The hubby and I have a trip to NYC planned in a little over a month and I could not be more excited! I’ve only ever been to NYC once and it was only for a day and I was super hungover from the night before so I don’t remember a lot of it and what I do remember was not fun. Haha!
So I totally want to change that this time and do all the NYC things while I’m there. Have any recs for me? Send them my way!
Anyway, with the upcoming trip, I thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of good travel habits that I have been using and continue to try and use every time I travel.
Traveling can be so stressful sometimes but I think with these little habits, it can make it just a little easier. Also, my packing tips that I wrote about before also make traveling and packing a little less stressful.
Create a checklist
Ever since I started creating a checklist for our vacations, is when I found them get much more fun and less stressful. I create a master checklist of things I want to do at our location and then a list of packing items that I will need for everything. This way I don’t forget anything and I already know what I need for a certain day or time.
Ask friends or family for advice
I love asking for recommendations or advice from friends of family before a trip. It gives me insight as to where to go and also what to avoid. I love asking my readers – you – and IG followers also for restaurant recs because there is always someone that knows the best place to get food or cocktails.
Pack the night before
Nothing is more stressful than throwing shit into a bag an hour before leaving for the flight and having no idea what you’re packing. I always, always, pack the day before the flight – even if my flight isn’t until the next afternoon or evening. I even lay out my clothes that I’m going to be wearing on the plane on my bathroom vanity so all I have to do the next day is do my hair, my makeup, and get dressed. No thinking involved that day.
Important documents home
Since I have kids, I always leave a copy of our insurance card and any other important documents home with my mom just in case she would ever need them. The hubby and I also sign a “temporary custody” paper in the slim chance that anything were to happen to us while we were away. If anything did happen then mom would have the authority to make all the decisions for the kids without having to wait for the court or our lawyers.
Portable charging
It wasn’t until the most recent Amazon Prime Day that I finally bought a portable charger. My phone had died on me too many times during vacation and I was done. We rely on our phones for everything so keeping them charged while you’re out exploring your destination is essential.
Be early
I swear the hubby likes to make me panic and have an anxiety attack when we’re on the way to the airport. He always thinks we can leave the last minute and be fine. Me, on the other hand, have to be to the airport early. I would rather be early and sit and have a drink while waiting that running to the gate because security was longer than expected.
Also, when you’re in an unfamiliar place it’s always best to leave and arrive early because you never know how long it will take you to get someplace – or you get lost along the way.
Keep money hidden
When traveling, you should always carry some cash because you never know if there is a place that doesn’t accept credit or you cannot find an ATM. Also, never flash your money around in an unfamiliar place. You don’t know who might try and take it from you.
Also, guys, don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket. I feel like this is a no-brainer now but putting it there is the easiest way for someone to pickpocket you. When I was a kid, I remember someone trying to take my dad’s wallet out of his back-pocket while we were on vacation. He felt it and caught them but he never kept his wallet in his back-pocket ever again.
Screenshot important information
Just in case you lose internet service you still have all your travel and reservation numbers handy. I forget random things all the time and have a massive folder in my phone of screenshots of semi-important, possibly more important at the time things.
Pack light
This is one that I am still trying to learn and master but packing efficiently is my goal. I’m trying my best to create more capsule wardrobes when I go on vacation so I can pack less and have more outfits out of fewer pieces. I actually have a goal to pack everything in a carry-on for our NYC trip and we’re going to be there for 5 days. We’ll see how it goes.
Also, packing lightly just makes transport easier.
