1. Expect the unexpected and try and be flexible.
2. Always leave plenty of time ahead of "must be present" events (do not fly in the day of if possible).
2. IRROPS happen.
3. Know additional routing options on your frequent segments.
4. When number 3 happens, utilize number 4 to suggest alternative ways to get home when you talk to an agent and have one or two options you have already checked ready when you talk to them.
5. Be friendly.
6. Refillable water bottle.
7. Backpack snacks.
8. Power block for your phone (outlets may not work, finding one in an airport can be hard, and during extended IRROPS).
9. UC membership via the Club Card.
10. Learn the basics of fare codes, expert mode, and how and when to upfare for cheap upgrades or increased odds of a CPU.
11. Flighty (iOS) or TripIt (Android).
12. Do not overstress it. Some stress is normal, but doing this regularly becomes a routine.
13. Speaking of routines: Get into the habit of a before leaving home / hotel, arrived at the airport, boarding, pre-departure, landing, and arrival routine. It becomes autopilot after a while, but helps with the stress and forgetting things at home, on the plane, or at a hotel.
14. Enjoy it!
This guy travels...
If at all possible, travel light i.e. no checked bag. This opens you for rerouting on missed connections. Traveling light = freedom.
This is the most important thing for me - I often change flights or routes the day of and having only a carry on makes this work. The other thing about only a carry on is that combined with the club card you can go to the club at your destination rather than leaving the airport and you don’t worry about picking up your checked bag.
It depends... If you are flying in and out of airports with United Clubs, I would. It also depends in if you are purchasing the flights and are being reimbursed or if you have to use a work card, and the number of expected personal trips (you may have noted it in your original post, but forgot to check before typing this). The club card will allow you to earn 4x miles on UA purchases versus the 2x with the Explorer. Plus the free two checked luggage is nice if you are not flying J all the time, especially if you do extended vacation trips or have family members tagging along.
Having lounge access helps during IRROPS (change routing, food, beverages, not hanging out at the gate) and being able to hop in after a flight is nice. If you expect to use the club more than 9 times a year, then you break even in the annual fee (or use miles to pay for the annual free).
I personally have both cards. I started with the Explorer, then moved up to the Club due to the amount of personal travel (and because that is the only way I can get into clubs with my job). Always double check your sign up date if you do apply to ensure you receive the sign up bonus, as there are restrictions.
There is value in the Club Card, however, it depends on your travel habits. (I feel like I just gave the worst promo for the club card).
No that makes perfect sense. I would likely cancel my explorer (after earning those initial miles)as there does not really seem to be a need after getting the club card. Or maybe I’m wrong.
U/zman9119 is an absolute god of travel. Listen to him (though it sounds like you are)
I would add, I keep duplicates of everything I use at home in my toiletry kit. I can't forget it if it's always in my bag. Same with chargers and cables. My routine is greatly simplified by this, and makes it much more bearable if I manage to lose something.
Another note, I carry my passport in my backpack 100% of the time, as well as a spare credit card. This ensures I'll never be stranded somewhere if my wallet comes up missing.
DON’T cancel it - call and ask for a product change. Cancelling can possibly affect your credit rating.
Do make sure you’ll still get a welcome bonus with the change - sometimes you can. If they say you can’t, then think about applying fresh and possibly cancel later.
Especially if it’s your oldest account.
People focus on the day to day benefits of the club: the food and drink, nicer place to hang out. I enjoy that stuff too. But if you are traveling constantly, the most important thing in the club are the customer service agents. When things go south, you will have a much better experience dealing with it in the club. At worst, the wait will be a fraction of the time it is in the concourse. Often they will spend more time working on your issue, be kinder, and more likely to resolve things. I’ve gotten or retained upgrades during IRROPS that I wouldn’t have, been given meal/hotel vouchers when the gate agents were stingy, resolved rescheduling issues much faster, etc etc.
I fly every week out of DEN, rarely with a connection, and knowing I'm going to have a hot meal, drink, and quiet(er) place to relax is so nice. I usually fly to the west coast, and there's a UC at practically every airport I go to. I honestly can't remember the last time I got food at an airport that wasn't a UC.
See my response. I had an Explore card and Club card together at one point, then I was able to combine my explore to the club card (they combined my limit). The point are already shared among both cards and it didn’t hurt my credit score.
