Last month we talked about how to give yourself a stay-cation, but we’re on the brink of summer here in Chandler, AZ, so if you’re hoping to get out of your Liv Avenida apartment and travel this summer, read this week’s blog for tips for doing so successfully.
Plan your agenda. There’s no time like the present to figure out what your adventures are going to entail! Take the time now to decide where you want to go, what you want to do, and what you want to eat on your trip. Trips are great for spontaneity, but having a general agenda for your days is a good way to help you make the most of your time away from home. So map out your daily plans and meals. This will help you save money and stress of trying to find something last minute, so research online. You can find a lot of great places through Google Reviews, Trip Advisor, or Yelp.
Pack your suitcase and your car. What you pack (and how much of it) definitely varies based on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’re away, so start by making your own list of what you need. Think of anything you might use on your trip that you won’t normally use, like camping, hiking, or swimming gear. Once you’ve covered those bases, go through the items, clothes, and personal hygiene items you use every day that you can’t go without.
Then you can check out others’ ideas online to see if you’re missing anything important. We think Traveler Savvy’s road trip packing list is a great resource you can use for ensuring you have your travel essentials. Don’t forget emergency items for your car or backpack, water bottles, snacks, emergency phone numbers, and a wall and car charger for your mobile device.
Decide how you’ll get around. If you’re taking a road trip, your mode of transportation will, of course, be your car. But if you’re flying, communicate with anyone you’re staying with to figure out if they can pick you up from the airport. If you’re not staying with anyone who can get you, research the city you’re visiting for the most common mode of transportation. Then you can see schedules and how to get tickets for them. Of course, most cities have taxis and Uber, so remember those can work in a pinch.
Doing all of these things ahead of time will help you orient yourself around the new city and enjoy your time there. What are your best tips for planning a trip? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment. We hope you have happy and safe travels all year long!