What is Smart Travel
Smart travel starts before you even leave for your trip. Traveling cleverly means you should plan to use luggage that makes traveling easiest for you. It is essential to make a map out and list what you'd like to bring. Then do something that most people do NOT do. Next to each item, you'd like to bring on your trip, could you list why you carry it? Most people overpack. Remember, when you are traveling (especially for a vacation), you leave your home and get away from it all for a little while. Packing should be something other than exercising to take your home with you. That is called “packing to move.” You are not moving; you are going on a trip.
Nothing is worse than carrying a big heavy suitcase up several flights of stairs. You can invest in a perfect small bag or a backpack and do your best to fit everything into that.
If you drive to the airport, could you take pictures of where you parked your car? You will be thrilled upon your return, not having to remember where you left your car.
Make a copy of the front and back of your passport and your credit cards and debit card. Scan the PDF and send an email copy to yourself and someone you trust, just in case something happens during your time away.
If you’re going on a long trip, bring a little detergent to do laundry and make your one week’s worth of clothes last longer. Most places have laundry rooms where you can do this or check online for the surroundings where you are staying. You can usually find a laundromat. Most people don’t like to do this because they feel they are wasting precious time on their vacation. But let me tell you, an hour of your time is worth a lot more than paying extra money to bring a massive suitcase on a plane (different drink and dinner money!) and then having to lug that heavy suitcase everywhere you go. Take it from someone who made this same mistake for years. Taking a little time to do laundry on your trip is worth every second. You will be happy you did.
You can take only essentials with you. You don’t need a large bottle of body wash or shampoo for a short vacation. Neither will you need multiple pairs of shoes. In most places you are going, if you happen to need something you did not bring with you, you can find it to purchase in the place where you are staying.
Always wear the heaviest piece of clothing that you are bringing with you during the flight. That thick coat and jeans are better off being worn than taking up precious space in your luggage.
Bring your chargers, and make sure your phone, laptop, computer, and camera are fully charged before you leave. Look to see if you have free wifi where you are staying and if it is worth purchasing the internet. I often just used the wifi in the hotel I was staying at and left my phone in the safe box as I was out and about. As for phone calls, if you have good wifi, you can call people for free using WhatsApp. I used this many times while living in New York City and calling friends in Italy. It is an excellent option.
Download apps on your phone that will help you travel locally with ease. Google maps is excellent. You can also download apps that help you book a taxi or catch a bus. Some apps tell you when the next bus or train is coming. Here in Venice, Italy, I have an app called CheBateo (“What Boat”?) The app tells you the best Vaporetto (water bus), depending on your stop and when the next boat is coming. It is fantastic!!
Always have your accommodations set in advance. Know where you are going and never chance a place not being available or being left with no place to stay after you arrive. This should go without saying!!