With tourism projected to increase around the world this summer, it’s likely travelers will run into some congestion when they’re going from place to place. Hostels will fill up, accommodation sites will be busy as ever, and seats will sell out. So, before you venture out into the world, we wanted to go over some ways you can prepare for the upcoming journey.
Learn Another Language
It’s time to face the fact that you’re going to a country where you don’t speak the language. Most of us can get by on a few phrases, and more of us than we like to admit will just use translation apps for the entire journey. But there’s nothing like experiencing a culture through its native language. Although learning a language isn’t something you can do overnight, you can certainly take in quite a lot in the three-month period before your trip.
Many travellers seem to make the most of this timeframe recently, as demonstrated by the fact that there’s a platform offering live classes 24/7. So, if you’re looking to travel to Spain or any other Spanish-speaking country this would be an opportunity to learn in 60-minute increments during whichever point of the day works best for you. Conversing even on a basic level will also save you from awkward situations where your only form of communication is charades. The sooner you get started learning, the better.Â
“365 arlophotochallenge 103 / 365 – Conversation” by Arlo Bates is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Keep That Relationship Strong
Long-distance relationships are almost never easy. If they were, there’d be no need for lists that help us make them work. So how can you prepare for being on the other side of the globe from your significant other? we think there might be a way to spice things up from thousands of miles away. We stumbled upon an app that helps couples keep their communication strong no matter where they are.
The Paired app received funding in 2020 and started offering couples a way to stay in touch near or far. It works by allowing couples to choose topics to answer questions on. Once both people have filled out a specific quiz, both people then view the results. These results can then show how in-tune you are with one another on various topics. Filling out a few of these quizzes and reading results could be a great way to spend time waiting for that next bus to Bangkok.
Game On The Go
We probably don’t have to tell you this, but mobile games are a great way to pass the time, and we’ve shed light on just a few titles that would make a great addition to your latest trip. One game that gets us most excited isn’t some brand new 100-man shooter that will rival Fortnight but a blast from the past. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night isn’t only one of the best Castlevania games, but it’s often listed as one of the top 100 best games of all time and has one of the best soundtracks to boot.
Do yourself a favor and download classics like Symphony of the Night and Final Fantasy VI. They can turn a grueling 4-hour wait into a quick holdover. Just be sure to put them down when not in a state of travel limbo. They can be more addictive than you expect.
“Research” by Leo P. Hidalgo (@yompyz) is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Research
The final and arguably most important way you can prepare for your trip is through in-depth research. Popular travel destinations, what the culture is like, and if tipping is commonplace is vital information that won’t just save you time, it’ll also help you maximize what you can see. Luckily, we have travel tips for traveling everywhere, from Costa Rica to Missouri all the way to South Korea. Take the time to check those out and you won’t regret it.