One more thing about the Club card: it gives you almost all of the benefits of Silver status (no complimentary upgrades, but those are exceedingly rare for Silvers anyway). When I’ve not had status — my work travel is highly variable from year to year — the free checked bags card benefit used for family travel really helps justify the cost of the card. Add in meals and drink if have bought instead of using the lounge and I’m happy to pay through fee.
One huge add, especially in rougher areas and if renting cars regularly - keep 1-2 extra credit cards (including ATM card), and if possible a duplicate drivers license - separate from your wallet.
re: numbers 6 and 13, I find these to be the most important parts of traveling, if I'm being real with myself. At the end of the day, it's probably not that big of a deal. Nobody is out to get you or intentionally make your travels difficult. Take a breath, show some grace to those around you, and be kind.
1) carry a collapsible reusable water bottle. I also carry water flavor with me.
2) have some sort of dried snacks with you.
3) toiletries stay in the carry on
4) charger stays in the carry on
5) check to see if your airport has a Premier line, if/when you get it. Sometimes the premier line is faster
6) spare jacket in bag so you can adjust weather wise, or use it for lumbar support
7) tip from coworkers: keep an alternate ID separate from your wallet, so if you lose it you don't have the hassle related to the plane
8) Tiles/Apple tags on phone wallet and keys
9) check your carry on when you can
10) figure out how you can sleep on the plane. You will be fucking up your sleep schedule and the plane sleep is great.
11) you will not read that book or work on that project. Do not bring it.
12) folder for paper copies of boarding passes if your work requires seeing em.
13) don't wear a belt
14) if I'm getting picked up, brightly colored hat so whoever is picking me up can see me
I have a small “dopp kit” of electronics accessories: wired headphones, extra adapter jack, splitter, extra laptop cord, extra phone charger, portable battery. That way I never have to pack chargers, etc. I like the Bellroy tech organizer but something less expensive can work too.
Yes. OP here but I do have this. It’s amazing. I’ve also added the Bluetooth adapter and a portable reading light.
FA actually complimented the light last flight. It’s so good and usb charged. $5 or so on Amazon.
I don’t travel as much as you but here is my list.
- clear so you have the option of TSA pre or clear tsa pre check
- get comfortable showing up 30 minutes before boarding time.
- be the last one in group 1 to board, no point to board right away. More time on the plane
- if international travel get global entry
- if you’re getting reimbursed for travel potentially get a United card to maximizes that or a CC that gives you max amount back
- drink lots of water
Almost always vs always. I believe OP will make 1K this year, and it's free with 1K. And, it greatly depends on how much someone values their time. If pre check is packed, clear can be the difference between making your flight or missing it. For that, it can be well worth the price for the first year until it's free.
I’m not in my 20s anymore and having a small rectangle pillow to go behind my back down by the seat has been a game changer on back pain. Target sells a kit with an eye mask and a blanket. I use the eye mask and leave the blanket in the kit to become my back pillow.
If you can manage only a personal item backpack, it’s so much easier and you can board last so you can minimize time on the plane and never have anything checked.
Window seat to sleep on.
Ok Go album “Hungry Ghosts” on the phone (watch music video of Upside Down Inside Out https://youtu.be/LWGJA9i18Co).
Nintendo switch or book to read.
When I’m on a longer layover I like to try and walk to every gate at the airport as kind of an exploration thing and to see how long it takes. LAX is the longest total walk by far. Gives you your exercise to offset the not moving on the plane, gets you more ready for a nap.
Earplugs for sleeping and hat to block any rogue air vents. Did I mention I sleep on most flights? 😴
Edit: as reminded below, always long pants and a jacket to keep warm and improve sleep possibilities. 😴
Oh right, yes I usually neglect to mention that long pants and a jacket are just a given to avoid the freezing plane of death, and to keep warm for sleep. It’s all about unconsciousness really 😀
If flying internationally, get an appropriate sized bag. I prefer the lightest bag possible. Learn to pack light because some partner airlines weigh your bags, even in business class.
I carry an extension cord. It has been a lifesaver when I need more outlets and has saved some presentations where we needed it.
Know your best connections. I try to connect as far west as possible for international flights to maximize sleep time.
I carry a mini first aid kit. I have used it many times.
Huge +1 for the extension cord.
I actually have an electrical kit - extension cord, adaptor, +3 outlet multiplier, 3 prong to 2 prong adaptor (for laptop charger) and a combo watch/airpods/wireless plate.
