Travel woes are a result of 2 things; 1) a lack of planning and 2) high stress levels. I’ve got the travel tips to help eliminate both and make your next trip the best trip you’ve ever taken!
Add your destination to your weather app
Picking the right items for your trip is very important. All you’ll have are the items on your back and those in your suitcase. So watch the weather before you leave to make sure that you’ve packed accordingly.
Don’t overpack
Put down that extra jacket, 2 pairs of jeans and 10 pairs of socks. Put. It. Down. Think about the trip you’re about to take. Does it include a lot of hikes, physically demanding activities and nights out? Then yes, you need about 2, maybe even 3 outfits per day. But if you picture yourself lounging next to a pool, reading a good book and only leaving your hotel for the 1 tour you booked, then do you really need more than 3 outfits?
TIP: there’s a great chance you’ll buy some things wherever you’re headed so leaving some clothes behind also means you’ll have space for those much-loved souvenirs.
Always pack your earplugs
Small item, big impact. Picture this, you’re on a 24-hour-long flight, there’s a crying baby seated behind you and all you want to do is take a quick nap. If you don’t have your earplugs with you that easy task will be an uphill battle. ALWAYS pack those little goodies and you’ll be a happy, well-rested traveller, regardless of how long your flight is.
Try bar shampoos and conditioners
If you’ve never experienced opening your suitcase on Day 1 of a vacation and finding shampoo all over your clothing, then consider yourself #blessed. Once the plane reaches a specific altitude the pressure causes bottles to expand and liquid to leak from them. Imagine packing 7 outfits and having all 7 be covered in goo. There goes your shampoo and your clothing. Bar shampoos and conditions are a saving grace though.
Never forget your medicine kit
Lemme guess, you’ve never suffered from allergies. Well, when you’re travelling Murphy’s Law will have it that you’re struck with a bout of hay fever that will leave you immobilized. Don’t risk it. When you prepare for a trip buy a tiny bag and fill it with band-aids, painkillers, allergy meds, vitamins and any other pill you’ve popped in the last year (the over-the-counter type though!). Some places don’t allow certain meds into the country so be sure to check before you leave home.
Make space on your phone
You’re on your trip, snapping away and then it happens, you get that “Storage full” message. There’s nothing more annoying and frustrating than this happening so be sure to avoid it by making space on your phone before you even leave.
Keep your passport, IDs, travel documents and money in plain sight
Fanny packs aren’t only for hipsters and people trying to live their good ole’ days – they’re pretty functional too. Those tiny bags are a great way to keep your passport and documents safe while you explore and make the most of your time away.
TIP: Before you leave, scan copies of all your travel documents and email it to yourself, the people you’re travelling with and family back home. That way if you need anything, you’ll have various ways to access it.
Plan ways to spend 6-10 hours
Delayed flights, layovers and long journeys are all things that need to be accounted for when you prepare for a trip. You might plan on sleeping the time away but what happens if your excitement gets the better of you and keeps you up? Books, playlists, magazines, playing cards, series and movies are a great way to help pass the time. 1 movie = about 90 mins. Yes please!
Turn off your data roaming
So simple, so easy to forget. But please, do it for me, your sanity and your bank account! You don’t have to ball your eyes out after getting your next phone bill – not with free WiFi and local sim cards. We all love a good travel Instagram post but it’s not worth those international charges.
Iconic places are iconic for a reason
Whether it’s a selfie with the Eiffel Tower or “leaning” against the leaning tower of Pisa. These places might cost more, but you’ll later kick yourself if you don’t do it. There’s a difference between a tourist and a traveller, but a good mix of tourist places and hidden gems = a great trip!
These tips are my holy grail before any trip and I hope they help you out too!