Day tripping: 10 suggestions for game-planning and packing for a day of sightseeing
When planning for a day of touring being prepared is one of the best ways to make the most of your sightseeing time. Whether it’s a cruise excursion, city-dwelling in Europe, exploring a new city in the U.S. or enjoying your home base – packing for your day’s needs and having a plan in place will ensure you make the most of your tour.
Try these simple tips to be a savvy day-tourist:
Dress in layers
Travelers want to get up early to enjoy a full day of sightseeing and other activities, but temperature and local weather conditions can vary quite a bit over the course of an entire day.
“The very best way to stay comfortable is to dress in layers that can be removed and/or put back on as conditions change,” suggests David Lewey, product manager for Tauck Small Ship Cruising. In warmer conditions it can be as simple as starting the day with shorts, a t-shirt, vest and windproof jacket, he says.
In cooler or colder conditions, Lewey suggests a "moisture-wicking base layer, a thicker insulating layer (such as a long-sleeve fleece or sweater), and an outer shell layer that protects against the elements. By mixing and matching layers over the course of a day, travelers can stay comfortable in an incredibly broad range of weather conditions.”
It is also prudent to bring an umbrella for unexpected rain.
Get an early start
Crowds are generally lighter in the morning so try and get out early.
“When planning on my own, I am sure to schedule more active activities at the beginning of the day when I have the most energy and crowds tend to be thinner,” says travel blogger Cindy Mailhot.
The other upside to an early start – especially in the summer – is that the temperatures will be cooler in the morning, making physical activities more comfortable. “If this isn't possible, I try for later in the day if heat will be a concern,” Mailhot says.
Choose comfortable shoes
Regardless of exploration plans, all travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, and a trip is not the time to test a new pair. If your vacation plans include a lot of walking, pack a well-broken-in pair you can count on.
“And even then, travelers should be prepared in case they experience foot swelling or discomfort – from flights, from heat, from the sheer number of steps you’re taking,” says Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “I always pack blister prevention aids in a day pack and use them the moment I feel any discomfort. I don’t want to feel pain for the rest of my trip because I was unprepared one day.”
Bring a reusable water bottle
Water is essential for any day trip.
“We recommend travelers bring their own, reusable water bottle with them on their vacation,” says Hoffee. “Not only is it an environmentally friendly way to go, but most are insulated to keep water at the temperature travelers prefer.”
Most cruise lines, like Avalon Waterways, offer guests filtered water fill stations on ships to ensure travelers are always hydrated throughout their vacation. Airports are also moving in this direction, providing complimentary water for those who bring their own bottle, she says.
Pack a collapsible or foldable backpack
This useful accessory doesn’t take up luggage space but can be used for your day trips to safely and easily hold a light jacket, water, your phone and any other needs.
“Use this backpack instead of a purse or wallet,” continues Hoffee. “It is handy, it’s lightweight, inexpensive and it’s something you will use every day, when off the ship. And, it is a great extra carry-on for the trip home if you need a little extra room for your vacation purchases.”
Book tours in popular cities in advance
Planning your travel itinerary can be tough, so booking a tour ahead of time will ensure you make the most of your time in each destination.
For example, European day tour operator City Wonders specializes in expert-led tours throughout Italy, France, Spain, and the U.K., and is a smart way to see a city's top iconic sites in one day.
If you're in a city (like the Vatican or London) that is known to have super long lines and wait times, plan ahead by booking a skip-the-line experience. For example, their Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica tour sums up all those benefits customers can experience within three hours.
Make sure you eat and stay hydrated
Day trips sometimes involve a lot of walking and standing and that takes energy, says Kemi Adewumi, founder and CEO of Go Galavant, a travel platform that aggregates packaged group trips and provides a forum for travelers to review trip companies. Bring snacks that won't take up a lot of space, such as trail mix and granola bars.
“Hangry traveling isn't fun … so schedule your lunch hour so you know you have time to eat amidst all the sightseeing,” Adewumi says.
While touring, be sure to brink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, which will cause dehydration.
Pack extra power sources
Your cell phone is one of the most important things to bring on a day of touring. It’s a camera, translator and also your lifeline in case of emergencies, both major (if you're the victim of an accident or crime) and minor (hailing a rideshare service and looking up directions to your next destination).
So if you're going to be out and about all day with no plans to go back to your hotel room, play it safe and pack a charged power booster and a cord so you don't run out of juice. Don’t forget to pack a converter if you’re traveling in another country. Power boosters can be purchased online or at most retailers.
Keep your cash and ID in a safe spot
Place your ID and money if a safe place beyond the reach of pickpockets. Use a secure money belt or put your valuables in an inside pocket away out of reach.
“Local currency is a must, along with your credit card and at least a picture of your passport,” says Adewumi. “You can move in and out of places quicker with cash.”
Some experts recommend bringing your actual passport. This is a personal decision; one good rule of thumb is to check with the concierge at the hotel to ask what he or she recommends.
Don't try to cram too much into one day
It can be tempting to be overly ambitious in your planning, especially since you flew across the world to visit this place. But giving yourself time to enjoy each location with ample time will make the experience more enjoyable.
“You don't want to rush from place to place and barely remember what you saw,” says Go Galavant's Adewumi.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Day trips and tours: How to game-plan and what to pack
