If you're dreaming of your first post-COVID vacation, you're not alone. Why not start planning your trip now?
Where you go and who you bring are choices you'll have to make yourself. Whatever you decide, however, a lot of the legwork is the same.
Before you head out the door, make sure you've covered these ten bases:
1. Dig up your documents
It's a pain to forget a small item like your phone charger, but forgetting certain documents can prevent you from traveling altogether.
The last thing you want is to show up at the airport with your packed suitcase, only to realize you left your identification at home. That's why you should gather every important document you need for traveling and keep them on hand, including your:
Driver's license or passport
Travel itinerary
Travel visa, if required
Boarding passes
Tickets for events at your destination
If you'll be traveling with family or friends, make sure they have their documents ready as well. Keep everything in a single, secure folder.
2. Check your wallet
One of the most stressful and confusing parts of traveling is figuring out how you're going to spend money while on vacation. This is a particular problem if you'll be leaving the country. Many banks and cards charge fees for international transactions.
Think through your payment method ahead of time. For example, some debit cards are specifically designed for travelers. They simplify spending money abroad and have no foreign transaction fees.
3. Know what's allowed on board
In the excitement of packing, travelers often forget that airports have strict item regulations. Suitcases and carry-ons have to be certain sizes. Liquids must be kept in their own bag and beneath certain volumes. Certain things, such as explosives and aerosol sprays, are banned altogether.
The best way to prepare for these rules is to look them up ahead of time. The Transportation Security Administration has a database you can use to check the rules around questionable items.
What if you need an item you can't bring on a plane? You could mail it to your target destination, but the better choice is probably to purchase the item when you arrive. Most consumables cost more to ship than to buy.
4. Make a list
It's easy to forget something while packing. That's why you should use a checklist to make sure you didn't miss anything. Share your checklist with your travel companions, both for their convenience and to think through group items.
You can create your own or use a pre-made checklist. If you go the latter route, prepare to customize it: Every trip, not to mention every person, has different needs.
3. Keep it light
One of the best ways to make traveling easier for yourself? Simply taking less with you.
No two vacations are the same, so you'll have to decide for yourself where sacrifices should be made. Ask yourself: Do you really need a hairbrush? What about that hoodie or extra pair of jeans?
Packing less makes every step of your vacation easier - loading and unloading your luggage, carrying your bags, finding items quickly, and so on. Minimization is especially important on trips that require you to move around a lot, such as hiking.
6. Watch the weather and flight status
Keep an eye on your weather app and fight status, both of which can change in the blink of an eye. Remember to look at the weather at your current location and final destination so you can dress accordingly.
For example, if a thunderstorm rolls in earlier than expected, you may need to unpack to access your raingear. A delayed flight could push your plans back by a day. Be ready to roll with the punches.
7. Arrive early at the airport
Airports are large and can be confusing. On top of that, there's always the chance that checking in could take longer than you expected. If you give yourself just enough time to make your flight, a single thing going wrong could put you in a high-stress situation.
Give yourself time by showing up to the airport two hours ahead of time. Complete as much of the check-in process as you can before arriving. You'll thank yourself later when something unexpected happens.
8. Don't forget about social distancing
Airports are bustling places. When possible, give travelers and staff at least six feet of space. When not, turn your head to avoid coughing or breathing on others. If there are open seats on your flight, ask whether you can sit further away from others.
Think, too, about your destination and activities. Research the area you plan to visit, including how COVID has affected the city's restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. Make the appropriate preparations, such as packing masks and hand sanitizer.
9. Travel in a fun way
If you watch Shark Tank you might have seen a company called Tower Paddle Boards attract Mark Cuban's investment. Recently, the company launched an ebike line that made traveling more fun with beach cruisers. When I saw Cuban with one, I had to get one and loved it. If I travel these days, I typically will bring it along so I can use it when I don't have to use my vehicle.
10. Wear comfortable clothes
Traveling involves a lot of walking, sitting, and hauling around luggage. Activities like rock-climbing require flexibility. That's why your choice of clothes is so important.
Some decisions will be obvious, such as choosing sneakers over flip flops or heels. But other decisions will be tricky: It may be very hot outside, for example, but you know the airplane will be freezing. You might decide to wear a t-shirt and bring a light jacket in your carry-on.
The last thing you'll need before you jet? A positive attitude. Your vacation will be as fun or as miserable as you make it; whatever else it entails, that much is up to you.
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