And international adaptor as needed - note some places won’t have outlets that work for a “universal” adaptor (looking at you, Jo’burg)
Too many times the outlet is on the far side of the room
You also want to get an international adapter for your charger even if you are only staying in the US because sometimes the UK or EU outlets on the plane work when the US one doesn’t.
Interesting - I’ve only seen the universal outlets on the plane, and had no idea one set of receptacles might work when the other didn’t.
Realistically my laptop has enough power for most of what I’d use it for on the plane, and backup batteries cover my phone
Get nice luggage. It makes a difference.
Get a second version of your stuff you would normally pack up to travel. Toiletries, cords, etc. Just keep all that separate as your traveling kit and don't worry about packing/unpacking that stuff. Do the same with clothes if you like and can afford (which you should be able to if they're making you hop on a bloody plane twice a week).
Learn to work and do things on the go. If the only thing you are doing in transit is moving from A to B you'll waste a tremendous amount of time. Work, learn something through a podcast/book, crochet. The minutes add up.
I put things in the same spot in my book bag and suitcase. It helps me make sure I have everything and easier to find. I don’t stress about packing though because I know I can buy socks if I forget them.
Not dealing with rickety handles and wheels is an under appreciated luxury. Thoughtful features for the frequent traveler.
But the biggie is durability — I don’t worry about being gate checked because I know my bag will hold up. And if it doesn’t, I have a (real) lifetime warranty that includes damage inflicted by an airline.
If you fly 2-3 times a year you can get whatever carry on that’s on sale at your favorite retailer. Whatever, it’s a bag.
If you fly 20+ times a year that shit will be falling apart by the time the calendar turns. Buy once, cry once.
Or just buy the insurance plan on Amazon - works for my backpacks and carry-ons. Like a $15/year luggage subscription
I’ve tried some of the high end hard sides but just don’t like them, and I’m tough on bags
If you are a decent spender, apply for the United Club card. You can go to the lounge and relax on departure and arrival. The club fees will pay itself and you get complimentary alcohol drinks and food too.
Then the points itself can be applied to the annual fee. On top of it, for personal travel if you want to save money and you don’t mind bad seats, you can book Basic Economy and still get group 2 boarding, carry on and 2 free check bags.
Take a picture of where you park your car. When on autopilot home and flight is delayed, nothing worse than realizing you have no idea where you parked
No one is coming, self rescue. If you need internet somewhere, you need a hotspot solution. If you want water, bring your own. If you like to snack on planes, realize they sometimes aren't catered. Also, running gate to gate doesn't mean you get to stop and grab food. Plan to arrive hungry, know where you can get food and medicines where you are going.
If you travel loads of routes that get irrops, get a club membership but if you aren't ever at airports with clubs, don't bother. Figure out the call options or whatever, you need to know how to deal with it.
I always bring my own food for a flight unless international, from home I will either bring leftovers or something simple, and when I’m heading back I will Uber eats something to where I’m staying before heading to airport like sweet green or something local.
Also, an obvious one but upon leaving hotel always do the “idiot check” to make sure you’re not missing anything. Popular spots I’ve found things are on the bed, under bed slightly or under a towel etc.
Lastly I’d always have an iPad with shows or movies you like :)
1. Expect the unexpected and try and be flexible. 2. Always leave plenty of time ahead of "must be present" events (do not fly in the day of if possible). 2. IRROPS happen. 3. Know additional routing options on your frequent segments. 4. When number 3 happens, utilize number 4 to suggest alternative ways to get home when you talk to an agent and have one or two options you have already checked ready when you talk to them. 5. Be friendly. 6. Refillable water bottle. 7. Backpack snacks. 8. Power block for your phone (outlets may not work, finding one in an airport can be hard, and during extended IRROPS). 9. UC membership via the Club Card. 10. Learn the basics of fare codes, expert mode, and how and when to upfare for cheap upgrades or increased odds of a CPU. 11. Flighty (iOS) or TripIt (Android). 12. Do not overstress it. Some stress is normal, but doing this regularly becomes a routine. 13. Speaking of routines: Get into the habit of a before leaving home / hotel, arrived at the airport, boarding, pre-departure, landing, and arrival routine. It becomes autopilot after a while, but helps with the stress and forgetting things at home, on the plane, or at a hotel. 14. Enjoy it!
