You’ve probably been reading about all the hassles with air travel this summer. Perhaps you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing them yourself. 

Delays. Cancellations. Lost luggage.

We’ve recently returned from 2 ½ months in Europe, visiting Lisbon, Madrid, Bordeaux, Paris, and London. What a glorious adventure!

Our trip involved five international flights. Except for a long delay getting through Immigration upon arrival in Lisbon, we’re happy to report we encountered zero complications.

While delays or cancellations are beyond a passenger’s control, advance planning and proactive strategies minimized the chances of our travel being disrupted.

Use these steps to make your next international flight trouble-free. Even relaxing!

Dress for Success

We can all agree that going through security is a hassle. 

Shoes off. Computer out. No more than 3.4 ounces… etc, etc.

You know the drill, so do yourself a favor and dress for the occasion. Slip-ons, not sneakers or boots. A fabric belt instead of one with a big buckle. Minimal accessories and jewelry. Remember, the less you have to remove the better.

On a side note, be aware of surprising items TSA might confiscate. We once had to hand over a jar of peanut butter (don’t judge – Jif isn’t always available in Ecuador) because it’s a “viscous substance.” Sigh.

Sign up for Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. 

Instead of standing in long lines to get through Immigration, you proceed to a special designated area. Insert your passport into a machine, let it take your photo, and you’re on your way.

A fabulous extra perk that comes with this service is automatic enrollment in TSA PreCheck for domestic travel. Shorter lines. No aggravation with shoes and computers. What’s not to love?

Check to see if one of your credit cards offers a free credit for enrollment in Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. If not, click here.

Check in Online

This seems like a no-brainer, but we’re constantly amazed at the number of people who don’t do it. Why wait until you get to the airport? Check in as close to the 24 hours before your takeoff as possible to get it out of the way and be placed in a quicker boarding group.

Oh, you’re checking luggage?

Don’t Check Luggage

Did you just gasp? We know, the thought of traveling with only carry-on luggage and a personal item seems daunting.

Cynthia especially struggled to embrace this practice, but the discipline to pare down has been so worth it.

If you’ve followed our first two steps, skip the ticketing counter, breeze through security, and head to your gate (or an airport lounge – more on that next).

When you’ve landed, grab your belongings from the overhead bins and away you go! 

No more stress hoping your suitcase hasn’t been lost, and having your trip get off to the worst start possible if it has.

No waiting at baggage claim, for what sometimes seems like forever, to retrieve your checked luggage. 

Join Priority Pass

Never has the advice about getting to the airport early been more prudent. But doing so leaves you with the choice of sitting in those stiff chairs at your gate for hours or hanging out in an overpriced restaurant/bar.

Priority Pass allows entry into over 1300 lounges worldwide, with plans for both occasional and frequent travelers. 

Relaxing in quiet, comfortable surroundings with complimentary food and adult beverages before your flight makes such a difference in getting your travel off to a great start.

Do you have one of these 10 credit cards in your wallet? If so, we’ve got great news. Complimentary Priority Pass membership is one of your benefits.

Speaking of which…

Have the Right Credit Cards

As we’ve indicated, having the right credit cards go a long way to enhancing your travel experience. Beyond the perks listed here, a card with your preferred airline usually gets you a free checked bag and priority boarding.

Redeem points/miles from cards with big sign-up incentives to get heavily discounted or even free flights and accommodations. We paid for almost all the lodging on our European extravaganza this way!

Bottom Line 

The travel industry is still getting up to speed post-Covid, and while rare despite media hysterics (only 1.6% of flights were cancelled in July), disruptions to your plans are a possibility.

Do your part to make that trip you’ve been dreaming of the past two years a spectacular success!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What have you struggled with the most when flying international? Have you found ways to make this type of travel easier?

Kyle Richards’ Colorblocked Sneakers at Home

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 12 Episode 19 Fashion

Kyle Richards’ colorblocked sneakers while unpacking from Aspen / repacking for Georgia in this scene on last night’s episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills were super cute. And not only that, but apparently perfect for being chased by Michael Myers chasing her dog, Smokey. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Hermes Sneakers With White Laces on eBay

Click Here For Info on Her Shirt

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Colorblocked Sneakers

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve skipped routine applications of eye cream and regretted it the next morning. The skin around my eyes is often prone to under-eye bags and puffiness (especially if I’ve had too much salt or wine before bed), therefore relying on the effects of a soothing formula is my trick to appearing well-rested. According to shoppers, there’s one fast-acting option that we should all have on hand—and it’s a 45 percent off right now.

The Kleem Organics Firming Eye Cream is clearly a legend amongst Amazon reviewers; some say it works just as well as their expensive eye creams, while others praise it for making their eye bags “disappear” overnight. Even more have posted photo evidence of the “immediate results” they’ve witnessed, alongside remarks that it’s “the best they’ve ever tried.”

Courtesy of Amazon

An all-in-one eye cream, the product not only de-puffs and minimizes dark circles, but also addresses the key signs of aging. You’ll find caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 (a highly potent peptide blend), plant stem cells and collagen get to work on softening crow’s feet, firming sagging eyelids and lifting the under-eyes for a more awake and youthful appearance.

