As the summer time approaches, I’m chomping at the bit to go somewhere new, or rather, someplace that is not home. There is nothing better than a well-deserved vacation, and after a long school year the beach is singing my name.
While travelling can be exciting, there are certain risks that you take when you decide to go somewhere. Without further ado, here are 5 Tips to Make your Traveling and Vacation more Enjoyable.
1. Make a vacation list and check it twice
I personally suck at packing because I always seem to forget something, minor or otherwise. While mental check lists are great, sometimes your mind forgets things. Overlooking things isn’t necessarily a big deal, but it can potentially cost you a little bit of your trip money. To help prevent this, write down everything that you think you want to bring and then have someone else check your list. Once your list has been approved, check it over again. Before you start packing, collect all your stuff together, check to make sure you have everything that you need. Then go ahead and pack your stuff!
2. Alert your bank of your impending travel
Nothing is worse than planning an awesome trip and then not being able to buy anything because your bank account is frozen. Alerting your bank prior to leaving your town will prevent this from happening. I also encourage bringing a couple-hundred dollars of backup cash with you for emergencies. Stash the money in a few different places, just in case.
3. Plan but also be flexible
My best trips have been a good mixture of planned and impromptu. Research the attractions near your vacation spot, and pick a few things that you want to see or do. Then plan a day and time to go to said attraction based off of the attractions availability. For example, if you know you want to go to the art museum, knowing the times where it is open prior going on vacation will be helpful in the long run. Still, don’t try to plan too many activities in a day, and don’t stress if you miss something. You run the risk of missing one of your attractions or burning out if you try to do too much. It’s also important to plan a day or two where there is nothing on your agenda at all. Spontaneous adventures are some of the most fun you’ll have.
4. Photocopy and scan all important documents
When traveling it’s important to keep all important documents in a place where it is the least likely to be lost or stolen, but still things happen. Nothing is worse than being out of the state or out of the country without the proper documentation. Scan a copy of your passport or driver’s license and email a copy of it to yourself. You can also make two photo copies of it and leave one in your suitcase and another with friends.
5. Break out of your comfort zone
Going on a vacation is a great time to relax. However, it’s an even better time to do something new or experience something you have never seen before. This is where the memories will lie. Variety is the spice of life. If something is strange to you, that’s good! This is an opportunity to learn something new and expand your mind. Don’t judge the natives. Ask questions and be open to the new experience.