My Top 10 Travel Tips

Hey hey!

So, I absolutely love traveling, but let's be real, it can get pretty stressful sometimes. I've been through blizzards, tropical storms, flight cancellations, and all those not-so-fun parts of traveling. But don't worry! I've put together my top ten travel tips to help you out on your next adventure.

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

It's easier said than done, isn't it? Getting ready for a trip involves a lot - budgeting, booking flights, packing, and more. It can feel overwhelming, and you might even forget some steps along the way. Whether you're planning a spontaneous weekend escape or a long-term move, I always keep in mind my top 3 priorities: place, planes, plans.

Place: This includes everything from knowing the basics about your destination, where you'll be staying, to getting a general idea of the cities you'll be exploring.

Planes: Whether you're buying plane tickets or mapping out a road trip, this category covers your transportation needs and travel schedule.

Plans: Think about all the exciting activities you want to do on your trip - like concerts, sightseeing, dining out, and hitting up local bars.

Whether you spend days preparing or just an hour online, taking the time to get ready for your travels can really help reduce the stress and worries that often come with it.

2. The Location Check

   This is all about checking out the place you're heading to, but with a special focus on how you're going to get around once you're there. Need to rent a car? Or maybe you're under 25 and can't do that - no worries, how else can you move around? Getting your transportation sorted out is key when traveling. It's a real bummer having to walk for miles in heels after a night out. So, make sure you're all set with your Uber app or know your way around the local transport options. This location check is a crucial step in your travel prep.

   
   

3. Pack Smart

   When it comes to traveling, my biggest pet peeve has got to be packing. Who hasn't had a mini freakout about forgetting something important or stressing over not having the right outfit for every occasion during the trip? So, here's my hack for all my fellow packing strugglers out there: keep it simple. Stick to the basics like jeans, white tops, a little black dress, and a casual jacket. These essentials work for any destination and any activity, and you can always spice them up with a unique find from a local boutique. Now, let's talk about my chronic overpacking habit. I always end up lugging around a ton of clothes that I barely wear, which is just unnecessary. Note to self (and to you too): pack only what you truly need!

   
   

4. Weather Check

   Due to my chronic overpacking habit, I often find myself packing clothes that are not suitable for the prevailing weather conditions. It's frustrating to have sweaters and jackets when it's 80 degrees or shorts and dresses when it's a chilly 40 degrees with wind. By staying flexible and regularly monitoring the weather at your destination before you arrive, you can avoid the uncomfortable situations I frequently encounter of being either too hot or too cold. Remember, it's essential to always check the "feels like" temperature rather than just the actual highs and lows.

   
   

5. Always Bring a Back-up

   Traveling always messes with my memory; I just get so caught up in the moment. To deal with my forgetfulness, I make sure to pack extras of everything. Whether it's chargers, water bottles, jackets, or sunglasses, I always have a backup when I'm traveling. After leaving so many things behind in hotel rooms and Ubers, I've learned that having duplicates of the items I usually forget saves me a lot of hassle and stops me from spending $40 on a phone charger at the airport. If you double up on packing, I guarantee you'll become everyone's favorite travel buddy!

   
   

6. Have a Designated Airport/Travel Bag

   I always make sure to bring along my trusty crossbody travel purse whenever I am traveling. Sure, your favorite purse might be cuter, but having a dedicated travel bag really helps you keep things organized while you're on the go. I mean, let's be real, our purses can turn into a bottomless pit where things mysteriously disappear until you decide to shake it all out. Nobody wants to be emptying their bag in the middle of the airport or while sitting in the passenger seat on a road trip, right? My solution to all this: go for a crossbody bag. It's hands-free, and you won't accidentally leave it behind. When packing your travel bag, stick to the essentials: hand sanitizer, lip gloss, tissues, headphones, some cash, and anything else you can't go a day without.

   
   

7. Communicate Before Disconnecting

   Even though we all want a break from our phones during vacations, it's important to remember that there are people who care about us. Whether it's your partner, parents, friends, coworkers, or roommates, someone is always looking out for your well-being, especially when you're traveling. Before you switch off and unwind on your trip, it's crucial to share your travel plans with at least one person and keep them updated on your whereabouts. I've been on a few solo trips myself, and there were times when sharing my itinerary with a family member saved me from walking several miles because I had no signal to order an Uber. It might seem like a bit much, but taking this extra precaution can really help you avoid unexpected situations.

   
   

8. Budget

   Traveling can be quite expensive, so it's important to plan your budget before your trip. This way, you can fully enjoy the moment without constantly worrying about your bank balance. Whether it's plane tickets, accommodations, drinks, or activities, having a budget for everything will not only prevent overspending but also show you that traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune. By setting realistic travel goals and keeping your budget in mind, anyone can travel affordably without emptying their wallet.

   
   

9. Hydrate- Water Intake and Skincare

   Going up in altitude and dealing with the dry air on planes can be a real pain when traveling. Staying hydrated is key to avoiding those travel headaches. Just remember to pack a water bottle to keep headaches and dehydration at bay while you're traveling. If you're anything like me, traveling tends to dry out my skin like crazy. Whether it's a road trip or a flight, my skin and face always end up feeling dehydrated. Even though I have shelves full of skincare products, I've discovered that the ultimate must-have for your airport bag is an Aquaphor stick. Trust me, not even my fancy moisturizers can beat the hydration that a $5 Aquaphor stick provides.

   
   

10. Expect the unexpected

    Traveling can be tough because you never know what's going to happen. Flights getting delayed, problems with your hotel, traffic jams, and bad weather - all these things are beyond your control but can really mess up your trip. So, when you're on the road, it's important to expect the unexpected and have backup plans ready to go. Chill out and have fun on your travel adventures, but keep in mind that you're stepping out of your comfort zone, so be ready for some hiccups along the way (hopefully, you won't encounter too many).

Traveling can be such a pain sometimes, but the excitement and anticipation of it all can be so addictive. I really hope these travel tips help you out on your next adventure! Keep an eye out for blog posts on how to budget for your travels and some of my personal travel stories.

Spread love and remember you are loved.

-Abby