As someone who hates the cold, I was worried the chilly weather would keep me from seeing everything. But what surprised me most was that with proper preparations, I actually enjoyed it. The look of the icy water, snow-topped hillsides and twinkling Christmas lights against the midnight blue sky. I found my time there in the winter, more enjoyable than in the summer! Maybe just because it was so different. There are a myriad of reasons to travel during the wintertime to these snowy destinations. Hopefully, this list inspires you to get out and enjoy the world, north of the equator in the winter months.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Embrace "hygge"
2. #2 Deals on Airfare!
3. #3 Try out the Slopes
4. #4 Christmas Markets!
5. #5 Winter Comfort Food
6. #6 Coffee Culture
7. #7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold
8. #8 See the Northern Lights
9. #9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel
10. #10 Warm up in a Sauna
11. Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

#1 Embrace “hygge”

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. It conveys the feeling of wellness and contentment. Hygge is so crucial to the people of Scandinavia that it is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. These countries who practice hygge means that everywhere you go; you’ll find burning candles, cozy fireplaces, delicious hot coffee or chocolate and rich homemade sweets. Hygge makes every interior you find one of the most welcoming and warm places in the world!

But hygge is not just about hybernating. It is also about enjoying long walks outside. Despite the cold weather, you’ll find parks decked out in decorations, beautiful skating rinks and a feeling of a country that embraces the winter. Welcome the spirit of hygge into your heart during this season, and you’re bound to have a wonderful time.

#2 Deals on Airfare!

Winter is by far the cheapest season for travel in Europe. From early December to about mid-March, you’ll find flights around Europe super inexpensive. This time of year people are usually looking to escape to warm-weather destinations. Keep in mind you should always be booking these trips three months in advance as that is when the flight prices are usually the cheapest, outside of any last-minute sales. Travel during the week of Christmas is at its peak since families commute home during this time, so avoid going around those days if possible. If you’re worried about not being able to see Christmas Markets because the Christmas week is expensive to travel, fear not! Christmas Market opens as early as the last week of November.

#3 Try out the Slopes

If you’re someone who loves to hit the slopes, winter isn’t a downer but instead your favourite season! Just a short train ride into the countryside you’ll find ski resorts like Hemsedal, Riksgransen, Are Duved, Ruka, Vemdalen and Lillehammer. They are easily accessible from any major city in Scandinavia. If you don’t want to stay at the resort, the towns around these ski hills are full of alternative options for every budget. Also, if skiing isn’t your bag, many of these resorts also have toboggan or snow tubing hills. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and mountain top hot chocolates without needing an ounce of skill!

#4 Christmas Markets!

There is just something about a European Christmas market that gives me all those warm and fuzzy feelings. The twinkle lights on the trees, the smell of mulled wine floating through the air and freshly baked breads ready to warm your hands. If you’re a couple, there is something truly romantic about an evening stroll under the lights of the market. Most of the big cities have multiple Christmas Markets you can visit while you’re there. These places are not only beautiful but also great spots where you can find traditional handicrafts. You can also sample some of their famous Christmas foods.

If you’re looking for something outside the big cities, visit the Christmas Market in Lapland, which is the home of Santa Claus! As such, this town goes all out at Christmas time. Tivoli Park in Copenhagen is transformed during the holiday season into a real-life fairytale book. They even perform the traditional Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on stage inside the park, which makes for the ideal Christmas evening.

#5 Winter Comfort Food

Scandinavian foods are meant to be enjoyed in the winter. This is a country that knows how to make a warm and cozy meal. Almost all of their food is comfort food. Smørrebrød, rye bread, meatballs, stewed reindeer, pancakes and waffles are all the best things to enjoy in the winter. The portions are huge, as are the flavours. After you’re finished eating you’ll be ready to take on a long walk in the winter cold, without feeling a thing as you’ll be warmed from the inside out!

#6 Coffee Culture

Did you know that Scandinavia is at the top of the list of the most coffee-consuming countries? There is a good reason for this aside from just that their coffee is delicious. Coffee in Scandinavia is more than just a to-go cup you grab alone on your way to work. Having coffee is a chance to get away from the daily grind and catch up with friends. In Sweden, they call this Fika. Fika in Swedish means “to have a cup of coffee and a snack with a friend.” It’s absolutely built into the fabric of their daily life. They embrace the idea of bettering relationships while enjoying something scrumptious.

While other Scandinavian countries don’t have that words, the concept still remains. The prevalence of this coffee culture means there is an abundance of fantastic coffee shops to stop into on your trip to warm up while you enjoy the city. Take this time to step back for a minute, stop rushing around, enjoy the moment and reflect on your adventures.

#7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold

If you’re feeling particularly chilly, museums and art galleries are the best places to pop into to escape the cold. And what’s more, in Scandinavia, most state-run museums are free of charge to enter. Unfortunately, in countries like Denmark, recent government cuts have changed these policies. However, many of those museums are still open on certain days of the week for free. In Sweden, there are over 15 different museums and galleries which you can still enter free of charge everyday of the week! They make the perfect place to hide away from the cold without worrying too much about your budget.

I went to a myriad of different museums, some of which I didn’t even know anything about before I went. Still, since they were free, I didn’t have anything to lose. I could wander around and look at what interested me and simply head out once I finished. There was no pressure to make a whole day out of it since I didn’t pay a huge admission fee, which would have made me feel more inclined to “make it worth it.” It was the ideal place to get warm and see something exciting and new while I was at it.

#8 See the Northern Lights

Scandinavia is by far the best place to see the Aurora Borealis. The high latitude in Finland, Sweden and Norway makes these countries the best place for spotting those iconic green and blue waves in the sky. And winter (September to March) is the only time you can reliably spot them! Alta in Norway is probably the most famous city to travel to see them but other popular destinations are Abisko National Park and Porjus in Sweden, Senja in Norway and many cities in Finnish Lapland. Just remember you need to go far north for this, don’t think your visit to Oslo will allow you to see the lights!

#9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel

Ice hotels are one of the trendiest new things to come out of winters in Scandinavia! These luxury creations are somewhat of a novelty but combine cozy, fireplace lit interiors with icy architecture. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi Sweden was the first hotel in the world to be built out of ice. Every springtime, the ice melts, and come the next winter, a new design is created to form a brand new looking hotel. So every year, there is something unique to experience. Despite being at least -10°, you’ll be nice and cozy with the special thermal PJs, and cold weather insulated sleeping bag you’re given. These will keep you snug all night long while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime views.

There are plenty of other Ice hotels around Scandinavia from The Lapland Hotel’s Snow Village in Finland to The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta Norway. All of these locations also have on-site activities like dog-sledding, an ice bar or ice church and even snow sculptures to see in ice galleries. It’s truly something you just can’t experience anywhere, or anytime other than in the winter in Scandinavia!

#10 Warm up in a Sauna

All over Scandinavia, you’ll find strangers getting together, in a small, hot spaces to indulge in sauna . Saunas originated in Finland, and the word “sauna” comes from the Finnish word for bathhouse. Pits dug into the ground were the first saunas. Stones were added atop a burning fire to fit the pit. Water was then thrown on top of the rocks to produce steam. There have been sauna pits discovered as far back as 4000 B.C.E in Finland. It is a commonly shared belief in the Nordic countries that saunas relax muscles, soothe pain, releases endorphins, increases blood circulation, flush toxins, relieve stress, help fight illness, cleanse the skin, burn calories and also provides a social space to enjoy with friends. It’s basically thought to be a cure-all for everything.

While there are some small differences between sauna culture in the different Scandinavian countries, overall, the experience is the same. While some same-sex saunas are clothing optional, in most big cities, you can find tourist-friendly options where bathing suits are worn. This is great if you feel like you might be uncomfortable being naked around strangers. But once you take the plunge, the feeling of freedom is pretty unparalleled.

Cold Dips

Speaking of taking the plunge, some saunas also offers a dip into cold, almost freezing water. This could be just a cold bath or some spots located near bodies of water offer access right into the frozen sea. The dramatic plunge into cold water from the hot sauna is thought to increase the blood flow in the body and help increase all those other benefits we spoke of before. While some might be scared to try it, I vote to give it a go. It sure might feel unpleasant at first, but man does it wake your body up in a way that is indescribable and entirely worth it!

Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

Dress for Success

Making sure you bring the right clothing is key to ensuring you are in the right mood throughout the day. There is nothing worse than being freezing cold to ruin a perfectly lovely experience. I was terrified of this exact scenario when I was planning for my trip, so I made sure to buy warm thermals to wear to help keep that heat in. In addition to this, I bought a few 100% wool sweaters, which were perfect for keeping the heat in without overheating and making me sweat. Wool sweaters can be purchased brand new online, but also you can find them at your local thrift shop for a 10th of the price of a new one! I found some with the most amazing designs, so don’t be afraid to go digging as you might find something amazing!

Hours are odd

Although I disagree with Rick Steves about not visiting Scandinavia during the Winter, I love this quote from him, “Scandinavia’s metabolism slows down like a hibernating bear’s, and many sights and accommodations are open on a limited schedule (especially in remote fjord towns).” This is something to be aware of. Outside of the official government holidays around Christmas, I never found anything to be altogether closed. But various attractions did run on shorter winter hours. Definitely nothing to cancel your trip over just something to be aware of and plan around.

