10 Traveling Tips You’ll Need This Summer
Summer is here and vacations are fast approaching! Here are some travel tips to help you wander the globe:
- Want to beat jet lag? Book your destination flight so you land in the morning and your return flight so you land in the evening. On the way to your destination, if you sleep on the plane and hit the ground running, you have given yourself an extra day of site seeing and tourist attractions. Then, stay awake on the return flight so when you get home you are ready to crash and be a fully functional adult the next day.
- Plan your outfits: Check the weather, and your itinerary. Realizing you only have one night to go out dancing will eliminate many “what ifs.” Choose color coordinating pieces. Every article of clothing you bring should look good with the others. This way if you spill on Thursday’s pants, your top will still look cute with Friday’s skirt. Layers are your friend! Don’t pack big bulky jackets unless you are traveling to a place you know it will be cold. Limit yourself to one light weight cardigan or jacket that will match all your outfits.
- Traveling with kids? Plan their outfits ahead, too. Make it easier on them (and yourself) and pack each day’s worth of clothes in a gallon sized resealable bag. At the end of the day, they can put all the dirty laundry back in the bag and make it easier for everyone to keep track of their clothes.
- Limit your shoes. I personally LOVE shoes. I am notorious for packing way more than I actually need- (Do as I say not as I do). On my last trip, I was gone for a total of two and half days, I packed eight- yes eight- pairs of shoes. Unless you have a formal evening out, limit yourself to two pairs. (GASP!) Again, this is where checking your itinerary helps! Alternate the two pairs of shoes you brought daily to give your feet a break.
- Pack everything in resealable bags. Don’t risk having something with a leaky top open and spill on your clothing. This will also help in flying and going through the dreaded security checkpoints. Store the bag in the top portion of your suitcase so it is easily accessible.
- If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, remember: “sharing is caring.” There is no need for everyone to pack the basic toiletries. If you are staying in the same hotel room, plan to share bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, and lotions to save space in your luggage. It’s less to keep up with later.
- If traveling out of the country, learn enough of the language and cultural mannerisms to be respectful. A simple “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “Help,” “Do you speak English?” and “Where’s the bathroom?” Being able to greet or thank anyone you come across will go a long way in your favor. There are many great (and free) apps you can download. If you don’t have time to prepare for this aspect, then utilize Google Translate while you’re on the go.
- Keep track of information. Whether you add it all in your phone or get a small journal, keep important information all together. Flight numbers, hotel addresses, confirmation numbers, museum hours and tour times, train schedules and any emergency numbers. Prioritize what you want to see and do; this helps to ensure you never miss a thing!
- Remember to stay hydrated. You should drink one eight ounce glass of water for each hour you are in flight. Traveling can be exhausting; don’t make it harder on your body than it has to be by forgetting to drink water.
- My favorite “rule” for traveling is to eat locally. When traveling try new places, something you can’t get at home. You just may find a new favorite meal to share with loved ones back home.
I hope these tips are beneficial to you. Bon Voyage!
What are some of your travel tips that you live by?
