Time for another instalment of the Traveling Brown Girls Blog Carnival!
For more info, click here!
I've written a lot of "How to" posts in the past, but this one is going to concentrate on 5 tips for the jet-setting lady, someone who is always on the go! In my opinion, it's all about being organized and planning. Once you're all organized, it's easy to be spontaneous when you get invited to a last minute business convention or you take advantage of a last minute seat sale. Just roll with it, go with the flow and enjoy the journey :)
1) Always keep your toiletry bag well-stocked with must-have items
After a trip, even just a short weekend jaunt, I go through my toiletry bag and see what was useful, what was useless, what I was missing and what needs filling up. My toiletry bag is the easiest thing to pack because of this. I never have to worry about forgetting my toothpaste. You can spend as much time as you want picking out your clothes, but you shouldn't be worrying about where your deodorant is or if you have enough.
2) My father's advice - "carry a quarter and make sure there's always gas in the tank"
Ok, those days of only needing a quarter to make a call home from a payphone are far behind us, but my dad still had good advice! We can update it to "always keep your cell phone charged and paid up" and always have enough gas in your car to drive an hour. That was emergency advice, but it's also helps keep you spontaneous. You'll have a head start getting out the door if you don't have to stop to deal with those little time suckers.
3) Make sure your passport is renewed way ahead of time
My recent passport issues prompted this tip. There can sometimes be processing delays and had I had something booked, I would never have been allowed to leave the country. Just plan ahead and it's preferable to not wait until your passport is about to expire. If you can do it about 6 months before, it helps.
4) Have a travel fund
All this exciting jet-setting requires money, so put aside a bit every month in a savings account. The fact is, when all the stars align and you get that great combination of time off work and travel deal, you want to be able to take advantage without putting yourself in the poor house for it. If you always have a little set aside, you'll always be able to take advantage guilt-free when your girlfriends invite you on a last minute get-away.
5) Trust your instincts
I have been to a few places people consider "dangerous" but I've never actually felt in danger. Trusting your gut or instincts helps keep you out of danger and helps you get out of sketchy situations before it gets worse. Remember, you are strong and capable. Don't let fear stop you. Listen to your basic instincts and then be cautious, but not afraid. You'll go far and see a lot if you stop worrying about being a woman and redefine yourself as a "traveler."
Be sure to check out all the other great tips from the blog carnival here.
If you're interested in my other travel tips, follow the links below:
9 comments:
"Remember, you are strong and capable. Don't let fear stop you." This right here! Cant say this enough. I think fear is also what stops people from travelling thinking they cant do it on their own. Yes you can! Plenty of people do it. You dont have to travel with a companion so dont let that hold up your travel plans but when you do travel obviously trust your instincts when faced with "sketchy" situations.
www.itsallbee.com
Great tips. #2 made me smile as I think back to when I was little and whenever I left the house, my mom also made sure to wrap a dime (whew! dating myself) in a piece of tissue and tuck it in a pocket so that I'd have it in case of an emergency.
exactly! I sometimes get flack for writing that, but I think most people have enough common sense to avoid trouble the majority of the time. There is, in my opinion, only a small percentage of really crazy people who seek out trouble and want to hurt people.
It's ok, I felt like I was dating myself when I wrote it, but I honestly no longer know how much a payphone costs now...if you can even find one. There are a few in my neighbourhood. Maybe I should take a picture for posterity.
I live by my travel fund! Which is separate from my regular savings. I have automatic deposits with each check and all travel writing and related earnings and a percentage of any windfall or monetary gift goes in there too.
isn't that the best! Saving for fun is never a chore
I also have a travel fund and it helps if you name it too. I absolutely love Italy and will be traveling there in two weeks. I saved for 3 yrs after my first trip to Italy in 2009. Already, I'm planning for 2015 and have an account set aside called Italy 2015 with monthly auto payments. I've been saving since the first of this year. I also have other travel accounts that I name for shorter trips- family reunion, cruises, etc. Sharee
Very cool! Yes, it helps you to focus on your goal that way. Like The Secret, you get back what you focus on. Enjoy your trip! It's well-deserved :)
Great tips!!
I have 2 sets of toiletries at all times. One for travel and one for home. Makes my life WAY easier!
Love your Dad's advice! And I'm with Monique: I remember when pay phones cost a dime. Well, vaguely. LOL
*Cheers to travel*
Post a Comment