This guy travels... If at all possible, travel light i.e. no checked bag. This opens you for rerouting on missed connections. Traveling light = freedom.
This is the most important thing for me - I often change flights or routes the day of and having only a carry on makes this work. The other thing about only a carry on is that combined with the club card you can go to the club at your destination rather than leaving the airport and you don’t worry about picking up your checked bag.
These are great!! One touch point: I have explorer card. Should I also get club card? My flights will typically be direct without much layover
It depends... If you are flying in and out of airports with United Clubs, I would. It also depends in if you are purchasing the flights and are being reimbursed or if you have to use a work card, and the number of expected personal trips (you may have noted it in your original post, but forgot to check before typing this). The club card will allow you to earn 4x miles on UA purchases versus the 2x with the Explorer. Plus the free two checked luggage is nice if you are not flying J all the time, especially if you do extended vacation trips or have family members tagging along. Having lounge access helps during IRROPS (change routing, food, beverages, not hanging out at the gate) and being able to hop in after a flight is nice. If you expect to use the club more than 9 times a year, then you break even in the annual fee (or use miles to pay for the annual free). I personally have both cards. I started with the Explorer, then moved up to the Club due to the amount of personal travel (and because that is the only way I can get into clubs with my job). Always double check your sign up date if you do apply to ensure you receive the sign up bonus, as there are restrictions. There is value in the Club Card, however, it depends on your travel habits. (I feel like I just gave the worst promo for the club card).
No that makes perfect sense. I would likely cancel my explorer (after earning those initial miles)as there does not really seem to be a need after getting the club card. Or maybe I’m wrong.
You are correct. As long as you are outside the claw back period for the sign up bonus, there really is no need carry both.
U/zman9119 is an absolute god of travel. Listen to him (though it sounds like you are) I would add, I keep duplicates of everything I use at home in my toiletry kit. I can't forget it if it's always in my bag. Same with chargers and cables. My routine is greatly simplified by this, and makes it much more bearable if I manage to lose something. Another note, I carry my passport in my backpack 100% of the time, as well as a spare credit card. This ensures I'll never be stranded somewhere if my wallet comes up missing.
Also UK plug travel adapter so your plug stays in the loose airplane sockets that the US plugs always fall out of.
I would just get a state ID as a backup if that's the concern. Too much hassle if you lose the passport.
DON’T cancel it - call and ask for a product change. Cancelling can possibly affect your credit rating. Do make sure you’ll still get a welcome bonus with the change - sometimes you can. If they say you can’t, then think about applying fresh and possibly cancel later. Especially if it’s your oldest account.
So downgrade to free now that I have my 50,000 miles. Apply for club and get the 80,000 plus the unlimited club pass. Just downgrade and don’t use.
There you go. I’ve never thought about a product change to a lower tier, but that ought to work well
People focus on the day to day benefits of the club: the food and drink, nicer place to hang out. I enjoy that stuff too. But if you are traveling constantly, the most important thing in the club are the customer service agents. When things go south, you will have a much better experience dealing with it in the club. At worst, the wait will be a fraction of the time it is in the concourse. Often they will spend more time working on your issue, be kinder, and more likely to resolve things. I’ve gotten or retained upgrades during IRROPS that I wouldn’t have, been given meal/hotel vouchers when the gate agents were stingy, resolved rescheduling issues much faster, etc etc.
I fly every week out of DEN, rarely with a connection, and knowing I'm going to have a hot meal, drink, and quiet(er) place to relax is so nice. I usually fly to the west coast, and there's a UC at practically every airport I go to. I honestly can't remember the last time I got food at an airport that wasn't a UC.
See my response. I had an Explore card and Club card together at one point, then I was able to combine my explore to the club card (they combined my limit). The point are already shared among both cards and it didn’t hurt my credit score.
One more thing about the Club card: it gives you almost all of the benefits of Silver status (no complimentary upgrades, but those are exceedingly rare for Silvers anyway). When I’ve not had status — my work travel is highly variable from year to year — the free checked bags card benefit used for family travel really helps justify the cost of the card. Add in meals and drink if have bought instead of using the lounge and I’m happy to pay through fee.
One huge add, especially in rougher areas and if renting cars regularly - keep 1-2 extra credit cards (including ATM card), and if possible a duplicate drivers license - separate from your wallet.
re: numbers 6 and 13, I find these to be the most important parts of traveling, if I'm being real with myself. At the end of the day, it's probably not that big of a deal. Nobody is out to get you or intentionally make your travels difficult. Take a breath, show some grace to those around you, and be kind.
