Top 5 Expert Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Travel Experience

There is a difference between letting your adventure unfold as it may, and being completely at the mercy of your adventure. You can be whimsical in your travels, but still prepared…there is no substitution for doing your research and preparing for your destination. For example- do you know what the public transit looks like where you are going? How is the weather? How should you pack? Safety concerns to be aware of?

You will want to extensively research your destination (especially if you are traveling internationally) to make sure you know what to expect. See my list of considerations when doing research below:

What is the currency?

This is important if you are traveling internationally. Most places allow you to use your foreign based bank cards. However, it is always a good idea to take cash out in your home country before you get to your destination, and exchange it for your destination’s currency in the airport. Be extra aware of what the exchange rate is, and know how it translates. It is always recommended to keep cash close to you, and to not display what you have.

How will you get around?

Some locations are completely walkable, or have super easy public transit to help you get around. Other places will definitely require a car. Make sure you look into the best way to navigate your destination before you go. Whether it is planning a rental car, making sure you have the Uber (or another transit app) downloaded, it pays to be prepared. If you are going somewhere that will not speak your native language, sometimes it is best to research and purchase what you need online before you go, so you are prepared. Safety considerations- be aware of what may be considered “unsafe” transit. For instance, it is not recommended to get in an unmarked “cab” no matter where you are. Always be sure, especially with ride share, that the driver is affiliated with a known company or the local government. 

Entry and exit requirements?

There are some countries in 2023 that still have strict entry/exit requirements in regard to vaccines, duration of stay, and more. Always be sure to look this up on official government websites for your home country and destination, beforehand. 

Documentation of your plans

I always think it is a great idea to share your loose itinerary with someone back home. You can print out or digitally share information such as your flight details, where you will be staying, and phone numbers where they can reach you. On top of this, it can be helpful to carry print outs of flight details, hotel reservations, and a form of identification. This is just in case something happens to your mobile device (where we usually store everything these days). In addition, if you are traveling internationally, customs may ask for information on where you will be staying. It is beneficial to have this with you.

Will you have cellular service?

There are not many places I have been where cellular service is not accessible, but there are plenty of places where this may be true. Before traveling, find out from your mobile provider if you will 1) have service at your destination, and 2) be charged for using this service. If you will not have access to cell service, you can always utilize public wifi from shops and restaurants if provided, but may want to make loved ones aware of this. 

Emergency numbers

Fun fact, 911 will typically only work in the U.S. and its territories. It is always good to know emergency numbers for your destination, just in case. You can find this list here.

Chargers

Not every country uses the same outlet/voltage type as your home country. Be sure to look this up beforehand so you can come equipped with an adapter if needed. Here is one for pretty cheap that is universal. It may be useful to get a couple to keep with you.

How to pack and dress

Every country and destination is different. You may think of your tropical destination as exclusively warm, but some places can drop into much cooler temperatures once the sun sets. One of the biggest tips here is to pack the appropriate SHOES. Bad shoes can totally ruin your trip. I would advise to always bring a comfortable (broken-in, tried and true) pair of walking shoes no matter where you are going. 

Know the culture

This is a very overlooked part of the research process in traveling. We as responsible travelers cannot assume that our customs, laws, and even social norms are universal. Each country has its own culture that must be respected and observed to practice responsible traveling.