As an experienced world traveler and European wedding photographer, I wanted to share with you my favorite travel tips!
Destinations with Dana
Hey, there! My name is Dana and I am a professional wedding photographer who has photographed weddings all over the world. I am so excited because after shooting weddings all over the country, it was time to open up a European wedding photography business and serve amazing couples who crave wedding adventures that are so unique to them.
I went on my first abroad trip when I was 21 and my whole world changed after that. It was my first time in Europe, and what better way to begin my addiction to seeing new places than by going to Paris France? That was when I fell in love with Paris. That was when I fell in love with adventure and I have my now husband to thank for that.
Since then, I have traveled to 10 different countries , even re-visited a few favorites, and have seen it all. Almost. So, as an experienced world traveler, I want to share with you my favorite travel tips. Not sponsored. Just me and my personal experiences that I want you to maybe consider before your next adventure or better yet, your first one!
My favorite travel tips
- Always pre-order the countries currency to have on hand when you arrive. Some banks can order you currency, you do not even have to have an account with them. This includes Bank of America. Last resort is get it at the international airport you are flying out of. It’s always better to have it in hand before you arrive because the crowds might be long at the destination. Not all cabs take cash and there is always a small international fee every time you use your debit card.
- Speaking of cabs, if you are able to, avoid them. They tend to charge more if they can tell you are a tourist. Use metro if you can, or get a car ride app. Many countries do have Ubers, or, their version of it.
- When it comes to the plane rides, I cannot live without soundproof headphones. Those baby screams become much quieter and more tolerable. Especially on red-eye flights when you need sleep. The Bose ones even come with a chord and converter for airline TV screens.
- Always have on hand Advil, Pepto, Motion Sickness Medicine, and Emergency C. Even before covid, you are more than likely to get sick while traveling because of the airplane air quality, and the food you eat. Traveling can make you sick so pack the meds and drink lots of water!
- Be aware what is happening in the destination you are going to. Check out the news to see the recent events and any holidays that are coming up that could affect travel. We got stuck at the Barcelona Airport because we landed when 10,000 people stormed the airport. I also went to Germany during Easter and most places were closed for me to go and visit /eat at. It’s always important to know what is happening to prepare for uneasy situations.
- Lastly, pack as light as you can. Check to see if your hotel or air bnb has washer and dryers and only pack 5-6 outfits if you are traveling for 7-10 days. There is no shame for washing your clothes and wearing them again. This will just make luggage packing easier and more room for souvenirs if you want to bring some home for you or your friends! Just be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly.
Traveling, although can be stressful, is also full of an experience that allows you to grow. You see a side of the world that no one else has seen through a TV. It can be scary your first time traveling, whether domestically or internationally. What matters is that you are doing something that will change you for the better. So, be open to exploring. Be open to trying new things, being in uncomfortable situations, and just rolling with it! Traveling is the best thing that has happened to me, aside from my husband, and I will always recommend it to my friends and family to get out there and see the world.
