Knowing you have a vacation on the horizon is exciting. You feel full of optimism and ready for the opportunity and adventure that awaits you. Unfortunately, there are a few logistics you need to take care of before departing. Fortunately, however, you can continue reading to learn about essential ways to ease the stress of your travels.
Store Your Luggage
If you are lucky enough to have a layover in a city where you can step outside of the airport terminal or away from the train station long enough to explore before hopping back on your transport to the next destination, you will surely want to go out and see what the area has to offer. The only problem is that you have luggage that will be difficult to maneuver through the streets and buildings.
The answer to this problem is to store it somewhere safe for a few hours. If you are traveling through France, for example, you can use the conveniently located Louvre luggage storage to stow your luggage before entering this world-famous museum. This way, you get to experience culture and art instead of being stuck inside a terminal because you have to watch your bags.
Bring Entertainment And Nourishment
Regardless of whether you have small children or an adult in your party, there is a high likelihood that someone will become bored or hungry at what might be deemed an inopportune time or when other options are not readily available.
Technology has a place in the world, and it is a valuable tool to rely on for a variety of purposes, but if you can, try to limit its use while experiencing the world. Instead, look for easy ways to stay busy. Here are a few ideas that you can use with kids and adults.
- Play the I Spy game.
- Look for objects that look like letters, such as a few twigs lying on the ground that are in the shape of a letter. Try to find the letters of your family member’s names and take pictures.
- People watch and quietly discuss what professions or hobbies you think they have in their lives.
Snacks are a necessary part of any trip, no matter where you go. Always carry non-perishable granola or power bars in your bag. Try to have at least two for each person in your group. This way, even if you are delayed or have to wait for a table at a restaurant, you will still have something healthy to snack on. Other good options are apples or trail mix, as they are easily portable. Remember to always pack a reusable water bottle for everyone, as well. Refill it at every opportunity so you have access to clean water when you need it.
Create A Packing List
A packing list is your friend. Even if you are not a list person, you will benefit from this simple suggestion. A list is helpful whether you have months to prepare for an upcoming adventure or have found an incredible last-minute deal you cannot pass up.
Create a master packing list for each person in your family. As time passes and they grow and change, the lists will change as well. For example, if someone in your household begins to use a new medication long-term, add it to their respective list even if you do not have travel plans on the horizon. That way, something that will become an everyday necessity will not be forgotten.
Add new packing lists for destinations based on climate, weather, and intended or possible activities. Knowing what you might need will help you decide what to (and not to) bring. Looking at a small suitcase and a pile of clothing and toiletries can easily become overwhelming, but knowing what you will need based on your packing list will streamline the process.
Watch this video for tips on traveling as a digital nomad. Even if you are vacationing exclusively for leisure, the information found here can help you start your personalized packing list.
Be Financially Savvy
Traveling can be expensive. From transportation to lodging accommodations and activity fees to eating out, money can decrease quickly. Luckily, there are easy ways to be smart with your money while still enjoying a wonderful vacation.
Here are a few key points to consider.
- Look up the exchange rate before leaving home. Determine whether it will be favorable to exchange your money now or when you arrive at your destination. Also consider whether or not there may be extra or higher fees to exchange money when you arrive, and plan accordingly.
- If you book an all-inclusive vacation, ensure you read the fine print so you understand that all-inclusive often has exceptions, unfortunately. Ideally, you will do this before booking your vacation package. Otherwise, knowing what is and is not included will help you plan accordingly.
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to inform them that you will be traveling. List the countries or large cities you will visit to avoid triggering a fraud alert or delaying the use of your credit card until your identity can be confirmed if an alert is in place.
- Research your credit card’s fees regarding foreign transactions. To illustrate, if you use your credit card at a restaurant, the cashier may ask if you want the fee drawn using your home country’s currency or the one where you are currently dining. Understanding which is the better option will help you avoid foreign transaction fees that can quickly add up.
With these helpful and practical tips, you can make your next adventure more fun and avoid some of the stress that inevitably comes along with traveling. Use luggage storage services for a convenient and practical way to keep your luggage secure while you enjoy the world around you without the burden of carrying your luggage everywhere you go. Find creative and fun ways to stay busy and entertained while you wait for whatever comes next. And always pack what you need by being proactive and prepared. Traveling will always have uncertainty and ups and downs, but by doing your best to know what is ahead, you will have a better experience.
