When you first land in a new destination, it is such an exciting experience! All the anticipation you had planning the trip, packing, and then traveling, it all culminates in this moment. Finally, vacation can begin!
These first moments are some that you will likely want to make the most of. They set the tone for the start of your trip and can really help the rest of your stay go as smoothly as possible. There are a few things in particular that you should do right away upon landing in a new destination. In this post, we’ll look at what those things are. As long as you do the following, you’ll find that you can make much more of your new location, wherever it may be!
Arrange Transportation
First, if you haven’t planned for this prior to the trip, you will need to arrange a transfer to your accommodation. Most airports are nowhere near the city center, so if you are staying downtown you’ll need to find some way to get there. There are a few common options that you may want to consider: taxi, airport shuttle bus, uber/lyft, or train to name a few. Of course, the cost can vary a lot, but so does the convenience and tourism factor.
For example, taxis are generally the most expensive option, but also one of the most convenient as they deliver you directly to your hotel. On the other hand, trains can be inexpensive and may take longer, but often take the scenic route and will get your trip off to a beautiful start. It’s ultimately up to you, so make sure to consider all the options and then determine what works best for your group.
It’s worth doing your research, especially when it comes to the culture and behaviors that occur within the communities at your new destination. For example, Anne and Carl Deane offer helpful guidance when it comes to the subject of tipping. For some countries, it’s more necessary than others. For some, it can even be an insult. It’s best to know before you go!
Find A Decent Cafe
Whatever else you might have planned, one of the main things that you might want to do when you first land in a new destination is to find somewhere you can just chill for a while (that’s not inside of your hotel room) as you figure out what you want to do for the day. Usually a good choice for that is a cafe, and you will probably find that there are plenty to choose from around the city. Check out this guide to finding local cafes if you are interested in learning how best to do this. There might end up being many nearby to choose from, so it can help to have references.
Ask Reception
Settling into your hotel can be an experience in itself, but it’s one that you can get a lot out of if you know what to ask. One of the best things you can do is to ask reception for any advice or local knowledge that they might be able to share with you. You might be surprised at the kinds of things you learn this way, and it has the potential to elevate your trip in ways you couldn’t have predicted. Even if you planned your trip down to a T, there’s no harm in asking. Be open to seeing what you learn and to experiencing new things!
These are just some of the things that you should do when you first land in a new destination to make your trip the best it can be. It will help you be in a much better place with regard to how much you will enjoy the experience. Happy traveling!
xoxo, Arielle
