As Travel Resumes, What’s the Best Way to Gear Up for a Major Journey?

After years of exploring our backyards and enjoying local escapes, many of us are eager for longer, more adventurous trips. But am I the only one who feels a bit out of practice when it comes to packing and boarding a long-haul flight?

We reached out to Dinogo readers for their tips on preparing for an adventurous trip abroad. Here are just a few of the valuable suggestions we received.

Pack wisely—and do your prep work before you hit the road

The overwhelming advice was to pack far less than you might expect. The common wisdom: Create a detailed list of essentials, choose the right suitcase, invest in packing cubes, and refine your items repeatedly. That cozy travel pillow can become a cumbersome burden on public transport. “Take half the clothes and double the budget,” suggested reader Cheryl Moore on Facebook.

Readers suggest thoroughly planning your trip before you set off, securing reservations for hotels, transportation, dining, and attractions. It’s also wise to make photocopies of your credit cards and travel documents, including your passport (and double-check the expiration date). “Then, relax and be ready to adapt as needed,” advised Carla Stocker on Instagram.

Prepare for New Realities

Travel in ’22 was marked by crowded airports, staffing shortages, and flight cancellations. However, there are strategies to safeguard your journey—such as booking flights through less busy airports, opting for comprehensive travel insurance (remember: Cancel For Any Reason), and having a backup plan if your itinerary changes unexpectedly. Consider enrolling in Global Entry for a quicker experience at airport security upon your return. It costs $100 for five years, but many credit cards will reimburse this fee, and it pays for itself the first time you skip a long line.

Beyond the logistical aspects, diving into a novel or memoir set in your destination can enhance your excitement for the trip. It provides insight into what to anticipate—think of Elena Ferrante’s Naples or Gabriel García Márquez’s Colombia. (We have book recommendations from 80 countries worldwide.) The same applies to films; streaming platforms are rich with international cinema waiting to be discovered.

Embrace Flexibility

Strike a balance between all that preparation and a spirit of spontaneity—and humor—when things don’t unfold as expected. Embrace the unexpected, step outside your comfort zone, and create lasting memories from surprise moments. You don’t have to tick off every item on a list; not accomplishing everything you hoped for is just a reason to plan a return trip someday.

Pack your patience, as several readers suggested. “Anticipation is great,” Kayla Whitney mentioned. “Expectations can lead to disappointment.” And remember, as Mike Mentz shared on Instagram, “The mishaps often become the best stories.”

I missed the iconic Haida poles at the UNESCO site of Gwaii Haanas in Haida Gwaii in British Columbia recently, but our rerouted boat trip unveiled some equally breathtaking sights, like the Mosquito Pole, along the west coast.

Remember: When in Rome... or Istanbul

A few words in the local language can make a significant difference. Learn some basic phrases and get acquainted with local customs. During my travels through Türkiye while reviewing boutique hotels for a guidebook, I was offered coffee at nearly every stop. A simple “teşekkür ederim” helped me express gratitude to the generous hosts.

Take Time to Reflect on Your Journey

Several Dinogo travelers suggested maintaining a journal during your trip or sending yourself postcards as tangible reminders of your experiences—old-fashioned methods to preserve your memories in a digital world. “Capture your feelings, insights, and personal revelations,” advised Rachel Troyer on Instagram.

A lengthy journey represents a considerable investment of both time and money, yet it offers countless rewards. “Be ready to be inspired,” said Janice Moskoff from Gather and Go Travel on Twitter, “by the beauty around you, the kindness of everyday people that rarely makes the headlines, and most importantly, by your own strengths.”