1. Apply for Global Entry

For those who travel internationally, Global Entry will make your travel experience feel like a breeze. With expedited clearance privileges, you'll be able to skip long customs lines when entering the U.S. from international destinations. To apply, you'll need to complete a background check and an in-person interview. The membership costs $100 for five years. And the bonus: TSA Pre✓ ^® is included.

2. Take advantage of loyalty programs

Earn award miles through a great selection of credit card products including the United℠ Explorer Card and the United MileagePlus® Club card. From free checked bags and priority boarding to United Club℠ passes and Premier Access®, you'll find an award program that fits your travel needs.

You don't have to have status to get into one of our United Club℠ locations, either. Purchase a one-day pass for $59 through the United app or at the lounge's front desk. Once inside, you can recharge in comfortable seats, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a complimentary beverage or catch up with work.

3. Utilize airport amenities

From world-class restaurants to relaxing retreats, many airport locations have amenities that are worth a visit. With major upgrades to restaurant and bar offerings, you'll soon forget you're in an airport terminal. Below are a few locations worth checking out:

• Vino Volo wine bars that offer great wines by the glass or flights, along with bottles (check for locations here)
• The relaxing yoga room at San Francisco International Airport, located in Terminal 2
• Olio, an upscale eatery known for paninis and soups that's the brainchild of award-winning Chef Monica Pope, located in Terminal C at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston
• Melange, a bakery and chocolatier, located in Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport
• Tortas Frontera by award-winning chef Rick Bayless, located in Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

4. Download a travel app

There are currently thousands of apps designed to make your travel life easier. By utilizing more travel apps, you can make your trip more seamless, from packing more efficiently to easily finding great restaurants near you. Three apps you may want to consider downloading are:

• Gate Guru, which gives locations of restaurants and stores at the top airports in the world. There are also user reviews, and sometimes you can even get a discount coupon.
• Packing Pro, for those who want to be more organized when trying to decide what — and what not — to bring on a trip. There are customizable and sample packing lists that cover every contingency.
• United, may be thought of as solely a way to book flights and check in, but the app actually has a number of additional features, including a currency converter, airport maps and much more.

5. Pack smarter

Now that you've downloaded an app to help you pack smarter, next up is packing lighter. We've all overpacked at some point in our lives, but the trick that savvy travelers exercise when flying is that they always pack less. Try to maximize your carry-on for shorter trips and repeat outfits when going on longer trips. It may seem counter intuitive, but packing lists can be helpful — especially when planning out a longer trip where you'll be going from city to city lugging around a suitcase. Trust us, your back and travel companion will thank your future self.

6. Organize your travel documents

It goes without saying, but just in case it's not on your list, you should always photograph your travel documents including your ID and passport. You may take every precaution out there, but sometimes the unpredictable happens and your passport goes missing. Instead of scrambling to produce another copy, you'll rest assured with the second copy you made sure to pack away from your passport in case your luggage or personal backpack is stolen.

7. Use your vacation days

This may seem like an obvious tip, however, each year more than 700 million vacation days go unused in the U.S. If you've got the days, you should be using them. A long weekend trip offers you the chance to take a break from work and recharge, while also exploring a new city. Whether you visit a neighboring state or go abroad, you'll be able to get out and experience a new part of the world.