Travel Tips For Any Adventure

  • 1.Only pack what you can carry

    Whenever I start the packing process for a trip my husband always reminds me to only pack what I can carry. I am famous for over-packing and have embarrassed myself on several occasions trying to lug around a suitcase that weighs more then me. There is nothing worse then holding up the line of boarding passengers on a plane while trying to hoist up your carry on bag into the overhead compartment when it is clear to everyone but yourself that there is no way in hell it is going to fit. Losing your balance while doing this and falling into those waiting passengers creating a domino effect is truly mortifying. Take my word on that one. You will get the look of death from several passengers for the entire duration of the flight.

  • 2.Make a packing list

    This will hopefully keep you from over-packing. I use my bed as a platform for laying out my outfits for each day that I will be traveling. Be sure to choose articles of clothing that can be worn multiple times. For example, if is going to be cold then pack a sweater that is neutral in color and can be worn with several different outfits. The only items that I pack multiples are tank tops, socks and undies. And of course, always pack comfortable shoes and don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • 3.Keep a travel journal

    My worst fear is looking like a tourist so you will never find me toting around a travel guidebook while I am exploring a new city. It is not that I don’t read the guidebooks but I choose to read them before I go and write down in a journal any tid bits from those books that I think will be helpful for exploring. I also make copies of maps and paste them into my journal as well. I also like to download travel podcasts for my Ipod that contain guided walking tours of the city I am exploring. They tell you where to go and give you the historical facts on the different sites you are exploring. I also use my travel journal to write down my thoughts and experiences on my adventure.

  • 4.Make sure to take photos

    I know this seems like a no-brainer but I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten to get out my camera and snap off some pics of the different sights I am checking out during my travels. I get really caught up in all the sights and sounds while exploring and get overwhelmed trying to take it all in, thus forgetting that my digital camera is waiting in my pocket for it’s chance to document these sights.

  • 5.Make an attempt to speak the language

    If I am traveling to a foreign language speaking country then I will try to learn a few words of their language. By attempting to speak their language you are showing them respect and they will be more open to speaking to you in English.

  • 6.Have fun

    Another no-brainer but traveling and sightseeing can be stressful so just remember to have fun. You are not going to be able to do everything and see everything that your destination has to offer so pick a few sights that are important to you and check those out. You can always make a return trip someday to explore the sights you missed the first time. I also think it is important to spend some time people watching. I think that is the best way to get a real glimpse into the culture.