Whether you’re flying or road-tripping, the first day of travel always tends to be a stressful situation. I love traveling but I used to hate the anxiety that came along with getting to my destination. Traveling is meant to be an exciting and memorable experience but by the time I’d arrive at the hotel, I just needed a nap and some wine. As I prepare for my trip to the Bahamas, I decided to share some tips with you on how I’ve managed stress less while traveling.
Prep Beforehand
It’s important you prepare for your upcoming adventure. A few weeks beforehand, research the area you’ll be traveling to and finalize your vacation plans. Figure out where you will be sleeping, eating, and visiting during your trip. Additionally, book any excursions you may want to go on.
The week of, make sure to print any receipts or tickets you may need for your travels. Study your itinerary and know when your flight takes off and lands, what time hotel check-in is, and how much money you’ll be budgeting. Double check everything is correct. I recommend you bring cash in case of an emergency.
Don’t wait til last minute to pack. If you wait until the day before your trip, you’ll end up more frantic and will most likely forget a few necessary items (like underwear). Also, choose your first-day outfit wisely. If you’ll be catching a flight, opt for easy slip-off shoes, pants without a belt, and limited layers to make TSA easier. Keep in mind weather differences between traveling to and from destinations.
Keep Organized
Staying organized throughout your trip will make traveling much easier. Hold all receipts, documents, and tickets together and in a dedicated folder. Depending on your trip, you may need your license or passport close by as well. The first day can be very fast paced, so make sure it’s all easily accessible!
A great travel tote can really help you stress less and know where everything is. If you have too big of a bag —you’re left digging for your wallet— but too little of a bag won’t fit any essentials. My travel tote is a medium-sized cross body bag (to keep my hands free) and has tons of pockets. It’s a great idea to keep your luggage organized too. Use Ziploc bags to organize outfits by day and save on space. If you’re staying at the same place over the course of your vacation, unpack and hang up your clothes.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Good time management skills are a quality of a successful traveler! Most airports allow you to check-in online the day before your flight. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time so you won’t feel rushed and will have extra time if something doesn’t go according to plan. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to grab a bite to eat before your flight.
If you can, try to pack everything into a carry-on so you can avoid checking a bag and waiting at the baggage claim altogether. Think about planning some down time in your itinerary, as well as “buffers” between activities.
What are some of your travel tips? Comment below and share with others!
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