9 things to do in the first 24 hours of your holiday
The key to an enjoyable holiday is getting things off to a good start. Here are nine things you must do in the first 24 hours of your trip.
1. Check in
Not to your hotel, but rather with your family or friends. When you arrive it’s a good idea to let people know that you’re safe and your holiday is off to a great start.
2. Get outside
Travelling can mean a lot of time spent crammed into airplanes, airports, cars or buses. Once you’ve finished with it all and reached your destination, it will do you a world of good to get outside for some sunshine and fresh air. A short walk will get your circulation going, clear your head and has been shown to be good at reducing jet lag.
3. Eat something
If you’ve been travelling for a while, and especially if you’ve been flying, you probably haven’t eaten a decent meal in many hours. Refuel your body with something light but nourishing, preferably with a big serving of vegetables or some fruit. Wash it down with lots of water and try to steer clear of alcohol for the first 24 hours.
4. Reset your clock
Jet lag will play havoc with your body, so it pays to get in sync with the local time zone as quickly as you can. If you arrive early in the morning, have a coffee and eat breakfast rather than heading straight for the bar. If you desperately need a nap during the day, keep it short so that you can still go to bed at a reasonable time and sleep properly.
5. Recharge gadgets
Plug in your phone, camera, iPad, laptop – whatever you’ve brought with you will probably be dead by the time you arrive. Charge them up straight away and you won’t be annoyed when your phone is dead by the time you want to head out for dinner.
6. Get your bearings
If it’s your first time in a destination, take a few minutes to look at a map or walk around to acquaint yourself with the area. Imprinting your location and the way to important spots like the train station, beach or supermarket can save a lot of trouble down the track. No one likes to get lost.
7. Unpack
Yes, this sounds boring, but will make a huge difference in the long run. If you’re going to be in your hotel for a while then it can be worth unpacking most of your suitcase. Clothes will look and feel better for having been hung up, and the room won’t be such a mess. Even if you’re only staying for one night, get out your toiletries and pajamas so you can hop straight into bed at the end of the day.
8. Take photos
Take your camera (or your camera phone) out with you from the first day. Many a traveller has missed a photo op because they were unprepared or promised themselves they would come back to take a picture but not been able to find the spot again. Plus you can capture that first day ‘we’re on holidays’ glow.
9. Relax
You’re on holiday! You can start enjoying yourself right away – whatever that means to you.
What do you think is the most important thing to do in the first 24 hours of your trip? Do you have any holiday plans on the cards?
Let us know in the comments!
Related links:
5 things you should never do when visiting a new city
The benefits of taking a slow holiday
7 foods to definitely avoid before catching a flight