TRAVEL
Things To Consider While Traveling
From the seasoned adventurer to the novice traveler, there are certain things that need to be taken into account by anyone going on a trip. Even if you prefer to ere on the spontaneous side, you will want to make sure you have covered some of your bases before hopping on a plane or strapping in for a long road trip.
Emergency Plans
One of the most obvious, but most important, things to do before you leave is make sure you have emergency plans in order. If you are vacationing with your partner and leaving the kids behind, laying out a detailed plan for the babysitter is a necessity. Setting them up with emergency contacts, favorite local restaurants, schedules, and anything else they might need will reduce the chance of getting interrupted by last-minute calls.
As far as your actual trip goes, you will want to make sure you have copies of passports and insurance documents left behind just in case. Being prepared with emergency cash in the event that you lose a card or have some lost luggage is also a safe practice.
Exercise
For people that aren’t particularly active, the hustle and bustle of travel might be more than enough to satisfy their movement needs. However, for active people, going on a trip and sitting still for the duration of a plane or car ride may feel stifling. If you’re someone that needs to work exercise into the plan, penciling in time for some fitness on the go in the airport or hotel room can help you feel like you aren’t straying too far from your routine.
Food
Packing snacks is an essential aspect of the traveling experience. If you’re heading out on a road trip with family or friends, it can be fun to stop at the store and let everyone pick out their own snack and beverage items. You can then have a communal pool of healthier choices for everyone to share to help the time between drive-thru or restaurant stops feel faster. If you’re going by plane, many options in the airport are priced higher than they would be out in the real world. Packing your own food can cut down on some of the costs associated with airplane travel. Or start at iVisa.com application procedure if you are intending to visit Oman so you don’t have to deal with them later on.
Timing
Assessing timing looks different for everyone; some people like to get to the airport three hours early, while others are running through security as the plane is boarding. Looking at departure and arrival times is crucial if you have a connecting flight you need to make, especially if you are traveling through a major airport. When driving, you may want to map out each day’s route to see how long feels reasonable to spend on the road. Having hotels lined up in case you need to pull over and stay the night is a safe fall-back.
Language
When you’re traveling to a foreign destination, there is always a chance that the people you encounter will speak little to no English. It is considered both respectful and prudent to take time and learn a few key phrases in the language of the country or city you are visiting. You don’t need to be fluent before you go, but mastering the basics like common greetings or questions can go a long way when you need to communicate.
Mood
Maintaining a positive mood while traveling is easier said than done sometimes, especially if things are not going to plan or flying makes you anxious. However, being negative and easily stressed has never made a bump in the road smoother. Being able to focus frustration and channel it into patience and understanding makes the journey more enjoyable for you, the people you’re with, and the workers that help you along the way.
Research
Doing digging about the place you’re going, beyond where you will stay and what you will see, can make your trip much more interesting. Learning the culture and history can enrich what you see, as well as introduce you to sites you may not have considered visiting. Going out of your way to talk to locals for restaurant recommendations or anything else they think is a must-do can also vary your trip from the average tourist. Some of the best beaches and places to eat are not the ones with the huge crowd, but hidden gems you wouldn’t be able to find without the help of locals.
When you feel prepared for the trip you are about to embark on, it can take away much of the stress of traveling and leave more space for fun. Going on a trip requires thoughtful planning and considerations for emergencies and possible situations you may encounter, but you will be glad you have that backup charger when your phone dies so you can take pictures of your amazing adventures.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
