Travel is usually inspiring and exciting, but it can also be quite inconvenient. No one would say that a four-hour wait before boarding their plane or dealing with a flight delay is convenient and preferable, but we all know it can happen, and so we put up with that outcome.
In some cases, inconveniences can be a little more frustrating. For example, it may be that you’ve booked your stay in a hotel but can only check in at 5 pm, yet your arrival is due in the early morning. What are you supposed to do all day with a great deal of luggage and perhaps the ennui of a long journey?
No matter if you’re coming for a work conference, to visit a live conference, to head to the new golfing range or even spend more time solo travelling, you may wish to consider some of the following advice. We hope it can help save you some of the endless headaches of travel, and make more room for the exciting, enjoyable, and rewarding elements:
Drop Off Your Luggage & Explore Lightly
In any case, it’s much easier and simpler to use a luggage storage service to make certain you can easily deposit your items securely and move on without much trouble. This way, you don’t have to haul it to the hotel, you can immediately enjoy your time in the city while waiting for your room, and return for it later.
Enjoy A Healthy Breakfast Spot
There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as seeing the coffee-fueled morning rush of a big city. Sitting comfortably in a coffee shop watching the world go by, listening to ambient music, and enjoying a tasty breakfast muffin or bagel while reading a little can be a happy place for many, and you deserve to have something so comfortable as your first foray into this city too.
Moreover, this relaxed pace after sitting on the commute, be that driving in or taking public transport, can give you the breather you most need. It will also fuel you for the day. Make sure to eat something light because the last thing you need is to feel lethargic for the rest of the morning.
Discover Nearby Landmarks & Attractions
Even busy cities can enjoy a lull in how many people populate their streets and squares after most people head to work. This is the perfect time to discover nearby landmarks and attractions at your own pace. This also has a double purpose – getting your bearings and orientation.
This way, you can use those landmarks the navigate the city. Some landmarks might include a public square in the middle of the city, the shopping distinct, the theatre areas, any public parks, and whatever unique characteristics the city might have. Of course, you don’t need to visit them all in the space of morning and afternoon, but you can certainly embark on a self-guided walking tour and spend a little time in each area. You’re sure to have a great time if you give yourself the chance to go at your own pace.
Absorb Local Culture with Museums or Galleries
The best part about local museums and art galleries is that not only are they located in beautiful buildings with incredible cultural displays, but most of them are entirely free. They also have refreshments, toilets, and plenty to mentally stimulate yourself without having to spend a penny on “activities,” unless special events have been planned.
The good thing about a museum is that the exhibits are fairly non-commital, you can move around without having to read every single placard or attend every event. They may have live demonstrations rotating throughout the day, or a visitor’s centre where you can find more resources about the city you’re in. They’re a great place to spend a lazy morning or afternoon, and help you feel like you’ve used the first day of your visit productively.
Enjoy A Leisurely Lunch
Cities are resplendent in how many food choices they have to offer, from timeless institutions going back decades to hip street food vendors making some of the most delicious and indulgent meals you’ve ever had.
A leisurely lunch is a great place to start. We’d recommend opting for a local delicacy or perhaps making use of the city’s geographical location – if it’s near a port and ocean, you can bet it has some wonderful seafood. This gives you that relaxed break, and also energizes you for the rest of the day.
Explore Shopping and Markets in the Area
Now is a great time to pick up everything you might have forgotten to bring, be that a new toothbrush, a hat, or a souvenir for someone back home.
Certain markets can rotate depending on the day of the week. You may even be able to find some great homemade fashion or perhaps seasonal goods you can purchase for an upcoming celebration or birthday. You also get a real feel for the city when walking around its high street and market areas, including how they might be separated or any new malls and stores available in the area.
You don’t have to spend more than you were planning to for a good time of course, but you can pick up a few conveniences to make your wait easier.
With this advice, you’ll have planned the entire day around not having access to your hotel. Then when your room is free, you can pick up your luggage and head to the room. We’d recommend a long soak in the bath, going out for an evening meal or enjoying room service, and then feeling well-rested, prepared, and productive for the rest of your trip.