Everyone is getting ready to travel for spring break so here is a list of things I do to get myself ready before I get on the plane to enjoy my vacation.
1. Research the climate.
It is always important to research weather in the location you are traveling during the time of year you are traveling there. Especially if you're not too familiar with it. For example I am going to England and apparently unlike here in Texas there it is a high of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit every day with possibility of rain and snow. So even though I've been enjoying 70 degree weather all week here in Texas, I need to pack much differently for there--longer, thicker, and warmer clothes with more layers and shoes that can take what's going on over there.
2. Research what you want to do there.
Are you wanting to go on tours, site see, go to an amusement park? Do you need to purchase tickets in advance? Sooner rather than later normally means cheaper. Does what you want to do dictate outfit choice?
3. Who is picking you up from the Airport?
Are you renting a car? Did you know you normally have to be 25 to do that? Is a friend or family member picking you up? A taxi? A Limo? Do they know what gate or terminal to waiting for you by? Do you?
4. Budget.
You need to plan out a budget.
Hotel
Transportation, taxis, trains, buses, metros, limos, segways, tandem bike, whatever.
FOOD enough for meals for every day.
Gifts/ Souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home.
Activities, Shows, amusement parks, museums, etc.
Emergency, because life happens and sometimes you read the monitor wrong and go to the wrong gate and wait forever to realize what you've done and get stranded in Houston.
If you're staying with someone you should probably do something nice for them. Take them out and pay for a nice dinner or go see a show or something, but your treat for their kind hospitality. Don't be cheap you don't have to pay for a hotel because of them.
5. Pack.
Do not over pack! Do not under pack! Pack for the climate! Be reasonable. Always pack extra underthings i.e. bras, underwear, and socks. If you check a bag have one pair of each of those items in a carry on, say in case you get trapped in Chicago for two days due to a blizzard and don't have your checked bag with all your clothes. At least you'll have clean under things. Have enough shirts for everyday you go plus one. One pair of pajamas will keep you going the whole time, depending on how long you're staying. Use practical luggage for your vacation. If you will be traveling around Europe you'll probably need a descent travel bag and not just some cute thing that isn't practical at all. Remember to leave room in your bag for the stuff you are going to bring back too.
6. Call the bank and credit card company.
For many of us young people we have not traveled very far alone so we may not know this step, but it's VERY important. You must call your credit card company and bank and tell them you are going on vacation and need to put a "Travel Note" on your account so they don't freeze up your stuff when all of the sudden you are making transactions in Scotland. You even should do this if you are staying in the country but going to another state.
7. Take pictures of everything.
I'm not saying to take selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower but rather photos of both sides of your Drivers License, Passport picture sheet, Insurance card, Student ID, etc. Any Credit Card/ Debit Card you are taking in case some awful thing happens like your license is left in your Aunt's mini van in San Antonio and isn't found for months but you need to leave like now.
8. Adapters.
If you are going to another country it is very possible their wall outlets are not the same as our so when you go to plug in your phone you could fry it and that's just no good. So you will need to purchase the right adapters to insure electronic safety.
9. Currency.
Congrats you made a budget earlier but now you'll have to change your money. There are many ways to do this. You can have the cash in dollars on you and switch it at airports, there will be a percentage they get. Also remember, one dollar here doesn't always equal out the same in other places. You can also ask your bank if they have ATMs where you are going that they affiliate with so you would have a cheaper withdrawal rate or percentage. Also, your credit card company may have a percentage to charge you when you use it for exchange or conversion of different money charges on your card.
10. Know location.
It is always important for someone to know where you are or are going. Even if you are a grown adult, have an accountability partner back home who you have to check in with. Set days or times you will check in with them. Let them know where you are staying and with who, if possible. Give addresses, phone numbers, etc. If you have an itinerary or schedule of what you're doing or where you're going each day be sure that person back home has it too. Be safe.
Be sure to double and triple check what you've packed. Have some one else take a look, maybe their fresh eyes can see something you can't. Arrive at your airport early for checking bags, security, and check in. Pee before you get on you flight. Take lots of pictures and have a marvelous safe trip!
