Whether you’re about to take a fun trip or preparing to go back home during your next break, the fall is probably one of the most underrated times for travel.
Here are some tips to make sure your fall trip goes smoothly.
Even traveling from one city to the next in my home state of California can mean a large difference in weather patterns. Just because its only kind-of cool in one city doesn’t mean it won’t be properly cold in the next. Another thing to be aware of is that (thanks to Global Warming) sometimes we don’t actually get seasonally appropriate weather!
Just because you really, really want to break out the uggs doesn’t mean that your feet won’t potentially be sweating. Keep those fingers crossed for sweater weather, but bring clothes so you’ll be comfortable either way.
Finding a place to charge your phone on the go isn’t always easy, and when we use them for so many things (including as our maps to find our way) it’s easy to get lost without them once you run out of battery. No matter what method of travel you end up using, having a portable charger can make all the difference. (Just make sure you charge it first!)
If you’re traveling by car, another part of being prepared also means to make sure that your vehicle is in working order. Do your windshield wipers work? Do you have tire chains in the off-chance there’s snow?
Make sure you get to your station with plenty of time to spare. I have been that person who ended up in a line, purchasing a ticket as the hourly train takes off and leaves without me. It’s not a fun place to be.
Also, I have ended up in trains so full that I’ve had to stand with my suitcase for over an hour. Expect the unexpected and your day won’t be ruined.
If you are taking a long bus ride, this can be a great way to save money and have a little relaxation on your way to your destination. Just know that it is very easy to miss your connecting bus or get left behind if you don’t stay on top of schedule. They may stop at a rest stop for everyone to eat and take a bathroom break, but know that they aren’t afraid of leaving without you!
The closer to the holidays you travel, the crazier things will get so be prepared to go dad-level early to the airport to avoid having to run for your flight. Yes, it’s annoying, especially if you wind up with a delayed flight anyway, but it’s better to be sipping on a latte at an airport cafe with time to spare instead of rushing to the next terminal hoping they won’t leave without you.
The longer the flight, the sooner you can run out of ways to amuse yourself. If you’re not one of the lucky ones that can doze off during a flight, I recommend looking through the app store ahead of time and downloading some games. Whether you’re a candy-crush aficionado or into more story-centric games, this is one of the few times you can actually game for hours without being judged.
If you’re without a travel pal this time, that’s okay. There are a few things you can do to make your journey easier and more enjoyable. Curate some playlists, get some of your favorite snacks, download a couple movies from Netflix so you won’t get bored if you lose wifi. Bring a book, a journal, some pencils, and pens. Let this time be a time of refreshing for you, too. If you’re driving (or even if you aren’t) you can also download some audiobooks or podcasts too.
The less fun side of traveling alone is that you know the only person looking out for you and your things is…well, you. Have a game plan. Try not to end up in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night, use a rideshare service instead of walking to your hotel after dark, take little precautions just to make sure you are in the best place you can be.
If you might end up in a place with pickpockets potentially, keep your stuff as close to you as possible.
Once the euphoric high of traveling with your best friend, S/O or sibling wears off, chances are you (or they) may get a little cranky. Travelling doesn’t always bring out the best in people, unfortunately. Be patient with each other, it’ll all be so much more fun if you are.
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