11 Ways To Prepare To Be The Best Traveller

As the global situation constantly changes, please withhold from setting plans in stone until medical professionals advise that it is safe to do so.

Planning a trip is a great way to curb wanderlust, and an even better way to ensure you’re prepared to be the best traveller you can be! This fun distraction gives you something to look forward to and fantasise about. Here are our top 11 ways to plan ahead for the vacation of a lifetime!

1. Go somewhere unexpected

You have so much time to research and plan for your next vacation… Why not try something brand new? Apps like Hopper and Skyscanner let you see flights to anywhere in the world and get a sense of costs.

2. Research what the location is known for

If you got invited to a concert for an artist you don’t know, you’d listen to their album beforehand so you can better enjoy their performance, right? The same goes for travel. If you visit Dubai without knowing anything about its architecture, it will be fun… but it would be better if you could properly appreciate everything the location has to offer. If you don’t know enough about a destination to fully appreciate it, do some research!

3. Learn the local language

It’s important to know a few phrases such as how to ask for directions, but with so much free time, why not get more acquainted with local languages? Apps such as Duolingo and Babbel will help you to understand and build a basic vocabulary.

4. Study the culture

It’s fun to educate yourself on the local customs, and important to understand cultural differences and foreign etiquette. Simple things such as forgetting to remove your shoes or dressing inappropriately can be avoided with a little research through sites like Rough Guides.

5. Visit virtually first

Not only will this curb some of your wanderlust for the time being and get you excited for your upcoming trip, but it will help you to know exactly what exciting things to look for when you’re there IRL!

6. Research local restaurants (and avoid chains)

There is no better way to appreciate a destination’s culture by enjoying their local food! Support businesses and the economy while building connections between the local people and tourists. Pro tip: follow chefs on IG to find chef-approved restaurants while travelling.

7. Look up the local tourism office

It’s worth checking to see if your destination has any events or initiatives taking place during your visit. You wouldn’t want to miss a chance to experience the culture at an elaborate parade! As an added bonus, lots of the activities promoted by tourism offices are free.

8. Make sure all your documents and vaccinations are up to date

You’ve got the time, why not take extra precautions by double checking all your documents and vaccinations? Think about your future self and check these boxes off early.

9. Go green

There are plenty of ways to reduce your footprint while travelling. Bring a reusable straw and water bottle, pack lightly, transfer paper documents to digital, and plan to buy local food. For the most impact, ensure that your travel destination and hotel are ethical, and consider alternative forms of eco-friendly travel.

10. Get in shape

Vacations are more enjoyable when you can explore on foot without regretting it later that night! Practice hiking for a few hours now so you don’t feel it as much on vacation. Maybe you could even skip a few taxi rides and opt to walk to your daily destinations.

11. Save money

It’s time to start getting savvy! Look into travel rewards, cut down on household spending, and set money aside weekly to add to your travel fund. It’s also a good idea to inform your bank of where you’re going so they don’t disable your card while abroad.

12. Make sure you’ll be able to stay connected

KnowRoaming’s travel SIM Cards and Stickers are great ways to ensure that you can stay connected with your loved ones without pesky roaming charges! For the ultimate connectivity experience, opt for the eSIM data plans, available in over 250 countries and territories starting as low at $3.50 for 1 GB of data.

How do you prepare for your vacations to get the most out of your experience and be the best traveller you can be? Let us know in the comments below!