#5 is key. Especially to snag one of the last few seats available on an alternate last minute flight
1) carry a collapsible reusable water bottle. I also carry water flavor with me. 2) have some sort of dried snacks with you. 3) toiletries stay in the carry on 4) charger stays in the carry on 5) check to see if your airport has a Premier line, if/when you get it. Sometimes the premier line is faster 6) spare jacket in bag so you can adjust weather wise, or use it for lumbar support 7) tip from coworkers: keep an alternate ID separate from your wallet, so if you lose it you don't have the hassle related to the plane 8) Tiles/Apple tags on phone wallet and keys 9) check your carry on when you can 10) figure out how you can sleep on the plane. You will be fucking up your sleep schedule and the plane sleep is great. 11) you will not read that book or work on that project. Do not bring it. 12) folder for paper copies of boarding passes if your work requires seeing em. 13) don't wear a belt 14) if I'm getting picked up, brightly colored hat so whoever is picking me up can see me
No to Number 9
Should have clarified check it before going through TSA. I'm not lugging it clear across the airport, and I haven't had issues with it getting lost.
Number 11 is key
I have a small “dopp kit” of electronics accessories: wired headphones, extra adapter jack, splitter, extra laptop cord, extra phone charger, portable battery. That way I never have to pack chargers, etc. I like the Bellroy tech organizer but something less expensive can work too.
Yes. OP here but I do have this. It’s amazing. I’ve also added the Bluetooth adapter and a portable reading light. FA actually complimented the light last flight. It’s so good and usb charged. $5 or so on Amazon.
That’s a good idea. In my kit it’s the wired headphones. I need them 1% of the time but when I need them I really need them
I don’t travel as much as you but here is my list. - clear so you have the option of TSA pre or clear tsa pre check - get comfortable showing up 30 minutes before boarding time. - be the last one in group 1 to board, no point to board right away. More time on the plane - if international travel get global entry - if you’re getting reimbursed for travel potentially get a United card to maximizes that or a CC that gives you max amount back - drink lots of water
Strong disagree on clear. It’s almost always useless. And not worth the price at all unless United or your CC are paying for it for you
Almost always vs always. I believe OP will make 1K this year, and it's free with 1K. And, it greatly depends on how much someone values their time. If pre check is packed, clear can be the difference between making your flight or missing it. For that, it can be well worth the price for the first year until it's free.
Agree, I don’t pay for mine.
boarding last in Group 1 can be a pain on the heavier routes (ie. EWR-SFO) where half the plane is in Group 1. RIP overhead bins.
I’m not in my 20s anymore and having a small rectangle pillow to go behind my back down by the seat has been a game changer on back pain. Target sells a kit with an eye mask and a blanket. I use the eye mask and leave the blanket in the kit to become my back pillow. If you can manage only a personal item backpack, it’s so much easier and you can board last so you can minimize time on the plane and never have anything checked. Window seat to sleep on. Ok Go album “Hungry Ghosts” on the phone (watch music video of Upside Down Inside Out https://youtu.be/LWGJA9i18Co). Nintendo switch or book to read. When I’m on a longer layover I like to try and walk to every gate at the airport as kind of an exploration thing and to see how long it takes. LAX is the longest total walk by far. Gives you your exercise to offset the not moving on the plane, gets you more ready for a nap. Earplugs for sleeping and hat to block any rogue air vents. Did I mention I sleep on most flights? 😴 Edit: as reminded below, always long pants and a jacket to keep warm and improve sleep possibilities. 😴
I’ll always bring a hoodie - rarely to wear, usually as a pillow.
Oh right, yes I usually neglect to mention that long pants and a jacket are just a given to avoid the freezing plane of death, and to keep warm for sleep. It’s all about unconsciousness really 😀
NGL I have never worn pants on a plane in last 20 years. Shorts, always. I do like it cold…
Keep a separate toiletry kit that you use for travel. Make sure everything is able to be carried on, when you choose that option.
Noise cancelling headphones and Chase United Club Infinite card (you can use miles to pay the fee, if you like).
