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PREPARING FOR TRAVELLING

So you’ve done it – you’ve bought your tickets for a holiday and are eager to see the sights at your next destination! Your upcoming trip may include a mixture of cultures, languages, transportation, heritage, architecture, and customs from across the continent. Travelling can seem intimidating but as long as you prepare there has never been an easier way to explore the world. These different customs certainly shouldn’t stop you from going where you want and exploring the parts of the world that you’ve dreamt of. Travel has never been more accessible, more affordable or more convenient!

Here are my top tips for preparing for travel!

LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Being unable to communicate is something that puts travellers at a distinct disadvantage in many situations. Locals will not expect you to be fluent in their language but practice a few key phrases before you arrive. Knowing how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” as well as “thank you” will make interactions more accessible and will be appreciated. Free language programs like Duolingo can help build your confidence in your pronunciation leading up to your trip or with a bit more time you can learn a new language with Language Trainers. Being aware of essential words for directions and how to ask for help can also be very important.

GREETINGS, GRATITUDE AND ASSISTANT ARE A GREAT START – AND DON’T FORGET TO LEARN THE WORD FOR A TOILET!

Helpful Tip: Restaurants that have pictures on the menu in busy city centres tend to cater to a tourist crowd, and their prices are usually marked up. Learn a few food phrases in your destination’s language, or have a translator on your phone so you don’t need the pictures! Plan ahead if you have dietary requirements. I’m vegan, so I like to know the translation or abbreviations for vegan so I can keep an eye out for the dishes I can order.

VENTURE A LITTLE FURTHER

Most flights will take you into a countries capital or major city, but don’t feel that you can’t use this as a base and explore distant locations. Budget airlines, trains or coaches can be a fantastic way of seeing more of a country or visiting neighbouring countries. Having a downloaded travel app such as Omio makes booking the cheapest or fastest train, bus and flight across Europe, the US or Canada so simple. Google Maps is also very helpful for travelling on public transport, such as letting you know how many stops you have left on the bus to your destination.

LOGISTICAL TIPS

After booking flights, accommodation and destination travel, there are a few things you have to start planning.

A must is to double-check that your passport is up to date and that you have any necessary visas. Take photocopies of your passport, and other essential documents as this can come in handy in an emergency. Make sure you buy travel and emergency medical insurance and check if you need any immunizations before travelling to your destination.

Restrictions can vary at different airports, so be aware of this with your luggage. Investing in a neck pillow on flights can make the journey far more comfortable. I recommend this neck pillow as it can be bent into different positions depending on how I want to sleep. You’re probably gonna spend a lot of time sitting in an airplane and after that, you’ll standing and walking a lot so comfortable sneakers for standing all day are another must-have thing.

Check that you have a travel adaptor and that your phone will work abroad as well as finding out the access code for the country — either exchange money or look at costs for taking money out when abroad. We use a starling bank for this as there are no extra bank charges for using it elsewhere. Let your credit card company know that you will be abroad to avoid any unnecessary hassle.

Lastly, give all your contact info and travel plans to your friends or family.

Helpful Tip: Research a little about local customs, such as acceptable or unacceptable dress and activities. Be Aware of afternoon and midweek closures, particularly with museums. Take these closures into account when you plan your daily itinerary.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Straying from the beaten path can be its own fun experience. Please have a look online and see what local events are taking place or where it is excellent to eat and drink. It’s locals who know their city— so do check out the smaller businesses, special celebrations or the once a week markets.

YOU’RE HERE TO MIX AND MINGLE WITH LOCALS, ALLOW TIME TO ENJOY YOURSELF WITH LESS PRESSURE. DON’T BE SHY AND GET STUCK IN WITH TALKING TO PEOPLE.

There’s no better way to meet locals and like-minded travellers than striking up a conversation, on our travels this has opened up so many wonderful new experiences during our stay. Street vendors, shopkeepers, fellow tourists, bar patrons – smile and be open to people, you will end up meeting some lifelong friends!

Preparing for travelling