Booking a Madison Chauffeur Service is Just the Beginning!

The Mechanics of Engineering an Enjoyable, Stress-free Trip

Have you ever met someone who loves the moments when they find out that they forgot to pack a toiletry item? Or a person who relishes those situations where they rush to make their connection only to learn that the flight has been delayed by three hours? Have you ever met a business executive who doesn’t care where they sit on the plane? No? That’s probably because such people don’t exist, unless they live in an ideal world where they have all the time in their too-good-to-be-true little planet. For the rest of us, though, there are several ways to make our travel experience as enjoyable and problem-free as possible (and these tips are applicable to any travel situation, whether you’re being picked up by a limo for a business trip or simply to be chauffered to the hotel for your weeklong vacation):

1.) Get a Flight-Tracking App

A flight-tracking app will provide you with the crucial information you need about your air travel, from delays to gate changes. Prices range from free to $49—the latter’s the cost of TripIt pro, which gives not only info about itinerary changes but also notices for when your check-in window opens and when your airfare is eligible for a refund, as well as assistance locating new flights when your travel plans fall through.

2.) Pack Strategically and Carefully

Well-seasoned travelers, the ones that get through the security lines reserved for expert travelers, always have a complete supply of toiletries stored in their suitcase, as well as a checklist for items in their carry-on. The former prevents you from having to buy overpriced items at airport or hotel retailers, while the latter will prevent those moments when you’re certain that you packed an item in your carry-on, only to find out that you were wrong. Pack smart and plan ahead.

3.) Check In Promptly

Check in as soon as the window for your check-in opens so that you get the best seat available. If your seat placement depends on the time you check in, remember that the sooner you check in, the closer to the front of the plane you can be, and the less time you’ll have to spend waiting for the passengers in front of you to shuffle off the plane. If you picked a seat at the time you bought the ticket, checking in early is still a good practice, since passengers who check in at the last possible minute are the first to get booted from overbooked flights. Set an alarm to remind you so that you can check in as soon as possible.

4.) Contact Your Credit Card Company

If you’re traveling abroad, the last thing you want to encounter is a frozen credit card. When you plan to travel internationally, call your credit card provider before you leave and tell them where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there so that your $300 purchase of a Turkish rug doesn’t raise any unnecessary suspicions.

5.) Think Local

There are often two sides of a city: there’s the side that visitors and tourists see—the tourist traps, the hokey gift shops, the attractions that locals rarely frequent, etc. Then there’s the local side, the rich, vibrant side not highlighted in guidebooks or city events websites. Try to find a coffee shop, bar, or restaurant that is unlisted in your guidebook and talk to the locals there. See what they would recommend for local activities and attractions. You’ll get a different perspective on the city, and have an experience that’s closer to the city’s flavor than anything recommended by a tour guide or concierge.

5.5) Pretend You’re Already There

To get true bang for your buck, think as the locals do and sign up for daily deal sites such as Groupon or LivingSocial. This will give you opportunities to experience great local services and restaurants at discounted costs. Wisconsin’s premier executive transportation service, AJ Prestige offers luxury sedan service transportation in Madison, Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Wherever you are traveling for business or pleasure, we offer the best town cars, limos and SUVs tailored to your personal needs. Contact us for information on limo pricing, availability and travel logistics support.