From the 1st of October to the 31st, I ventured to three different states, took two flights, and embarked on one memorable road trip! I started the month off in Sarasota, FL swimming with sharks in the Gulf of Mexico and collecting real-life sand dollars. Then, I flew by myself for the first time to check out the southern charm and cuisine in Myrtle Beach, SC. Finally, I drove up to Salem, MA to be amongst the witches for Halloween weekend. Although I wouldn’t consider myself an experienced traveler just yet, these adventures have imparted some valuable wisdom worth sharing.
Pack smart: Packing efficiently is crucial. When I was traveling to Myrtle Beach, I didn’t want the extra expense of paying for luggage which meant 4 days’ worth of stuff had to fit into a personal bag. Whether you are paying for luggage or not, don’t forget the basics, your ID, chargers, undergarments and socks, and a book.
Safety and Security: Safety and security should always be top priorities, especially when traveling. Be aware of your surroundings in airports, parking lots, hotels, Airbnb neighborhoods, etc. and if an environment doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from it. A recent security issue that has arisen is the location of luggage. There have been a lot of stolen or misplaced items that have never been returned to their rightful owners. To ensure that your bag gets to its destination safely, you can use an Apple air tag to track your bag.
Set a budget: Setting a budget is a great way to have a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Start by determining your budget with all expenses including transportation, accommodation, food and dining, activities and excursions, travel insurance, and what I like to call – fun money. Now the hard part is actually sticking to the budget!
Snacks: As far as I’m concerned, snacks are the most important part of traveling. Want a piece of pizza at 7 a.m. in the airport? You can do that. Want to eat candy at 4 a.m. on a road trip? Say no more. Snacks are essential to completing your trip hangry-free.
Capture the memories: Don’t forget to take pictures, and videos, and write postcards and journal entries! Believe me, every day is worth capturing on camera. But when you are in a witch town at Halloween or on a beach in January, there is something a little more exciting about capturing the moment.
I hope this blog helps you with your travels! Have fun and enjoy!
Every day is a learning opportunity!
~ Bella