Hi Reader,

With summer well and truly upon us, I’d love to share a few tips with you today that always help me to start my trips on the right foot when I arrive at a new destination.

Arriving in a new country or anywhere new can be disorientating and scary - especially if you don't speak the language or if you arrive late at night.

I'm generally pretty chill about making plans for my travels if I'm away for a while, but one thing I ALWAYS make sure I have sorted is my first night's accommodation and my plan for getting from the airport or (bus) station to that place.

Here are some tips about planning a smooth arrival:

Try to Arrive in Daylight

I love bargains, but cheap flights often arrive late at night or leave early in the morning, which can mean additional costs to get to and from the airport.

Not only that, but arriving after dark always seems less welcoming and much more stressful, especially as a solo female traveller.

Plan How to Get From the Airport to Your Accommodation

Think about how you will get to your accommodation when you arrive at your destination.

• Is there public transport?
• Is there a shuttle bus or private transfer you can pre-book that will drop you at your hotel?
• Will you get a cab, or can you access data roaming or wifi to arrange an Uber or similar?

Pre-booking a transfer can give you some peace of mind, knowing that you have someone waiting for you. Companies like Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups are useful for this.

Don't forget to think about what happens if your flight is delayed. What time is the last bus/train if you arrive later than anticipated? Do you have a backup plan?

Have the name and address of your hotel written down so you can show a taxi driver.

Book a Hotel at the Airport

If I know I'm arriving late at night (or leaving early the next day), then booking a hotel at the airport means one less thing to worry about. They usually allow 24 hour check in so it doesn't matter what time you arrive, and can help arrange onward transport for you when you're ready.

Last summer I arrived late into Tirana Airport in Albania and walked to my hotel which was opposite the terminal building, it was so useful to be right there!

Have Some Local Currency

Most taxis allow you to pay by card these days, but buses are a different matter. If you plan to take public transport from the airport, make sure you have some local currency - in small notes or coins if possible - in case you have to pay in cash.

Which of these do you usually do when you arrive in a new place? Any other tips you recommend?

Happy travels!

Claire x

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