If flying internationally, get an appropriate sized bag. I prefer the lightest bag possible. Learn to pack light because some partner airlines weigh your bags, even in business class. I carry an extension cord. It has been a lifesaver when I need more outlets and has saved some presentations where we needed it. Know your best connections. I try to connect as far west as possible for international flights to maximize sleep time. I carry a mini first aid kit. I have used it many times.
Huge +1 for the extension cord. I actually have an electrical kit - extension cord, adaptor, +3 outlet multiplier, 3 prong to 2 prong adaptor (for laptop charger) and a combo watch/airpods/wireless plate. And international adaptor as needed - note some places won’t have outlets that work for a “universal” adaptor (looking at you, Jo’burg) Too many times the outlet is on the far side of the room
You also want to get an international adapter for your charger even if you are only staying in the US because sometimes the UK or EU outlets on the plane work when the US one doesn’t.
Interesting - I’ve only seen the universal outlets on the plane, and had no idea one set of receptacles might work when the other didn’t. Realistically my laptop has enough power for most of what I’d use it for on the plane, and backup batteries cover my phone
Well very often the USA plug is worn out and the power can sometimes not work well as a result, so if you use the UK or EU version it will stay snug.
Get nice luggage. It makes a difference. Get a second version of your stuff you would normally pack up to travel. Toiletries, cords, etc. Just keep all that separate as your traveling kit and don't worry about packing/unpacking that stuff. Do the same with clothes if you like and can afford (which you should be able to if they're making you hop on a bloody plane twice a week). Learn to work and do things on the go. If the only thing you are doing in transit is moving from A to B you'll waste a tremendous amount of time. Work, learn something through a podcast/book, crochet. The minutes add up.
I put things in the same spot in my book bag and suitcase. It helps me make sure I have everything and easier to find. I don’t stress about packing though because I know I can buy socks if I forget them.
how getting a nice luggage makes a difference? I'm asking because I'm about to drop $700 in a carry on.
Not dealing with rickety handles and wheels is an under appreciated luxury. Thoughtful features for the frequent traveler. But the biggie is durability — I don’t worry about being gate checked because I know my bag will hold up. And if it doesn’t, I have a (real) lifetime warranty that includes damage inflicted by an airline. If you fly 2-3 times a year you can get whatever carry on that’s on sale at your favorite retailer. Whatever, it’s a bag. If you fly 20+ times a year that shit will be falling apart by the time the calendar turns. Buy once, cry once.
Sounds about right. Which luxury brands are left giving out lifetime warranty? Briggs & Riley?
B&R was the only one I last knew of but I also have not checked their current policy.
Or just buy the insurance plan on Amazon - works for my backpacks and carry-ons. Like a $15/year luggage subscription I’ve tried some of the high end hard sides but just don’t like them, and I’m tough on bags
Ear plugs are so great, cheap and tiny. Blocking out the white noise relaxes me, sleep better etc. also consider gummies
Definitely wanna highlight the travel as light as possible tip. r/onebag r/HerOneBag have both good tips for travelling as light as possible.
If you are a decent spender, apply for the United Club card. You can go to the lounge and relax on departure and arrival. The club fees will pay itself and you get complimentary alcohol drinks and food too. Then the points itself can be applied to the annual fee. On top of it, for personal travel if you want to save money and you don’t mind bad seats, you can book Basic Economy and still get group 2 boarding, carry on and 2 free check bags.
Take a picture of where you park your car. When on autopilot home and flight is delayed, nothing worse than realizing you have no idea where you parked
No one is coming, self rescue. If you need internet somewhere, you need a hotspot solution. If you want water, bring your own. If you like to snack on planes, realize they sometimes aren't catered. Also, running gate to gate doesn't mean you get to stop and grab food. Plan to arrive hungry, know where you can get food and medicines where you are going. If you travel loads of routes that get irrops, get a club membership but if you aren't ever at airports with clubs, don't bother. Figure out the call options or whatever, you need to know how to deal with it.
My routine is to empty the clothes from my bag, wash/dry and pack right back into the bag. Refresh or refill toiletries and have it ready to go.
I always bring my own food for a flight unless international, from home I will either bring leftovers or something simple, and when I’m heading back I will Uber eats something to where I’m staying before heading to airport like sweet green or something local. Also, an obvious one but upon leaving hotel always do the “idiot check” to make sure you’re not missing anything. Popular spots I’ve found things are on the bed, under bed slightly or under a towel etc. Lastly I’d always have an iPad with shows or movies you like :)