Written by Lucy Anderson
Photographer: Hailey Pickens
Creative Director: Catalina Torres
Production Manager: Sophia Querrazzi
Featured designer: @gisessories on instagram
Talent: @claude.paolucci @Willflashnick @kaleb.pereira922 @ellyadira @eastzu_ on instagram
The holiday season is a difficult time for traveling anywhere, even if you’re avoiding the more touristy attractions. Getting from store to store to complete your Christmas shopping can be a hassle. As someone who has been able to travel frequently, even if it’s mostly by subway, and someone who hates dealing with people (especially during the holiday season) here is my collection of tried and true travel tips to get you through the busy bustling streets that holidays produce.
Head Up!
This one feels obvious but we're all guilty of doing this at some point or another. When you’re walking down the street (especially if you’re in a brand new city) it’s easy to get completely absorbed in whatever map app you’re using. However, this can make you look like the ultimate tourist, and disrupt the flow of traffic (especially if you’re somewhere as busy as NYC.) The best thing to do when you need to check out your map is “pull over” - aka stand aside so you’re not taking up the entire sidewalk - and figure out where you’re headed before blindly gluing your eyes to your phone screen.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can feel like another obvious travel tip, but it doesn’t hurt to be given a reminder. Planning ahead can make or break your entire trip. Research ahead of time what and where the best restaurants are, especially if you’re like me and have dietary restrictions, and decide how far away from your hotel you want to travel to make the best of your holiday!
Hydrate
This tip is one that people tend to forget about. Staying hydrated, especially if you’re traveling by plane or walking a lot more than you’re used to, can totally change how you feel. If you stay hydrated and take care of yourself as much as possible, vacation should be a breeze.
Pack Light and Consolidate
Packing light is something we all say we’re gonna do, and yet somehow when we reach our destination our suitcase is almost completely full with no room for souvenirs or new purchases. So, to prevent the stress and struggle that an overstuffed suitcase can bring, make sure to pack light and consolidate what you bring. I mean, do you really need 10 pairs of socks for a 3-day trip?
Know Where You’re Going
Knowing where you’re going goes hand in hand with tips one and two, but it’s so important I’m giving it its own bullet point. This doesn’t mean you need to know exactly where you’re going and where you are, but looking at maps ahead of time (hey Google Maps I love you) and getting a sense of what’s around you can make you feel so much better. Having at least a small sense of familiarity with the area you’re visiting is always a great idea, and can improve your traveling overall.
Give Yourself Wiggle Room
This especially applies to trips that involve a lot of reservations for meals or other activities. Being on time (especially for more expensive experiences) is super important. Be sure to give yourself travel time between activities, and always check if there’s a late window for reservations you make. Most restaurants are kind enough to allow a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled reservation, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.
Always Carry Cash
I know my parents aren’t the only ones to give this advice, but with so many places going cashless, and our cards being saved on our phones, we can forget about cash. But, when traveling to a new place, it’s important to remember to bring some cash. Some small businesses and markets only take cash, and it’s good to be able to leave a tip when you’re going out to eat.
Don’t Overbook
Your vacation should be relaxing! Yes, it’s always exciting to visit a new place, but it won’t be as fun as it could be if you’re running around from place to place. Personally, I love seeing/doing/experiencing as many things as possible when I’m traveling, but for some reason, a nap in a hotel in a different state is the best nap of all time. With that being said, make sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation, while still exploring as much as possible.
People Watch
People-watching is one of my favorite activities in the world. It’s free, it’s entertaining, and it is so easy to do. If you’re visiting a major city, especially if you’re visiting NYC, people-watching can just kind of happen without even trying. So if you have nothing to do, or if you need to take a break and figure out where you’re going, sit in a public park or somewhere similar and just enjoy the many different facets that humanity has.
Make the Most of It
Traveling can be stressful. It can be expensive, exhausting, and frustrating. BUT (yes, there is a but) it can also be part of a time that holds some of the best memories and experiences you’ll ever have. Or it can just be a normal, fun, exciting, familial, or adventurous vacation/trip. No matter what type of travel you’re doing, be sure to make the most of your experiences wherever you go, with whoever you’re with.
Happy holiday season and happy traveling! Be safe!
Written by Lucy Anderson
Photographer: Hailey Pickens
Creative Director: Catalina Torres
Production Manager: Sophia Querrazzi
Featured designer: @gisessories on instagram
Talent: @claude.paolucci @Willflashnick @kaleb.pereira922 @ellyadira @eastzu_ on instagram