By: Mark Lovett
Sometimes, going on vacation is more stressful than it is worth. Or so it can seem. From planning to try and make your leisure time picture perfect to ensuring you see every must-see tourist spot in the city, you might feel that you need a vacation from your vacation as soon as you return home. Rest assured, however, you can have a more enjoyable getaway by following these easy-to-implement tips.
Stow Your Luggage
Traveling is one with luggage. Whether you are packing light and only have a travel backpack and a personal bag or you have a large suitcase, when you arrive at your destination, you want to hit the ground running and see as much as possible.Utilizing a luggage storage service in your destination city is a great way to take advantage of sightseeing opportunities with unencumbered hands. Look for a Radical Storage solution nearby and have peace of mind knowing your belongings are secure and well-tended while you are off exploring your surroundings.
If you have a long layover and nowhere to safely store your luggage when you leave the airport terminal or your hotel check-in time is hours away, you are no longer relegated to sitting and watching the bags instead of seeing the area. It is always good to have viable options so you can maximize your vacation time.
Pack Strategically
Packing your bags is a puzzle wrapped up in a riddle sometimes. If you have an itinerary and have researched the weather, you are already a step in the right direction. Knowing what type of activities you will engage in and the temperature and climate, you have an idea of what you will need.
The key to packing strategically is selecting items that will serve multiple purposes. Think lightweight pashmina that can double as a beach wrap, evening cover-up, or as a blanket for a chilly plane. Choose a casual blazer that can do extra duty as a jacket, or dress up an outfit for a more formal restaurant.
Watch this video to learn about carry-on packing tips from a seasoned traveler.
Research Areas of Interest Before Leaving Home
Even if you are visiting a popular city that is storied and well-advertised, you still need to invest your time in researching the area before you lock your front door. Make a list of sites you want to see and things you wish to experience while you are there. Create detailed notes that include the following key points of information:
- What days of the week is the venue open?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Are bags allowed inside? Are clear bags an option?
- Are strollers allowed?
- Is the building handicap accessible, if needed?
- Is parking available?
- Is there easy access to public transportation?
- How close are your itinerary locations to one another?
As you learn more about the place you want to spend your valuable vacation time in, you will find new and interesting options to add to your itinerary. Take a pause when it becomes too much. You want to have fun and enjoy yourself without being overwhelmed when you are supposed to be having fun. It is okay to leave some things off your itinerary. After all, you need something to do when you return.
Know How to Get Around the City
As part of your city research, look into public transportation options. Learn how locals and tourists get around the town at different times of the day and night. Some cities have special all-you-can-ride bus, tram, or subway passes that are easy to purchase before you even depart from home. Check with your hotel’s website or concierge to determine if they offer transportation to popular sites within the city.
Rideshares are a viable alternative to public transportation. As they are generally more expensive, ensure you have their potential use in your travel budget. Always follow safe riding practices regardless of whether you are riding alone or with friends.
Safeguard Personal Documents
Your personal documents, plane tickets, hotel reservations, and anything else that is considered personally-identifiable information is essential paperwork and must be protected throughout your travels. Start by making copies of documents, such as your passport, reservations, insurance cards, military identification, and driver’s license. Store the copies in a home safe and a secure password-protected digital cloud. Ensure you know the password to your cloud account to reduce stress in a just-in-case moment while you are on vacation.
Set Up a Care Plan for Your Home
Make it a priority, as part of your vacation planning to-do list, to set up a care plan for your home and any other responsibilities you may have. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you can be on vacation. Here are some key factors to attend to:
- Inspect your security system hardware and repair or replace any problematic components. Update the software and install the corresponding app on your smartphone. Check the cameras and make sure they are pointed in the right direction for maximum protection. Be sure to arm the system when you leave for your trip.
- Arrange care for your pets with a friend, family member, an in-home pet sitter, or at a boarding facility. If someone is coming into your home, give them a unique passcode for your security system.
- Ask a trusted person or your pet sitter to water your plants, bring in the mail, check the front steps for packages, and generally keep an eye on your home. Once again, give them their own unique passcode to your home security system so you can monitor who is coming into your home.
- Hire a friendly and reliable neighborhood teen or a licensed service to take care of your snow removal and lawn care needs, depending on the season. If everything looks to be in order at home, it will not be noticeable to others driving by that no one is there.
Improve your travel experience by approaching your next vacation smartly. Check these items off your vacation preparation to-do list so that you can relax and enjoy your earned vacation time.
About the Author: Mark is a tenured writer for NewsWatch, focusing on technology and emerging trends. Mark gives readers insight into how tomorrow’s innovations will transform our relationship with technology in everyday life.
