You made it to your final destination, and your vacation can finally begin, the first 24 hours of any trip is both exciting and utterly disorienting. Having a plan in place to help get your trip truly underway can help set the tone for the rest of your vacation. Here are a few tips to help prevent any snags you may encounter during the first day of your trip.
Related: 13 Things to Do Before You Travel
1. Grab some nourishment.
The first thing I always do upon arriving to a new destination is grab something to eat. Instead of grabbing what’s available, like room service or fast food, try to get something local. You’ll be tired and hungry after you’ve been traveling all day, so be ready to go with a great place you’ll want to try for your first meal. One of the best ways to find the perfect first restaurant is to do a little research beforehand about nearby restaurants to your hotel or hostel.
2. Let someone know you have arrived.
This tip is especially true if you are traveling alone. Upon arriving to your final destination, it’s a good idea to let someone close to you know that you arrived safely. You should also inform this individual how to get in touch with you if needed in case that information has changed from your initial itinerary.
3. Reset your clock.
If you traveled to a new time zone, welcome! It is best to get on a schedule in your new time zone instead of trying to stay in your home zone especially if you are visiting for a while or it is a large time difference. For example, if it is morning, find a place to get a cup of coffee or tea and some breakfast; if it is nighttime, have a snack and maybe a nightcap.
Related: How to Beat Jet Lag
4. Get outside.
When you visit a new place, everything is different, and your entire sense of the world is different. After spending hours traveling, put down all your stuff and get out the door. Take a walk around and get to know your new neighborhood. I recommend doing this again the next morning. Sunshine alerts your brain to the time of day and that it is time to have some fun!
5. Charge your electronics.
Once you check into your room, always charge up your devices! Having your electronics die the first couple of hours into your trip will make the beginning of your trip seem more stressful. Plus a full device is always better in a new place in case you get lost.
6. Check the weather.
Even though you checked the weather before leaving for vacation, it is a good idea to check the weather for your whole trip to make it easier as you plan your indoor or outdoor activities throughout your time away.
7. Store your valuables.
When you travel, you normally keep your valuables with you either in your purse, pocket or carry-on, but when you arrive to your final destination, this may not be the best location. Store these valuables in an in-room safe or the bottom of your suitcase.
Bonus: Take pictures.
One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new location is to take photos. I have found over time that my eye is “freshest” in the first few hours then a couple of days into a trip. I’ll notice things in the beginning that I may ignore a few days later. My rule of thumb is to always have a camera on you.
