So you’re off on your next big adventure! Whether you’re traveling to where the sun shines brightest or snowboarding down the alps, here are ten things to keep in mind to have a stress-free travel and enjoy your free time as much as possible:
Keep it light
It can be tempting to pack everything and your cat when it comes to traveling, but you’ll regret this when the time comes to walk for miles under the heat of the sun. make sure you pack only the essentials and keep it light. A small backpack or sports bag will do the trick if you are only traveling for a week or two.
Wear appropriate clothing
This depends on where you are headed, so make sure you check the weather and climate. If you are off to somewhere warm, light and airy clothing will keep you cool and prevent heat stroke. If you are going on a hike, the high altitudes will get cold, so bring thermals and layers of clothing. Make sure you bring appropriate footwear too, and walking for miles under unpredictable climate and wear and tear on your exposed steel toe boots so take measures to prevent this.
Plan an itinerary
If you are traveling for more than a few days, you might find an itinerary helpful. This can help you map out where you want to go. Not only will this ensure you have checked out the main parts of your destination, but also make sure to leave time to simply relax and focus on the moment. In the fast-paced and hectic schedule of travel and the seemingly lack of time to go everywhere and complete everything, it can be easy to get caught up and forget to enjoy the moment. Take time to bask under the sun or simply wander around the streets and get lost in the smell and sounds and scenes of a new country.
Bring snack bars and stay hydrated
Whether you are off camping or wandering around the city, you will end up doing a lot of walking. Make sure you carry some snacks around with you in case you get hungry and to give you that energy boost until you get back to your accommodation for some proper food and carry a bottle of water around with you. Particularly when you set off to a country with a hotter climate, it can take your body a while to get used to the change in temperature. Dehydration is dangerous, and especially when you suffer from this in a foreign country, the last thing you want is to put stress into your schedule when you came to a different place to relax.
Keep emergency contacts close
Make sure that you keep emergency contacts somewhere in your body, whether this is in your wallet or somewhere else, in case of emergency. Let someone know where you are and where you are heading, especially if you are going somewhere remote such as when hiking or camping.
Carry an emergency kit
Carrying a small bag of essentials such as cosmetics may be part of your packing, but you can also include a small first aid kit with this. Include bandages and medicine tablets in case you fall sick in a foreign country. If you are camping, you can carry more. Even if you think this only takes up space, you’ll thank yourself later if ever you get injured or fall sick in a forest far from civilization and even if it doesn’t happen, it’s best to come prepared.
Try traveling alone
Traveling alone can seem daunting at first. You’re in a foreign country without the help of your travel friends, having to deal with whatever challenges that might come your way alone – but it can be great too! Traveling alone allows you more time to explore without having to wait upon your companions. You can simply wander around the city with no destination in mind or appointments to meet. Traveling alone allows you the freedom to just enjoy your company and get lost in a new country and new culture that you may not have when you are traveling in a group.
Exercise your legs
You may do a lot of walking when you land, but when you are on a flight, especially a long-haul flight, where you are in the air for hours at a time, make sure you keep moving even if a little. This is a way of preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This happens when blood clots inside the blood vessel and causes painful swelling in one leg.
To prevent this, make sure you walk up and down the cabin aisle whenever possible, even if it is just to go to the bathroom. Likewise, keep hydrated. This is particularly important during long-haul flights where the air may increase dehydration. You can buy a bottle of water once you are past security or simply ask the steward for one once you have sat down.
Bring ear plugs
If you need absolute silence to fall asleep, you might need earplugs. This is not only useful when traveling on the plane for hours but also when you are at your hotel or accommodation and have unruly neighbors who make noise throughout the night.
Convert money before you travel
You can convert money into the currency of your destination before you arrive. This prevents you having to look for a cash machine in your holiday destination and being at the mercy of conversation rates and fees. Give your bank a call and see what your options are.
Traveling is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. You’ll be exposed to a new country and new culture and be thrown into an unfamiliar environment, but who knows, you might learn something new along the way. From packing light to keeping healthy, you can’t be too prepared when it comes to travel. With these ten things, you are ready to tackle your next adventure and get that break you deserve.
