I love routine and hate change. So you can see why traveling might not be my favorite thing. However, I know the joy and adventure far outweigh the “obstacle” of getting there. I’ve gone on a few international trips as a young adult and learned valuable information each time. Hopefully my stories and lessons can help my fellow anxious travelers out there feel more confident abroad.
1. Pack like your own personal stylist.
I lived four days in Amsterdam out of a small laptop backpack; on a trip, the last thing I want to think about is what to wear. Channel your inner stylist and edit your packing list aggressively. Pack clothes that mix and match, so you have multiple outfits from fewer items.
2. Overnight International Time Zone Change
The day of your flight, wake yourself up at the morning hours of your destination and start your day how you normally would—yes, even if you’re drinking coffee and hitting the gym at 4AM. Invest in a good neck pillow, eye mask, melatonin, and compression socks. Be sure to stay awake at your destination until bedtime. No naps! A warm bath will also aid in your body reset and help you wake up fully refreshed.
3. Pick your travel party carefully.
Once in Paris, I was my partner’s plus-one, who was plus-one to his friend’s family (surely a future White Lotus cast). When our train got canceled, this family acted like they were fleeing a war-torn country! We stayed over and left the next morning, but our evening was darkly affected by useless drama. Travel with people who can flow in challenging moments.
4. Plan things beforehand and know what you’re getting into...
That trip to Amsterdam I packed perfectly for? My friends and I got so lost failing to navigate the bus system in Dutch that we missed our museum reservations and wandered endless canal-streets. Introduced to much of what Amsterdam is known for... but wasn't the trip I had hoped for.
5. … But plan only what matters and leave room for spontaneity.
Excluding the evening, my trip to Paris was a beautiful day. Lunch by the Eiffel; pictures on the Seine at Port Debilly; a visit to Musee Marmottan Monet, after a slow stroll in a nearby park; cocktails in Montmarte. We couldn’t do everything, so we committed to a few things, leaving time to roam.
6. Breathe. It’s all good—you’ve got this!
If you’re anything like me, you probably assume the worst thing is around every corner. This ruins your experience without help from anyone or anything. Remember: people less responsible than you do this all the time and end up fine (see: rule 3). You can trust yourself and your instincts out there. You’ve got this!