Christmas Holidays

If you’re planning on staying over the Christmas Holidays, December 24th and 25th specifically, you will want to check to see what’s open on those particular days. While I heard EVERYTHING would be closed in Sweden on Christmas day, I actually found a few museums which were still open and holding special events. I also managed to find some once a year community events to take part in while I was there that made me feel like celebrating with a huge group of new friends. So many people might tell you there will be nothing to do, but trust me, I found a bunch of things to do, you just need to dig a little bit. If you know a particular museum will be open on those government holidays, make note of that and save that activity for those days when lots of other things might be closed.

Christmas Day

I also found that attending a church service on Christmas Day was a great experience. There were plenty of services which were non-denominational if you want to enjoy the spirit of the holiday but might not identify with a particular denomination. While there are some restaurants still open on these days, I did find that the majority were closed so you might want to hit up a grocery store on the 23rd to grab some easy to make meals. If you don’t have a kitchen, you can always buy cheese and meats, which you can make into an in-hotel-room charcuterie dinner. A lot of fast food restaurants remain open on those holidays as well so that’s always a last-ditch option.

Daylight is Precious

In Scandinavia, there are only a few hours of “daylight” in the winter, and depending on how far north you’re going, this could be as short as 4 hours of light with 20 hours of darkness. While the locals might find this darkness exhausting, I actually found the long hours of darkness exciting since it wasn’t something we experience in North America. But if you’re planning on taking any photos which require the light, such as any wide cityscape shots, just be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. I always headed out early in the day to take my pictures of the city and then scheduled my indoor activities, which didn’t require sunlight, for the afternoon into the early evening.

Be Cautious with Winter Air Travel

I had a near-disastrous flight to Sweden this winter. Luckily for me, everything worked out by some Christmas miracle, but I’m sure I’m not always going to be that lucky. Flying during the winter means weather might impact you more than other times of the year. To avoid as much stress as possible, be sure to book a direct flight if at all possible. This means should your outbound flight be delayed, you won’t need to worry about missing a connection. If you can’t book direct, ensure the layover between your two flights isn’t too tight. I BARELY made my connecting flight and felt so silly, not ensuring I had more time to account for bad weather. Yes, this might mean not getting to your destination as fast as possible, but trust me, it is worth it for the peace of mind. 

Let me know if you’ve ever travelled to somewhere cold in the winter and how you enjoyed your experience. Or comment to let me know what’s holding you back from a snowy adventure in the north!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Need to Take a Winter Vacation to Scandinavia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Creating a Travel Capsule

My capsule dressing advice here can be adapted to various styles. I’ve created a very neutral base palette, which will work for almost everyone’s fashion sense. Most of the items I’ve included are pieces everyone already has in their closet. This way, you won’t need to go out and buy a whole bunch of new things. There are already plenty of more subdued examples of Fall dressing online. But I wanted to create a capsule styled towards the autumnal season with many colour pops throughout. I wanted to include some more alternative items but feel free to adapt these examples to your style. If you don’t like such bright colours, you can always use a similar hue in a different tone. Hopefully, you find something that works for you!

Check the Weather Before You Leave

Before we dive into the individual wardrobe times, here are some of my favourite general tips for packing for the Fall season. While this seems obvious, many people do a quick google months before they go and don’t really delve into the details the day before. If you’re expecting a colossal rainstorm, you might want to swap out a pair of cute ankle boots with a pair of sturdy rain booties. And despite the list below of average temperatures, you never know when there’s going to be a polar vortex or hurricane, which can drastically alter the weather. Check the forecast a few days before leaving to ensure you’ve got all the right things packed away and won’t be too surprised by the daily forecast.

Average Fall Temperatures in Mediterranean Europe:

September 26°c / 20°c with Average Precipitation 14mm
October 23°c / 17°c with Average Precipitation 53mm
November 18°c / 12°c with Average Precipitation 58mm

Try NOT to Look Like a Tourist

When you’re travelling, you want to be comfortable, of course! But being comfy shouldn’t look like you just woke up and rolled out of bed. Travelling for most people is perhaps when they take the most photos. So you want to be looking your best in them! We’ve all done it, threw on a pair of leggings just to avoid the idea of getting dressed when you’re jet-lagged. But when you see those photos afterwards, you’ll be disappointed. Many Mediterranean cities in Europe have the chicest fashion sense. So it’s nice to feel like you fit in. Looking like a tourist also means you might be an easy target for pickpockets.

Things NOT to wear:

• Baseball caps (just not a European thing)
• Athletic wear
• Dirty clothes
• High heels (yes, they look cute, but they’re hard to walk in and aren’t great for any old city with cobblestones)
• A cheap windbreaker (If you’re expecting inclement weather, bring a beautiful weatherproof coat which is still fashionable. Plastic windbreakers are a dead giveaway you’re a tourist)

Don’t Dress for Summer

If you’re visiting from a colder climate, it’s easy to want to throw on your summer clothes when it’s 28 degrees in Barcelona but 8 degrees back home. While I get this inclination, it will immediately make you look like a tourist. The minute the temp starts to drop, even a little, Barcelona’s residents begin to put away their shorts and start to dress for Fall. Fall is perhaps the chicest season, and you don’t want to miss out on these stylish outfits.

Pre-Plan Your Outfit

Take pictures on your phone before you leave off your pre-planned outfits. Especially if you’re tired or jetlagged, sometimes you don’t have time to think about your ensemble. So just popping on your phone and looking at your pre-plan outfits is an easy way to get effortlessly dressed for the day. I find this trick works insanely well, and it’s become one of my favourite tricks to looking super well put together without effort.

Know Your Rough Itinerary

To plan outfits appropriately, having a rough trip itinerary is an excellent idea. While you don’t need to know hour by hour what you’re up to, it’s a good idea to see if you will be going hiking, in which case you would have to bring a pair of hiking boots. Or if you’re planning on going to a fancy dinner restaurant, you might want to ensure you have an exquisite dress packed. If you are just having home-cooked meals at the hostel, you also want to ensure you don’t overpack those dressy items that won’t get used and take up much-needed waste in your carry-on.

Lean Towards Darker Colour Scheme

Choosing dark colours over light for most items sets you up for success. Darker tones are much more versatile. An LBD can quickly be dressed up compared to a white one with cute boots and fun jewellery. Also, if you have a smaller capsule, you’ll re-wear items multiple times. Darker colours will help mask any dirt you might pick up along the way and won’t need to be laundered as much.

Choose the Right Fabrics

During the Fall, it’s essential to wear the right materials. These are fabrics which are breathable but also warm. Wool, or any wool blend, is a great choice. Wool keeps the heat in when it’s cooler out but will also remain breathable, so you’re not just sweating inside a sauna as it begins to warm up. Wrinkles are a dead giveaway that you’re living out of a suitcase. Choosing fabrics like jerseys is great to pack since they won’t wrinkle. There are also lots of companies which make wrinkle-resistant fabrics which are a great choice.

Don’t Bring your Most Expensive Jewellery

Wearing expensive clothing or jewellery anywhere in the world can make you a target for pickpockets. This is a sign to them that you might have money to steal so I always find that travelling isn’t a time to bring those expensive pieces. Plus, when you’re jetlagged, you also don’t have the same kind of wits about you. I’ve lost a few pairs of earrings just with all the hustle and bustle of travelling, and thankfully they were all super cheap!

Try to Keep your Hair Simple

If you can get away without bringing a hair straightener or blow dryer, you’ll save a ton of space in your luggage. For someone people, this might mean keeping their hair up while travelling for ease, so I would make this a fun dressing exercise instead of a downer. I have fallen in love with these simple headbands for the Fall, which can really dress up any outfit. Velvet scrunchies or ribbons will also make a simple up-do a little fancier, and these take up almost no room in your suitcase.

Jackets

The coat you choose to bring might be one of your most important decisions. I have three options for you here, but you can pick out just two depending on the weather.

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A sleek, faux leather black jacket is one of the most elegant items for your wardrobe. They look dressy paired with dark jeans or a dress but can look super street style when added to a more casual outfit.

Jean Jacket: A jean jacket is my ultimate travel must-have. They are so comfortable and yet also are such workhorses for any weather. They are adaptable and look as casual as they do chic.

Packable Puffer Jacket: This coat is SUPER lightweight and was honestly one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It comes in various colours and can be compressed into a tiny ball. It’s the BEST for putting on in the morning and then stashing away in your bag when it warms up. I cannot express how lightweight it feels, but how much warmth it manages to keep in! SCIENCE! If you’re expecting torrential rain, this might not be the best, but an umbrella should be suitable for most rainy days as it’s rain-resistant (not proof).

Dresses

Long-Sleeve Dress: This yellow lace dress is a statement piece. Colourful dresses are great to bring since they are perfect for those more upscale evenings. This looser-fit style is comfy enough to wear all day without feeling constricted. Since it’s still all one colour, it can easily be dressed up or down and pair well with many items in the capsule.

