It’s time to hit the road and let go of your daily cares. Traveling can be one of the most therapeutic things you can do for yourself, and it also is just plain fun. Though it takes a lot of planning for the major parts of a journey, such as airline tickets and hotels, it is sometimes the very simple things that can make or break the entire experience. Check out these five easy ways to make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
Leave all valuable at home unless you absolutely need them while traveling. If you do take them along, take specific measures to keep them safe. Make sure they are included in an insurance policy, and lock them into a hotel room safe or check them in to the hotel’s main security vault.
Get a written statement of what you give them, and have the clerk who takes the valuables sign it. If they do not offer a specific document for this, write one up yourself and ask them to sign it. Have a witness with you. Never wear expensive jewelry in public, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
Pack a few plastic bags, in various sizes. They take up very little room, and can be invaluable for stashing wet swimsuits or tucking away leftover snacks and foods. If you are bringing along any electronics, wrap them in plastic in case anything else in the suitcase leaks. Place shampoos, lotions and hair products in plastic, as well.
Resist the temptation to overpack. Make it a rule of thumb to never bring along anything that you don’t wear on a regular basis. At the very least, don’t bring items that you have not worn in the past six months.
If you don’t normally wear it in your everyday life, the chances are that you also will also not wear it on vacation. You want to avoid being weighed down with too much luggage, and you also could need extra space in your bags to bring back things that you purchase while away.
Pack a flashlight, even a small, compact one if that is all you have room for. It can be invaluable in case of emergency while driving, or if there is a power outage in your hotel. If a fire breaks out and the electrical system is disabled, a flashlight can help you find the way to the nearest exit.
If you still have your old suitcases from years ago, update to ones with wheels. There is no reason to lug heavy suitcases anymore, when you can easily roll them along with little effort on your part. If the cost is an issue, visit a thrift store and purchase one at a fraction of the cost of buying one new.
Take care of the crucial elements of planning your journey, but don’t forget these other easy tips for making the trip go smoothly. No effort you make ahead of time will go unrewarded when you embark on the journey you have dreamed of taking.