Travel Tips: 10 Things To Do Before Going On Vacation

 Let’s be real–travelling is always exciting but prepping for it is so stressful. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a two week long vacation, nothing beats that sense of adventure. Before vacation, however, comes prepping for vacation. These things to do before going on vacation are going to help you prepare for your trip, avoid a lot of stress and have the best possible travelling experience! Let’s get started.

1. Look up local restaurants.

Try to come up with a list of eateries in the area that you definitely want to try before you leave! If the place is famous for BBQ, be sure to look up BBQ joints. If there’s a super popular ice cream parlor you want to check out, make sure you work it into your travel plans in advance. It’s also great to have a few backup restaurants when you’re way too hungry to try to spend time looking up nearby places to eat using your phone and cruddy hotel Wi-Fi.

2. Make a packing list.

Some people prefer to pack by throwing things into their bag and hoping they don’t forget to pack specific items. That is not me. The best kind of traveler saves a word document checklist to be recycled for every trip. From trip to trip your toiletries will not change very much, why not make one list to use over and over? Your travelling checklist can be as vague as “make-up” or as specific as “red lipstick, dark lipstick, light tinted lip balm…” (that’s an excerpt from my Tennessee vacation packing list. I’m nuts). A list will help prevent you forgetting to pack certain items.

3. Update your iPod.

Make sure you have some fresh music to listen to for long car rides and airplane rides. Even if you don’t feel like adding new music, make some perfect road trip or relaxed sleepy playlists. You’ll thank yourself later. P.S. If you need some music recommendations, check out my favorite albums.

4. Primp a little.

This is, of course, optional. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure (or easily do one yourself). Your vacation photos will look even more lovely with pretty hands and feet. Nothing screams vacation like a bright mani/pedi. Bonus tip: pack the nail polish you used so you can touch up any chips on the road!

5. Budget.

Vacation often has a way of making us feel like the wealthy celebrities we aren’t, doesn’t it? When you’re tempted to order a fancy room service breakfast, remember that you’re going to be paying for all of these things. Also keep that in mind while souvenir shopping–I try to limit myself to one hoodie or t-shirt that I know I’ll get a use out of. Don’t bother with those souvenir magnets and shot glasses unless you collect them or use them–they’ll end up in a box somewhere with all of the other travel things you bought.

6. Clean your phone’s storage.

Make room for all of the photos and videos you plan to take. You don’t want to be in Hawaii and having to debate on deleting pictures from your nephew’s birthday to make room for bikini selfies, do you? It’s also a great idea to uninstall apps you know you won’t be using while on vacation. Just create a reminder reminding yourself to re-install them when you come home.

7. Back up your phone.

I saw on Facebook that some girl’s phone and wallet and everything got stolen from a beach while she was in the water. I also know how easy it is to drop your phone. Back up any precious phone memories you have so when you’re away you can delete things to make space and worry less about losing all of your photos.

8. Pack snacks.

This is so important. No one wants to be stuck in a car or on a plane with hangry travelers. Make sure you’re smart about packing snacks–don’t pack things that will melt. If you pack things that could melt, put them in a miniature cooler. Also be sure to pack variety–salty and sweet. Don’t forget to pack water bottles and granola bars–travelling staples! Snacks are so important. Food is everything.

9. Check the Weather.

Check the weather of the place you’re going. If you’re going to Tennessee and the weather is planning for thunderstorms 3 out of 5 days, pack your rain coat and an umbrella! You can assume the weather of some places, but it never hurts to check. It’s literally just a Weather App or Google search away.

10. Make arrangements.

If you have a dog, make sure to contact the kennel or your family friend that will take care of him. Arrange the times and plan that into your travel schedule. Also make plans for if you wish to have a neighbor take in the mail for you. If you’re arranging for someone to water your plants or feed your fish, do it as soon as you know about your trip so this person can pencil in some time for you.

Do you have any travel tips? Be sure to check out more #bloggerpostcardtravels over at Emily & Dot!