NUMBER ONE: TRAVEL LIGHT
When traveling, remember: less is more.
Avoid taking things “just in case”.
Plan far ahead of time. That way you have time to get any items you may need.
Launder the items you need to pack way ahead of time and don’t wear them before the trip.
Plan on taking mix-and-match easy-care clothing.
Have almost everything packed 2 or 3 days before you leave.
Avoid buying souvenirs – Your photos will hold your memories.
NUMBER TWO: TRAVEL CALM
The airport security line can be considerable stress if you let it.
The less you must take off and place on the security check-in tray, the better.
Wear slip-on shoes with socks at the airport.
Don’t tell strangers where you are staying.
Double-check your hotel room for items before leaving, especially wall outlets.
Hide your expensive items before leaving your hotel room or better yet, use a room safe box.
Realize the top thing left in a cab/uber car is a cell phone – try not to take it out.
A big stressor is losing something – so guard against this.
Clean your house well and keep it clean before your trip – make sure you use up perishables.
Keep your calendar cleared of activities the week before you plan on traveling and the week after.
Keep your hotel rooms tidy – put trash in the trash baskets, and keep your stuff in drawers and closets.
Use packing cubes and small bags to keep everything easy to access and find.
NUMBER THREE: TRAVEL SAFE
Get educated on what makes you look like a tourist.
Don’t talk to strangers. Find out directions from the person at the hotel desk.
Wear a money belt or over-the-neck pouch. I love bra wallets also!
Use cross-body bags. Don’t lay stuff down where thieves can grab and run with your stuff.
Leave your hotel key at the front desk when going out to sightsee.
Stay off your phone as much as possible – these are magnets for thieves to snatch out of your hand!
Learn how to be pickpocket-proof. https://thesavvybackpacker.com/pickpockets-europe/
NUMBER FOUR: TRAVEL HEALTHY
Staying hydrated and eating healthy will help you enjoy your trip!
Bring a 32 oz water bottle you can refill often (mine is collapsable).
Shop the local fresh food markets.
Be selective on things you want to do, you can’t do everything.
Some places it pays to go visit early or late to avoid the crowds.
Skip the sugary and rich foods! Your body will thank you!
Do stretching exercises and walk around at the airport instead of just sitting.
Wear compression socks on a long flight.
Learn how to avoid jet lag. I recommend reading The Cure for Jet Lag by Scalon and Ehret.
NUMBER FIVE: TRAVEL INFORMED
Do as much research as possible about your destination.
Read those travel guides and study your itinerary. Try www.ricksteves.com
Learn those important phrases you will need to communicate.