Time To Go?
I Thought So.
whether you’re moving, visiting, vacationing, or exploring, here are a few travel tips to help you to make it a seamless experience.
Even if it scares you, do it! Travel, see what’s out there. All that exhaustion you feel, you need a vacation. Let’s help you plan one.
The Road Trip
Road trips. Cue the snacks. Full tank, check. Let’s put together a travel itinerary for the road, planned stops are ideal. Being prepared when traveling is the key. Things will happen that are out of your control but how you prepare is not. If you’re on the more spontaneous side, then there’s nothing to worry about. It’s the last-minute trips that are the most fun to me.
First thing’s first, keep your tank on full and plan for the best time ever! Now, how can we make everyone as comfortable as possible? Blankets? Neck pillows? The mini fans? Extra headphones? Comfort is a huge factor that should be considered when planning to travel. Snacks are another big one. Road trip games, songs, scary stories, and back of the headrest movies! If it isn’t your turn to drive, it’s your time to shine! These are some of the best parts.
If you’re taking a road trip, and with other people, be mindful of the space of the vehicle and the needs of others when packing. Come together to discuss and coordinate how you will pack the luggage into the vehicle.
Rest Stops. This is such a fun and memorable part of the trip but safety first. Be completely aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave a child unattended, ever. Lock all of the doors and set an alarm if you’re resting. If you get back to the car and see anything unusual, call the authorities. Have fun! But with caution. Everyone’s in and out constantly to different parts of the country and, other times, the world. Explore gift shops, restaurants and attractions. Take pictures and grab souvenirs. Grab a postcard for us, too!
The Window Seat
Let’s take a flight! The possibilities feel endless when traveling by plane. I enjoy the whole experience. The huge, beautiful airport with all of its lights and the essence of adventure. It just screams “Where to?” Where do you feel called to go? The sound of the ocean and planting your feet in sand? Coffee with the mountains in the morning? Views of the vineyards? What are you in the mood for?
Even if you aren’t taking a flight, you should have the window seat. A bus ride or a train ride to a vacation destination can be a fun experience. To me, that’s exactly what it is. An experience. I’m used to the road trips, and I enjoy the convenience of flying but every once in a while, there’s something that sounds soothing about just going along for the ride. I’m thinking a backpack, good food, headphones in, listening to my playlist, and new scenic views.
The Luggage
Pack to your liking but beware. You’ll want to be careful when packing important items. It isn’t unheard of that luggage has been misplaced on a plane, a train and a long-distance bus ride. Consider AirTags, luggage locks and other precautions before traveling. Another thing you want to keep in mind when purchasing your tickets, if you’re traveling by way of public transit, are the luggage policies for the company you’re traveling with. You’ll want to make sure everything you’ve packed is in accordance. Bon voyage!
The Tickets
Before you get your tickets, keep in mind that whether it’s a bus, a train or a plane ticket, each route, each company, has its own restrictions and policies in place. Triple check the tickets you’ve selected before you purchase them. Do you have an aisle or a window seat? Are the departure and arrival, dates and times, correct? Are the tickets refundable? Check again.
The Itinerary
Food, Beverage, & Activities
Make 3! One for before the trip, one for during, and one for after. What will you eat, drink, see, and experience in these different time periods? Make a list for each one and plan around them
A lot of people just go with the flow but I recommend doing your research. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until you get to your destination and just grabbing what feels good in the moment. But there’s so much satisfaction in finally trying the restaurant you’ve been waiting to go to for months. I like YouTube and social media as good sources for food reviews in different places. These are also good sources for finding activities in the area that are to your liking. It’s easy to get so caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of travelling that you forget to prioritize fun. Having set excursions, reservations and destination plans reduces the risk for that.
Getting Around
You want to plan for how you’ll get around once you reach your destination. Will you be using public transportation and or ride-share apps? Will you rent a car? Don’t forget this part of your accommodations!
Booking Stay Accommodations
If you’re booking with a hotel do not use a third party unless you’re consulting with a travel agent. When you book a room at a hotel, through a third-party service, there aren’t many changes the hotel can make to your reservation. You take a lot of the power out of the hands of the hotel and into the hands of the third-party service. Which means something as simple as you needed to switch rooms can cost you hours on the phone with a customer service representative. I suggest calling the hotel and making a reservation over the phone so that you aren’t tricked online into believing you’ve booked through the hotel’s website.
Do your research about the sleeping accommodations you have. Where EXACTLY are these accommodations? What are the check in & check out times? Are there any meals or beverages included? What’s around to do, eat, and see? Also, safety is a big factor. You aren’t at home. Hotel, Air bnb, a bed and breakfast, mostly, privately owned and operated. There are precautions and gadgets you can use to ensure your safety. Check the news and media in the area for anything you should know. There are gadgets to detect hidden cameras and doors, gadgets to triple lock and alarm your door, gadgets that detect the actual cleanliness of your surroundings and not just whatever the naked eye can see. Utilize them.
Ensure the accommodations have everything you and the other guests may need. Is there a pool? Is it open? Is there a bellhop if you need help with your luggage? Are there wheelchairs? Are there pull out sofas? Is there a gift shop or a market close by if you forget something? Where’s the nearest pharmacy? Make yourself comfortable. Plan for a successful and easygoing trip.
Stay Prepared For Emergencies
first aid kits, medications, and specific medical equipment like EpiPens or inhalers are always essential. You don’t want to forget those. Paper cuts can happen anywhere. You’ll also want to keep important documents, like passports and IDs, close by and accessible. But if you’re traveling by land there are other things you want to keep with you for the road. If you’re taking a road trip it isn’t a bad idea to keep an emergency car kit, a survival kit, blankets, water and other things you could need if you found yourself in an emergency situation while traveling.