Travelling is an enjoyable pastime activity and a way to enrich your life both mentally and spiritually. When you’re travelling, you can forget about your chores and responsibilities and truly immerse yourself at the moment. However, while travelling can be done as a hobby, there’s also some finesse you need when embarking on a journey. It’s about knowing how to prepare well, find the best prices and, of course, make the most of your trips so that you don’t return home regretful over missed opportunities.
So, what are some of the aspects you should consider that can make your trip objectively better?
Don’t fear failure
When you hear the words “master traveller”, you might imagine someone that has everything under control. But the best way to achieve that is by trial and error. While there are some tried-and-tested rules that’ll ensure you can enjoy your trip more, there are many variables that you’ll have to deal with on your own. You might miss buses or trains, lose your wallet or luggage, deal with cultural unawareness and a myriad of other uncomfortable things. Going through these experiences will help develop your skills as a traveller, make you more adept at handling things that come your way, and make you better equipped to handle crisis situations.
Comfort first
When you’re travelling long-distance, comfort comes first. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t be able to enjoy your trip the same way. And convenience refers to choosing comfort in any situation. Book everything in advance so that you don’t have to pay a higher price for the same seats. Look into airport parking solutions as well. Gatwick Parking offers booking times only three minutes long, at the end of which you’ll find a spot that’s perfect for your car. For Heathrow Airport Parking, you’ll have to book well in advance, as the high influx of passengers means the parking spots fill up very quickly.
And of course, you must also ensure the clothes you wear are comfortable. Good shoes are essential, and they must be durable and withstand hiking trips and strolls through the world’s largest capitals and most beautiful cities. You should look for something practical but can be dressed up when you want to go to a party or a restaurant and don’t want to look underdressed.
Pack light
You’ve probably heard this often, but packing light can help you have a more successful trip overall. Aim towards becoming a carry-on traveller by choosing the right bag that’s roomy enough to keep several essential items perfectly packed. Picking a smaller bag also restricts the amount of stuff you’ll take with you, as you’ll have to focus on the essentials. Be selective about the footwear you bring along and pack clothes for a week. You should have both summer and warmer clothing with you. Even if you travel in June or July, evenings and nights can still get chilly.
If you’re having regrets about not getting more clothes, don’t worry. All these thoughts will go to the back of your head when you reach your destination and start exploring your location. You don’t need as many clothes as you imagine you do anyways. It’s perfectly alright to wear the same shirt or trousers for a few days in a row, and you always have the option to do laundry at the hotel. You can also look for clothing made of special items such as merino wool which is odour-resistant, helps regulate body temperature, absorbs moisture and doesn’t wrinkle even after spending many hours tucked in your backpack.
Money matters
You should carry some emergency cash at all times. The unexpected can happen, and you may not be able to pay with your card or have an ATM within comfortable walking distance. You want to avoid any uncomfortable situation that can appear due to not being able to pay for a bus ticket or hostel room, for example, so carrying a reasonable amount of cash on you at all times is a prerequisite for travelling.
You should also get two credit cards. You might have your items stolen, or you could lose them somewhere, but you shouldn’t lose access to your funds. Not having access to your money can leave you stuck in a place for a few days, or even weeks, until your bank figures out the process and is ready to send the new card to you. Having a backup will save you a lot of trouble.
The local culture
Few things are as rewarding when you travel as the opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural space entirely different from your own. Having an open mind is very important, and you must overcome the initial culture shock. If you see it as part of the experience, you can even turn it into your gateway towards an extraordinary experience.
Look for traditional celebrations you can attend, such as holidays or festivals. Depending on the season you travel, any country will likely have at least an important event. This can become one of the best parts of your holiday. You can do a little research before you travel to get a better idea of the traditional costumes, customs and folk traditions that you can expect, as well as the local dishes you can try.
Speaking of food, while all countries offer international eating options, visiting a different country and not sampling the local cuisine would be a pity. Street food stalls and family-owned eateries are some of the best places to try authentic recipes, and you’ll also get the opportunity to have a conversation with welcoming people who’ll most likely be interested to hear your story.
Travelling is one of the best things you can do for yourself. However, if you genuinely want to enjoy the experience to its full potential, you must do some careful preparation beforehand and be ready to face the unexpected when it arises. Travelling involves stepping out of your comfort zone. That will, naturally, be quite uncomfortable in the beginning. But the rewards are second-to-none.