| This week: Our staff reveal their most prized pointers to upgrade your trips. |  | Cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Japan | | | | Travel nerds, and proud of it | I like to think I work at the world’s most comprehensive travel library. All that’s missing is one of those glossy wooden ladders so I can glide around the (metaphorical) shelves, scanning topics like shopping in Paris and the best hikes near NYC. Not only do our staff have a wealth of destination expertise, but we also know what it means to be a top-tier traveler, nerding out over how our trips can run mostly smoothly. I pooled together our best tips, ranging from the perfect long-haul flight formula to how many packing cubes you actually need. Some favorites: | - Pack instant coffee so you don’t cough up $8 for one between flights.
- Always have a “little bag of things” like medication, moisturizer and extra underwear at the ready for emergencies.
- Bring pastries to show your appreciation to your flight attendants, and you may receive a free cocktail (or even get upgraded).
| These tiny bits of wisdom will level up your trips big time. Welcome to the Travel Nerdom! | | | Optimize your travel style | | | | | How to make a speedy US airport exit | That lengthy, snaking passport control line after international flights to the US? US passport holders (and certain other groups) can dodge it and exit within minutes – for free! No Global Entry required. | | | | | The Lonely Planet guide to packing | To check or not to check a bag? Do you roll your clothes or fold them? What are those liquid rules again? All your most pressing packing questions are answered in one comprehensive guide. | | | | | Seek out uncrowded sites in Venice | Beyond Piazza San Marco and Ponte di Rialto, a quieter, more authentic Venezia awaits – hidden gardens, exquisite art and textile collections, and honest osterie (taverns) driven by love, not profit. | | | | | Make the most of the Japan Rail Pass | If you plan to travel long distances in Japan, enjoy rail travel, and really want to explore lesser-visited areas, the Japan Rail Pass is still an incredible deal, even with the recent price increases. Here’s how to use it. | | | |
