All of the traveling the last few months have opened my eyes to a few travel tips when it comes to packing, attire, and experiencing the culture you’re in for those few days…this is not rocket science by any means, but it has been helpful to me to notice these tips along the way so I’m sharing them with you!
- Pack Light…remember this post about packing, especially on a trip that is a couple of weeks – make the clothes last and pack some travel-sized detergent to wash clothes along the way if necessary.
- Roll Your Clothes, Don’t Fold Them…this is helpful to get the MOST in your suitcase without having to sit on top of it to close it (which I am Not above doing on occasion I must confess).
- Do Your Research…every city you are going to is so different so make sure to do your research! Whether it’s reading books or asking friends who have gone before you…my good friend VS gave me such great advice and recommendations on this trip to Spain and because I already trust her and know she wouldn’t steer me down a wrong travel path, I’m taking her advice.
- Ask the Locals...be where the locals are, eat where they eat, shop where they shop, take their advice. They know their city better than you ever will so even if they lead you to a dive bar down the road but swear they have the best tapas you’ve ever tasted, you better go to the dive bar.
- Start Your Days Early…dealing with jet-lag on any trip is a nightmare, start your days on the earlier side to avoid some of that lag…grab your coffee and hit the pavement.
- Layer…when you’re packing make sure to include some thin long or short sleeve that can be worn under a cardigan which can be layered under a leather jacket – in the worst case scenario you take the cardigan off and then you’re a trendy hipster with a leather jacket and a button-down tied around your waist.
- Invest in a Good Camera…pictures are so valuable to me from my travels, they are the best way to mark significant moments on your trip, so make sure the camera quality is up to par (even if it’s iphone it can still be top notch)
- Make Friends…you will meet so many new friends along the way. From the airport to the taxis to the museums and restaurants, make friends with not only the locals but fellow travelers. Swap stories and recommendations.
- Journal…this one is new for me but I think it’s so valuable. Keep a record of your adventures, even if it’s just a quick log of what you did that day. It helps memory recollection and it also reminds you of your activities in case you go back you don’t want to repeat the same thing twice. More than that, if your vacation allows for some quiet time it’s a great place to corral your thoughts and feelings and sense of rejuvenation…note to self, pick up a journal…
- AIRBNBs are Great Investments…hotels are not going anywhere but if you want more of a local experience, take the Air BNB route…they immediately plop you into the center of town or the countryside as if you really are a local. Usually these rentals surprise you with how impeccable they are, almost more than the hotels!
xo
Coco
PS…keep exploring! and keep following me over on Snapchat @cococozyblog and Instagram @cococozy
PPS…more tips for traveling and packing over at USA Today
Good points.
I like to explore my hobbies in a new place. For years, it was tango–I’d seek out places for dancing. That took me into unexpected places and I met lots of people. Now it’s cooking. It makes for a change from the usual tourist sights.