Our hosts David and Phil Ngo take Episode 20 to give you the tips and tricks you need to be prepared for traveling in a post-COVID climate. Long lines, delays and even packing tips to help you maximize the chances of having a successful, stressless trip. It’s a different world out there and we’ve done enough flying to help you get there too!

Quick notes from our tips & tricks: https://hackmd.io/@philknows/SkMRx5p2q

What is going on with people’s summer vacation plans? (1:12).

David explains how we break down this episode (4:40).

Stuff to do before you travel! (5:55)

Be organized! (6:55)

Use Google Maps offline feature! (7:42)

Making lists with Google Maps! (8:25)

Make reservations. Especially in Europe! (9:17)

Be proactive with packing. Never put pills or other important things  in your checked luggage (10:28).

Other things to have with you onboard (11:30).

Avoid checking luggage if you can right now, which means get on board with carry on early for overhead space (12:22).

Scheduling your pickup. (15:00)

Always check in beforehand. The goal is to not have to see an agent for anything (15:30).

How do I know if my bag is overweight (17:20)?

Ways to ensure people know how to tie your luggage to you. Legacy and technological solutions (18:30)!

Exchange rates (22:03).

Going to the airport tips (23:20)!

They usually don’t let you check bags until 3 hours earlier (26:12).

Going through security tips (27:05).

Get a NEXUS card if you can (28:53).

Long lines does not necessarily mean that it’s the right line to be in (29:53).

Keep your devices charged (31:22)!

Water bottles give you on-demand hydration! Don’t depend on the flight attendants to water you (31:35).

Acclimate to the new time zone before you get there (32:44)!

Get to customs first (34:44).

Please don’t block the luggage belt (36:19).

What does David do when he gets to his destination (37:42)?

Use the public transit feature on Google Maps to figure out how to get to where you gotta go (39:30).

If you need to use your home telecom provider abroad, have one phone roam and share the hotspot (40:08).

Be mindful of public wifi (40:58).

Be vigilant with your stuff depending on where you are (41:15).

Go shopping! Keep your receipts and get your tax exemption (42:15)!

Canadians have duty free exemptions (42:30).

Don’t lie to customs officers about what you’re bringing in to Canada (42:54).

Tips when you’re coming back home (44:30).

Shopping in Europe. Keep your passport on you (46:00).

The duty-free tax exemption has caveats (47:03).

What to do if you lose your luggage (48:15)?

What to do if you’re delayed (49:50)?

Phil shares his recent cancellation experience and explains the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (51:32).

Traveling is a gamble we’re all needing to take right now. Being nice to employees at the airport goes a long way (53:00).