once in awhile take a break, give gaps in between sightseeing ahead of time, because only you know how you truly well you function. And remember making the most out of your vacation doesn't mean that you have to burn out.

Watch what you eat Vacationing means new places, new clothes and of course new and exotic foods. And why wouldn't you, trying out these things allows you to really experience a destination. However it never hurts to actually know what is in the food, whether or not you have any restrictions. It's just a precaution to take, if anything it will be everything you can eat so it won't be a problem and if not you may just have saved yourself from bed rest. Because nothing sucks more than having your vacation spoiled by being stuck in bed all day for who knows how long.

And of course protecting your skin, staying hydrated and keeping a hand sanitizer with you will only do you good in the end. Next time you are on vacation enjoy and keep these posts in mind, as it will help you. Share this post to help others, as well as adding your own input, we would love to hear from you guys!

M.A

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Travel to South India on a Budget!

When you think of taking a budget travel, the ideal place to go will be somewhere where the currency value is on the low. And traveling to South India on a budget will always be a memory worth cherishing.

The only big expenditure you’ll have is the flight tickets, but if you book it a little advance and plan the whole trip accordingly, it’ll be a success. Here are a few places and how much you have to spend throughout the trip approximately:

Sight seeing – South India is a mixture of culture, tradition, amazing food, and fun. Visit Chikmagalur and Hampi, Karnataka; Alleppey and Munnar, Kerala; Chennai and Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu; and Vijayawada and Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh.

All these cities are different from one another in so many aspects. For example, Chennai has the second longest beach, Marina; Alleppey has beautiful backwaters and houseboats you can spend a memorable night with your loved ones! Hampi has intricate archaeological sites and palaces and Munnar has vast tea plantations.

Stay – India is an incredible but an inexpensive country. There’s a lot to do which costs very less! Book a five-star hotel room even just before arriving for around a $100! If star hotels aren’t your forte, get a budget hotel for as low as $20 to $40 dollars.

Food – Not all Indian food have curry in them. There are Dosas, Idlis, Vada, Paiysam, Avial, Appam, Bisi-Bele-bath, Puliyodharai, and a million varieties of rice and sides available here. All this for around $3 to $10 each meal!

Transportation – Go around the town and all the cities for just about $10 dollars! Sounds like a deal, doesn’t it? The public transportation in India is very liberal as there are more than a billion-people swarming about. You can also hire a cab for $2/five kilometers. Or take one of these little buggies called autos to travel throughout your trip. But you better be good with your bargaining skills. 

So pack your bags and leave on a trip to this wonderful country filled with amazing experiences waiting just for you!

 -V.S

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Maintaining your workout routine while on vacation

What can you do to still get that quick and effective workout in while you're on vacation and still go to all the attractions? It can feel nearly impossible sometimes. It's hard enough to maintain a workout routine in just your daily busy life, and now travel as well. But travelling can give you some opportunities to see breath taking views while exploring parts of the city you otherwise may not have.

A big part of actually getting up and motivated is to be mentally prepared. Something that helps is to have a schedule going and your day planned out. That way you know where you have sometime for a workout. When i say workout it doesn't mean you necessarily have to be in a gym it could be something like getting your heart rate up by going on a hike to get to a viewpoint.

Many people also prefer to just go into the gym and workout before they head out for the day, this maybe for things such as if you're wearing formals and maybe ready for a bunch of photos. I would say getting your workout done early in the morning is a good time. This way you don't have to worry about getting back and being tired.

When booking your hotels you can see what they offer and take the gym into consideration. Some hotels have a 24 hour free access gym to all guests which will fit into your budget too. Other then that most hotels have a gym that opens early morning and closes late to remain flexible for timings.

M.A

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Essential toiletries while traveling

This one is for all of our makeup lovers and those who don't know where to place themselves in terms of beauty freak to 'never picked a makeup brush up in life'. While traveling it is important to pack more than your clothes, choosing which beauty products to take with you and which to leave behind with a heavy heart, is just as important. Which we know is going to be difficult to decide, so before you pack your entire vanity bow in your suitcase, read our tips to get a better understanding of everything.

Skin care:

Face wash, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen

When it comes to skin care while traveling I think it's best to keep it simple. You don't want to be caught up in packing what is right and what is not so packing a face wash to start the day off right and end it by washing all the impurities off. A moisturizer to protect your skin from the dry and dense atmosphere of wherever you are. And lastly a tube of sunscreen (always good to get an SPF kind), this will provide maximum protection for your skin, especially if you know you are going to be sunbathing.  

Hair care:

Shampoo, Conditioner, Hairspray and bobby pins

If you have a specific type of shampoo or conditioner you use than it would be best to take a travel size bottle with you. Even if it is not of essence to you, taking a bottle of your own shampoo or conditioner with you is better of an option than to use one provided by the hotel or motel. A bottle of hairspray goes a long way when it comes to doing your hair or dressing up, you don't want your hair to be looking like a hot mess for your vacation pictures. You may be going out dancing or to a club with your friends, and you want your hair to stay put for the rest of the night. And of course the biggest hair care need on this planet is the bobby pin, no matter how many of these little things you have it is never enough, but I assure you a pack of these on your vacation will go a long way.

