Black couples traveling together have a lot to look forward to. There are a lot of destinations that allow you to enjoy sandy beaches, explore nature, or even get in touch with your roots and to explore black culture.
However, something that used to cause problems with my own trips was the fact that I always seemed to forget something important. Sure, two of the first things you’re packing are your and bae’s passports and visas, but there are a lot of other things that you’ll need on your trip.Â
I decided to create a guide that will help you understand the most important things to do before you travel, with a focus on packing. Get bae and read through the list, as it’s going to make sure you get to enjoy a comfortable, worry-free vacation.
Understand The Climate And Weather Conditions Of Your Destination
Just because it’s winter in the US doesn’t mean you can expect the same cold days when you arrive at your travel destination. That means packing only warm clothes could be the worst mistake you make.Â
Understanding both the current climate and weather conditions in the area you’re going to travel to is one of the very first things to do. If you’re planning to travel at a specific time of the year, do some research about what season that would be at your destination.
This information will be very helpful. It’s going to become guidance when you’re packing clothes, gear, and other things that you may need during your trip.
A simple Google search will give you most of the information you need. However, it might be worth looking at a couple of sites, like TripAdvisor, to see what people say about the place you visit at different times of the year.
You could do things the other way around as well. Decide what kind of weather you and bae prefer, then look at what time of the year you should ideally visit the place you want to travel to. For example, if the two of you decide to head over to the Seychelles, you might want to avoid visiting between November and March, as well as between May and September. These are the times of the year when the area experiences trade winds, which can quickly ruin your trip.
Pack Comfortable Clothes
Once you have an idea of the weather conditions you’re going to walk into, it’s time to consider what kind of clothes you and bae should be packing.
Comfort should be a priority. You’re going on vacation to relax and get away from all the buzz that’s going on in life. So, pack for the occasion – comfortable clothes that you can wear. Of course, there’s no need to avoid fashion. You can be comfortable and fashionable at the same time, after all.
Something to keep in mind is any specific activities that the two of you will be taking on during your trip. For example, if you plan on opting for a hiking trail, be sure to pack relevant clothes for that day.
If you’re planning to take bae to a special place, like a luxury restaurant, be sure to pack the extra special clothing that you only wear on these occasions. The idea is to be prepared with clothes for different events, but also to make sure that during your day-to-day activities, you’ll feel comfortable. No one wants to take a walk on the beach with a pair of high heels, after all.Â
Remember Your Sunscreen And Skincare Products
One of the most popular reasons black couples travel together is to enjoy some lazy time on the beach of an island. Sure, it’s not what the trip is about, but laying on a recliner on the beach, cocktail in hand – that sounds amazing, right?Â
If this is something you’re planning to do, then make sure you pack sunscreen. Exposure to the sun can be damaging to your skin, so you want to protect your skin at all times. You don’t want to spend your holiday in pain, peeling off patches of skin after you forgot your sunscreen.Â
You should also remember your skincare products – that’s something I often miss when packing. Both men and women need a good skincare routine to keep glowing and looking great.
Get A Converter Or Adapter If Necessary
Your U.S. standard plug isn’t going to work in every place over the entire world. There are different kinds of plugs used by some countries, and this is something you should familiarize yourself with beforehand.
Do some research about the type of power that the country you’re traveling to uses, and check out the plugs they have. Sometimes, you may need to get an adapter to convert from a U.S. plug to the local standard used in that country. This can save you the trouble of having to search for a shop that actually sells this type of item once you arrive at your destination.
Know What You’re Allowed To Bring
While it’s tempting to pack a lot of things for your trip, you should remember that airlines often have restrictions. First, understand how many bags you’re allowed to bring with you. There are often a lot of restrictions for carry-on bags, but you’re usually given the opportunity to check at least one bag per person before boarding. Most airlines will allow you to bring additional luggage, but that’s going to cost you extra money.
Apart from how many bags you can bring, consider any restrictions that the airline has for certain products. This will make sure you don’t get pulled to the side and experience delays just as you’re about to board the plane.
Conclusion
Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it also causes stress, especially if you’re unprepared. Apart from picking the right destination, knowing what to pack is also really important. Start by researching your destination, then pack the right clothes, remember to bring sunscreen, and check whether your plugs will work there. Apart from these tips, know what the airline you’ll be using allows you to bring along.