While many of us feel like the perfect travel will begin from the second we leave our homes, there are several essentials we can all do beforehand to help make the trip run smoothly and without issue.
But what are they? And how are they going to prevent any last-minute problems from ruining what was going to be an unforgettable trip to another country? Here are some of the essentials you’ll need to consider when planning the perfect travel experience.
Table of Contents
Travel style
Today, more and more people go traveling. And they are so different, with different budgets, different styles, different preferences, different availability, and different interests. As a result, there are many types of tourism with their own description, like eco-tourism, culinary tourism, geotourism, dark tourism, sports tourism, and more.
And all of these types of tourism can be practiced in various styles. Some people prefer to do it solo, while others prefer traveling with family or friends. Some people like joining an organized tour, while others want to be independent.
Also, some people try to visit as more as possible places within the limited time of their short vacation, while others have arranged their life so that they can travel slowly. And finally, some people just go on a vacation, with the purpose to stay in one place and relax, while others prefer planning a route and actively moving from one point to another.
Planning in advance
Planning in advance is a very important part of every trip. Yes, sometimes you can just go somewhere without any plan, but in most cases, such a trip “ends in nowhere”, or even worse- ends with disaster. Only if you are lucky, you can get a great, unexpected experience, but this is an exception, not a rule.
For example, you spontaneously go to another country. But if you don’t bring enough money, you discover that you can’t travel here and there (because you have to pay for tickets). Or, you want to visit an incredibly beautiful protected area. But you didn’t get a permit in advance, so you miss it.
Or, you just go to another country without any idea about its geography. You have only heard about a few famous destinations and landmarks and try to visit them, because “everybody goes to visit them”, but you didn’t research anything about the transportation, working hours, distance and time. As a result, you waste a good chance to make your trip valuable. And it is only the “mild cases”, we don’t count some serious cases when your health and even your life can be in danger.
So, take your time before a trip and make a good plan. Of course, this plan can be flexible (and it must be flexible), because there could always be some unexpected situations. But at least make enough good draft and prepare for the expected, and the unexpected.
This plan can be very different, depending on the type of tourism you do, and your personal travel style, but there are some essential things that more or less can be applied to every type of travel. So, let’s take a look at some of them.
A sound understanding of the travel insurance you have
Getting a good vacation travel insurance policy is an essential part of planning ahead and helping to create the best possible holiday experience. By giving yourself that support net if you unexpectedly become injured, find yourself stranded due to unforeseen circumstances, or lose your most valued items, your vacation can be far more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
A list of must-have items to take with you
Every great journey starts with a list of essentials to keep you from potentially ruining the entire experience due to a last-minute oversight. Here we don’t talk about your basic luggage and travel equipment, but we mean some small items with a crucial role.
These items include things like your documents (passports, visas, permits, reservations), your money and bank cards, a power bank for your mobile, cables, your camera, probably your laptop or tablet, and more, depending on your style and more. They also include even things that are only electronic, files or applications saved in your phone. You have to prepare them in advance too.
Just imagine if your reservation or permit is only a PDF file that you have to show at a checkpoint, but you forgot to download it, and there is no good signal around!
So, while it may feel silly to do it, having a list of must-have items to tick off like passports, travel sickness tablets, snacks, and your bank cards can really make everything feel less frantic on the big day.
Suitable luggage items for the country you’re visiting
While using your common sense when packing for a holiday is best (if you’re visiting Spain in July then you won’t need to take your snow boots!), it’s not always easy knowing what to pack for a trip.
After all, there’s evening wear and casual wear to consider, as well as the need to protect yourself from the sun, keep your eyes by wearing glasses, or wrap up warm depending on your destination. Aim to pack sensibly, and give yourself a range of options that suit the climate you’re going to.
And of course, if you include an outdoor experience like hiking, diving, mountaineering, desert trekking, kayaking, etc., you have to prepare your special travel gear. These, along with the season, climate, your physical abilities, and personal style are the key factor for preparing suitable luggage items for your journey.
Some concrete plans to visit and experience a few key places
Some people aren’t fond of hitting the commonly-known tourist spots, and that’s understandable. But in any country, there are always a few places that just have to be experienced first-hand to make the trip that little bit more special. Look into the history behind some key art attractions and landmarks to get a better understanding of where you’d like to go.
A little room for unexpected adventures
As we mentioned above, flexibility is always necessary. And it is not just about reservation and cancelation of hotels, air tickets, and route changes, but it is also room for surprising moments. Yes, it often requires changes to your itinerary, so, be prepared for that with “plan B”.
One of the most thrilling parts of a holiday is simply taking a walk around the area and letting it guide you to some of your next adventures and experiences. For many people, it’s those unplanned moments that truly make a trip memorable.
Final Thoughts
A little planning before your departure leads to a better travel experience and less stress to take with you on your holiday. Be sure to sort these travel essentials out before you set off on your trip, and you’ll soon be making the most of your vacation with no worries and only the fun stuff left to focus on.
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!