Jersey Dress: Jersey dresses, especially those with pockets, are the perfect travel item. Light, wrinkle-free and easily layerable. I picked one with long sleeves for the Fall since it means you can wear it out on slightly less chilly days without a coat.

Long Sleeve Shirts

Cashmere Sweater: A cashmere sweater is one of those investment pieces which is ideal for travelling. It’s lightweight and breathable. And while it looks super lux, it feels so cozy and comfortable. The best of both worlds.

Deep V-Neck: A lightweight, deep v-neck is a simple but stylish look to throw on in the morning. There is just something about a v-neck which makes your entire outfit look smart. Pair that with a thin gold pendant, and you’re ready to hear out the door. This one is made from jersey, which is super easy for travelling as it doesn’t take up much room but is still full sleeves and won’t wrinkle.

Striped Shirt: A striped top feels like the perfect piece for your travel wardrobe no matter what the season but in Fall, I think it just pops! I love this one from ModCloth with a tiny fox in the top right which adds just a bit of fun to the simple, striped shirt!

Cardigan: Cardigans are great to pack with you since they can easily be layered on top of a shirt or dress and removed if it gets too hot. Or if it’s extra cold, you can always add a jacket on top. This luxurious wool cardigan in a bright burgundy is an excellent addition to the fall hues in the mix.

Short Sleeve Shirts

Camisole: A simple camisole is great for layering. This one has a bit of lace added, making it spiffy! It just looks a bit more thought out than a plain version. These come in all different colours so you can choose the best one for your wardrobe.

Typographic Tee: I adore a typographic shirt for travelling. When the words on the shirt seem to embody something about your travels, it just feels like the perfect thing to wear for killer photos. These little things can make a big difference in how you feel about your travel wardrobe. Don’t wake up and feel like you don’t like anything you brought. Wake up and be excited to wear what you did bring!

Blouse: This mustard-coloured blouse takes up practically no room in your suitcases. I love how bright it is; definitely a statement piece for photos! The little touch of a half-turtle neck and flared cap sleeves is one of those details that makes a big difference.

Bottoms

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans: Dark wash jeans in a skinny, high-waisted style are another great piece, as they seem to go with everything. Jeans are one of those items which can withstand weeks without washing and still maintain that fresh look! This is why all the bottoms I picked are made of denim.

Denim Skirt: A denim skirt is just one item I feel belongs to Autumn like nothing else. I picked light-wash denim for this item to provide a spectrum of tones for the bottoms.

Grey or Black Jeans: Dark wash denim or black jeans look super chic, and almost everyone already has one pair in their closet. If you have a pair that is dark enough, they can sometimes even look like blank slacks without the need for ironing.

Shoes

Flats: Pack yourself a pair of sophisticated flats. Easy to pack, lightweight and super cute. Leopard adds interest and texture to your shoes, making them look a bit more upscale. I went for a pair with the tiniest hint of a heel, so they remain extremely comfortable, but they also provide that elegant look you want if you’re wearing them out to a fancy dinner.

Ankle Boots: These are the most versatile shoes for Fall. They can look so sophisticated when paired with a dress, but they are super casual with bootcut jeans. Stick to ones with no big heel and the right insole for the most comfort when walking all day. 

The Modern Sneaker: Sneakers are often thought of as leisurewear wear, but there are so many styles available that look extremely dapper these days. Stick to low-profile sneakers; they look more dressy and less casual. They can be worn with skirts and dresses easily. Choose a sneaker in one or two colours. For me, I want to find something bright and colourful. But I also love these simple white kids as they go with EVERYTHING, and (when they’re clean) they look so modern.

Accessories

Infinity Scarf: An infinity scarf is essential for Fall and winter in Europe. You can wrap these around your neck and sometimes around your arms if caught in the rain, or the temperatures drop suddenly. It’s almost like a mini blanket!

Wool Hat: Even in the Fall, the sun is still out, and these wool hats are almost all you need to wear to suddenly turn an outfit from ordinary to super-stylish! Anyone who thinks they don’t look good in hats needs to try this one out because I truly feel like it suits everyone!

The Modern Backpack: Backpacks get a bad reputation for making you look like a tourist. But over the past year, I’ve seen more and more people wearing backpacks are high fashion. Chanel, Gucci and Dior have all come out with their own line of backpacks since people have finally realized they are so comfortable and easy to use but can also look amazingly chic! This piece from Modcloth is perfect for travelling since it’s extra secure. It has two belt loops to open and close it and also has some additional inside zippers to put your extra secure items. I think people go a little overboard regarding security, and most of those theft-proof bags are super ugly. This one works great and is just fiddly enough to keep out thieves but also be usable.

Sunglasses: There is still plenty of sun, and sunglasses are a fun accessory to bring that really brings out your personality. Choose whichever one is your favourite from your closet!

An umbrella (optional): Bring it along if you can see a ton of rain in the forecast and you have a sturdy yet compact one at home. If the forecast is pretty sketchy, I will leave this out. You can always buy one on the street; plenty of street vendors sell them during the storms. Or just jump into a department store where you can generally find them for sale pretty cheap.

PJs

One of the hottest trends this year is fashionable sleepwear which can be transitioned into daywear. One of the most popular companies doing this is Sleeper, which creates aw-worthy nightdresses and pyjamas that look like high-fashion womenswear. Having an outfit like this means you don’t need to pack pyjamas since you can wear just what you went to bed for dinner the next night. While Sleeper might be a bit lux for some people Target and even Zara, have also begun to come out with similar styles of night-into-day sleepwear. But the Atlanta Sleeper dress with the long sleeves is PERFECT for fall dressing.

Additional Packing Items:

• 2 bras
• one pair of underwear per day
• one pair of socks per day
• one pair of tights (great to layer if it’s extra chilly)
• Toiletry Bag
• External battery charger
• camera
• notebook and pen (I always keep travel notes, great way to reflect on your day)
• a book to read
• additional electorincs (kobo or other edreader, chargers etc.)

Example Outfits:

Below of some outfit ideas, I put together so you can get a taste of just how many looks you can put together from such a small capsule!

To download the checklist of all the items described in this post, click here!

Let me know what you’re favourite travel item for Fall is and how you style your wardrobe when travelling throughout the seasons!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Carry On Packing Guide to Europe in the Fall: What you NEED and What to SKIP first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. What to Pack
   • A good Coin Purse
   • Slip-on Shoes
   • Covid Masks
   • Download Offline Maps
2. Preparing for your Flight
   • Packing Your Carry-On
   • Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row
   • Skip the Middle Seat
   • Ensuring a Good Night's Sleep
     • Lavender
     • Melatonin
3. Use the In-Flight Time Wisely
4. Arrival & Immigration
5. Using Data/Wifi in Japan
   • eSIM
   • Wifi-Hotspot
6. Get some Cash
7. Transportation from the Airport
   • Public Transportation
   • Airport Limousine Bus
8. Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine
   • Reading the Vending Machines
9. Checking into your Accommodation
   • Capsule Hotels / Hostel
   • Ryokans
   • Japanese Hotels
10. Go for a Walk
11. Get Something to Eat
    • Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants
12. Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card
13. Visit an Arcade
14. Purikura
15. Find some Gachapon
16. Grab Breakfast at the Conbini
17. Customs to Keep in Mind
    • Don’t Tip
    • Be ready to bow
    • Don't Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag
    • Learn to Line Up
    • Slurping is Key
    • Ladies only subway cars
    • Pay your bus fare when you get off
    • Don't be scared of the mouth masks
      • Happy Travels Adventurers

What to Pack

For the most part, travelling to Japan requires some same things you pack for any other trip. But there are a few items I wished I had had with me the first time I arrive. And was sure to pack these the next time I travelled to Japan. So I wanted to make sure to share a few of them!

A good Coin Purse

I’m not much of a purse person, to begin with. I travel everywhere with a backpack and wallet. But in Japan, you’ll need so many coins at all times! You’ll need coins for vending machines, some restaurants, temple donations, arcade games and more! Fumbling through your wallet or bag to find the exact change can be painful. With the addition of a small coin purse, I could easily find the right amount I needed at a moment’s notice.

Slip-on Shoes

Make sure you pack a good pair of slip-on walking shoes. Many restaurants and hotels require you to remove your shoes when you enter. Anything with complicated laces will slow this process and become quite irritating when you’re still tired from the long flight. And make sure these aren’t cheap shoes either. You will be walking a lot in Japan so you definitely should invest in a very comfortable pair.

Covid Masks

Although Japan has finally reopened its borders to international travellers, they still have stringent rules around wearing masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Masks are required indoors unless you are not talking and are more than two meters apart. When you are in restaurants, you are requested to wear your mask when you are not eating or drinking.

You do not need to wear a mask outdoors, but if you are in close contact with someone outside, it is recommended to wear a mask. You will still see lots of people wearing their masks outside. I would always lean on the side of being considerate and follow the locals to see what they are doing and do the same. While there are plenty of places to buy masks all over Japan you never want to be caught without one. So be sure to pack a few and carry them with you at all time.

