After a few years of very active travel under my belt, I have learned a few things about how to make a trip as stress-free and fun as possible. There is nothing worse than to have a travel day ruined by something that could have been prevented with a little foresight on your part. So, here are my top tips for making the most of your travel time:
1. Pack Light.
Having to lug your entire closet across eight city blocks is not fun. You definitely need to have options for all types of weather and activities, but maybe just bring one outfit per scenario rather than everything you own. Basics that you can mix and match are your best bet.
2. Plan Ahead.
It is important to know what sites you are interested in visiting before you go somewhere. You'll need to check their business hours and if they require you to book your visit ahead of time. Unless you are staying somewhere for a long time, you are going to want to prioritize the things you want to do. If you are going out of the country, you will also want to know some basics of the languages that you will encounter as well as their most important customs. This also includes making sure that you have everything you need to leave the U.S.--adapters, passport, international cell phone plan, etc.
3. Know Your Budget.
Not only is this important for you financially but going over your budget on a trip only makes the rest of your travel time stressful. You'll need to have some emergency funds but be prepared to stay inside your means if you want to have a stress-free vacation.
4. Leave Room For Spontaneity.
Going on trip that is scheduled down to the minute can be really difficult. Not only are you worried about making it to everything you want to do, you also miss out on the chance to see or do something that you weren't expecting. Local events and extra wings in museums can be some of the most fun options you encounter when you travel. The unexpected is what makes traveling great.
5. Know Your Limits.
If you can't function without a full night's sleep or have to eat a full meal three times a day, you need to plan for those things. There are going to be times when you just can't make those things happen and that's Ok. But allowing yourself time for them in general will make you more happy and receptive. If you are traveling with other people, you might feel weird asking about it in the planning stage, but it is so much better to get everything out in the open before you travel. Everyone will have a great time as long as you plan for everybody's needs.
I've learned so much in the traveling I have done, and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. If you keep all of these things in mind, you are bound to have a great time traveling too!
