Paula Stanghetta July 6, 2022We’ve all heard the horrible travel headlines in the news about flight delays and cancellations this year which is why I’ve put together these international travel tips for this summer.
TIP 1: Pack Lightly
That goes for your luggage AND your itinerary. It often happens that we want to pack too many clothes (and shoes) and plan to do/see too much on our holidays. Resist both urges, which leads to my second tip…
TIP 2: Plan Nothing
Sound counter-intuitive? Perhaps, but in a week’s itinerary, leave yourself free time for at least two half-days to simply explore or relax or do something completely spontaneous. It may end up being the best part of your vacation.
TIP 3: Practice Patience
Travel is stressful, even at the best of times. Often things don’t go as we hope. It rains when we want sunshine, line-ups are long, or the experience isn’t what we thought it would be. Try to understand all sides of the situation on the way to finding solutions to a better outcome.
TIP 4: Protect Your Valuables
Whether it’s your passport, your money, medications, or your travelling companions, take care of these essentials. I always carry my passport with me and I separate money and credit cards into different places. I rarely (if ever) leave my luggage/purse/backpack in the care of others since they have their own ‘stuff’ to take care of. I share location details with my companions and those at home, create chat groups using WhatsApp for easily keeping in touch on the road, and set up meeting points and times if we get separated without wifi. Always have copies of your prescriptions in case you need refills – and only pack them in your carry-on bag.
TIP 5: Prepare to Enjoy Yourself
Vacation means ‘freedom’ from something, such as work or study. We need time away from our regular pursuits to regenerate. I find the key to ensuring an enjoyable vacation is to plan well, and well in advance – which includes planning spontaneity too! Remember to book time to do something that will bring you joy and build memories.
What Are Your International Travel Tips in 2022’s Summer?
If you’ve travelled this year, what are some other international travel tips that you would add to this list? It never hurts to check the Canadian government’s travel website either.
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