“I CONSIDERED MYSELF A WORLD TRAVELER WHEN I STEPPED FOOT ON A PLANE FROM YOUNG AGE”.
Growing up as a young world traveler we would vacation to Greece. Both my parents were from the islands on the eastern side of Greece. I remember a transportation company would take us to JFK in New York, my dad would load the cart with oversized suitcases. I thought, this must be the only way to travel – fast and furious.
Every other year once school ended, we’d have tickets ready (purchased from a Greek owned Travel agent) and summer clothes shopping would begin. I considered myself a world traveler when I stepped foot on a plane from young age. When my classmates would share their summer plans, some going to “the Shore’ others to Disney. I would avoid the topic as I thought, world traveling to Greece was strange. Later on realizing it was because I, the only Greek kid in school (other than my brothers) couldn’t relate what the shore was.
A few years ago I know I wanted to do something spectacular for my birthday. My friend Lindsay lives a Paris and I always wanted to visit the City of Lights. I started planning my trip the year prior, mapping out locations, what I wanted to see and how long my stay would be. I decided to extend my trip by visiting Italy and ending in Chios, Greece for my cousins wedding.
This was the beginning of my adult traveling addiction! Once returning back to the U.S. I started planning my next trip, back to Paris and Greece with a pit stop to Italy. The thrill of booking, researching and exploring new places made my trip more desirable.
5 TIPS WHEN TRAVELING FOR THE FIRST TIME
- Plan – Plan out where you want to go, do your research – ask family and friends AND follow my Blog:)
- Pack – Pack according to season. Where you may travel might not be the temps as back home. I like to plan my outfits based on a color story, that eliminates overpacking. Something you can avoid. Unlike my parents who packed everything and the kitchen sink, I only travel with a carry-on suitcase,
- Prep – Prepare yourself mentally for your trip! Preselect your seat on the plane, find out what meals are being served, and how comfy the seats are. All these things make your long journey more pleasant. If you like myself get anxiety in small spaces, talk to your doctor or therapist about medication or meditation techniques to chill you out.
- Priorities – Prioritize what is first on your list. I created a travel log (journal) where I plan and prioritize my trips. This gameplan keeps me on-track with extra time needed for a last minute excursion. You do not have to get fancy with this, use your smart phone and utilize your Notes section. Trust me it will save your time and sanity!
- Patience – One thing we struggle with especially as busy professionals, our patience goes out the window when traveling. By the end of your vacation , you either need another vacation or you’re relaxed as can be. When traveling to different parts of the world, the locals have a different way about that we might not understand. In Greece, especially the islands, their pace is must slower than ours which your patience might be short fused. Adapt to your surroundings, you’ll thank me.