With summer break around the corner, traveling becomes something many of us look forward to. Summer is the perfect time to go somewhere new and try something different. Whether it’s taking a flight to an island or going on a road trip, it’s important to have a few strategies to make the most out of your trip. As someone who tries to travel at least once a month, here are five tips I wish I had known earlier to make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
- Set Aside the Days First
-
As a full-time student balancing work, extracurriculars, and a social life, planning a trip can feel impossible because I “didn’t have time.” I would postpone trips (or not plan them at all) and use my busy schedule as an excuse. However, I realized I will never have time if I don’t make time for it.
A lot of people, including myself, think you need at least a week to have a good vacation and fully explore a place. While long trips are amazing, sometimes all you really need is two to three full days. If you’re trying to travel more, you can start small by setting aside just a few days in your calendar.
Original photo by Ariadna Uzcategui For me, traveling is a mental reset I like to have now and then, but if I didn’t make time for it, no one else would. So before you even start planning, set aside the days. Make it tangible and realistic so your trip will actually happen, not just feel like a “maybe.” Instead of trying to fit travel into your schedule, build your schedule around it.
- Make a Wishlist
-
Before creating a full itinerary, start by making a “Wishlist” of places you’d like to visit during your stay. The easiest way to do this is by keeping a list in your notes. As you do your research, watch videos, or scroll through posts about your destination, write down anything that catches your attention. Anything you’re curious about, write it down. You may not be able to visit everything, but you’ll never run out of ideas.
If you’re a visual person like me, take it a step further by pinning locations on Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any map app you prefer. This helps you visualize the main areas you’ll be exploring and organize your ideas better
Ariadna Uzcategui / Google Maps For example, above is a map of my latest trip to Puerto Rico. Here, I color-coded and highlighted locations on my map to display which areas were priorities and which were more flexible options.
This not only helps you understand distances, but it also gives you a head start on your itinerary. One thing I like to do is divide each day by area: one day in San Juan, another in the southwest, another in the east, and so on. This helps you make the most out of your time without spending unnecessary time traveling back and forth.
- Be Intentional With Your Outfits
-
As a certified overpacker, one of the things I had to learn the hard way was how to make the most out of my luggage space, especially when I didn’t want to pay extra for a checked bag. I was definitely the type of person who would pack a month’s worth of clothes for only a three-day trip. Something that really helped me was visualizing my outfits. Once you know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, start planning your outfits ahead of time.
If you plan on wearing different outfits each day, try sticking to neutral or basic pieces so you can mix and match. For example, having just a few bottoms (a pair of pants, a skirt, and some shorts) and rotating tops that match all of them can give you multiple outfit options without overpacking.
Original photo by Ariadna Uzcategui If you can, try to avoid packing bulky clothing. If you’re traveling somewhere cold, I completely understand, but if you’re not checking a bag, one thing I recommend is wearing those heavier pieces to the airport. It might not be the most comfortable, but it saves a lot of space.
Also, laying out your outfits and assigning them to specific days helps you avoid overpacking. If you have extra clothes, ask yourself: Do I really need this, or do I think it’s cute? Most of the time, if I don’t have a planned outfit for it, I don’t end up wearing it.
- Be Ready to Entertain Yourself
-
Whether it’s downloading movies, reading a book, or doing some homework, it’s important to have something planned for your travel time. I used to think that just listening to music would be enough, but I would always end up thinking I should have brought something else.
As a college student who sometimes travels while having classes, I like to bring my laptop or iPad with me. During downtime, I don’t always have something to do, so I try to use that time productively.
Whether it’s downloading movies, reading a book, or doing some homework, it’s important to have something planned for your travel time. I used to think that just listening to music would be enough, but I would always end up thinking, “I should have brought something else.”
As a college student who sometimes travels while having classes, I like to bring my laptop or iPad with me. During downtime, I don’t always have something to do, so I try to use that time productively.
Original photo by Ariadna Uzcategui One thing I’ve learned is to keep your entertainment easily accessible. There have been times when I packed my books or devices in my carry-on and didn’t want to unpack everything just to get them. Now, I keep essentials in my personal bag, like my AirPods, a book, my computer, chargers, water, or even an outfit I’ll change into when I arrive. Having easy access to these things makes the whole travel experience a lot smoother.
- Be Open-Minded to Challenges
-
As you probably already know, we don’t live in a perfect world, and more often than not, unexpected situations will come up. The best thing you can do is stay open-minded and not get caught up in the stress of the moment. Sometimes, because of adrenaline, we make situations feel bigger than they actually are.
One way to avoid unnecessary issues is by doing your research, especially when it comes to avoiding extra fees. For example, if you are traveling by air, double-check your airline’s baggage policy and read reviews ahead of time. Some airlines are more lenient than others, and knowing this can save you from extra stress at the airport.
Another helpful tip, especially when going through TSA, is to have a printed ticket. Airports are busy, and sometimes your digital ticket may not load due to slow Wi-Fi. Having a printed version can make things much smoother.
Original photo by Ariadna Uzcategui
Traveling is an amazing experience, but it becomes even better when you feel prepared and confident. All of these tips come from personal experience and what has worked best for me.
If you’re trying to travel more this summer, take this as your sign to step out of your comfort zone. With a little planning and the right mindset, even a short trip can turn into an unforgettable experience.