Download Offline Maps

Downloading some offline maps will definitely help you with navigating your way around the notoriously complex street systems in Japan. Even if you have access to wifi/data on your trip, maps often load slowly. Plus they tend to use a lot of data. Downloading offline maps before you leave for the various cities you’re visiting will save you a ton of data and time. Also, be sure to download the Navitime app which will give you transit directions in English for any train and metro journeys you might take while in Japan.

Preparing for your Flight

Packing Your Carry-On

These days, checking your luggage has become a thing of the past. Not only is it almost always an extra few hundred dollars, but the amount of times flights have lost my luggage is climbing up into the double digits. This has resulted in packing a carry-on bag, more and more important, in ensuring everything you brought with you makes it to your destination. For tips on how to pack the perfect carry-on for a long-haul flight, read this post!

Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row

Depending on where you’re setting off from, you’re most likely looking at a 13-hour flight to Japan. If you don’t have the cash to splurge for first class (and let’s face it, whoever does,) see if you can upgrade your seats to the exit row. For my last flight, it was an extra $150 to book the exit row. And it was some of the best money I ever spent.

Exit row gives you ample legroom, lots of space to get up and stretch. Plus. there is no one in front of you to recline their seat down on top of your head. The exit rows tend to be a little colder, as your seated beside the door, so always pack a light scarf with you. And you can always use your coat as a blanket. Some airlines even provide blankets free of charge on long-haul flights, so never be shy to ask for an extra one if you need it. Be kind and make friends with the flight staff, and you’ll have all the more of an enjoyable flight.

Skip the Middle Seat

If you’re travelling with two people, another money savings hack that will work every so often is booking the window and the aisle seat. Instead of booking the middle seat and aisle/window. When other people are booking their seats, they will almost always skip choosing between two people. So if your flight isn’t 100% full often, you’ll find the seat will be free, and you’ll be able to spread out. And if someone does show up and you want to sit beside your flying partner, everyone will jump at the chance to switch from the middle to the aisle or the window. This won’t work every time, but trying is never harmful.

Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are), there are a few essential items to bring. These will ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule. But if the person next to you is reading and has the lights, it’s important to ensure you have a good eye mask. That way you can shut out the light and try to adjust to a new time-zone.

Lavender

Another thing I do to lull myself to sleep is to bring a travel-sized bottle of lavender spray. I just transferred this Lush Twilight spray to a tiny travel perfume spray atomizer. Before getting on the flight I spray a little on my neck pillow and scarf. This soothing scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed.

Melatonin

If you need an extra bit of help getting to sleep, you can take a small dose of melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern temporarily.

Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones are a great way to ensure any noise will be blocked out and you can simply sink into a good night’s sleep.

Use the In-Flight Time Wisely

When you aren’t sleeping, spend this time reviewing your Japanese phrase book. About a month before your trip I would recommend downloading apps like Duolingo, to help learn some key phrases. But during the long flights, it’s a great time to have a little crash course in the language.

Japanese is such a beautiful language; I only grazed on the surface. But it’s important to at least try to learn “please,” “thank you,” “hello” and “goodbye.” I was thrilled with how much I could retain and even how even speaking a few words would bring huge smiles to people’s faces. It was definitely worth the time I put into it.

Arrival & Immigration

Before you land, you’ll be given an incoming passenger card to complete and give to the immigration officer. It’s a simple card with how long you’ll be there and where you’ll stay. Make sure you have the addresses of your accommodations written down or screenshotted on your phone as you won’t have wifi in the air.

Once you land in Japan, you’ll most likely be a bit jet-lagged and tired despite your best efforts to get some sleep. But luckily for you, Japanese airports have some of the best signage in the world and making your way to immigration and baggage claim a seamless process. Signage from the plane to get to immigration is all in Japanese and English.

Once you arrive at the immigration desk, they’ll check your card (make sure you didn’t miss any information), take your picture, and index your fingerprints. Don’t worry; this happens with everyone; you’re not being singled out. And that’s all. You’re ready to head into the city!

Using Data/Wifi in Japan

Japan can be pretty daunting for new or first-time travellers. And having access to the internet for directions, translations, and more can be key for your comfort. But roaming with most phone plans is extremely expensive. Luckily, there are many other options to ensure you have the internet at your fingertips.

eSIM

My newest favourite option for international travel are eSIMs. Most new phones will have both a physical sim and what’s called an “eSIM.” Before eSIM, most people would buy a physical sim, but this was often time-consuming and much more difficult to set up.

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card stored on your device rather than in a physical card form. An eSIM allows you to activate and manage your mobile service directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card.

To set up an eSIM, you will also need an active mobile plan from a carrier that supports eSIM. I use Nomad as my provide. They make setup super easy, and their rates are excellent. 20 GB will cost only $34 USD, which is tons of data. Most likely, you won’t need that much. You can use my code: LAUR66NY, to get $3 off your next eSIM purchase. You will need to turn off your physical SIM and phone number associated when you activate your eSIM, so be sure you download an app like Whatsapp to keep in touch with your contacts. Since Whatsapp will still work with your new eSIM.

Wifi-Hotspot

Another option is to use what’s called “pocket wifi.” Pocket wifi devices are portable internet you can pick up or purchase in Japan. They are just like a mobile hotspot. Ninja Wifi was my favourite provider as their speed was excellent, and it costs about $30 US for five days. The more time you rent the device, the cheaper it gets daily. I would never travel to Japan without one of these since free wifi is really hard to come by in Japan. Definitely don’t rely on that as your main internet access method. When you’re done using it, they come with a pre-paid envelope to mail them back to the company. So just place it inside and find the nearest mailbox to throw it into.

Get some Cash

If you didn’t go to your bank before leaving to get some local currency, you’ll want to hit up the ATM in the airport. Despite Japan being considered a modern country, there are different ways in which it feels much more old-fashioned. One of these ways is that most places only accept cash. Credit cards are only generally accepted for large purchases.

All those little ramen shops you are dying to visit won’t know what to do with your credit card. Cash is king in Japan. And you always want to ensure you don’t run out! You don’t want to miss out on a unique street snack that’s only available seasonally at this one location, and you find yourself out of cash! If you’re worried about carrying around so much cash for fear of being robbed, don’t be. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Transportation from the Airport

Public Transportation

Transportation to and from the airport in Japan is very convenient. Although your first thought might be to grab a taxi, these are generally the most expensive method of transportation. In big cities like Tokyo, and Osaka, you’ll be able to take the train directly from the airport and get to the city’s centre in no time.

Airport Limousine Bus

If you’re looking for a more direct route into the city my favourite method is taking the Airport Limousine Bus. The Airport Limousine Bus service takes passengers from the arrivals terminal to hundreds of drop-off locations around Tokyo. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a drop-off location minutes away. I like the bus service better than the trains from the airport because it’s a lot less stressful. The train system in Japan can be overwhelming at the best of times, and post-long-haul flight, the airport limousine bus is a breeze! You just go up to any of the orange kiosks in the arrivals terminal and select your destination. It’s good to research their site in advance since there are many options for destinations.

Tickets cost around ¥1000 ($10 US) and maybe a little more or less depending on the distance from the airport. The airport limousine buses have free wifi on board, and I loved getting a good first look at the city as we drove in. The underground trains don’t give you this amazing viewpoint as you enter the city.

Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine

While waiting for your bus or train to arrive at the airport, pass the time by exploring the Japanese vending machines! As soon as you step off the plane you’ll see them everywhere. It might seem silly, especially to Japanese people for whom these are ubiquitous, but I’m obsessed with these. Japan is the mecca of vending machines. I am fascinated with the way they work, the way they look, and especially the unique treats inside. Old, new, big and small and full of all sorts of goodies.

The vending machines we found at the airport were relatively standard compared to those in the city’s hub. However, seeing drinks I’d never even heard of was still exciting. Mostly, you can surmise what kind of drink it is from the images on the packaging. But you’d be amazed at how many different flavours and varieties there are!

Reading the Vending Machines

The colour of the buttons on the vending machine denotes whether the drink is hot or cold. Red for hot, blue for cold. That’s right, hot beverages like tea and coffee come right out of a vending machine! Grab yourself a warm can of coffee and give that a try for the first time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious these are. Coffee is just the thing to keep you from crashing on your way to your hotel. And staying awake a little bit longer is key to preventing jet lag. The worst thing you can do is fall asleep as soon as you see that bed and find yourself wide away at 2 am.

Checking into your Accommodation

There are multiple options for accommodation in Japan. 

Capsule Hotels / Hostel

Capsule hotels are no doubt the most trendy option. These are very inexpensive and a one-of-a-kind experience. Capsule hotels are small, modular structures that contain individual capsules stacked one on top of another. Each capsule is a tiny room that provides just enough space for a person to sleep, typically with a bed, reading light, and power outlet. Some capsule hotels also have communal areas such as showers, toilets, and lounges. They are great for solo travellers or anyone wanting to save as much yen as possible.

Ryokans

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns with rooms that offer guests tatami mats, futons for sleeping, and communal hot springs or onsens. They often have a minimalist design and are meant to provide guests with a serene and peaceful environment. Ryokans are known for their hospitality and attention to detail, with staff often going out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. These often come with luxurious dining experiences often served in your room. They are pretty pricey so maybe someplace you want to splurge on for a single night.

