TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VACATION
For any trip, there are certain tips for a successful vacation that will apply. One of the most important from my perspective is to engage a travel agent who can help you with planning. Whether you want to go on your own, take a tour or cruise, they can help you navigate the ins and outs of your destination.
That being said, there are still some tips for a successful vacation that you can and should take responsibility for.
Research
When you meet with your travel advisor, it can be a great help if you have done some preliminary research. Here is another great use of a list. You can sketch out the places and things you most want to see or do. Making this a family or group project will help you narrow down what is important to everyone. Some things that might be done by only certain members of your group. This will have the effect of energizing everyone about the trip.
Planning
I’m a big proponent of lists. You will certainly end up with several checklists. There will be dates to remember such as deposits, final payments and details to check off when they are completed. Even if you have a great travel agent, you will want to make certain you are on top of the schedule.
If you are planning on travelling outside the United States, you need to make certain all your documents are current and correct. Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six (6) months after your trip. Another little thought of item is that your passport must be in good repair. No rips or spilled coffee stains. Make certain you have any information on additional documents needed, such as visas or vaccinations.
Have Passport Will Travel
Put a copy of your contact information inside your suitcase. If it doesn’t arrive when you do, they can look inside to find out the owner of the luggage. Another thing which is becoming more common, is to put a tracking device in your luggage. That way, you will be able to see” where your bag is.
Make copies of your itinerary with phone numbers of when and where you will be with someone at home. You should also carry a copy of your passport information with you in the event your passport is lost or stolen. This will give the authorities the information they need to issue you new documents. Leaving a copy at hone with someone is also a good idea.
The day for your departure has finally come. You have checked off all the items on your list and you are ready to go. Here are some more tips for a successful vacation. They are just as important as itms packed in your suitcase.
Patience
One of the first things you should pack is your patience. Travel can sometimes be trying and you need to believe that everyone is trying their best and being impatient does no one any good.
You also need to understand that when you enter a different country, their time frames and cultural norms may not be yours. In order to have a successful vacation you need to “go with the flow”.
That brings up some other tips:
Respect
Noted, every country and region has their own way of doing things and their own viewpoint of events. Even though you may disagree with their point of view, you are a visitor in their region and should respect their right to their beliefs.
Common Sense
This is another intangible you should pack along with your suitcase. Everyone on vacation wants to have a fabulous time, but in order to do that, there are certain precautions you should take in order to make that successful vacation a reality.
You are a tourist and no matter what you do, you will stand out as a tourist. You might stand on a street corner reading a map or stare at your phone or other device. There are, however, some things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable.
- There are pickpockets and thieves everywhere in the world. Leave your shiny and expensive jewelry at home. You won’t impress anyone and thieves will literally rip them off you.
- Don’t carry large sums of money and flash it around. Take only what you think you will need for the day and leave the rest in your hotel, cabin, etc.
- Women should invest in a good cross-body bag and men can use a money belt so that your money is available, but not easily parted from you.
- Be situationally aware. While you want to explore, you shouldn’t venture into an area that has few people or is not well lit. You wouldn’t do that in your hometown and you shouldn’t do it on your vacation where you don’t know areas well.
- If you are staying at a hotel or sailing on a cruise ship, take a card with you that has their address and contact information. If you do get slightly disoriented or lost, you can use that to communicate with a taxi driver even if you don’t know the language.
You are taking all the precautions and you are having a great time. Here are some further tips for a successful vacation:
Courtesy
When you go into a shop instead of leading with “What does this item cost “, begin your conversation with a greeting in their language. Even if you don’t get the pronunciation perfect, people respect the fact that you are trying.
Another aspect of courtesy is about taking photos. If you are taking pictures of a large scene, that is one thing, but if you are taking pictures of individuals, it is customary to ask permission and even give a small gratuity for their participation.
You should also not snap photos in area which many people consider sacred, such as places of worship. When you visit such sites, they usually are open and people are there to practice their religion. To them it isn’t a tourist area, but a place of contemplation and you should honor that. Ask someone in authority if you can discreetly take photos.
Curiosity
Everyone likes to talk about themselves, so ask questions of the locals. Ask them about their town, family and community. If you are in a restaurant, ask if they mind sharing a table and giving you some insight into the area. They most likely will be glad to do it and you will be rewarded with information and insight into their way of life.
Taking the time before your vacation to organize and meet deadlines and then following some simple, straightforward guidelines will ensure that you have a successful and enriching vacation.
Unique Journey –https://www.unique-journeys.com is here to be your partner in planning the perfect vacation enabling you to relax and enjoy your time collecting memories. Here is an article which highlights some of the reasons you need a travel agent to help you realize that perfect trip of a lifetime. https://unique-journeys.com/why-you-need-a-travel-agent.
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