by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist
My rules for the road to provide you a good, safe and enjoyable trip.
1. Pack lightly, make smart choices. Take items that serve dual purposes and clothing that will wash/dry quickly.
2. Take potential travel companions out for a test run. I never take a trip with anyone who I haven’t vetted on at least an overnighter that includes public transportation, restaurant dining and early morning meetup times.
3. Do research before you leave. Why does this area call you to visit? If you are going to Milan to see “The Last Supper,” research will help you avoid disappointment when you discover you should have purchased a ticket months beforehand.
4. Don’t become totally reliant on artificial intelligence or a travel companion’s notes regarding flight dates and times. Check details yourself.
5. Take precautions to stay healthy. This starts with hydration before, during and after boarding. A refillable water container if you’re going to a foreign country will hold you long enough to find bottled water.
6. Avoid new shoes. Wear shoes you can slip off and on easily, both for airport security and comfort walking through museums, wandering city streets or running to catch the train.
7. Use your debit card for currency exchange; get your cash at an ATM. Get money daily or every other day so you carry small amounts of currency at a time in case you are the victim of theft.
8. When you arrive, eat a small, light snack. If you can check in, take a shower and set the clock for a two-hour nap only.
9. If you are in a big city, walk if it’s safe. Happy surprises that you would never find riding in a cab will be the stuff of stories when you get home. And, don’t make assumptions about people. Smile, ask questions; say hello and thank you.
10. Finally, to make packing and enjoying the trip your primary responsibility, call a travel agent to pull the rest of the details together. Travel agents don’t charge for most of their services and will be able to source deals you won’t likely on your own. And, any travel agent worth their hand sanitizer will advise you to purchase travel insurance.
