Traveling is a great way to feel refreshed and take a break from the daily grind but it can also be stressful, but with a few tips, you can be on the road ready to enjoy yourself! Whether you are traveling to a different state for business or backpacking through an entirely new country, efficiency and safety are essential.
What to pack? What not to pack? Carry-on or checked bag? Drive or fly? So many decisions that we have to make before a trip. Luckily, I have spent a huge chunk of my life traveling and picking up tips and tricks from self-proclaimed professional travelers...yes, apparently that is a real thing! So who better to listen to than the professionals, amiright?
We have compiled a list of travel tips for you to reference before your next trip!
Pack Light & smart
This seems easy enough but anyone who has ever taken a trip knows that packing is the worst part. Just pack what you know you are going to wear and need, right? Gosh, I wish it were that simple...if you are anything like me, you will pack things that you KNOW you won’t wear. My suitcase tends to be a magnet for the clothes in my closet that I’m saving “for a special occasion,” most of which still have tags on them. It makes zero sense, and I know I’m not alone because I’ve had dozens of conversations with people on this very topic.
Anyway, let’s get back to how we can pack light and smart. Pack only what you need! Plan your outfits ahead of time, so you know what you will be wearing each day, and try to choose pieces of clothing that you can wear multiple times - jeans, neutral color shirt, layers.
Once you have planned your outfits accordingly, the key is to pack them so that they won’t wrinkle but will save space: rolling. Yes, roll your clothes instead of folding them...It’s a game-changer.
Essentials Kit
If you are going to be on the go, then your outfits are not the only thing you should plan out. If you take many vitamins or supplements, consider getting a travel pill case, so you don’t need to carry around a ton of plastic bottles. Even if you are flying, TSA allows you to carry vitamins and medications in your carry-on. You are even allowed to carry on your powdered supplements such as protein powder, greens, and collagen peptides. To save room, consider measuring out pre-portioned serving sizes in plastic baggies or even opting for single-use packs like Collagen Hydrolysate Convenience Packs. These single-use packs are perfect for on-the-go travelers and hardly take up any room at all...plus, it’s essential to stay consistent when it comes to our wellness!
Planning & Budgeting
So if you are taking a quick trip or plan on being on-the-go for the duration of your journey, it’s crucial to have a general plan for each day. Now I’m not saying to plan out every single hour but planning the big things will help you be more efficient when it comes to transportation, time, and sticking to a budget. Ah, speaking of budgets...be sure to have one; this will reduce stress and will also help you stick to your plans and do everything you want to do. If you happen to be leaving the country, you will have to budget differently depending on currency exchange, and this should be a significant part of your planning.
When budgeting your daily allowance, be sure to break it up into smaller categories like food, drinks, souvenirs, shopping, transportation, etc., that way, you can stick to your budget. If you are on-the-go for most of the trip, it’s important to carry snacks and plan for eating out. Go out for lunch instead of dinner and if you have leftovers, eat that for dinner. If you are staying somewhere with a kitchenette, stop at a local market and buy stuff for you to make! This tip has helped me save hundreds of dollars while traveling.
Make copies of everything
Losing important documents is the quickest way to ruin any trip. I know that no one wants to plan for something like this, but it’s essential to be prepared in case these important travel docs are lost or stolen. Even if you are on a quick business trip, it’s a good habit to make copies of your driver’s license, passport, and any travel visas that you may have. Having copies of these docs will make it easier for you to show proof of ID or get a replacement.
Stay safe
One of the most important travel tips ever! Research your destination and learn about what areas tend to be safer for travelers. Be aware of your surroundings and if you are traveling solo, be sure to share your whereabouts and planned destinations with a friend. One tip that someone shared with me before my first solo trip was to carry around important phone numbers and a map in case your phone happens to die.
As somebody who never used to plan, I cannot express how much these hacks have helped. Whether you are planning a leisurely trip or a quick business trip, be sure to keep these helpful suggestions in mind before you start packing your bags! One tip that deserves an honorable mention is to document your trip! Not just for social media but for you to look back and remember the exact moment you captured that photograph. Anyway, happy travels to all of you!
