Is there anything better than packing your bags and heading to the airport, knowing that an awesome trip lies in your immediate future? We don’t think so.
For anyone with any sense of adventure, a trip brings unbound possibilities, and there’s every chance that you return home with a bag full of stories that’ll keep you going until your next trip. However, it would be wrong to think that every aspect of traveling is fun. It’s not a joyous ride from start to finish. There will be uncomfortable moments. Sometimes, these are welcome; it is good, after all, to sometimes step out of our comfort zone.
But then there are uncomfortable moments that we really don’t want. While you can’t always avoid them, there are things you can do that’ll help to minimize the likelihood of them coming to pass. And in this blog, we’ll look at just what those useful tips are. Take all of the tips on board, and you’ll be much more likely to have a smooth and enjoyable trip!
Smart Routes
You can help yourself have a cool and comfortable trip by picking a smooth travel route. There’s often a temptation to get the cheapest flight ticket possible. However, when it’s cheap, you usually end up paying in other ways. For instance, the trip might involve multiple layovers, which turns what would have been a manageable trip into one that takes much longer than necessary. And while this will help your bank balance, it won’t be all that comfortable. Indeed, you’ll likely arrive at your destination extremely tired. And that’s not how you want to begin an adventure!
Central Hotels
It’s worthwhile conducting some research before you go. Not too much, of course, since you want to retain the sense of adventure and surprise. But you should do some. For instance, where is the best location for accommodation? As with flights, it’s tempting to pick the best value hotel you can find. But even if it’s a nice hotel, it might not be the best for your trip if it’s located in an area that’s a little far from the center of wherever it is you’re visiting. You’ll just end up having to get public transport or a taxi to and from where all the attractions are. And that can become pretty tiresome, pretty fast.
Pack Light
You’ll want to look good when you’re traveling (because you’ll be taking a lot of selfies!), but you shouldn’t pack enough for multiple outfit changes a day. Why? Because remember, unless you have someone to carry your bags for you, you’ll be lugging around all those outfits. While you won’t mind having all your favorite clothes when you’re at your hotel, carrying those clothes to and from the hotel can be extremely annoying. How uncomfortable is it to get a packed subway with a massive bag of luggage? Keep things light. The truth is that most people don’t wear the majority of the items they take with them anyway.
…And For The Weather
It’s not just the amount that you’re packing, but also what you’re packing. Research, again, plays a big role here. The internet can provide all the information you need about the climate of the place that you’re visiting. You can quickly become uncomfortable if you simply assume you know how it’ll be. For example, let’s say you’re visiting a hot destination. Let’s say, the south of Spain. You could look at the daily temperatures and assume that nothing but hot-weather clothing is needed. But with a little research, you’d know that things can get chilly as soon as the sun goes down. And just like that, you’ve saved yourself from an uncomfortable moment.
Safe In The Sun
For many people, the sun is a big motivation for traveling. If you live in a place that receives plenty of wet and cold weather, then you’ll jump at the chance to spend some time soaking up the rays. However, it’s important to remember that while the sun can be a friend, it can also be a foe. If you’re not practicing sun safety, then you’ll run the risk of getting burned — and that’s something that can have a short- and long-term impact. Be sure to always wear sunscreen when you’re heading out into the sunshine for the day. If you’re in a place that doesn’t have any shade (such as, you’re hiking in open land), then take an extra precaution by investing in a shemagh from Mato & Hash. That’ll ensure that your head area — the most likely place to get burned — is well-protected from the rays.
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll likely walk sometimes when you’re at home, but in all probability, you won’t walk anywhere near as much as you do when you’re traveling. After all, you’re not racing around at home, trying to visit as many attractions as you can. If you’re severely stepping up the number of steps you do each day, then it’ll be important to take precautions. You can do this in a couple of ways. The first is to slowly increase your number of daily steps in the weeks leading up to the trip. This can be considered your “pre-trip training.” And second, look at investing in comfortable shoes. You’ll want to look stylish, sure, but also think about your poor feet and legs.
Don’t Overpack The Schedule
It’s easy to get excited about all the things you’ll be able to see and do at the destination that you’re visiting. But remember, you’re not a machine. It’s best to avoid overpacking the schedule. That way, you’ll have more time to simply sit back and do nothing at all. Trips should be relaxing as well as stimulating! Plus, you’ll often find that those relaxing moments are, in fact, experiences within themselves. There’s a lot to be said for spending a few hours sitting on a beautiful beach, doing nothing other than watching the waves hit the shore.
Bring Earplugs
You can’t be comfortable if you’re running on zero sleep. While hotel reviews often give a heads up if there are sound issues that compromise sleep quality, this won’t always be the case. Plus, you never know when a foreign city might have something to celebrate (such as a soccer victory) on the day that you stroll into town. So don’t take any chances. Be sure to pack some earplugs so you can get a good night’s sleep no matter what the locals are getting up to. An eye mask can also be useful, especially for those times when you want to grab some shuteye when you’re on a flight.
Create a Homey Environment
Finally, even though your temporary accommodation isn’t your new home (it would be nice if it was, though), it’s still worthwhile looking at making the space a little homier. That way, you’ll be able to truly relax after you’ve had your day of exploring. There are plenty of different things you can do that’ll help to make the space more inviting. For example, you could add some candles, unpack your belongings, and add a little touch of you (a very scent, perhaps). They’re all little things, but that can make a big difference to your enjoyment of your trip.
Conclusion
Don’t settle for a less than comfortable trip (unless that’s what you’re seeking). Take our tips above, and you’ll be well on your way towards having a trip that works for you on multiple levels. It’ll be stimulating, fun, and relaxing from start to finish.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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