Best Way to Prepare for Travel

How to Get Ready for a Trip (and Actually Enjoy It): Lessons from My East Asia Adventure

Traveling is one of the best things you can do for yourself—it's exciting, eye-opening, and downright life-changing. But let's be honest, getting ready for a trip? Not always so magical. Packing, planning, and prepping can feel like a bit of a hassle.

Having just come back from an amazing journey through China, Japan, and Korea, I’ve got a few tips that made my trip so much smoother. Whether you're a newbie traveler or practically live out of your suitcase, I hope these ideas help you make the most of your adventures.

Do Your Homework (But Make It Fun)

Before heading to East Asia, I realized I needed to brush up on the basics—like how not to embarrass myself at a ramen shop in Japan or how to greet someone politely in Korea. Knowing a little bit about the culture and language not only made things easier but also helped me connect with people in a way that felt genuine.

Big shoutout to LingoClass (https://www.lingoclass.co.uk/) for making learning Japanese and Korean super fun and practical. They teach you more than just words; they help you understand how to use them in real-life situations. Thanks to them, I could navigate Seoul’s markets, order sushi in Kyoto, and chat (a little awkwardly) with a friendly vendor in Shanghai.

Technology is Your Best Friend

I don’t know what I’d have done without my Apple Watch. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. It kept me on track with time zones, translated quick phrases, and helped me navigate even when I didn’t have Wi-Fi. Walking through Tokyo or figuring out which bullet train to hop on in Osaka felt way less overwhelming.

Oh, and the fitness tracking? Let’s just say I felt a tiny bit better about all the dumplings, sushi, and kimchi pancakes I ate after seeing my step count each day.

Pack Light, Pack Smart

Here’s the thing—packing is an art. I learned to stick with versatile clothing, travel-sized toiletries, and gadgets I actually needed. My backpack became my best travel buddy, keeping everything organized and easy to grab when I was moving from place to place.

One more thing: don’t skip packing a portable charger. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than running out of juice when you’re trying to navigate a new city.

Roll with the Punches (It’s Part of the Fun)

Travel isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay! I had a beautifully planned afternoon at the Great Wall of China…until a surprise rainstorm turned it into a wet, slippery adventure. In Kyoto, I wandered into a random festival that became one of the highlights of my trip. And in Korea, a missed ferry led me to the most incredible seafood market I’d ever seen.

The unexpected moments are often the best ones, so don’t stress too much when things don’t go as planned.

The Bottom Line

Getting ready for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of prep (and some help from tech and language classes), my journey through China, Japan, and Korea became everything I hoped for—and more.

So, what’s next on your travel bucket list? Wherever you go, remember to embrace the adventure, mistakes and all!