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The First Steps Everyone Should Take for an Unforgettable & Meaningful Getaway
You’ve decided to go on a trip, perfect! Now what?
Follow these six tips to figure out exactly where you want to go, what you want to do, and what you’ll need to do it.
1. Ask Yourself, “What Do I Want to Get Out of This Trip?”
The first step to having a meaningful trip is to do a little self-reflection to decide where you want to go. Instead of thinking about all the pretty places you’ve seen on Instagram, think about what YOU want to get out of the trip. Are you looking to relax? Do you want to be active socially, emotionally, and/or physically? How do you want to feel once you’ve returned? Do some self-reflecting to figure out exactly what you want to gain from this trip, and then go from there.
Her Suitcase Tip: Don’t pick a place without having a reason!
Many people will pick a destination because it’s popular or has a popular attraction. While this is understandable, finding meaningful things to do when it comes time to plan may be difficult. And this may ultimately leave your trip bland when it’s all said and done. For this reason, I encourage you to pick a destination for a reason. Having a reason to go somewhere will create a more personal and purposeful getaway.
then…
2. Do Some Research & Get Inspired
You’ve decided on the reasoning for your vacation, great! This should narrow down your destination search a little. Now let’s take it to the next step. Maybe you’ve decided you want a trip to restart, refresh, and reload. A big city like Paris- even though she’s great in her own way- probably isn’t the best place to do that. Instead, look into a beach vacay or a cabin getaway in the woods.
Here’s where the inspiration part comes in- scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest, flip through magazines, books, or TV channels and find the best dang beach or mountain range that goes hand in hand with your reasoning. Do some research and follow that inspiration towards your next destination.
Her Suitcase Tip: Create a Bucket list!
I have a bucket list that I’m constantly adding to, and when it comes time to decide where I want to go or what I want to do on my trips, I can easily look back at my list and pull some inspiration from it. Bucket lists are a great way to help set goals to work towards and can also produce fulfillment when you get the chance to cross an item off your list.
If the wanderlust inside of you needs a little push, I’ve got you! Check out my articles on my favorite places for all types of travelers.
what’s next?
3. Plan Your Trip
Hopefully, by now, you’ve been inspired to leave the house! Now what? It’s time to start planning!
But Sarah, I hate planning! That’s okay! I can be Type A enough for both of us.
To get you started-
- Research your destination
- Check your calendar & pick a time to go
- Buy your transportation tickets in advance
- Decide & book where you want to stay
- Look into activities you want to do & things you want to see
For my full go-to travel resources and in-depth guide to planning the perfect trip, view here.
4. Collect Your Travel Gear
say it with me – quality, quality, quality!
Travel gear can get expensive, but I PROMISE you’ll want to invest in good quality items that will last longer than one vacation- or even one plane ride. Over the years, I’ve collected my go-to travel items that- to be dramatic- I’d die for. Here’s a condensed list of my absolute favs:
- Osprey Travel Backpack
- Samsonite carry-on luggage
- Packing Cubes
- Leather day-pack
- Portable charger
5. Pack Smart
Now this could be a tough topic for my fellow ladies because let’s be honest, packing is hard. I’ll admit- I’m one to pack 30 pairs of underwear for a weekend road trip because who freaking knows what will happen, right?? I promise you, you don’t need it. If you’re about to pack something and your excuse is, “just in case,” you probably don’t need it.
Her Suitcase Tip: ‘Pack’ early & then go through it multiple times before you leave! For every one item you have to bring, remove two to avoid overpacking.
Overpacking is easy to do. My trick to avoid checking in a 50-pound suitcase is to start packing early! Set out everything you think you’ll need (or want) a week or two before your trip, and then go through those items four or five times before you leave. For every one item you desperately need, remove two. Trust me, being proactive in your packing will lessen your load when traveling, and change your anxious mindset of ‘did I pack everything?’ to ‘I know I have everything!’
are we there yet?
last thing!
6. Fake it Until You Make it & Enjoy it
Chances are, life will happen, and something will go wrong on your trip. THAT’S OKAY. I don’t know how many times- yes, it’s been more than once- I’ve booked train tickets for the wrong day and/or time or tried speaking a new language and totally bombed. Whatever situation may occur, push through it, chalk it up as a learning experience, and know it’ll probably make for a great story someday.
