Contributed by Cara Hartley, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
With a little preparation and a lot of optimism, traveling can be a great experience.
Although some may fear or despise traveling due to xenophobia or nightmarish memories of family camping trips gone wrong, would-be travelers shouldn’t despair. The following list comprises the top ten ways to love to travel.
10. Bring snacks
A hungry traveler is an angry traveler. Bring healthy snacks like grapes, apples, trail mix and granola bars and save your money and your health by avoiding gas station snacks like greasy chips or the infamous Tornado.
9. Be organized
De-clutter your carry-on bag! Getting stuck in long security check-point lines because of an un-emptied water bottle or a pocket knife on your key chain sucks for everyone: you, your fellow passengers, and the TSA workers.
8. Avoid being a victim of crime
Don’t wear conspicuous (see: bougie) clothing or jewelry, don’t carry around or flash a ton of cash and don’t act clueless. Wear lightweight clothes, carry traveler’s checks or small amounts of cash, and stash an emergency credit card in your luggage.
7. Know where you’re going
Have a route planned and carry a map. Pocket maps are good and inconspicuous. Even if you don’t know where you’re going, hold your head high and act confident. Instead of thinking “I’m lost,” think “I’m just finding my way.” Attitude is everything.
6. Bring entertainment
If you have kids, bring travel-friendly games! Toys, books and games are essential to keep whining and threats of turning the car around to a minimal.
5. Choose fun travel companions
You don’t have to relive the hell of a family vacation if you don’t willingly recreate it by choosing a travel partner who possesses the same terrible temper as your father, or the same massive anxiety as your mother. Choosing lighthearted and adventure-oriented individuals to travel with can make any trip a delight.
4. Do your research
Do your homework with guide books, travel videos and the advice of friends before you leave. With a little prior research you can save money and make great discoveries. Find cheap deals on airfare, hidden local jewels in the form of tucked away restaurants and bars, and little-known yet lovely bed -and-breakfasts.
3. Turn obstacles into stepping stones
Or at least try to make the most of them. If your flight is overbooked you can often volunteer to stay the night in an expenses-paid hotel as well as get your flight refunded. Getting stuck in traffic is a great excuse to learn more about the folks you’re traveling with, and inclement weather forces you to exert your inner creative genius.
2. Be smart
If you’re traveling solo be sure to leave your itinerary with someone who cares. You don’t want to end up like the dude on 127 hours.
1. Stop and smell the roses
Don’t let an obsession with the destination inhibit your ability to enjoy the journey. Take time to stop and see the world’s largest ball of yarn, strange museums dedicated to obscure topics, or any place that claims to be original or unique.