Traveling can be an extremely fulfilling experience; domestically, Americans take over 2.2 billion domestic trips each year and 93 million international trips. The beauty of vacations is that they can be anything you want them to be.
You can take a long, relaxing weekend at a spa, you can head out for extreme adventures in the middle of a desert, or you can take exciting breaks that indulge your desire to learn more about the world and let you get involved in the local community where you are going. You can go anywhere or everywhere and get away from the familiarity of your everyday life.
Preparing for travel and making your experience easier can be tricky, especially for those venturing outside the U.S. for the first time. Knowing what to pack and what to leave or expect can be a little anxiety-inducing, regardless of the amount of research you do before departure.
These tips can help you to make sure your trip goes smoothly, and you have the best experience on your travels.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers any accidents and illnesses while you are away and outside of the U.S., amongst other things. It doesn't matter where you are headed or for how long. It is vital you get travel insurance to cover your trip. No one likes to think of anything going wrong, but sadly, this isn't always the case, and travel insurance can help you remove some of the worry should the unexpected happen. Travel insurance has different offerings depending on who you purchase from, so always make sure you check what is and isn't covered along with any policy excess. Look to see the level of coverage provided for things like missed or canceled flights, lost luggage, cancellations, and medical care.
Book Lounge Access
If you want to improve your airport experience and give yourself a great start or even end to your trip, then booking lounge access can be ideal. Whether you purchase a Priority Pass that gives you access to hundreds of lounges across the world or you just want to buy one-time access, it's up to you, but lounge access takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the airport to a quieter space you can relax and enjoy complimentary food and drinks.
Choosing Luggage Wisely
Packing efficiently and traveling comfortably starts with your choice of luggage. When selecting your travel bags, opt for those that suit your specific needs and itinerary. For instance, if you're embarking on an extended journey or have multiple destinations, consider investing in a large-sized suitcase from Eminent or an xxl one. These suitcases offer ample space and durability, ensuring your belongings are well-protected throughout your travels. Additionally, make sure your luggage has convenient features like smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles to navigate airports and stations with ease. By choosing the right luggage, you can streamline your travel experience and focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest.
Allow Time Between Connections
There's a fine line between giving yourself enough time to make connections and hanging around for hours. But you do not want to be booking too close together just in case of delays. It doesn't matter how you travel, by plane, bus or train for example, if you don't give yourself enough time then the stress of getting off one mode of transport and rushing to your next one can put a damper on the journey. Instead, space it out and take your time. Use seattle luggage storage facilities, for example, if you have a long wait and don't want to be carrying your luggage with you until your next connection in Seattle. Most airports and train stations will have amenities like this to take advantage of to make your wait time easier, even if you only use it while you grab something to eat!
You Don't Need To Pack Everything
In most cases, your destination will have stores for you to be able to buy some bits from, so you won't need to overpack. Things like toiletries, sunscreens, and even clothing can all be purchased at your destination, and you don't need to worry about packing for general day-to-day stuff as you will likely be able to find what you need unless you have specific medical requirements or allergies. Reduce your packing load by only buying travel-size items or decanting things into travel-size containers to ride the weight of your luggage.
Research Your Destination
If you really want a smoother trip, then you need to research your destination prior to arrival. You can generally find most of the information you need online from simple inquiries and search terms. Read travel blogs for inspiration on where to visit, advice on how to get around and the local culture, and things you didn't need to know. The more you know where you are headed, the more prepared you can be and the easier it will be for you to acclimatize once you arrive and know what to expect.
Travel should be a life-enriching and fun experience. To get the most from a trip, you need to make sure you have put the proper plans in place to reduce any stress associated with traveling and be aware of what to expect when you arrive at your local destination.
