Take Notes! Lindsey Banks’ Domestic and International Travel Tips

Cam models must get used to traveling to help get their name—and their work—out there.

There are a handful of shows many cam models travel to domestically and internationally every year to network, learn and relax. A few of the bigger cam model-centric shows include the Latin American Adult Business Expo (lalexpo) in Colombia (this year’s show was in February) and the AW Summit in Romania (this year’s show was earlier this month). 

All the above got us thinking: Could Hitlist, an app being hailed as a “mobile travel agent,” make traveling easier? Possibly…

Hitlist started as an app that helped people find cheap flights. The app’s developers recently started to roll out a new subscription tier that will allow app users to filter more efficiently, receive members-only fares and custom travel advice, TechCrunch reported. 

Gillian Morris, CEO of Hitlist, says the app’s update is possible because of the data the company has collected through the past four years.

Top-notch app or not, no app can truly replace the advice a person can get from someone who has “been there.” 

So, we reached out to Lindsey Banks, jet-setting cam model, to find out some of her top cam model-specific domestic and international travel tips. The following are her thoughts — Don’t forget to take notes!

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The following is a list of a few things I keep in mind when I’m traveling domestically and internationally. Aside from the usual—making plans in advance to coordinate better—these are some of the things to think of and advice I remind myself about.

Location and Surroundings: I tend to open up my laptop to check out Google maps and check the local area of where I will be. Usually events I attend have the hotel location and night clubs we will be at. I check how far the airport is, if there are any local restaurants and hot spots, transportation and if I know anyone living near me. Having friends nearby is always a plus for hangouts but also great for information on the city.

Food: As an *ahem* smoker, making sure I have my munchies internationally is very important. Sticking to a budget as best I can is also very important to me. So, as I’m scoping out my surroundings, I look for grocery stores! At the beginning of my stays, I go to the market and get the basic snacks and foods to last as long as I’m staying. Remember, there usually will not be a 24-hour fast food place available if you are not in the U.S., so get you some good food! I’ve bought easy things, such as powered milk, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, chips, some sweets and always remember water!

If a grocery store isn’t in your plans, Uber Eats has come in handy for me even abroad, so asking for Uber E-gifts can help with food or a ride!

Luggage: When traveling domestically, I try to pick an airline that will allow me two suitcases at no extra charge (Southwest Airlines), but international travel is where I’m careful regardless what airline I’m on because lost luggage on a trip—long or short—sucks to say the least. This lost luggage tragedy has yet to happen to me and my fingers are crossed.

One of the things I try to do is make sure that I pick up my luggage when I’m switching airlines during a flight transfer. I think that’s usually when this happens, and you must grab your luggage to basically mini re-check-in your bag when you change to a different airline to make sure it gets to its destination. For me, it’s easiest to ask airport personnel if I feel any confusion.

Rewards Programs: Free flights. If you aren’t already signed up for rewards programs with the airline you use, do it now. No, it’s not a credit card. Yes, you actually get free flights when you rack up your miles or points. I have one pending right now that I’m using for a trip to LA soon!

Currency: If you’re traveling to another country, be sure to get the correct form of currency to avoid any miscommunication with using a debit card, as well as fees. I would not recommend using American dollars. You can find a Currency Exchange in the airport, or go to your bank several days before your departure.

Amenities: To skip on missing any toiletries, I have a pre-packed toiletry bag ready for travel so I don’t have to unpack and repack the same things. I pack up and re-fill my daily lotion, shampoos, toothpaste and things like q-tips. I love travel-sized items and containers!

Packing: I can spend all month planning what outfits I will sacrifice not taking with me on a trip. When it comes to actually packing up, I narrow down my clothing into bundle wraps before they go into my luggage. Bundle wrapping is a technique. It allows you to wrap your clothing while avoiding folds and creases. Do what I did, and Youtube it! (Here’s a video.)

The longer my trip, the less I pack. Instead, I plan ahead for laundry time. Find a rental with a washer/dryer or go to a laundromat.

And I recommend that you do the things I list next. They may be much needed when you least expect it!

• Have a phone number memorized. 
• Give a trusted person your important information (for bank or phone issues). 
• Leave a will.

I hope some of these tips and advice are helpful to everyone reading—safe travels!

xoxo — Lindsey Banks

Romanian beauties! We had a beautiful dinner by @YNOT_Cam during @theAWMedia ?✨ @AriannaF4F @EveaF4
???????????#F4F #AWSummit #camgirl pic.twitter.com/cmn8BiMyg2

— Lindsey Banks ? (@Banksie231) June 17, 2018

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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.