Last-minute packing or frantically running through the airport in your heels does not sound like a pleasant way to begin a trip. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, being away from home for extended periods comes with a certain level of stress. We believe that a little bit of intentional planning can go a long way in obtaining the physical and emotional benefits that come with traveling.
If you've ever had to run to the terminal or start to unpack only to realize you forgot a critical item, you're in luck! We've rounded up our favorite travel tips to make your next trip go as smoothly and enjoyable as possible.
Schedule Rest & Relaxation
Planning a trip to a new city or country is exciting, and you probably want to do as much sightseeing and tourist trips as possible. But scheduling in every single thing you want to do while you're there can leave you feeling exhausted and needing rest when you get home.
You need to strategically schedule in some downtime no matter where you are going. Take a day to visit a local spa for a facial and massage or set up camp on the beach and do nothing but soak in some rays and play in the ocean. These types of activities can feed your soul and leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.
Pack Strategically
If you're like many women, you tend to overpack ... just in case you need it, right? There is no harm in being overly prepared, you just have to learn how to pack a suitcase like a pro so that you can take every pair of black leggings you own, on the off-chance you need them.
To get your suitcase looking like Marie Kondo packed it, start with a plan. Make a list of every item you need to bring and the different types of outfits required for each event you will be attending. Once you have a list, start pulling out every item and putting it in one location to get organized.
Next, roll your clothes to help save space in your luggage and reduce the number of wrinkles you'll have to iron out later. If you want your clothes to smell clean and fresh after a long flight, be sure to tuck a dryer sheet in your suitcase for an added boost of freshness. It's also a good rule of thumb to not pack bulky items that take up too much space. Wear or carry things like a coat or your favorite boots to save on weight and space in your bags. You might also want to leave bulky items at home altogether and opt for lighter clothing that can be layered for warmth and versatility.
Eat Well
Traveling can have you running from one location to the next and grabbing convenience foods along the way. If you want to feel your best during your stay, you need to plan out your meals and snacks so that you get healthy foods in any country or city you happen to visit.
Before you book your hotel, look for one that includes breakfast with your stay. Check out their menu so that you know there are plenty of nutritious choices since breakfast is such an essential meal. Just before leaving for the day, grab some fruit, yogurt, or a protein bar from the breakfast line so that you have a healthy snack for later. Don't forget to pack a reusable water bottle to ensure that you stay hydrated while exploring or between business meetings.
Be Technologically Prepared
You need to think about how you will communicate with others while you are traveling. If you are taking your phone, be sure to notify your carrier of international travel plans so that you don't experience any difficulties with international calling. You can also keep in touch with others on your laptop or tablet and local WiFi connectivity.
Being technologically prepared isn't all about staying connected to others. You must have your itinerary on your phone or another device so that you can access it easily at all times. You should also consider downloading one of these top flight tracking apps to make sure you don't miss a connecting flight or an announcement that you are on a long delay.
Document Your Adventures
When you get home after a dream vacation, your friends and family are going to want to see pictures. They may even expect you to upload some of your favorite images to Facebook or Instagram before you get home.
To get the best pictures, you may want to pack a camera, rather than just using your phone. Scope out the best places for photos and get there early to capture the sunrise, if possible. If you really want to improve your travel photography, consider taking a lightweight travel tripod so that your camera is still. This allows you to play with the focus and balance of your images to capture the best ones.
Enjoy Yourself
Travel should be restorative, relaxing, and just plain fun! You want to come home feeling refreshed and have some exciting travel stories to share with others. Use our top five tips for traveling with less stress to enjoy your time away from home to the fullest
This guest post was authored by Brooke Faulkner
Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.