Whether you’re traveling for the first time or setting out on another countless journey, you need to prepare. It’s Easter Break and from my travels so far, I’ve experienced so much! Check out my tips below and stay tuned for details of my Euro Trip!
Before Purchasing Your Ticket
- Check your bank account and set a budget for your journey.
- Plan with a travel buddy. ^_^
- Don’t let language barriers be the reason you don’t travel!
- Search via incognito windows.
- Don’t only rely on Skyscanner. Try alternative websites like Student Universe.
- Consider your options. Flying into a nearby city and taking a train or bus may be cheaper than flying directly to your destination.
- If you have a connection, look at the details carefully. Ensure you are arriving and departing from the same location. Additionally, consider your layover time. If it is absurdly long and you plan to sleep in the airport, check to see if it is open 24 hours.
- Have a long break? Break it in half! Travel for a while, break for a bit, and then travel again. This will allow you to pack less luggage, avoid checked baggage fees by taking carry-ons, and will give you relaxation time in between. (Trust me, traveling is fun, but it can be tiring.)
- Know every single detail in advance including transportation schedules, to and from the bus station, train station, or airport.
- Ask for advice from a friend or a reliable travel website like TripAdvisor.
Before Booking a Hostel/Hotel
- Consider the proximity to your arrival location as well as the city’s center (as I am sure you will want to make a visit).
- Alternatively, see if you have a friend in town or relatives that wouldn’t mind letting you stay.
Pack (Always make a list, but here’s what you should keep in mind.)
- Chewing gum (if you need to pop your ears on a flight)
- Neck pillow (if you’re a sleeping bobble head doll)
- Portable phone charger (‘cause you be on that phone)
- Umbrella (you never know…)
- Ear plugs (unless you enjoy the sound of people snoring)
- Locks for your bags (you can’t trust everyone)
- Classy shirt (you may have an interview)
- Purse or jacket with zipper…or a money pack to wear underneath your shirt (pickpocketing is too real)
- Bag of bags (self-explanatory)
- Tissues (for when you shed a tear after leaving a friend, have eyes that are sensitive to the wind like me, or have random sneeze attacks)
- Roll your clothes to maximize your suitcase space.
- Check carryon size restrictions for suitcase and liquids.
- Weigh your suitcase before going to the airport.
- Bring your camera even if it has the same number of megapixels as your phone; settings matter!
Before Your Departure
- If you’re traveling abroad, notify your bank.
- Be smart with currency exchange and check rates.
- Denote the following on a sheet of paper and in your phone: the country’s emergency phone number, taxi phone numbers, physical appearance of the taxis by company (to avoid hopping into an illegitimate vehicle), additional transportation options with physical appearance (for example, the Dublin Aircoach is light blue; this can increase your efficiency when looking), country dialing codes, and destination addresses.
- See if Uber is available in that particular country.
- For flights, check in as soon as you can (for free…unless you want to pick your seat).
- Track your frequent flyer miles!
- Have a scanned copy of the page in your passport with your photo (just in case, God forbid, you lose your passport or you are pickpocketed).
- Download an interactive map! MAPS.ME is a great option because after you download the country’s map, you can use the app without Wi-Fi or data.
- Tell your loved ones about your plans ahead of time so they are aware.
- Set multiple alarms! Who wants to miss a flight? Not me!
- Smile! Your kindness will most likely be reciprocated and you will readily be helped if need be.
- If you are coordinating with a friend, plan where to meet in advance.
During Your Journey
- Tell your loved ones when you have safely arrived (and friends, if coordinating). In light of recent events, you can never take your safety for granted.
- Always have some cash!
- Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. In tough situations, stay calm, cool, and collected. And when you’re unsure of what to do, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Set more alarms! You don’t want to sleep the day away lol…try to power through the jet lag if you can!
- Low on data? Wondering where the Wi-Fi is? Just turn your phone on loud and let your phone pick up on it! (eduroam is bae and you may find yourself walking by a college)
- If you jay walk, be careful, or just follow the masses.
- Stay hydrated! (new place, same thirst)
- Respect the locals. This is a given, but just as a reminder, they know more about the area than you do. Additionally, just because you don’t understand an aspect of the culture, does not mean that it is wrong. Accept that there are things you do not know and embrace the differences! You can learn much along the way as long as you are willing.
Upon Your Return
- Breathe
- Relax
- Share your story!
~ Safe travels! ~
Tea With Kea 