“I do not have the dark circles, but have the lines and crow’s feet and occasional puffiness. I have been using it for a few weeks and already can see a difference,” raved one five-star reviewer. “I have sensitive skin and this does not make me break out or cause redness….The cream is divine and absorbs without being greasy…Fine lines and wrinkles are easing already after just a few weeks!”

For a more intense cooling, de-puffing effect, the brand recommends storing the eye cream in the fridge. Gently pat a pea-sized amount across areas of concern before moving onto your makeup—it’s fast-absorbing and lightweight enough to be worn under your go-to concealer.

RELATED: This J.Lo-Approved Eye Gel Diminishes Wrinkles Within an Hour—& We Have an Exclusive Sale Code

“Since using the eye cream, the fine lines around my eyes are almost gone,” said another reviewer. “The entire line of Kleem Organics products, eye cream, vitamin C serum and retinol cream, are high quality and well worth the money.”

Right now all of the above is on massive sale—snag Kleem Organic’s best-selling products, including the firming eye cream, for less on Amazon right now.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

You’ve heard of peekaboo hair, with a bright color underneath a darker shade, but have you heard of peekaboo nails? The nail trend is gaining speed, with Aprés Nail, the pioneer in soft gel nail extension technology, helping lead the way. When I stopped by the brand’s pop-up in Los Angeles over the weekend, Aprés Nail was sharing its new Aprés Nail Gel Couleur, an assortment of 100 gel shades. I got peekaboo nails for the occasion and let me tell you, you’re going to be obsessed.

Don’t just trust me, though. Look at Maisie Wilen’s Spring/Summer 2023 NYFW show. Models walked the runway with a pop of color underneath the nail, all done by Aprés Nail. There were black nails with white underneath, pink nails with black underneath, white and baby blue, and so much more. It’s like surprise nail art. The unexpected pop of color will have people taking a second look.

Après Nail.

I knew I had to try the trend so I chose a pretty bubblegum pink with yellow underneath — with a surprise smiley face on my pointer fingers. Folks love Aprés Nail for its gel-x manicure so I decided to try that too, in a medium length that’s much longer than I’m used to. If you’re not familiar with gel-x, simply, it’s a process that binds a gel tip to your natural nail with an LED light. There’s much less glue, chemicals, filing and harsh ingredients so your natural nail is less damaged. Gel-x manis also last weeks longer than a regular gel manicure.

I recorded the entire process because I couldn’t believe how fast it was. The new Gel Couleur polish is so opaque, it easily covers the shade underneath. Plus, the innovative in-bottle “Brush-X” has the feel of a Japanese nail art brush so DIYers can get a precise application. Even amateurs can do these at home but if you’d rather head to a salon, just ask if they have Aprés Nail products. (Most do!)

Of course, you can use any products at home to pull off the peekaboo nail trend. I’ve had these nails on for about a week and I’m getting so many compliments, I don’t want to take them off. Next time, though, I might just go a bit shorter. To remove gel-x, you just soak the nails in acetone nail polish remover like regular gel. The entire application tends to be pricier, but since they last longer with less damage, it does seem worth it. I think I’m hooked.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

You’ve heard of peekaboo hair, with a bright color underneath a darker shade, but have you heard of peekaboo nails? The nail trend is gaining speed, with Aprés Nail, the pioneer in soft gel nail extension technology, helping lead the way. When I stopped by the brand’s pop-up in Los Angeles over the weekend, Aprés Nail was sharing its new Aprés Nail Gel Couleur, an assortment of 100 gel shades. I got peekaboo nails for the occasion and let me tell you, you’re going to be obsessed.

Don’t just trust me, though. Look at Maisie Wilen’s Spring/Summer 2023 NYFW show. Models walked the runway with a pop of color underneath the nail, all done by Aprés Nail. There were black nails with white underneath, pink nails with black underneath, white and baby blue, and so much more. It’s like surprise nail art. The unexpected pop of color will have people taking a second look.

Après Nail.

I knew I had to try the trend so I chose a pretty bubblegum pink with yellow underneath — with a surprise smiley face on my pointer fingers. Folks love Aprés Nail for its gel-x manicure so I decided to try that too, in a medium length that’s much longer than I’m used to. If you’re not familiar with gel-x, simply, it’s a process that binds a gel tip to your natural nail with an LED light. There’s much less glue, chemicals, filing and harsh ingredients so your natural nail is less damaged. Gel-x manis also last weeks longer than a regular gel manicure.

I recorded the entire process because I couldn’t believe how fast it was. The new Gel Couleur polish is so opaque, it easily covers the shade underneath. Plus, the innovative in-bottle “Brush-X” has the feel of a Japanese nail art brush so DIYers can get a precise application. Even amateurs can do these at home but if you’d rather head to a salon, just ask if they have Aprés Nail products. (Most do!)

Of course, you can use any products at home to pull off the peekaboo nail trend. I’ve had these nails on for about a week and I’m getting so many compliments, I don’t want to take them off. Next time, though, I might just go a bit shorter. To remove gel-x, you just soak the nails in acetone nail polish remover like regular gel. The entire application tends to be pricier, but since they last longer with less damage, it does seem worth it. I think I’m hooked.