As the winter months go by, many people turn to travel planning for upcoming spring vacations and quick little get-aways — myself included. There is just something appealing about getting out there and discovering new things that you don’t see on the daily.
There are a few things I have learned along the way that have made my travels more convenient — and memorable! — that I’m sharing with you today:
1. Pack Less “Stuff”
Ahhh — the ever dreaded packing. I have found that it is much easier to pack better after doing laundry. Everything is ready to go and easy to find. Try to match your pieces beforehand to get an idea of what you will be wearing and if you really need those three extra “emergency” outfits. Also, packing things that require little-to-no-ironing is the way to go (you do not want to waste any precious vacation time ironing!). So pack less and remember to leave room for souvenirs you are sure to acquire on the trip!
2. Be Patient and Flexible
Plans do not always go your way, so make some time for detours, delays, and then keep a positive attitude about it. Slowing down and enjoying the present moment is so important! I always want to have enough pictures to share when I get back home, but it is also so important to put downthe camera and enjoy the moment you are actually living. Relish in the present and savor it through your own two eyes, not through the camera lens.
3. Maximize your iPhone + iPad
Other than taking pictures, your phone can help you do a lot more on your travels. Make sure to download some books ahead of time for the flight (and games for when you cannot stand to read any longer). The GPS + some good music is a given for your road trip. I usually email myself important documents, such as a travel itinerary, any travel insurance info, a copy of my passport, and confirmation codes. It gives me peace of mind knowing I have everything stored in there in case of any emergencies and also reduces the clutter in my bag.
4. Make New Friends
A smile and a hello are usually all it takes. Get out of your comfort zone and make some friends that will be able to show you local things off the beaten path. Knowing that you’re just traveling through somewhere can sometimes make you think that you don’t need to make friends, but I have found the opposite to be true. On my recent holiday travels to Mexico, I struck up a conversation with the girl next to me on the plane and we ended up talking the entire 2 ½ hour flight! It was crazy just how much we had in common! It is so nice to know that there are people around the world that you have had some sort of connection with, no matter how small (and a great excuse for going back and visiting again, I might add)!
5. Keep Good Notes
No matter how short or lengthy your trip, the details will slip away eventually! I like to carry a small notebook where I can write down the little things that no one else will really want to hear about, but things that I want to remember. The smells of the city, conversations with loved ones, people’s names, things to research when I get home, a local artists name, and the general feelings of the day. I usually keep small tags, a card, a napkin, or other small “souvenirs” that I can paste into my notebook to make it more memorable when I go back and reread it at a later time. A great memory keepsake to record your travels!
Looking for more travel resources on She’s Intentional? We’re your one-stop-shop for ideas on Carry-On Essentials, New York City Travel Essentials, plus spring outfit inspo for your travels with stripes + florals, edgy + modest looks for the college girls, and a Hampton’s inspired outfit.
Do you have any upcoming trips planned? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below and tagging us in your travel photos with #ShesIntentional on social media!