Summer is here! That means beach trips, weekend trips, ten-days-in-Europe trips (you lucky girl, you). Stay sane with these tips.
1. Pack light. Lighter than you think you’re already packing. And if you plan on doing some shopping when you get there, take a half empty suitcase. A vacation is much easier and more relaxing when you don’t have to worry about carrying a ton of stuff.
2. Think about what you’ll need to be comfortable while you get there. If you’re taking a plane, train or bus, there’s a good chance it will be freezing: bring a cardigan or wrap. Consider comfy socks (for a long flight), earplugs (for a long flight with the inevitable crying baby), an eye mask, and a water spray mister (it looks a little silly, but your skin will thank you).
3. Even if you like to make it up as you go along, look up a few restaurants, bars and entertainment options before you go so you have something to fall back on. Also: throw a granola bar or a pack of nuts in your purse. Finding a “cute,” “undiscovered” bistro is more fun when you’re not starving.
4. A good trip may broaden your horizons and expose you to new things, but be honest with yourself: at home or away, you’re still the same person. If you get carsick or hate traveling on buses and you’re about to sign up for a three-day adventure bus tour, you might want to reconsider.
5. Be aware of the dos and dont’s of wherever you’re going. Whether that means respecting local dress or customs, or staying out of a shady neighborhood at night, a little research and common sense will keep you out of trouble.
6. If you’re traveling with friends and you plan to stick together, make sure everyone is on the same page about what you’ll be doing. If you’re looking forward to an action-packed trip and your sister wants to sit on the beach for five days, you’ll need to work something out.
7. Many cities offer discount booklets or daily coupons for everything from food to spa services to shows and concerts, either through independent websites or the Tourist Board. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s worth checking to see if there are good deals to be had. And if you know you’ll want to visit specific museums or sites, see if you can book tickets online to skip the lines. Note: some museums require that you buy tickets for certain timeslots, and high-profile ones can be booked weeks in advance. Make sure to check well ahead of time.
8. Traveling can be exhausting, and you don’t always need to dress to impress. But: do dress to fit in. Ditch the hiking boots if you’re in a city, and put on something other than a sarong if you’re venturing outside of your beach resort. I would also like to dispel a myth perpetuated by years of Sex and the City: women in New York are not constantly tottering around on four-inch stilettos. So unless they count as normal footwear for you, leave them at home and bring your ballet flats instead.
