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Hitting the road is always exciting. Often, we save up all year just for the chance to take a few special trips. Once the hometown has been left behind and the journey is truly underway, the human mind has a way of getting so caught up in what it’s doing that it forgets some pretty important details. Here are the top ten things people forget while traveling, and that you would be well advised to remember.
Take Photos
We all dream of a perfect collection of photos of our trip, but then one we get where we’re going we often forget all about the value of pictures because we’re so caught up in the excitement.
Keep living in the moment, but don’t forget to take some pictures while you’re at it so you’ll be able to look back on your trip. And you’ll be happy you did. When you return, get those photos off your camera and create something fun! You can create everything from photo blankets to cutting boards.
Keep Valuables Locked Away
An unfortunate case of theft can ruin even the best vacation. Try not to take too much money or your important documents out with you, and leave valuables stashed in a hotel room or, better yet, in a safe. This may also be a good opportunity to plan for emergencies. For example, if your husband was hit by a car on your way to dinner one night in Vegas, it might be a good idea to know who the best Las Vegas personal injury attorney is.
Buy Souvenirs
Like photos, souvenirs are something most people plan for but often end up forgetting. Try not to put off your shopping until the last day of your trip, as things will get hectic as you get ready to depart and you won’t have the opportunity to get the special momento your trip really deserves.
Get Plenty of Rest
Everybody wants to make the most of their limited time to travel, and with so much to do in many destinations, and can be tempting to jam pack your schedule with activities all day every day. This will only tucker you out, making what is supposed to be fun feel more like work. Schedule in some off time so you feel your best when it’s time to hit the attractions.
Try the Local Cuisine
Food is a big part of what makes many places unique. Don’t get so caught up in activities that you forget to sample the local fare. Nobody wants to finish a vacation in Mexico without having eaten a single taco or a trip down South without sinking their teeth into some fried chicken. Put food into the itinerary to be sure you don’t miss out.
Put Sunscreen on Your Face
Sunscreen is hugely important to your health, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays that can cause serious damage and lead to big health problems down the road. And, using a specifically designed face sunscreen is equally as important. Remember to apply sunscreen every morning and to reapply throughout the day.
Keep the Internet at Bay
A trip should be a unique opportunity to experience life in a new place. Don’t distract yourself with the internet to the point that you might as well be anywhere in the world. If you need to check your emails for work, do it once in the morning and then put the smartphone or laptop away. As for social media, it’s best just to save it until you’ve finished your trip.
Keep Kids Entertained
If you are travelling with children, then keeping them happy will go a long way toward making your trip a success. The adults might be more into cultural events, and sure, you didn’t go to Paris, Rome, or Washington DC to ride on waterslides, but including some good old fashion fun for the little guys is an essential component of any family vacation.
Check For Belongings
Being forgetful at home is usually no big deal. Being forgetful on a trip can be time consuming and costly. Never leave a hotel room without checking the drawers and taking a look under the bed, and always shoot a glance at the seat of a taxi or Uber after getting up to leave. Wallets and cell phones have a nasty habit of falling out of pockets while you’re sitting down, and to find yourself without them later on is awful.
Send a Postcard
While enjoying the trip of a lifetime, don’t forget about the loved ones back home who would probably love to be with you. You can’t take everyone on your trip with you, but a quick postcard sent back will show your friends and family how much you care about them. They might end up feeling jealous, but they are far more likely to be happy for you and try to live vicariously through the fun you’re having.