Japanese Hotels

My recommendation for first-timers is a hotel. While perhaps that might sound a little boring, hotels are often a great place to stay that’s both slightly familiar and a new experience. The staff in many of these hotels don’t speak much English. But are all incredibly helpful with the use of a little bit of non-verbal communication. 

Prepare yourself in advance for the size of a Japanese hotel room. The rumours are true, and most hotel rooms are shockingly tiny in big cities like Tokyo. There is often not even room for your luggage without it being in the middle of the room. Be sure when booking your hotel room you ask for a “western style bed” since traditional Japanese beds are hard as a rock. Also, if you book a room with a “double bed,” expect it to be tiny. All the bed sizing in Japan is smaller than in North America, so it’s always advisable to size up. The best option for the price is to book a room with two singles and push them together! This is actually what most Japanese travellers do.

Despite how comfy your room might look, drop your bags and head out the door right away, don’t give yourself a chance to get comfy and lulled into sleep.

Go for a Walk

One of the best things to wake you up and keep that jet lag at bay is a walk around the bright neon lights and visual sensations that is Japan. By this time of the day, most businesses will be closed. The sidewalks are clamouring with young teens playing arcade games, giggling nervously at the women dressed in maid costumes advertising their maid cafes. Dozens of Salarymen in white button-ups and black slacks are just getting their night started and gregariously piling themselves into bars, singing along loudly to whatever K-Pop is blaring on the radio inside.

There is nothing like your first time walking down the streets of Tokyo, especially in a busy neighbourhood. Soak it all in but don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. That’s natural, particularly if this is your first time in a huge city. If you’re looking for a break from the crowd, duck down a small side street or alley. You’ll be immediately met with peace and quiet, as even the loudest Japanese partier is also always very respectful of their residential neighbours.

Get Something to Eat

You’ll undoubtedly be excited to dive into Japanese cuisine after a long day and nothing but airline food. My advice for the perfect first-time meal is a bowl of ramen. Ramen shops are all over the place, and there is no such thing as a bad bowl of ramen. So you don’t need to worry about researching where to do it; just find a shop that catches your eye and head inside.

Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants

Most small ramen shops operate with a vending machine kiosk. At the front of the restaurant, you’ll see a huge vending machine with different coloured buttons, each with pictures of ramen and perhaps a few side dishes. The buttons will also display the price of the meal. Put your money into the slot at the top and press the button of the meal item that catches your fancy. Out of a small slot at the base of the vending machine comes a little paper ticket with your order printed on it, in Japanese, of course, and any change from the bill you put it. If there is a line, get in the queue to wait your turn to be seated. If there’s no line, head right inside and take a seat.

Then all you need to do is give your ticket to the chef, who will prepare the meal as indicated. This might seem strange, but it’s an ingenious way to cut down on staff and allow the chefs, who also act as the waiter and server, to get your order without ever having to touch dirty money. One of the best parts of a ramen shop is sitting at the counter and watching the cooks at work. They effortlessly perform this dance, filling bowl after bowl with hot broth and whipping around the bar, grabbing stacks of toppings with deft movements to create your food fantasy!

Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card

After filling up some food, head to the closest train station to grab your Suica or Pasmo Card; a Suica or Pasmo card is a metro pass that you load up with the money to use on the train. You can simply swipe your card when entering and exiting any train station. Your fare will automatically be calculated and deducted from your card. This makes it so simple to travel on the metro since the Japanese subway system requires you to pay different fares for different distances.

If you don’t have a Suica or Pasmo card, you’ll have to figure out which fare you’ll need to pay for every trip you take based on the distance. Armed with these cards, you’ll be ready to hop on the metro the next day without fighting the morning crush of people. Just check the balance frequently to ensure you have enough money on the card. To purchase a new card, you just head to any machine in the station with the words “buy a new card” on it. The signage is in English and Japanese, and the machines themselves have English menus making it easy to buy or refill your card.

Visit an Arcade

After picking up your Suica cards, seek out an arcade! These behemoth arcade buildings are sometimes up to six floors of fun, each offering something different. Taito and Sega are reliably the best options for arcades. The first floor of most consists of UFO catcher machines, while the upper floors each have different sets of video games to play with friends or on your own. Some levels felt more like casinos, full of smokers playing digital slots or the Japanese gambling obsession Pachinko. The machines all cost a few hundred yen to play, and you can either pay with coins or tap your Suica card to have the money deducted from there!

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of these Purikura photo cubicles, each from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos, add text and stickers, and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you drop the coins inside the payment machine, the screen will direct you to your starting photo booth. Unlike photo booths in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen. The camera will direct you (almost always in English and Japanese) to pose and take pictures. The camera moves around, so you get different options from portrait mode to full body and sometimes animated GIFs.

Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, and add filters and text to all the photos you took. Often this process is timed, so keep an eye on the clock. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the station where you initially put your coins. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, this will make for an incredible first Instagram of your trip!

Find some Gachapon

Gachapon refers to little vending machine capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon’ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you will receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toy sets change frequently, so there’s always something new to buy. My inner child (and let us face it, current adult) was immediately drawn to all the ‘Sailor Moon’ sets.

I decided to go for the most expensive machine, where you could get one of 5 different Sailor scout wands. I got Sailor Jupiter’s – my favourite Sailor Scout – and had a lot of fun back at the hotel putting the wand display together. There were toy sets of little cats sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon cookie toys and lots of Japanese characters often themed along with the next holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family, as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected.

Grab Breakfast at the Conbini

By this time of night, if you’ve managed to stay awake, it’s time to head back to the hotel. But before you do, stop into a ‘conbini’ (Japanese convenience store) to grab a few items for breakfast. 7-Eleven, Circle K, Lawsons and FamilyMart are the most common stores you’ll find on every corner in Japan. Breakfast in Japan is taken on the go, so you won’t find many restaurants open early in the morning. Picking up some items for a little in-hotel picnic is a great idea to help take it easy on your first morning.

My favourite treats to buy for the morning are an egg salad sandwich (honestly one of the best things you can eat in Japan, sounds weird, but TRUST ME), a baked sweet treat filled with matcha, a can of coffee or latte to crack open in the morning for instant caffeine, and a ball of onigiri. This array of treats is sure to give you a reason to get up in the morning, no matter how tired you feel.

And with that, your first day in Japan comes to a close. Hopefully, with all these tips, you’ll have an incredible first few hours that will result in minimal jet lag and leave you excited for the rest of your time in Japan! Below I’ve listed a few important customs to keep in mind which might surprise you as you experience Japan for the first time. Culture shock is part of travel, but don’t let it overtake you. Embrace it and even try to see if you can follow along with the culture and customs while visiting this incredible country!

Customs to Keep in Mind

Don’t Tip

Tipping isn’t something that is part of Japan’s consumer culture. They believe good service should be something you always should be provided and not something that is earned through money. If you leave money on the table, don’t be surprised if the waiter takes you down the street thinking you might have left it there accidentally. A great way to show your appreciation for excellent service is to learn a few Japanese phrases to tell your waiter, chef or receptionist how much you appreciate their service.

Be ready to bow

Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, so don’t be surprised to have people bow to you at your hotel, coming onto the bus or even just on the street if you’ve had a particularly lovely interaction. Can foreigners bow, you ask? Most Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to bow, but I found them whenever I simply mimicked exactly what their bow was like; they seemed to respond very positively and loved I made an effort.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag

Garbage cans are one of the most challenging things to find in Japan. The only public place where you can reliably find these is outside of convenience stores. But don’t let that make you think they’ll be garbage all over the place. No, Japan is the cleanest country I’ve ever visited. Locals carry their trash with them until they can find a trash can or often until they get home so they can adequately sort it. Play with the locals and ensure you have a plastic bag to carry your garage and that you’re not ruining their clean streets.

Learn to Line Up

Lineups in Japan are a way the city manages its deluge of people. Everyone is very respectful of the line. There are never any budding or large random groups, everyone takes the idea of lining up seriously, and you should too. Large masses of people taking the subway daily are efficiently organized into two or three lines making even the busiest commute very coordinated. Keep your eye out for lines as they often signify something popular that you wanna jump into. Most often, it is related to food, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Slurping is Key

In North America, slurping might sound rude or low-class, but in Japan, it is a sign of your appreciation for the food. Slurp loud enough that the chef in the back can hear you are going at it!

Ladies only subway cars

During certain times of the day, there are designated carriages for women on the subway. This is to keep them safe in full vehicles. The signs identifying these cars are in pink paint on the floors of the metro, so keep your eye out if you’re a male traveller and don’t want to get on these by accident, an embarrassing affair which we might have experienced once or twice.

Pay your bus fare when you get off

Japan is one of the only places I’ve visited where you have to pay for your bus far when you get off, not when you get on. When you get on the bus, you’ll enter through the back doors, and when you get off, you’ll exit through the front, where you can either pay the ash fare or swipe your Suica or pasmo card.

