Back the Basics
No need to overthink!
Below are some basic tips to improve your travels:
TIPS INCLUDE:
Know Your Environment
Explore - Get to know the place and the people
Pre-arrange plans
Leave some free time - Relax!
Pack Extra Clothes
Traveling is meant to be a time for relaxation. However, some people tend to get anxious during the event. What causes this? Well, it has been found that travelers who are unprepared or under-planned have an increase in travel related stress. It is essential that you plan for your trip in advance. If you're going to a cold environment, ensure you have plenty of warm gear and a safe means of transportation that can handle the conditions. If you are going to a warm, sunny destination, ensure to have warm clothes, sunscreen, as well as plenty of water.
Research means Results.
Vacation expectations can ruin travel.
Here's what you can do about it:
It is essential that you know the places you go. Results show that people who plan trips without prior research tend to enjoy their trips less. Make sure you know your destination and know it interests you. If you don't enjoy cold conditions, maybe save some money and skip the 3-week snowboarding trip.
WHAT'S BEST TO PACK?
Go from OVERPACKING...
To MINIMALISTIC!
Taking a trip anywhere is very fun! Going anywhere besides your hometown is probably one of the best things anybody does. There are a few things that you should pack up, especially for when you’re going somewhere that is very cold. Depending on how long you will be there is also very important to what you might need. No matter how long you’ll be there, I’d say to pack an extra outfit or two. You never know when you might need them, especially if it’s snowing and your clothes get soaked.
As I mentioned above, pack an extra outfit or two. The outfits should consist of two-three sweatshirts, some warm pants, jeans, or sweats. It doesn’t matter unless you have a special occasion: some long or short-sleeved shirts. I do not recommend taking any tank tops or spaghetti straps unless those are what you typically sleep in—a good-sized coat, depending on what the weather looks like it’s going to be. I’d recommend getting a heated jacket because it is very nice, especially for those who get extremely cold. Bring a few scarves. I have a very flattering one that is good-looking for Christmas, but I can always wear it whenever—one to three beanies, especially if your trip is going to be about a week long. Beanies are incredibly nice in cold weather, but bring extras because you never know if they will get dirty. Most people say to bring one pair of shoes, but I don’t. Anyone should bring at least two, especially in the winter/cold times. You may need boots if it snows or is extremely wet outside and a pair of tennis shoes in case it’s cold but dry. Don’t forget socks! Nice warm socks would be perfect, especially when you plan to spend outside. But I’d bring some regular cotton socks in case you decide you're not going anywhere on one of the days you’re on vacation. That way, your feet don’t get too heated, and they don’t stink! I'd recommend the same clothes if you have little ones, except for at least three or four days extra. Kids are known to be messy. If there’s a puddle outside, they’ll jump in it and soak, at the very least, their socks. I’d also recommend bringing two extra pairs of shoes for them as well. Your pajamas are also a necessity. I’d suggest getting one that’s very warm, just in case, but also whatever you typically sleep with. Definitely bring whatever sports gear you need. You can sometimes purchase or rent them, depending on where you go, but having them packed means you’re ready to go!
After the clothes and essentials come the typical ones. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. If you have little ones, make sure to pack extra diapers. No matter how many you think you need, you will likely need more! Bring extra wipes and diaper cream for them. Make sure to pack extra snacks! I don’t know about you, but I like to bring my own soap. You can get the travel-size empty bottles you can fill with your own soap. Some stores have different brands of soap in travel-sized bottles as well. Bring a hairbrush, or a comb, depending on what you use, and any makeup you use daily. I always bring a curling iron and hair spray in case I want to use them. Bring your contact case, solution, or glasses case if you have contacts or glasses. Don’t forget your chargers and any electronics you need to bring. Depending on how many people are going with you, I’d try and pack one pillow and one blanket for each person. I know that my kids and I prefer to have our own things that we usually sleep with on our trips. It makes us feel a lot better.
Packing for a trip is stressful in itself. Having a list of things makes it much easier to pack and feel better. I’m sure some people might alter this list or add things to it, but I always try to pack what I need. I always try to find a nearby store and get it there if I forget something. Don’t forget to have a great time on your trip!