Traveling may be one of the best experiences you can have. You learn about different cultures, visit amazing places, try new foods and do things that you normally don’t do in your daily life. There is something about getting on a plane that is simply magical and it makes you feel like all your dreams can come true. But all dreams can turn into nightmares if you don’t have the proper organization. Here are six that will help you make your trip a successful one.
1. Do your research.
This is probably the most important thing to do when traveling. It will help you to know important things from how much money you need to take to what type of clothes you need to pack. Search the answers to every question you can possibly think of and don’t hold back while doing it. What places do you want to visit there? Do you have to pay to enter any of those places? Is there any certain dress code to those places? Will you need to rent a car or is there public transportation that you can take? How is the weather going to be? Once you get your answers you will feel more prepared.
2. Pick a place to stay.
There a few things you need to consider when choosing a place to stay:
- The Price: As a college student this may be the most important one. Searching for good places that are not super expensive can be difficult, but not impossible. You can check on apps like Hooper or Skyscanner to see if there are any deals in hotels. There is also the option of searching for a housing place in Airbnb if you are looking for something homier or with more space than a hotel.
- The Location: Is it close to the places you want to visit or your transportation method? Are there any close places where you can buy food? Is it a safe location?
- The Amenities: Does it have a Wifi, pool or a laundry room? Is it pet-friendly? Does it have parking for your rental car? Does it include breakfast? Check the facility and what it has to offer to make sure that you have everything you need.
- The Reviews: It’s always good to read the reviews so you can get an idea of how the services and the facilities are.
Once you find the perfect place, book it. Make sure to write all the important information down like check-in times and the dates of the reservation.
3. Make an itinerary.
This is where you use all the research of those places you want to visit and put it to use. Plan day by day what do you want to do and where you want to go. Organization is key. It’s also the way to make sure that you can complete everything want to do. However, sometimes things don’t turn out how you plan them, so be ready to improvise and don’t stress too much about it.
4. Make sure your arrangements are in order back home.
There is no point for you to travel if you will be worrying about things back home. So, in order to have fun, make sure everything is ready before you go. If you are in the middle of the semester, talk with your professors and arrange what you have to do so you don’t get behind on class. Talk with a classmate to see if they can keep you updated on all the work. If you also have a job, notify them about your trip and ask for some free days.
5. Time to make your luggage!
The best way of making sure that you have everything is making a list. Write down everything that you need and be sure to mark the stuff that you put in. This will also help you to pack only the necessary and not fill all the space with things that you don’t need. Find ways to adjust your clothes and other belongings in a way that fits in the suitcase. For this, you can search on YouTube some helpful tutorials like this one. Try to weight your luggage before reaching the airport so when you arrive you don’t have to pay extra or start taking stuff out the suitcase. Whatever you do, do not leave your luggage for the last minute. If you do, it will not only cause you unnecessary stress but will also increase the probability of forgetting something.
6. One last check
Sometimes you believe that you got everything in order, but then you arrive at the airport and notice that you forgot your passport. Before heading out make sure you got all you need, from your documents to your cell phone. Double check everything!
Now you are ready to go! Have a nice trip and be sure to have fun.