After the tumultuous start to the year and the stress of a potential default, it could be time to take a much-needed break away from the spectacle that is geopolitics. However, before you pack your bags and book a ticket to your dream destination, take some time to consider how you would like to travel.
Those who throw caution to the wall and enjoy the thrill of not knowing when their next shower might be might not find this post of much use, but for the rest of us, comfort is an essential factor when it comes to travel. Once you have reached the end of this post, you will be thoroughly versed in the ancient arts of remaining relaxed and contented regardless of the kind of getaway you’re considering!
1. Consider How Many People You Are Traveling With And Plan Accordingly
The first step in your quest for comfort begins with an unlikely tip, namely, to consider how many people you are traveling with. This appears to be a peculiar initial option purely on the basis that you might never have thought about it before, but you’d be surprised at how much of a difference it can genuinely make.
For instance, if you are planning a road trip with only one additional passenger, it’s probably OK to travel in a regular campervan or utilize camping equipment, etc. Conversely, a bunk trailer may be the most appropriate option if you have multiple friends and family accompanying you. The key is getting everything ready for the right number of travelers so that you can each experience a certain degree of relaxation as you pootle down the highways and arteries that make up whatever country you have chosen.
2. Carry Only What You Need, But Make It Count
Traveling in style and comfort this summer doesn’t mean having to overpack. Instead, focus on packing only the essentials that will serve multiple purposes – consider versatile pieces for different outfits and high-quality items built to last. Scale down your gadgets too. Skip the laptop and choose a tablet or smartphone instead, or opt for a compact camera rather than lugging around a DSLR.
Carrying less makes traveling easier; you’ll breeze through airports, taxis, and hotels with ease while looking sharp at all times. You also reduce the likelihood of being overcharged by airlines for having excess baggage. So don’t be afraid to leave some of your things behind: it’s not about quantity but quality when it comes to packing smartly.
3. Outfit Yourself In Practical, Destination-Appropriate Attire
Your clothing makes an enormous contribution to your overall levels of happiness, whatever you do in life, but have particular importance when traveling. No matter where you’re traveling, practicality is key. Before packing your suitcase, do some research on the destination and expected weather conditions.
This will help you choose pieces of clothing that keep you looking good and feeling comfortable no matter the temperature. Fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal for hot, humid climates because they breathe easily and don’t trap heat. In colder areas, go with layers such as a sweater or puffer jacket to stay warm without sacrificing style.
Don’t forget about footwear either, but this is covered further down in the post because of the importance your footwear has. With careful consideration of practicality and fashion combined during your trip-planning process, feel confident knowing you have everything needed for a successful journey.
4. Invest In A Good Pair Of Noise-Canceling Headphones (Those Who Know, Know!)
If you have never used noise-canceling headphones before, you’re in for a treat! While they tend to fall in the costlier end of the headphone spectrum, the amount of benefit you gain far outweighs any additional; costs associated with them. During travel, whether by air or rail or while waiting in a bustling terminal, the unrelenting din can take a toll on your well-being. Investing in a top-notch pair of noise-canceling headphones allows you to escape the chaos and carve out a tranquil sanctuary.
As headphones vary tremendously in quality, ensure you conduct proper research to identify a pair that accommodates both your requirements and finances. Opt for those capable of neutralizing a diverse range of frequencies and possessing extended battery duration. Specific models also offer convenient extras, such as voice command and touch control features.
If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, lots of folks swear by Apple AirPods Pros, which have garnered rave reviews. If you’re a mere mortal and use Android, fear not because numerous very high-quality companies offer a vast selection that should fit most budgets. Nonetheless, it’s worthwhile spending a bit of money.
5. Bring Some Books Or A Kindle For When Data Is Unavailable
We’ve all become accustomed to being bathed in data signals wherever we go, but these signals can drop off pretty significantly outside of major urban areas. This is particularly true if you travel abroad to less well-developed nations. While this is becoming less of an issue as even poorer countries begin to massively adopt the latest transmission technology, there are still times when you have to wait for something and have nothing to do while you wait.
This could be waiting for a flight in a rural airport, camping in bucolic regions, or simply sitting in your guesthouse room at night during a power cut. When this happens, you will be glad you heeded this post and brought along some books or an e-reader to bide your time.
6. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes…wear Comfortable Shoes!
Shoes maketh a trip. Yes, you read that right; regardless of how prepared you believe yourself to be, nothing can ruin a trip like uncomfortable footwear! Therefore, do yourself a favor and pack a quality pair of shoe/s…you won’t regret it. It’s essential to consider the activities you’ll be doing on your trip.
If it involves getting outside and exploring, grab a pair of sneakers or hiking boots – something comfortable yet practical. For a night out in town or an elegant dinner, bring along clothing that follows the dress code at your destination. In most cases, you will need only three types of shoes: flip-flops, sneakers/ boots, and formal shoes.
Traveling is undoubtedly one of life’s most important pleasures, right up there with food, fun, and friends and family. However, if you fail to plan correctly, you can turn what should be a fantastic experience into a nightmare situation. As long as you follow the tips laid out here, you should be in good stead to weather any scenario and do so comfortably.
