By Henry Moore
There are reasons why more young people are traveling across the country and abroad: it’s awesome. For example, you get to witness sights you’ve previously only seen in photographs, expose yourself to different cultures, and improve your social and communication skills, to name a few benefits. Plus, taking your first trip will also serve as an icebreaker for future travel.
In order to make the most of the experience, however, it’s essential to make preparations so that you can truly enjoy your time. If you’re about to embark on your first major trip, here are a few tips to consider as you’re planning it, presented by Short Weeks – Long Weekends.
Get covered.
Insurance should be your first order of business. For those who are driving across the country, review your auto insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage. If you don’t currently have full coverage, now is the time to consider it. A lot of things are included in full coverage. For example, it comes with comprehensive and collision, it will cover you in the event of an accident or if damage is done to your car (e.g., weather, theft, vandalism, etc.), and it can even provide gap insurance and protect you if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.
If you’re traveling abroad, travel insurance should be a priority. Travel insurance can save you a lot of money in the long run if you experience situations like canceled flights and lost luggage. And the cost of comprehensive travel insurance is usually only 4 to 10 percent of your total trip cost, though cheaper plans are available. Given the peace of mind it brings, that’s well worth it.
Skip the Hotels
Once upon a time, hotels were the places you stayed when you decided to take a vacation. Not anymore! Thanks to the rise of Airbnb and vacation rental properties, you can stay in a fully furnished home, often at a fraction of the price you’d pay at an expensive hotel. So, where you’re staying, see what’s available outside of the usual lodgings.
This also applies to those who want to plan a staycation! For example, if you want to explore the sights and sounds in Nashville, you can rent a vacation home that’s closer to the things you want to experience. Regardless of whether you want to stay near some historical sites or want to see everything Music Row has to offer, there are properties available in that area.
Limit the electronics you take
These days, you can do just about anything on your smartphone. You can respond to emails, navigate your way around new areas, take amazing photos, and so much more. With that in mind, consider leaving your other electronics behind. Not having your laptop or digital camera will make for lighter travel and make you less of a target for thieves. If you must bring additional devices, keep them safely locked away in your hotel room.
Of course, if you choose to use your smartphone for every task digitally, it has to be capable and reliable. Otherwise, you may not be able to use some of the best travel apps for navigation, emergency situations, and finding restaurants and lodging. If you’re driving, you will want a phone that integrates into your vehicle’s infotainment system so that you can use it hands-free.
There are many smartphones today that fit the bill. Do your research and compare features and prices of popular iPhone and Android models. Furthermore, consider an unlimited data plan to avoid overage charges when you’re streaming or downloading apps.
Handle your money
You also want to strategize how you will handle your money while traveling. Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling; this will keep them from freezing your accounts when they see charges in another state or country. If you’re going overseas, ask your bank about any partner banks or networks so that you can avoid excessive ATM fees. Moreover, carry a little bit of cash with you everywhere you go, and make copies of all your cards in case they are lost or stolen.
Traveling is one of the best all-around activities you can do to add adventure and joy to your life. Just make sure you do some planning before you head out. Get any insurance you may need, simplify the electronics you bring along, and take the necessary precautions with your money. Then, you can relax and enjoy your new experiences!
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