In honor of traveling moms everywhere, these are the top travel tips we’ve learned from our moms that help us navigate the world with confidence.
1. Do the prep work.
Whether she’s headed on a business trip or family vacation, your mom knows it’s better to prepare. To map out your route from airport to hotel and make decisions on transportation ahead of time. To plot out restaurants and sights you want to see. To set alerts for the flight you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal (momma didn’t raise no fool).
2. Talk to strangers.
Even though we learned all about “stranger danger,” moms know that you have to get to know the locals when visiting a different country. Whether it’s getting directions to the best gelato spot in Rome or finding the perfect fishing boat to take you to Playa Blanca, moms know that the way to find the best recommendation is to just ask.
3. Pack the essentials in your carry-on.
You know to pack light, but there are a few things mom taught us we can’t skimp on. Extra underwear, your prescriptions, toothbrush and snacks should all go directly in your carry-on or personal item. That way, should you be unfortunate enough to lose your luggage, you at least have the essentials to last until you can go out and buy more stuff. As for the snacks, it’s a way to save time (and money) when you get hungry en route.
4. Practice first aid.
Anyone with kids knows that bumps and scrapes are bound to happen. Mom taught us to always carry a small first aid kit even on vacation, because you never know when a bandage and some antibiotic cream will be necessary.
5. Be truly on vacation.
That Kodak moment can’t happen with your face in your iPad. Whether you “forget” your phone at home or just disengage with your device for a few hours while sightseeing, mom taught us that in order to connect with your travels you need to disconnect. Apps like Moment and Freedom will help keep you honest. Moment will tally how long you’ve been on your phone and send an alert when you’ve been using it too much. Freedom, on the other hand, can actually shut the whole thing down by locking you out of your phone for a specified amount of time, during which you’re only able to make and receive phone calls.
6. Savor the sweet stuff.
It’s a simple principle: ice cream for lunch. Mom knows that sometimes, when you’re on vacation, you need to throw out convention. And that may mean midday movies or riding down busy streets in a seatbelt-less tuk-tuk or even having ice cream as one of your main meals. Part of the joy of travel is breaking from your routine.
7. Know your limits.
Your mom probably stopped you when you tried to Superman-dive off the refrigerator or when you set up a precariously positioned “ramp” for your bike. As in life, so in travel — while you should absolutely push yourself to venture out of your comfort zone, know when to stop. Don’t make yourself drive the Amalfi Coast if you have terrible vertigo. Don’t eat hormigas culonas (roasted ants) in Colombia if you’ve got a sensitive tummy. Have your limits and know when to respect them. Not every trip needs to “change” you. Mom likes you just the way you are (if you would only listen to her more).
What did you get mom for Mother’s Day? Next year, get her something she really wants, like a trip (that’s on your budget, so she knows you’re being responsible).
