At Wander our mission is to provide you with the best luxury holiday homes and an unforgettable experience. But as travelers, we know that things don’t always go as planned.
It can be tough especially for women so it's important to mentally and physically prepare for your trip in advance.
We're here to help. In fact, our team includes a number of seasoned travelers with 32% of Wander employees being women, which is 2% higher than the average tech company and still growing!
So, we’ve pooled the best travel advice from these badass women to help you prepare for your next trip!
Do Your Research
“Be super vigilant always and do a little research before your trip just so that you can find your bearings a little easier when you've arrived.” -Codeth
First things first, be clear about where you are going. The Earth is an incredibly versatile place and you never know what you’re gonna get.
Such is life but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to be prepared for the unexpected, especially if you are traveling to a foreign location. Below is a list of research topics you should consider before booking your ticket.
Visas/Immigration Requirements
Countries have visa restrictions to control the flow of visitors in and out of the country and to prevent illegal immigration as well as other criminal activities. Make sure to plan ahead and book your appointment with the relevant embassy months before your scheduled visit.
Depending on your country of origin it could take months to book an interview. Alternatively, you can choose a location that doesn’t require you to get a visa, as some places only need you to have a roundtrip ticket, accommodation details, and proof of income.
Proof of vaccination is also important due to the Covid-19 pandemic and you may even have to budget for a quarantine hotel because some regions require people to isolate upon arrival.
Country Laws & Culture
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In other words, when visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it.
Just because you do not understand something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong. Part of the beauty of traveling is getting to experience different lifestyles, food, religions, and scenery.
Keep an open mind and try new things, and if you disagree with certain customs, don’t go to places where they are practiced so as to avoid conflict. Familiarizing yourself with the law of the country you are visiting will also prove useful.
Location
Crime exists everywhere, this is a fact. Some places have a worse rep than others but murders, robberies, and kidnappings occur in even some of the most alluring places. When booking your accommodation, make sure it’s in a safe location and familiarize yourself with the relevant maps, emergency numbers, and landmarks.
Language
Although English is one of the most popular languages globally, some people prefer communicating in their mother tongue. Learning some phrases from the common language could prove useful when socializing or asking a local for directions.
Cost of Living/Exchange Rates
We all know that traveling can be expensive, and even more so when locals identify you as a tourist and decide to mark up their products by 200%... you get the picture.
Understanding how much things like food and transport cost on average could save you a lot of money. Ensure you have enough local currency when you arrive and do not leave the airport without exchanging. Researching the institutions that offer the best exchange rates ahead of time is also a good idea.
Travelers Insurance
Insurance is always a good idea because one never knows when things are gonna fall apart. Depending on your budget, it’s possible to insure your plane ticket, luggage, and rented vehicle.
If you have health insurance, find out if it covers the region you will be traveling to. Otherwise, shop around for a local health insurer or purchase a travel insurance plan.
Use Packing Cubes
“Packing cubes are a traveler's best friend!”-Meghan
Packing cubes allow you to be more organized by helping to sort items so each has its place, making your suitcase much neater. They are also used to separate a change of clothes as well as to keep them wrinkle-free.
You can find a variety of brands, colors, and sizes on Amazon. And if you are unsure which packing cubes are for you, you can check this video on how to choose the best packing cube. Make sure to make a list or utilize apps like Packpoint so that you don’t forget anything.
Check the Weather
“Check the forecasted weather and plan out your outfits.” -Rachel
The Northern Hemisphere experiences more direct sunlight during May, June, and July, as the hemisphere faces the sun. The same is true of the Southern Hemisphere in November, December, and January.
Make sure you know which season your destination is in and consult the weather app to get a more accurate indication of what to expect. For those traveling to one of our Wander homes, you can reference the following packing guides depending on your destination:
Pick Your Travel Buddies
“When traveling with someone, make sure they are amicable. You could be in the worst place in the world, but the company you keep makes a huge difference.” -Sydney
The point of a vacation is to relax and leave your stressors at home…and yes, this includes people that know how to push your buttons. Before you invite someone on your trip make sure they know how to compromise and communicate.
The travel itinerary should include activities that everyone can enjoy. However, you won’t always want to do the same things as everyone else so you give yourself at least a day to tick some items off your bucket list.
Be considerate of the people you are traveling with at all times and make sure to check in every couple of hours when separated from them.
Eat Like a Local
“Eat like a local when you're traveling! Ask those who live there where they love to eat, and discover mom and pop shops you'll never find on your own.” - Brigitte
For the picky eaters, sometimes it’s okay to try new things! If you are hesitant to introduce your stomach to foreign ingredients, you can do your research before ingesting anything. But don’t let fear stop you, you never know what you might like!
If you are looking for some unique flavors, ask locals about their favorite spots or just spend the day exploring, you’re sure to discover something!
Be aware that in some cultures it is considered an insult to turn down food, especially if you are dining at someone’s house.
To be respectful you should serve yourself a bite-size portion, and see if it agrees with you. You can always politely decline, especially if the smell/taste makes your stomach uneasy, but don’t knock it, ‘till you try it!
Safety First
“The not-so-fun but important travel tip I live by as a woman, especially if traveling alone, is to share your location with a trusted friend or family member. I’d recommend not only doing this in the iPhone settings, but also in any ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. It definitely has given me peace of mind when getting into a car by myself, knowing that my trusted contact will get a text message with my journey details.”
“The “more fun” travel tip I have is to try to join some local Facebook Groups ahead of your trip! I’ve found this to be great because you can get a feel for the area from the people who actually live there. Comb the group for restaurant recommendations, things to do, places to see… and generally the tips in these groups are very different to what you’ll find on a tourist blog!” -Christie
Being a tourist alone can make you a target so be vigilant and cautious when meeting new people and the type of information you share with them. Here are a few more safety guidelines for your reference:
Make copies of important documents
Be wary of public Wi-Fi
Don’t draw attention
Learn Common Travel Scams
It’s Cool to Wear a Front Pack
“If you're commuting with a backpack during your visit to another country, make sure to always put it in front of you. It may not be fashionable, but at least your things are safe.” -Andi
The point is to avoid getting pickpocketed, so your items must be visible at all times. Investing in a fanny pack or a sling bag could prove useful as well.
Get Lost
“I discovered that the best way to experience a new city is to spend a day just walking around with no destination in mind. Make sure to download an offline map (my personal choice is maps.me) and a local transportation app for metro lines and stations so you won't get lost.” -Jill
We often assume that we will always have the internet and our phones with us, but it is a good practice to be prepared to be offline at any moment.
This includes keeping notes of vital information in the event of an emergency or if your phone gets lost. We also recommend memorizing the telephone numbers of your friends and family.
Wherever your destination, we wish you a safe and memorable trip! Remember that our Concierge Desk is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming trips to our Wander homes.
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