We all have some desire to travel, whether that desire takes you to a new state or to a new continent. However, no matter how perfectly we plan, we may still run into some mishaps along the way because….well, life. Considering how fate doesn’t always work in our favor, I have compiled a list of things that will help you to roll with these possible “incidents” that may happen while traveling.
Get the City’s Travel App
Whilst traveling to a new and different city, it is important to research the modes of transportation that are offered there. If you are headed to a bigger city with a great metro/transport system, they most likely will have an app that will have maps and real-time information. So be sure to download these apps before going AND to make sure that your phone/iPad has enough storage space to download the app! You don’t want to get to a city and not be able to find your way around!
Offline Maps
I preach Google Maps because it’s literally the best thing. You can save the places that you want to go when you have wifi, and then when you go offline, you can still find them. Also, when you’re in offline mode, Google Maps still shows your current location, so you’ll always know where you are/what you are near! This makes it way easier to get around each town, compared to a paper map.
Transfer Your Photos Frequently
Nothing is more stressful than being somewhere beautiful and not being able to take any pictures because your phone/camera doesn’t have anymore storage space. If you’re using a phone, make sure to only have apps that you will need (FB Messenger, snapchat, travel apps, etc.) and to transfer your photos frequently to your cloud, email, computer, or whatever, so you can avoid this painful experience. The same goes for cameras, back that stuff up on your computer, so you don’t have to pick and choose which pictures you keep/delete.
Be Prepared for Delays
Even the most impeccable planners can’t avoid a delayed train/plain/bus, but they can prepare for them! I My personal favorites/must haves in these cases are: chargers (for laptops, phones, tablets), a good book, headphones, a travel pillow (or something that you could use as a pillow if need be), toiletries (you never know when you’ll have to spend a night at a train station or airport, seriously!), and maybe a book of crosswords/sudoku puzzles.
Traveling with Friends
Friends are great, they are there when you need them and are usually fun to be around! However, not every friend is the best to travel with. Traveling with other people definitely tests your relationships. So to help prevent any arguments, make some guidelines before traveling (sort of like a “roommate agreement” list) about how you will handle situations like getting lost, arguing, and similar situations. Traveling is supposed to be relaxing!
Stay Chill
It can be stressful when things don’t go according to plan, especially when you are supposed to be on a relaxing vacation! But you can’t control everything, so just take a breath, have a drink, and remember that it will only make your adventure/stories that much better. Who knows, one day you may be be able to look back at your traveling mishaps and laugh!