Don’t be scared of the mouth masks

If you see people wearing mouth masks, don’t be scared. They’re not an Ebola patient or a hypochondriac. These masks are worn to prevent other people from getting sick if you’re coming down with a cold, flu, or even allergies. Even if you’re the slightest bit under the weather, the Japanese plop one of these masks on, more for your protection and out of respect for others. They sell these everywhere, so if you feel like you’re getting sick, you should also don one.

Have you travelled to Japan before? How did you manage your first few hours in the country? Did jet lag get the better of you? Leave your experiences in the comments, or let me know if you’re planning to visit Japan and what other tips and tricks you’d like to learn!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post First Time Travelling to Japan? Here’s our Ultimate Guide for Your First Day in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Don't Ride the Gondolas
2. Don't Limit Yourself to Just the Island of Venice
3. Don't Expect (free) Public Washrooms
4. Don't Bring Heavy Luggage
5. Don't Stress About Getting Lost
6. Don't Visit on the Weekends or in Summer
7. Don't Eat in St. Mark's Square
8. Don't Dine using a 'Tourist Menu'
9. Don't Take a "Free Glass Factory Tour" in Murano
10. Don't Miss the BIG Attractions By Forgetting to Plan in Advance

Don’t Ride the Gondolas

Gondolas are one of the most iconic images of Venice, and watching the black and white striped Gondoliers cruise up and down the canals inside their red velvet-lined boats is not to be missed. What you can miss is riding inside of them. While the dream of riding inside a gondola might seem the ultimate Venetian bucket list experience, the reality is much less dreamy. Gondolas cost at least €80 ($90 USD) for 30 minutes, and the price only goes up after 7 pm. Sure, you can cram up to five or six people inside the gondolas to try to split it with another two couples on the search for romance in Venice, but trust me, the awkward 30 minutes jammed inside a small gondola with strangers isn’t as romantic as you think.

And it costs even more if you want a gondolier who will do all that beautiful singing you’ve heard so much about. Ultimately, those euros could be spent much better on a romantic dinner along a quaint canal. If you place yourself anywhere near these secluded canals, you still get to enjoy all that beautiful singing for yourself without paying a dime.

Instead: Jump on one of the local vaporettos

If you’re dead-set on stepping into a gondola to check it off your bucket list, try a ‘traghetto‘ instead. A ‘Traghetto‘ is Italian for ‘ferry,‘ and these small, black gondolas ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at seven different points. Just from one side to the other. These were used for generations before the construction of the Grand Canal bridges. They cost only €2 and are still used by locals who don’t want to waste their time walking all the way to a bridge to get across. Although the ride might be short, it’s a great way to experience riding inside a gondola without the enormous price tag. The boats are almost exactly the same as the private gondolas, just maybe missing the frills.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Just the Island of Venice

Many people arrive by cruise ship onto the island of Venice and never leave its shores. More people pour in from the train station and don’t think of heading outside the Grand Canal once they arrive. While there are many beautiful things to do in Venice, it’s a great shame to make it down here and not visit at least one other of the surrounding islands.

Instead: Explore the islands of Burano and Murano

Burano and Murano are accessible by a 45-minute ride across the water on one of the public vaporetto boats. Visiting the island is a treat, and the journey out there is a great way to experience the beautiful ocean and surrounding scenery. The islands are crucial to Venice’s art, food, history and culture. Each has its distinctive flair and feeling, vastly different from the glamour and grandiosity of central Venice. You trip won’t be the same without making it out to experience these amazing spots.

Don’t Expect (free) Public Washrooms

Public washrooms aren’t a thing in Venice. The city, now one of Europe’s most popular tourist spots, wasn’t built to be one. And as such, there is a significant shortage of public washrooms. The only truly “public” washrooms aren’t free of charge. Sometimes, they can cost up to €2. And while you can usually spare this the odd time, these costs can add up.

Instead: Find a local coffee or gelato shop

Head into a local coffee or gelato shop and spend that €2 on getting a delicious espresso or refreshing gelato. After making your purchase, ask to use their restroom, and they’ll be more than accommodating since you’ve already purchased something. Visiting these local restaurants is a much better use of your money than just flushing it down the toilet.

Don’t Bring Heavy Luggage

Many travellers will repeatedly be told not to bring roller bags or heavy luggage to small European towns. But this advice is never more valid than in Venice. Packing those heavy, rolling suitcases will be a nightmare here. There are no cars which you can throw your bags into to make their way to your hotel quickly. Walking down cobblestone streets with a rolling suitcase makes enormous noise. Which the locals are not a fan of. Even if you can get a private water taxi, unless your hotel is right on the Grand Canal, you’ll still have to walk a fair way from the nearest boat dock to your accommodation. And these private water taxis cost €13 upfront, plus another €1.80 for each minute of travel. Less reputable boat drivers will often charge you per piece of luggage. 

Instead: Travel Light or Store Your Luggage

Now I’m not a light packer by any means, but I know when it needs to be done! And choosing to pack light made all the difference in the world when visiting Venice. But there is another solution for those who are excited to bring back boatloads of souvenirs but don’t want to be limited to a small backpack. You can always store your large suitcase in the luggage lockers at the Venice train station when you arrive. And transfer the essentials into a small carrying bag and you’ll be on your way! This will allow you to shop to your heart’s desire but will give you the freedom of getting to and from your destinations without any stress or struggle.

Don’t Stress About Getting Lost

Following maps on paper or via google maps is very difficult in a city like Venice. Sometimes the pathways are quite literally underwater. During the wet season in Venice, vast portions of the city get flooded, and raised paths are used to get around safely. But not everywhere has these raised walkways, so often streets will simply shut down, and you must take complicated detours. Venice’s streets will notoriously change their name halfway along, sending tourists into a tizzy. But don’t stress. Venice is a small island. Walking from one end to the other only takes about an hour, so you’re never that far away from where you want to end up.

Instead: Embrace the Wander

Keep in mind if you’re headed in the right general direction, you’ll eventually make it there. Learn to love exploring and find little treasures along hidden passageways. These are the fantastic discoveries about Venice which make it so unique. I would even challenge you to spend an entire day without your phone guiding you. Use that simple paper map you get at tourist information and see how far that gets you. When you get “lost,” just ask a local for directions. While you’re at it, ask them for a dinner or food recommendation and see if you can start a conversation. Locals might bristle at tourists initially (they are, after all, overrun with them) but they LOVE their city. And are incredibly giving and kind when they see someone genuinely trying to engage.

Don’t Visit on the Weekends or in Summer

If you have the option of when you can visit Venice, try not to visit on the weekends. This is not only because there will be a massive influx of tourists but because many of the main tourist sights (like churches and cathedrals) are closed for local services. Hotels will also be much more expensive during the weekends as even Italians travel on these days a weekend mini-breaks.

If you want to enhance your experience, avoid travelling during the summer. Summers in Venice are incredibly muggy as it’s so close to the seaside. The crowds make the temperatures seem ten times hotter than it is really is. Cruise ships are in and out of the ports, and the weight of these daytrippers can be felt not only on the ground but in the local’s attitudes.

One of the comments I always hear about Venice is that it smells. And yes, those old swampy canals can smell in the summer heat. But that’s just like any other large city in the summer. New York’s piled-up garbage is no picnic in 40-degree weather, either. Don’t blame the city, blame the sun.

Instead: Visit Venice in its offseason

Pack warmly and visit Venice in the winter. You’ll be shocked to see how different the city is compared to the stories of those who came in the summer. Winter in Venice is a strangely magical place. The city’s locals seem to come alive, despite the colder weather. The silent side canals and ancient architecture shuddering in the brisk wind are hauntingly beautiful and well worth checking out. The spring and fall are equally stunning, but you’re better off coming in the fall when you can avoid flooding that plagues the springtime.

Don’t Eat in St. Mark’s Square

Restaurants in any big city, especially near those HUGE tourist attractions, are rife with scams. And many overcharge customers to a staggering degree. Those beautiful cafes in St. Mark’s square, which make for lovely photographs, should be avoided at all costs. Mainly due to those costs. These cafes are overpriced and tack on a “sitting” surcharge simply because of the location.

Anytime you enter a cafe, ask if there is a “cover charge.” If you ask, they must fess up to this, so never be embarrassed. If the cover charge isn’t too bad and you feel like the overpriced drinks are worth the view, then absolutely go right ahead. But to save yourself a surprisingly large bill, always check before sitting down.

Instead: Head down any small side street adjacent to St. Mark’s

It’s always incredible to me the fantastic places you can find just steps away from the crowded tourist traps. Look for locals migrating, and you’re heading in the right direction.

If you’re insistent on eating at one of those picturesque restaurants, ask for their “al banco” or bar menu. This menu is often a completely different price point compared to their “al tavolo” or table menu. The only caveat is you’ll have to sit or stand at the bar. But sometimes I find this the best seat in the house as you get to watch the cooks or bar tenders at work and decipher the most popular dishes you yourself might want to try.

