Travel Tips From a Magician on the Road

Between shows, tours, and international adventures, we’ve been fortunate to travel to 49 of the 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries across six continents. (Antarctica is still on the list!) With that much time on the road and in the air, you pick up little tricks that make travel smoother, cheaper, and far less stressful.

Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true travel hacks:

Tip 1: Make Airport Security Easy

Airport security can be the most stressful part of a trip. Anything you can do to speed up the process is worth it.

• Nylon Belt: I swear by a nylon belt with a plastic clasp. It doesn’t set off metal detectors, so I can leave it on. One less thing to juggle while emptying my pockets.

• Slip-On Shoes: Perfect for security lines. Even though shoe removal requirements are slowly fading, slip-ons still save you time when you’re asked to remove them—or when you’re exhausted after a long flight.

Tip 2: Always Pack Snacks

Airport food prices are ridiculous, and sometimes you won’t have time for a meal between tight connections. We always carry a snack bag with us.

• Protein bars are our go-to since protein keeps you full longer.  Our favorite right now are Magic Spoon Cereal Bars.

• Nuts, Kind bars, or even Nilla Wafers are easy to pack and share.

  
  
  
  

  This one small step has saved us money, stress, and stomach growls countless times.

Tip 3: Backup Batteries Are Lifesavers

Phones and tablets always seem to die at the worst moment—boarding passes, maps, translations, or entertainment gone in a blink.

We carry multiple portable chargers. They’re useful in airports, hotels, and cruise ships where outlets aren’t always conveniently placed. Some suitcases even come with built-in chargers (like our Away bags). Just note: airlines may ask you to remove the battery before putting the bag in the overhead compartment.

Tip 4: Close Those Pesky Hotel Curtains

Hotel blackout curtains rarely “black out.” There’s almost always a sliver of light sneaking in. Quick fix? Use a pants hanger from the closet to clip the curtains together. Instant darkness = better sleep = happier travels.

Tip 5: Carry an International Travel Plug

Not all plugs are created equal. A good universal travel adapter means you’ll never get stuck unable to charge your devices. Look for one with USB ports built in—it saves space and weight. Click here to see the one we have.

Tip 6: Two is One, One is None

This old saying is especially true for cords. If you rely on a device, bring a spare charging cable. They’re small, light, and can be a trip-saver. We also travel with a multi-charging cable—USB on one end and three connectors on the other—so we can charge multiple devices at once.

Tip 7: Use Photos as Your Personal Translator

If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, make a special album on your phone with photos of essentials:

• Your hotel or cruise ship

• Your passport and flight info

• Stock images of taxis, airports, or even food items. When words fail, pictures can bridge the gap.

• Take photos of your suitcases too in case they go missing you can show what they look like.

Tip 8: Smart Seat Selection

Traveling as a pair? When booking, choose the aisle and window in the same row. Most people avoid the middle seat until it’s the last option. If the flight isn’t full, you’ll likely get the whole row. If not, the person in the middle might happily trade for your aisle or window.

Bonus Tips We’ve Learned Along the Way

• Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Air travel dries you out. Carry a refillable water bottle and fill it up after security. You’ll feel better on arrival.

• Speaking of hydration… we also have a filtered water bottle for when we travel to destinations where drinking the local water is NOT such a good idea!

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. Packing cubes help keep things even more organized.

• Google Maps Offline: Download your destination maps before leaving. It works without cell service—a lifesaver in remote places.

• Emergency Essentials in Your Carry-On: Always keep medications, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on. If your checked luggage gets delayed, you’ll thank yourself.

• Split Your Packing: If you’re traveling with two suitcases (or with a partner), don’t put all of one person’s belongings in one bag. Instead, split items between both. That way, if an airline loses a bag, you’ll each still have clothes and essentials to get through the next few days.

Final Thoughts

Travel is one of the great joys of life—but it can also be stressful. These small habits—packing snacks, carrying spare cords, clipping hotel curtains—might seem minor, but they add up to smoother, easier, and more enjoyable trips.  

After all, travel should feel like an adventure, not an obstacle course.  Schedule your next trip to see our show Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic in the Poconos.

If you want to watch Jason’s YouTube video about these travel tips click here!