Makeup:

When it comes to the makeup aspect of packing there is so much you want to include, but taking everything with you is not always the case. This is why whenever I travel I find it mindful to stick to what is in my makeup bag, you have your foundation or if you want something lighter a good alternative is a BB cream. A lipstick or two and a lip gloss, going with a dark and a light shade is a good idea as it allows you to dress it up or dress it down according to your plans for the day. And lastly eye shadows and mascara to finish up your everyday look, in terms of eye shadow it would do well to go with a small 4-6 pack to leave space in your makeup. Keep it simple because you don't want to bulk up your makeup bag, but if you do want to take your more expensive branded products with you remember to pack it well to avoid any breakage.

Maintaining your beauty routine is often hard while on vacation, but by adjusting your makeup regiment to fit with the products you packed, looking flawless is not hard!

-Z.K.

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5 Ways to Stay Comfortable on a Road Trip

Everyone knows how tedious a road trip can be, aside from all the fun and games. From personal experience driving from Toronto to Florida, I’ve come across a few tips that will help keep your comfortable through your long drive.

1. Dress Comfy. I usually go with sweatpants and a hoodie because:

a) they double a blanket - keeping you all warm and cozy, and

b) because why wear jeans? 

If you’re driving from two different climates such as Toronto to Florida, wearing sweats keep your comfortable for car naps and makes it easy to change out of clothes when the weather starts warming up. 

2. Bring Music. Long or short, day or night, you WILL get bored. Plus imagine playing your favourite songs and watching the different sceneries? It’s like your in your very own music video.

*side note* download all music BEFORE hand.

This is usually the best chance to just sit and listen to all those new albums artists just dropped. 

3. Pack a Carry On. I know this one sounds weird because you’re driving but trust me, it’ll come in handy for those pit stops. 

a toothbrush

a hair brush

deodorant

feminine hygiene products (for women)

toilet paper - because you never know where you’re going to stop

4. Try not to eat a lot of salty snacks. Even thought they’re so good! Munching on those chips or pretzels, always lead to one thing. WATER. And we all know what happens when you drink too much water....

5. Bring a Camera. Although most people these days use their phones to take pictures, it doesn’t hurt to bring something with the sole purpose to capture the moment. 

Imagine getting those hi-def pictures (I mean, the iPhone 7 can too but still) 

Have fun!

-hL

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Mexico, Cancun

Mexico aka South of the Border, made famous through the words of Frank Sinatra's melodious song, but remained popular because of its culture and authenticity. The city of Cancun is one of Mexico's most famous vacationing spots, people from all over the world come here to witness the magnificence the city has to offer with their own eyes. Situated on the southeast part of Mexico, the city sits atop the beautiful Caribbean sea, making it one of the few cities that ends up at the top of everyone's vacation list.

Cancun is not only famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and never ending sparkling turquoise water, but also for the amazing resorts it has. Many of the resorts that Cancun has offers great deals with included amenities at a fairly regular price. But if you're looking for a real budget friendly hotel, then you will find one in downtown Cancun. These resorts are easy on the pocket for students like us and still provide amenities you would find at a five-star resort. Another perk of staying downtown is that you would be closer to the culture of the city, getting better deals on meals and souvenirs as well as being able to fraternize with the people; so as to get a more authentic feel of your vacation.

Another thing that might come in handy on your trip to Cancun is your ability to speak the native tongue. So don't be afraid to brush up a little bit on your Spanish, so as to better connect with the city, seem less like a tourist and at times even skip the double prices tourists have to pay. Buying a Spanish to English dictionary will definitely help, make it one of your essentials, as I mentioned in my last post.

if you are a history buff, or just enjoy going on adventures with your friends, you will absolutely love the Mayan Riviera. It is a jungle line on the coast of the Caribbean, constituting on beautiful white sandy beaches, colonial towns, and in the more recent year's marvelous water parks. You can also take guided tours of the ancient ruins that are found there, as well as the caves found along the Yucatan Peninsula. If you want to skip the fee for the guided tour then you are also permitted to wander the caves and ancient ruins on your own, this is the perfect opportunity for you to let the inner explorer within you come out and take over for a day.

With such a popular destination as Cancun is, it's easy to get misguided into thinking it's all expensive. But trust me, when you are a student with a tight budget and an internet connection, then there is nothing stopping you from finding the best deals and most affordable locations. So book that trip, pack your bags and fall in love with Cancun!

-Z.K.

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Airport Tips

For many travelers, whether you are a first-time traveler, or even a frequent flyer, knows that the only thing between you and your dream vacation spot is the airport. There are many rules and regulations when travelling but here are some tips to help you be less nervous at the airport;

 1.  Arrival Time: 

Arriving at the airport for your flight is always tedious. It depends on whether you are flying Domestic, or International. The normal arrival time should be roughly 90 minutes before your flight if flying domestic, (national) and 120 minutes before your flight if you fly International.

2. Check in Lines: 

To bypass some of the hectic check in lines be sure to check into your flight 24 hours before, as well as print off your boarding pass ahead of time, so you can go straight to the self serve kiosks, to print your luggage tags. Doing this also allows you to cut your arrival time a little bit shorter

3. Security: 

To rush your way through security make sure that all of your electronics are easy to access. And that any liquid bottle you do not need are checked in your luggage rather than put in your carry-on.

The Airport can be a hassle free visit, Good luck on your travels!

J.S.