Don’t Dine using a ‘Tourist Menu’

Venice was perhaps the city in Europe where I saw the most prominent use of “tourist menus.” It is no secret that Venice isn’t the place to come for the best Italian cuisine, but there are incredible meals. If you know where to look. But Tourist menus are truly the worst ways to experience Venetian cuisine. They are built up of easy-to-please, faux-Italian meals. It’s watered-down cooking and mediocre at best. Avoid menus printed in various languages; although this is very inclusive, it often denotes that it’s not a traditional or local restaurant.

Also, be wary of anything that comes for “free.” Venice has been notorious for putting platters of oysters down in front of customers who didn’t order any without saying a thing. Assuming it’s perhaps a free entree, tourists gobble them up. Then at the end of the meal, you get an unexpected bill. If anything arrives at your table that you didn’t order, question it immediately. If they bring up some unspecific cost, say, “no, thank you,” and send it back!

Instead: Look for Handwritten Italian menus

The key to finding a good restaurant in Venice is looking for one without a paper menu at all. Just a chalkboard where they write their daily specials, using only the fresh catch of the day. Even if you don’t speak Italian, there are always a few words you can learn to identify what different dishes contain. As you tour around Venice, check out what the locals are eating and be sure to order that. A few local specialties in Venice are deeply rooted in their proximity to the ocean. Try any seafood-based risotto like moleche (small green crabs), which are popular in the springtime. Or creamed dried cod spread across fresh bread. And ‘Bigoli in salsa‘ is an appetizer pasta made using only three ingredients; onion, anchovies and white wine. Simple and delicious!

Don’t Take a “Free Glass Factory Tour” in Murano

Venetian glass is renowned all over the world. But with popularity comes those trying to take advantage of just that. Throughout San Marco, you’ll see hawkers advertising “free trips” to Murano to visit glass factories. Remember: nothing in this world is free. These dodgy companies will take you to some less-than-reputable glass factories in Murano. Once you arrive, the salespeople will put immense pressure on you to purchase some of their glass. Often guilting you into it since they provided you with a 45-minute trip to Murano for “free.”

This is not only really stressful but also prevents you from buying a piece of glasswork you genuinely fall in love with. These places are also known for purchasing much of their glasswork from China, and the artisans you see working in the factory are often just there for show. The best way to be sure what you’re buying is real is to check the price; too good to be true is often just that.

Instead: Take the public ferry to Murano and explore for yourself

The public vaporetto from Venice to Murano costs around €10. Sure, it’s not a “free” trip, but you’ll definitely feel free by being able to explore this gorgeous island on your own. There are dozens and dozens of authentic glass shops in Murano. Each artisan has their own unique style and heritage. Many artists have had the trade passed down from generation to generation.

And not all glass from Murano has to be prohibitively expensive. Sure, there are chandeliers which cost upwards of $100,000, but there are also gorgeous glass earrings which cost less than €10. I bought a few pairs, which are my favourite souvenir of the trip. I even picked the colours and watched the artist make the earrings right before my eyes. A real memory to bring back with me!

Don’t Miss the BIG Attractions By Forgetting to Plan in Advance

Venice is a small but busy city. Tourism is booming in this historical hub, and no matter when you arrive, there will always be tons of people. If there are one or two attractions you have your heart set on, don’t be shy about booking these tickets in advance. St. Mark’s Basilica ticket MUST be booked in advance. And even advance bookings get sold out sooner than you’d think. Some of the more popular museums often face the same issue during peak season.

Instead: Book your tickets online in advance

Despite the city feeling trapped in the past, the Venetian tourism industry is smack dab in the 21st century. And all the big attractions and museums offer advanced ticket purchases online from anywhere in the world. This will not only secure the fact you’ll be able to visit a particular place when in town, but also means you’ll be able to bypass the huge lines. Yes, you can always wake up early in the morning to be the first ones at the gate, but it’s your vacation, and you deserve to sleep in and relax! I’d recommend booking these at least two months in advance just to ensure you aren’t disappointed, especially in the summer.

Venice is a city that demands careful planning and thoughtful exploration. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes and embracing the alternative activities suggested, you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable experience in this unique and magical city. Remember to take your time, soak in the beauty of your surroundings, and explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly get a sense of what Venice has to offer. By doing so, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible destination, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready for an adventure that you’ll never forget!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes In Venice And Discover These Ultimate Activities Instead! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1. Get a GREAT Carry-On Suitcase

I think that if you find a fun suitcase that makes you happy, it will make packing lighter, all the easier to do now that you have such a cute little package to put everything into. Most airlines now charge for checked baggage so by using the carry-on you’ll be saving sometimes hundreds of dollars. Money that can be put back into experiences on your trip. Airlines have great information on their websites about sizing, and every airline is different so be sure to check the website to ensure your bag will fit in the overhead compartment. This site has a great at a glance guide to give you a general idea of sizing.

You don’t have to opt for a full-on suitcase if you prefer a large knapsack or carrying bag but I love having wheels since it makes it much easier to go long distances with ease. I got this adorable suitcase at a swap meet. Nothing fancy and it has held up after over a dozen trips. You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to find something fantastic! Amazon always has incredible deals on luggage and often in unique colours and designs. This one here is next on my list to purchase once my old one conks out!

#2. Invest in Packing Cubes

If you can afford it, packing cubes are so helpful in not only organizing your suitcase but in condensing it too. I used to use large ziplock bags which worked similarly well. Fill a bag with one category of clothes and compress. Packing cubes are more reusable and let’s face it, look a lot prettier too. I’m currently obsessed with the new collection from Oh Joy + Calpack – I mean who wouldn’t want to get packing with these amazing designs?! Unfortunately for me, they don’t ship to Canada, but I got mine on Amazon for only $25 for a 7-item set! 

#3. Pack In Advance!

My best piece of advice is to pack well in advance. Chances are you probably know what the general weather will be like when you arrive so working with that, put everything you want to bring into one pile. Don’t try and edit for the moment, just put it all into a large laundry basket or lay it out in another room. After a week or a few days, come back and reassess. You’ll realize upon second look how much stuff you don’t need. So much of what we pack is unnecessary and only done because we’re rushing and not thinking it through.

Here is the itemized list of what I bring for two weeks away:

I chose to bring a raincoat since we were expecting some rain on this trip, but you could just pack two jackets of different weights if you aren’t planning for rain. It’s always good to pack a light jacket even if the weather will be warm because chances are you’ll be out exploring late and after the sun goes down, so does the temperature! I choose three pairs of pants, but you can do a skirt as a bottom instead. Make sure to pick one pretty dress or top which works a for a fancy night out.

Don’t overestimate how many “fancy” outfits you’ll need. Chances are you’ll need none, but one is more than enough. Make sure to note which items are the heaviest and make a point to set those aside to wear on the plane. Ensure they’ll also be comfortable, you don’t want to save on space but end up suffering on that long-haul flight. 

If you’re looking for tips on how to stay as comfy as possible on the plane check out this post!

#4. What NOT to Bring!

Forget the toiletries! Don’t’ bring shampoo, conditioner, soap etc. Unless you have a certain medical or skin condition which might require special products, these are unnecessary. If you buy the “travel” versions, you’ll end up paying way more for a tiny little bottle than for a huge regular version. Every country I’ve ever visited has had convenient places as soon as I get to my hotel where I could find these items. Often, it’s a fun little adventure exploring grocery stores and international pharmacies. I love discovering new products and use this opportunity to try out something new! If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be able to get free shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you ever run out, just as the front desk and they’ll bring you up some new ones right away. 

Pyjamas. I know this sounds crazy but for something you’re just going to wear at night, it’s not worth space in your bag. Instead, just make sure to wear some leggings on the plane and a comfy t-shirt which can double as PJs. In Japan, a lot of hotels actually provide you pyjamas upon arrival! Which is a huge plus!

#5. What to Bring?

Choose lightweight, packing-friendly clothing. Anything that wrinkles should be thrown back into the closet. Anything that is hard to wash – toss that away too. You want quick-dry items in case you decide to wash your clothes in the hotel bathtub (trust me, it works!).

In addition to your suitcase carry-on, you are allowed to have a “personal item”. I pack a large bag or knapsack with all my onboard necessities. Inside my suitcase, I pack a small handbag or mini knapsack for when I arrive and don’t need the larger one.

Although I talk about not bringing many toiletries with you there are a few items which I do bring. One of those items are band-aids and blister cushions. Long days on your feet can take a toll no matter how comfortable your shoes are. And a blister always shows up at the most inconvenient time. Blister band-aids are often hard to find and sometimes very expensive (always marked up for tourists) so I ensure I pack a few in my day bag.

The other thing I bring with me from my home country are Tide to-go pens! These aren’t available all over the world and they do wonders for helping your outfits last a little bit longer before having to be laundered. And if you’re a clutz like me, (I am constantly spilling things on myself) they are a lifesaver. Just remember to put them into your liquids bag when going through security!

#6. Plan your Outfits

Once I feel like I have all my items, I make sure to play around and mix and match to see that everything goes together. This also gives me the opportunity to ensure everything is clean. Sometimes if you’re travelling somewhere in hot in the middle of the winter, you’ll grab a shirt out of storage, only to realize it’s got a big stain or just smells musty. Another benefit of packing in advance is you have the chance to remedy these issues without rushing and staying up till 1 am the night before a long flight. While I don’t always pack in neutrals, I do try to stick to an outfit colour scheme. For this trip, I chose “springtime pastels”. This way, no matter what I grabbed from my bag, it would coordinate nicely with any other item.

