Detours Gay Travel Blog
Top Travel Prep Tips to Get You Started: Part 1
- Brandon Folkes
- Jul 5, 2022
Being prepped and ready for any adventure can be a daunting task. We thought we would compile a list of some helpful tips to help you along on your journey.
1. Don’t overpack
One of the most common things that people tend to do when preparing for their trip is overpacking for their adventure. Nothing will make your life easier when jet-setting around the world than not having to lug around a bunch of suitcases full of clothes you probably won’t even wear. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bag in advance, and the night before you leave, go through it again and take out half the things you intended to bring. If you are going on a long adventure, bring only a weeks’ worth of clothes with you. Laundry services and laundromats are generally available in almost all destinations which can help you clean what you already have without having to carry all that extra weight. As for toiletries? Get smaller travel sized versions to take with you or even buy them in the destination you are traveling too.
2. Get comprehensive Travel Insurance
These are one of those things that you don’t realize you need until it’s too late, especially in the age of COVID and a turbulent travel industry getting itself back on its feet. If ever something happens and you need to cancel a trip for reasons unseen or if you get stuck staying longer than expected due to certain circumstances, travel insurance will be your best friend. Sometimes you might even have travel insurance coverage without even knowing. Be sure to check with your bank, credit card company, or other insurance policies you may have to see if you have coverage. In either case, a small insurance fee for coverage could save you a huge financial burden in the future, so do yourself a favor and invest.
3. Extra nights make all the difference
When it comes to enjoying an adventure that is far, far away, a very real thing you will be confronted with is jet lag. Getting over jet lag can sometimes make or break the beginning part of any person’s journey, and one of the best ways to kickstart your vacation with a bang is giving yourself that extra night or two of recovery time. The extra night of hotel will add a bit of extra cost, but the benefits to the enjoyment of your trip are well worth it. In line with that, pre-booking your airport transfer for your arrival can help streamline your journey to your hotel and avoid long taxi lines or crowded public train or bus situations.
4. Make sure you have all your travel documents and they are valid
The last thing you want is arriving at the airport only to find out that your passport is either expired or you don’t have the proper documentation to enter your destination. Always double check that you not only do you have the proper documentation for your trip, but it is accurate and still valid. Some countries require a passport to be valid for up to 6 months beyond your proposed travel dates, so be sure to check the rules of your destination way before you hop on your way to the airport. Some destinations will even require certain vaccinations before entering them, so make sure you are well prepared.
5. Do your research
You will have a huge leg up on your trip if you take the time and do your research on the places you will be going. Make sure to ask yourself and find answers to questions like: What kind or currency does my destination accept? Do they take credit cards? What is the weather like at the time of year I am traveling there? What kind of power outlets do they use? Are there any local customs or cultural traditions I should be aware of? These are just some questions you will want to research and explore before you head out on your trip. While we believe flexibility on any trip is key to enjoyment, being aware of the kinds of activities and sights to see in your destination will help you better understand what you are in for on your adventure.
('Trip Notes' as well as 'What Is/Isn't Included' on a Detours trip are provided on each individual trip page. Activity Guides are provided in a pre-trip email)