Let's Get Real

Do you find yourself daydreaming of the next adventure you will take after the quarantine is over?

I do. Constantly. Being able to travel is so good for the mind, body and soul. I call it a reset button on life. Not being able to travel during this time has taken a toll on me personally since I had an upcoming trip in June that I was looking forward to, but recently had to cancel. I was looking forward to this trip for months to celebrate my best friend’s bachelorette party in Miami but that has been postponed indefinitely. While I have been pouting over this cancelled trip, I also realized how exhausting traveling can be when you are not prepared. I am going to share some traveling tips with you, mainly from lessons learned and trial and error. Double-check. Even triple-check and make sure your passport and ID are not expired and make the necessary arrangements if they need to be renewed. Recently in NJ, there is now the Real ID that will be enforced starting October 1, 2021 to fly within the US if you do not have a passport, but until then, your New Jersey driver license or ID will be valid. Plan accordingly. Part of traveling is being spontaneous and adventuring out to new territory, but you still want to have certain things place. Obviously book a location to stay during the duration of your trip, whether it be at a hotel, Airbnb or with family and friends. If you are traveling with a group of people, discuss whether there are certain places and things that anyone would like to see and do while on the trip and try to accommodate the group’s preferences, if possible. Be prepared. Always make sure to have your essential and valuable items with you in your carry-on or personal item, if you are not allowed a full-size carry-on or your luggage needs to checked in. Crazy things happen. Luggage can go missing and you do not want to be stuck without your ID and/or passport, money and credit cards, phone charger, any valuables including jewelry or electronics that you intend to bring with you and a change or two of clothes. Make multiple photocopies of your ID and passport in case they go missing during your trip and keep a set inside your luggage, carry-on, personal item and wallet. Even though it is does not compare to the physical items, it still is a backup proof with your photo to confirm your identity. Carrying a pen comes in handy, especially if you are traveling internationally and need to fill out customs forms.

Get comfy. I think we can all agree that traveling on an airplane isn’t exactly the most comfortable situation, especially if you are stuck with a middle seat. Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, headphones and a sweatshirt in case you get cold on your flight. Having a pack of gum on you doesn’t hurt either to help your ears pop less when taking off and landing. Packing snacks is ideal so you do not have to spend money on overpriced items in the shops at the airport. Just make sure it is nothing with a strong scent, so you do not offend anyone around you or stink up the whole plane. You do not want to be that person. Tissues will be your best friend since it tends to get stuffy on the airplane up in the air. Make sure any liquid products you have on hand are no larger than 3.4 fluid ounces or else you will have to throw it out and it will delay the check-in process. Pack smart. When it comes to packing your actual suitcase, it is best to pack dual purpose clothes and shoes. Neutral colors for clothing options are a good choice so that they can match multiple outfits and can be used during the day and night. Try to pack light since the more you pack just means the more you will have to unpack. Packing cubes have become my traveling staple since it condenses your items and makes more room in your luggage to bring home some goodies and gifts. Waterproof travel bags for toiletries helps keeps things organized and avoid anything from leaking onto your clothes. A hard case luggage also is recommended in case you get stuck out in the rain. HAVE FUN! Traveling can be stressful, but once you get to your destination, it makes it all worthwhile. Enjoy yourself and do whatever it is you want to do, whether it’s going sight-seeing or just relaxing all week by a pool. You do not have to feel guilty if all you did on vacation was lounge around. A vacation away from home is still a vacation! We all need a break from everyday life sometimes and we are entitled to some relaxation and fun. Here’s to hoping we can all go on our next adventure soon!