TIP: Travelling isn’t the best time to try out new things. As much as you might want to bring that new dress you’ve never worn, it’s better to stick to tried and true pieces from your wardrobe that exemplify your style and you know look great. I know a lot of other blogs will have very neutral and basic items, but that’s just not me. I’m the most comfortable in loud, eccentric pieces but if you love casual, neutral basics then that’s even better. You’ll find the more neutral and simple the looks, the easier it will be for you to mix and match and make lots of different outfits.

#7. How to Pack It

Make sure that when you’re packing, you roll everything up together. This really saves space and makes items easier to find. I often will layer clothes with dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh! Put a few new dryer sheets into your suitcase in a ziplock bag to replace the old ones as you go. I also pack a few extra ziplock bags to use along the way as places to store dirty clothes or even as extra storage for things I might buy along the way.

To save space I always pack up my socks, tights and underwear inside my shoes. Roll them up tightly and they fit perfectly in your second pair of shoes. It’s a great way to use that otherwise wasted space. Store your earring and small necklaces in these tiny pill cases which I bought from the Dollar store. They are light but ensure that your jewellery doesn’t get mixed up in your suitcase. Larger necklaces I wrap in clingfilm to ensure they don’t get tangled, sounds a bit odd but trust me; this is a jewellery-saving technique.

I’m someone prone to getting sick and also struggle with my auto-immune disease, so I’m always travelling with a lot of medication. I take only what I think I’ll need and put it into a set of labelled pill boxes instead of bringing the entire bottles of medication. Saves a ton of space and buying medication when you’re in a foreign country just isn’t something you want to risk. Make sure your medication is never put into checked luggage (if you decide to gate check for instance) since you don’t want to risk it getting lost.

This is only for over-the-counter medication, anything that is prescription should be kept in its original bottle with your information on it for inspection. If you’re bringing liquids with you, remember that they have to be under 100ml and inside a clear bag for TSA inspection. I always keep this part of my bag easily accessible before going through security and then can pack it deeper down after I’m through.

#8. Plan on Doing Laundry

For a two-week trip or longer, laundry is going to be something you’ll have to do. You can research places to go in advance or ask your hotel reception for the closest location. Sometimes they’ll even have laundry facilities in the hotel! If you’re staying at an Airbnb, this is often a big plus! My hosts have always been so nice and provided me instructions on how to use the machines. Even if they can’t show you in person, be sure to ask for these instructions in your communications with the host.

Now you’re set for a great trip without being weighed down (quite literally!). After you do this once, you’ll realize how easy it really is to pack light. Getting over that first-time hurdle is the toughest part but with these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start!

The post The Best Tips For Packing: Two Weeks only Carry-On! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Documents
2. Comfort
3. Entertainment
4. Sleeping
5. Health
6. Food

Documents

Despite almost everything being available online, there is a sense of security that I find comfort in to have all my important documents printed off and tucked away someplace I can easily access them. Even the best traveller is at risk of having their phone stolen, so it’s nice to have hard copy backups. I print off all my hotel confirmations, boarding passes, travel insurance information and any further transit connections which have been booked.

In places like Toyko, having a printed copy of your hotel address in both English and Japanese can be helpful if you ever get lost. You simply have to point to the address on the paper, and any non-English speaker or cab driver will be able to help you to your destination. The last is my travel wallet. I have a large wallet with lots of different pockets to keep all my receipts and bills organized and the large size is useful since different countries have all sorts of different sizes of bills as well as your passport.

Comfort

Once you’re settled in your seat, it’s time to get comfy. While I always dress as nicely as possible before getting on the plane (once upon a time, looking and being nice at the ticket counter might grant you an upgrade – although this hasn’t ever worked I still keep trying) after I’m seated or shortly before getting on the plane I like to change into a comfy and warm pair of leggings.

Compression Socks

I also make sure to bring a pair of compression flight socks with me. Yes, this might make me sound like an 80-year-old woman, but they do work to keep your legs from getting too sore on the long flight. If you’ve managed to snag yourself the prized exit row seat, you might be faced with a very cold ride. Being near the door has its advantages, but it certainly has downsides too, generally, these seats are cold and LOUD. Flights overall can be on the cool side so bringing a scarf with you is important for helping you stay warm throughout the flight. I tend to bring infinity scarves with me since they wrap around nicely and also can act as a makeshift hat if it gets super cold.

Neck Pillow

A good neck pillow is something to invest in. While you can get cheap blow up ones in the airport (which are better than nothing) a pillow with great neck support and a thick cushion will prevent your neck from incredibly sore the next day and help you sleep or just stay comfortable on the plane. Lastly, and trust me on this one, is a change of underwear. Unless you plan on not checking any luggage there is always a chance that your luggage might get lost and the last thing you want after a 24 hour day of travelling is not to have fresh underwear. Not the most elegant of conversations but trust me, it takes up a tiny amount of space and is well worth the thought.

Entertainment

A 15-hour flight comes with A LOT of downtime. While you might be able to sleep part of that time away, some of us have trouble getting any sleep on aeroplanes. So to combat the boredom, having a bag full of distractions is key to making that time fly by. In the last few years, podcasts have become my #1 choice of in-flight entertainment. With so many different podcasts to choose from you can find one on almost anything you’re interested in.

I also try to download a few episodes which talk about the city I’m about the visit to give myself a head start on where the best food, entertainment and experiences are. 

Download Movies in Advance

If you’re not a podcasting type, a movie might be more up your alley. The airlines these days usually have lots on offer on their in-flight entertainment systems, but it’s always good to bring a selection of your own. I’ve seen too many cases where someone’s tv in their seat didn’t work, and they had to sit there the entire flight bored out of their mind. Netflix and Amazon Prime both now have great options for downloadable content so well before leaving, look into which shows you want to download and clear out plenty of space on your iPad. I also love to download language books and guides on my iPad as PDFs to brush up on my conversational phrases before landing.

Listening Devices

Getting an earphone splitter is key if you’re travelling with a friend or loved one so you can share in what you’re watching. Plus if you’re running low on battery, it means only using up the power on one device. Plugs and portable chargers are another thing you want to make sure to grab. Even the newest devices might not last an entire 15-hour flight, and you never want to count on there being a power outlet at your seat on the plane. My power bank charges my iPhone up to three times, and I’ve never needed more than that.

Reading Material

A traditional book or magazine is also something I treat myself too in the airport since tactile media isn’t something I frequently have the time to delve into. Bringing your travel guidebook on the plane is also a great idea to help finish making any last itineraries plans you might have left to the last minute. I also keep a notebook, pen and Post-it notes with me as well since I’m a blogger and always want to keep track of the things I did and any hidden gems I want to make sure to share.

Sleeping

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are) there are a few key items to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule but in case the person next to you is reading, or the lights have been kept on, it’s important to make sure you have a good eye mask to block out the light.

I always bring a little travel sized bottle of lavender spray. This is the Lush Twilight spray which I just transferred to a travel sized bottle. I put a little bit of this spray on my neck pillow, and scarf and the gentle scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed. In Japan, you can also buy these heated lavender-scented eye masks which are incredible for relaxing your eyes and putting you to sleep.

If you need an extra bit of help, take a melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern. I don’t love the way ear plugs feel, but if you don’t mind them, they’re a great way to keep out the sound of a crying baby.

Health

A 15+ hour flight wreaks havoc on your body. Whether it is all the gems, the dehydration or even just sheer exhaustion, your body isn’t going to be at its best. But these are some great things to help bounce back and fight off sickness. I’m prone to getting nauseous on flights so I always make sure to keep a few anti-nausea pills with me as well as an ibuprofen in case of headaches. I also pack one or two lozenges since the dry air can irritate your throat. A packet of emergen-C powder mixed with water can help prevent any cold germs you might be picking up while travelling.

Your skin takes a beating on the plane so having a good face moisturizer and hand cream are important to keep your skin feeling healthy. If you don’t feel too embarrassed, you can even bring a face mask to do while the rest of the passengers are asleep. Although you might look a bit funny, your skin will thank you.

After you wake up from a hopefully restful sleep, a quick trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth, wash your face wash and hand will do you a lot of good in helping you wake up and preparing you for the day ahead.

Food

A bottle of water is mandatory. You need to drink at least 250ml of water for each hour your flying. These collapsible water bottles from Vapur are the best for not taking up space once they’re empty.  

While they sell food on the plane, it’s usually not the greatest and very expensive. Bringing some snacks with you is a good idea in case you’re hungry when the food cart isn’t around. A bag of nuts, energy or granola bars are great for snacking. Babybell cheese is wrapped in wax, so it doesn’t go off as quickly and is an excellent shot of protein.

If your ears tend to pop on the flight make sure you buy some gum before arriving at the airport – the stuff in the terminal is widely expensive.

The post Amazing Essential Items you Need to Pack in Your Carry-On for a Long Haul Flight first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.