In yesterday’s blog, I gave some insightful travel tips that work well for me. Of course, what might be helpful to yours truly might not be everyone’s saving grace. Thus, I went to an expert … my friend Melissa Marie. She writes a blog that is geared toward women who have the travel bug. She chimed in with some suggestions for gals (and guys) on the go:

*”I have an entire section of my blog dedicated to recreating the foods from my trips, but I still pack snacks for the plane – especially if traveling internationally. I could and have eaten my weight in Pad Thai. However, after five days of Pad Thai in Thailand, I was really glad I brought along some American snacks. My favorite easy to pack snacks: almonds, granola bars and apples.”

*”Packing cubes, packing folders.  They are on my blog’s “must pack” list because they are magic. They’re like adding little drawers to your carry-on by keeping things organized and compact. IKEA has inexpensive cubes and you can find folders at eBags or REI.”

*”Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. You’ll dehydrate when flying … and hydrating (with water, not pop) will not only make you feel better, it eases jet lag as well!”

*”For a long flight, take Melatonin. It’s over the counter, it’ll help you fall asleep and you won’t risk a Bridesmaid-esque flight scene.”

*”NOISE. CANCELLING. HEADPHONES. What crying baby? What annoying talker?”

*”The window seat is awesome, until you have to climb over two sleeping people because … hydration.  If you are traveling solo, book the aisle seat to give yourself more freedom to get up. Traveling as a couple? Book the window and aisle seat. If you’re lucky, maybe the flight won’t fill up and no one will claim the middle seat. If you’re unlucky, well, just offer to trade seats.”

*My wise grandfather — who was a TWA mechanic — always said dress for first class and you’ll have a better chance of being upgraded.  I still follow that advice. But, beyond upgrades, I also think people treat you with a little more respect when you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed.”

Melissa and I also agreed on one other thing … getting signed up for TSAPre. If you’re a road warrior, it makes check-in through security a virtual breeze.  (If you only travel a couple times a year — this isn’t necessarily for you.) Yesterday in Atlanta at America’s busiest airport, it took me exactly 49 seconds to scoot through security. (Yes, I timed it.) No fuss. No muss. No hassles. No waiting. No kidding. It’s the best $85 I’ve ever spent. Period.

If you’re looking for amazing deals, specials and/or last-minute price breaks, bop over to Melissa’s blog —www.kcgirltravels.com. Not only does she know the inside scoop, she’s more than willing to share them with her lucky readers. The more you know, people, the more you know.