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Eventually, we will be getting ourselves back to normality and I for one can’t wait!
Travelling can be really good fun and once bitten by the travel bug you’ll find you can’t wait to set forth on your next amazing adventure once you have the funds. Having travelled numerous times over the years there are some basic things that many overlook or forget to do, but would be wise to consider.
Safety
When travelling anywhere it is important to check the safety of the area you are travelling too. Many will want to visit local markets, tourist attractions etc. There are some holiday destination and sites where pickpockets, muggings, kidnappings etc are more prevalent. It helps to be aware of these and follow the safety precautions that have been put in place.
Travel Times
Choosing suitable travel times is very important and dependant on your needs. While the later or overnight flights might work out cheaper they’re not always the best. Do you really want to arrive at your destination at 9am in the morning, exhausted after your trip? I don’t think so. It may cost more to select your flight time and maybe even a little more legroom but it can make a big difference to your comfort during the trip especially on a long haul flight.
Learn the Lingo
I find when travelling abroad it can help to learn the language. You don’t need to be exceptionally fluent but learning enough to attempt to have a conversation with locals, store assistants etc in their native tongue can really help. My attempts at Spanish have gotten me by, made people giggle and have always been received well in Spanish speaking countries I’ve visited. Learning the basics to get by isn’t hard. If you need help then you can always consider sites like Rosetta Stone. There you can learn a wide range of languages and I can learn to brush up on my Spanish.
Technology
Isn’t technology amazing! It’s developed so much and they are still finding new ways to make things run even more efficiently and make our lives easier. One gadget that has proven super useful is a phone. Gone are the days where your phones were just for talking to each other. Now you can use them to take pictures, help us find our destination, find a restaurant that is highly recommended by locals, download useful apps for sightseeing and much more. It’s important to have a device that can handle your needs.
I know many that don’t take their main phone with them when they travel abroad. They have a second mobile phone for taking on holiday that isn’t so expensive with its own number and pay as you go data plan. When choosing a phone take a look at Trust Pilot. They have reviews for a number of companies and give star ratings. The Big Phone Store sells used and refurbished Google Pixel’s (recommended by a friend for its great quality pictures). This site has been rated as excellent by users. I’m looking to upgrade my phone as soon as I decide what to get. She bought a refurbished phone and would strongly recommend I do the same.
Trusting the Experts
While you may be able to successfully navigate a trip to a major European city all on your own, there’ll be other places that present a greater challenge. A friend travelled across South America years ago with her partner. They pre-arranged various tours and guides to help them do this. You’ll find that you get more out of your trip by doing this.
Do You Need Jabs?
Depending on where and when you are travelling there is a possibility that you may need a vaccine to protect against certain infections that pose a threat there. Not all vaccines are free and some may require more than one injection prior to departure. It’s important to check well in advance to make sure you get this arranged in enough time.
The Right Luggage
Luggage is luggage right? Well, actually it isn’t. These days you can find all manner of luggage options. Some of will make your life easier when you’re moving them and are also more easily identifiable for when you’re trying to work out which of the 50 navy blue bags is yours as it goes round and round the carousel. Look for a lightweight bag to allow you to take more, one with spinner wheels, more unique design and hardwearing.
Copies of Documents
It is important to have a copy of any documentation you may need available. Often emailing yourself a copy of your passport, insurance etc can be useful in case you come across any issues. Also, it could be helpful to have a picture of your luggage and suitcase contents. In the eventuality of your bag going missing it’ll help with an insurance claim.
Don’t Forget Your First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of the first things on my list when I start preparing for a trip. Buy a ready prepared one or create your own. I like to include essential oils as part of my kit. I love lavender as it can be used as an insect repellent, anti-inflammatory – for bites and spots and also a sleep aid.
Travel Insurance
A must for every trip. I always make sure we are covered and search through to make sure that everything I need is included. Read the small print, see which are recommended by family, friends and Money Saving Expert.
As well as all this, emergency money, chargers for devices, a lock for your bag, high factor sunscreen, earplugs, a sleep mask are additional items to make sure you include within your packing. Be prepared but don’t panic too much about forgetting things, most items can be bought at the airport or at your destination if you’ve forgotten something.
What tips would you give to help readers holidays run as smoothly and problem-free as possible?
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A really usefullist. Thank you. I am rusty with travelling and travel preparation but hope to get away sometime after lockdown.
Same here. I think many are looking forward to getting away when this is all over x
I know I speak for every American: I can’t wait for things to get back to normal! I imagine there will be a lot of people traveling. Your post will be very helpful for them!
Thank you, some great tips here I’ll definitely use next time I’m travelling. I’m big on safety when I’m travelling and always remember I’m in a new place and need to ensure I take care. And I couldn’t travel without my phone now, it’s been a life saver so many times!
A great post to use as a checklist when going away, I always make a list and keep checking even when we are walking out of the door x
Great travel tips and we have serious wanderlust and can’t wait to travel on holiday once the Covid crisis is over – I’m sure for the next couple of years things like social distancing will come into play!
I’ve been traveling for so long that I don’t even think of some of these steps, they come naturally. Safety should be the number one concern when choosing a destination to travel to. It doesn’t matter that it’s cheap if it’s not safe.
Great tips. I always try to learn a little bit of the language before I go away, it really helps just that little bit.
As someone who travels a lot, these are some really helpful tips! Safety is absolutely paramount when it comes to travelling.
This is a useful list, I am so looking forward to travelling again as soon as is possible
I think with everything going on at the moment there are going to be so many more considerations when it comes to travelling. For me it’s about plenty of planning and keeping everything organised x
This is such a useful checklist. I am going to save this for when we next go away as saves me having to over think x
I agree, a lot of people including myself just can’t wait for things to get back to normal and to be able to travel like normal again. This will be different and we will need to adhere to all the travel tips as not to endanger our lives.
I always pack tea bags. A cup of tea is the first thing I need when I arrive somewhere new!
Great tips! I have actually never been out of the UK but this lockdown has made us all realise that we really want to travel more with the kids, see more of the world and everything it has to offer too! Obviously only once its safe.
There are so many things to think about when making travel plans, but it’s part of the fun of preparing for a grand adventure to somewhere new.