Spring Break has sprung and Americans are traveling in record-high numbers again. Whether travelers are families looking to reconnect over a shared adventure, or college students seeking a respite from classwork, this is the perfect time for a getaway.
Here are ten travel tips travel to help make this year’s Spring Break the most memorable:
Arrive early at the airport
Expect things to be busy this travel season. The airports will be packed, so arrive early. The taxi or Uber line will also be long, so consider a pre-arranged private transfer.
Pack light, preferably only a carry-on
There are many bumps in the travel road that can be avoided if you don’t check luggage. The risk of delayed or lost luggage is minimized. There’s always a chance that the airline will ask you to gate-check at no charge.
If you’re not able to fit it all in a carry-on, put an air tag in your checked luggage. Even if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you at your destination, at least you’ll know where it is. And sometimes, with an air tag, you’re a step ahead of the airline which can facilitate reuniting with your luggage sooner.
Plan excursions in advance
Many tour guides retired or found other employment during the pandemic. Plan ahead for excursions and do not wait until you arrive to book them. Likewise, many museums and popular attractions now require advance bookings online. If you will only be in a destination for a few days, don’t miss the main attractions.
Try something new
A vacation is a wonderful opportunity to try something new. Take a cooking class or a bike tour. Get SCUBA certified. Try something you’ve always wanted to do. You may bring home a new hobby.
Manage expectations
Before you depart, have conversations with the people you will be traveling with about what each of you expects from the trip. One of the things I’ve learned from traveling with my own grown children is that managing expectations for when we are traveling together is so important. Sometimes one family member wants to sleep in and others want all-day tours every day. Decide if meals together are required, encouraged, or optional. Be sure to allow for some downtime and alone time, including for mom and dad.
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can avoid disappointments and help you create some memorable experiences for your family.
Pack your patience
Even if you lose your luggage, don’t lose your patience. Traveling can be stressful these days, and things don’t always go as planned. When the unexpected happens, tempers and anxiety can rise, impacting everyone. Words once spoken cannot be unheard. Be kind, to others and yourself.
Be safe
Stay safe while traveling during Spring Break, especially since larger groups of people tend to venture out together at this time. If your group plans to split up, pre-arrange a time and place to reconnect.
Stay connected
Stay connected with the people you are traveling with and those at home. If everyone is not on an international cell plan, download WhatsApp and commit to checking in periodically. Or buy a Sim card or eSim to use internationally.
Just have fun
Remember that an important goal of vacation is to “just have fun!” Spring Break is a wonderful time of year to make lasting memories with friends and family.
Share the memories with photos shared
Beyond posting on social media (or not), create a photo album or photosharing website to record the highlights of your trip. Or make it a habit to Airdrop the best photos of the day to each other over dinner together. Long after you’ve returned home, you will enjoy sharing the memories made together through photos.
Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation. Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!
Featured image by Juli Kosolapova
