We work hard and look forward to taking some time off... maybe traveling somewhere fantastical, winding down in a location worlds away from this crazy busy place we call New York City.
The last thing we need are the stressful, hair pulling, and all out frustrating situations that can arise when traveling abroad.
And there will be some.
Luckily for you, we've got a smattering of tips to help thwart these instances, and make your trip as smooth as humanly possible.
If you're looking to leave the country, read on for 7 ways to help maintain your sanity while abroad.
1. Organize, organize, organize
assemble.dancewear There's nothing better than a fresh start! Organizing our new workspace!! #assemblē #assemblēdancewear #dancewear #newyear #work #organize #fabrics #love #passion #dance #dancer #leotard #ballet #new #collection #comingsoon #sneakpeek #colour #patterns
Did we mention organize? Right, you've got it. The best way to ensure a smooth ride is, yep, you guessed it, be organized. We know, we're all busy, when are you supposed to plan the fine details of your trip you must wonder.
But trust us, take the extra time to look up and save info about the little things. Like the address of your lodging and screen shots of the walking directions to get there.
[anad]
Because wandering around the streets of a foreign city after traveling all day with your baggage is just not our idea of a relaxing vacation.
Maybe that's just us. Chances are you won't have Wi-Fi, or a way to use your phone unless you're prepared to fork over a kidney for roaming charges.
2. Snacks
girlwanderlist Scenes from Mercato Centrale, Florence #italy #italia #instagood #iphoneonly #italiagram #mercatocentrale #florence #fruit #fresh #livinginthemoment #viverenelmomento #travel #tourism #tuscany #thisishappening #shopping #food
No one likes a hangry human. But a hangry traveling human is a whole 'nother monster. Be prepared like you're toting around a toddler, and always. Have. Snacks.
You never know when you’ll be in the middle of nowhere and the only place to obtain food is a gas station-- but it’s closed. Or your stomach protests audibly on a 5 hour train ride.
Not only that, but at some point one of those snacks will likely serve as a substitute meal as well when you arrive exhausted and starving to your destination and absolutely nothing is open. Nothing.
3. Deep breaths
Channel your inner love for meditation. Sometimes the best way to maintain your sanity is a good old fashioned deep breath pause.
[anad2]
Regain your wits and newly acquired strength to deal with any situation. Employ this tried and true tactic and everyone will thank you. After all, you're on vacation, aren't you?
4. Sense of humor
Let's be real: some situations are so ridiculous that you just have to have a chuckle.
So if you find yourself with Dehli Belly in Asia and blow up the pitch black dark bathroom on a five hour ferry ride in the middle of the Andaman Sea, and the toilet won't flush, you just have to laugh. It will be funny... someday. We may or may not be speaking from experience.
,5. Alone time
hilary_22 #alonetime #happy #dopoicompiti #sky #film #vedere #assonellamanica #theduff #computer #seratasoloamiche @anika._.m @steeffy.__ #divertimento #life #foto #tumblr #fototumblr #frasi #frasitumblr #like4like #likeforlike #l4l #lfl "Se non mi chiami capirò, se non mi scrivi capirò, se ti dimentico capirai. "
Traveling with friends, or family sounds sweet and everything, but if we're being honest, spending 24/7 with them can be a bit much.
[anad]
Take some time alone, everyone can appreciate that. Grab a coffee, take a stroll, go on a bender, whatever floats your boat. When you regroup, literally, you'll be refreshed and ready for company again.
6. Instagram everything
girlwanderlist I would be thrilled to travel with @passionpassport & #PassportToAsia to any of the destinations, but Siem Reap would probably make me jump the highest! I'd love to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, of course, but to have the chance to uncover some of the mysteries that lie beyond the obvious, and within the local Khmer culture would be wildly amazing. Not only that, but it would also be a great experience to collaborate with other creative, likeminded people in a unique travel setting; to a place I haven't discovered first hand just yet!
Feeling a little low? Nothing like a couple hundred likes to boost your confidence. Make friends jealous. They don't need to know that you had food poisoning and took that beautiful rainbow picture from your hotel bed.
Disclaimer: You'd have to have a couple hundred friends for that many likes. And well, we don't know your life.
7. Treat yo self
girlwanderlist Well deserved snack on the terrace after making it through hump day first week at camp..ok I lied, it's dinner. #italy #tuscany #lucca #dinner #meatandcheese #grapes #wine #terrace #livinginthemoment #viverenelmomento #thisishappening
If all else fails, go shopping. Rain five days in a row? Nothing a little retail therapy can't fix.
[anad2]
Missed out on that once in a lifetime excursion because you didn't plan ahead? Well, that may require more than just the average souvenir purchase, but hey, you get the point.
Check out 9 Completely Absurd Things Only New Yorkers Are Scared Of.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]