Have you been dreaming of flying off to some exotic destination? Are you thrilled just thinking about going out of town? What are the places that are on your travel bucket list?
If the time has finally come for you to realize your dream of traveling, you should make the most out of the experience. This means that you should prepare well ahead of time, so you can enjoy your vacation to the hilt.
Getting ready for your escapade
If it’s your first time to travel, then chances are you have a slew of questions about what to do, where to go, or how to hack your way to a memorable jaunt. Whether you book a 3-star hotel or are staying with relatives in a foreign country, there are some tips and tricks that will be helpful for you to take note of. These will not only make your trip more fun but also help you save time, money, or avoid inconveniences.
Of course, every trip is unique. There are a lot of factors in play after all. These include things like if you’re going alone or with companions, if it’s a company trip or a personal one, or if you’re driving out of town or flying off to another country. Different situations call for different approaches but there are some travel basics that you need to familiarize yourself with.
From getting the best travel insurance to learning about the local customs at your destination, here are some of the top tips for first-time travelers like you:
1. Do your homework
The first thing that you need to do is to research the place that you plan to go to. The most basic information like the weather, currency, and language can already go a long way in helping you prepare for your trip.
Read up online, borrow a travel book, or ask trusted family and friends who have been to the place for firsthand accounts. Knowing even the most basic of information can already help you decide on what to wear, how much you need to budget for, or which places you want to prioritize. Learning the local language or maybe even just the most useful phrases will also help you get by.
2. Check your travel documents
See if you will need a passport and or a visa to go to your chosen destination. Check which travel or health insurance will also provide you comprehensive coverage while you’re out and about. Do this ahead of time to make time for document processing.
Before leaving, make sure to make extra copies of your travel documents and put these in a safe place in your luggage. Also, before leaving the house, make sure that you double-check if you have all your travel documents with you.
3. Book early
Booking early has its perks. Aside from being able to book the room that you prefer, some premier hotels also extend special offers such as discounts for early birds, two-for-one promotions on food and beverages, or even free meals for kids.
If you plan to drive around, book ahead to get the best vehicle and offers. If you’re planning to watch a show, want a private tour, or go to a popular attraction, it is best to also book ahead to get the best seats or deals.
4. Pack light
If you’re spending three days in a place, then just pack enough to last you those days. Avoid bringing your whole wardrobe as you want to travel as comfortably as possible. There’s no sense in lugging around a giant suitcase if you’re only staying for a short amount of time.
If you’re staying longer, opt for mix and match pieces. Make sure that you bring the appropriate clothes (thus, the need to research) and comfortable footwear.
Bring an emergency set of clothing (underwear and a light dress, for example) with you in your hand-carried luggage. This will ensure that you’ll have something to change into in case your luggage gets delayed or lost somewhere.
If you’ve got a long flight ahead of you, pack a pair or two of compression socks to make the long journey easier on your legs. Wearing compression socks can help boost circulation in the legs and prevent leg pain and tiredness.
They can also aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots develop usually in the legs due to sitting for extended periods in cramped airplane seats. Compression socks with mild to moderate compression levels (15–20 mmHg) are also perfect for all-day wear if you’re planning to do a lot of walking and sightseeing during your trip.
5. Mind your money
Bring just the right amount of cash, both in your own currency and the local currency. This will ensure that you have enough to buy food or items from stores that do not accept cards. Avoid wearing a money belt, though, because that just screams out “come and get me” to pickpockets.
Bring a bank card and a credit card. It wouldn’t hurt to have a backup when the unexpected happens. Check which of your banks offer cards that do not charge an international transaction or ATM fee and use these.
6. Tote a travel essentials kit
Make sure you have a first aid kit in your handbag. Include prescription medicines (and relevant documentation) that may not be readily available in the place you’re visiting. Also, bring a small flashlight and whistle for when you find yourself in dark and dubious situations. Always carry a combination lock with you for when you need to leave things in your room and there’s no safety deposit box.
Just remember to get these in travel-sized versions so you won’t have trouble lugging them around.
7. Practice mindfulness
There are plenty of hacks when traveling but this one is mostly overlooked. Mindfulness is being aware or conscious of the things you do and the environment around you.
Being mindful is to be considerate and respectful of others. For example, if you are at the airport, use earphones when watching videos or listening to music. Do not put your feet up on airline seats. Wear a face mask if you have colds and cough to lessen the risk of exposing others to your virus. Do not be uncouth and disorderly so everyone can have a comfortable trip.
Mindfulness is also crucial when you’re at your destination. Be mindful of their culture and customs. Follow their rules and laws. Ignorance is not bliss when you disregard local customs and traditions.
Remember to have fun
These tips and tricks can come in handy especially for first-time travelers. There are many things to take note of because you want your trip to be as enjoyable as possible.
However, also remember not to be encumbered by all the travel advice that you get. Just observe the most basic and sensible ones. Get out there, have fun, and learn from your own experiences.
