Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, nothing beats that holiday feeling of soaking up new sights and experiences. But being in an unfamiliar city means that you are away from home comforts and navigating around is much more of a challenge, so you can't go anywhere without being at least a little prepared. Here is a little guide to traveling to, exploring, and living in new cities both stylishly and comfortably:

1. Check the Weather

Wherever you are going and no matter how long for, you should always do some research on your destination. First of all, you can't really pack your luggage without a good idea of what the weather and temperature are going to be like. If you have a set itinerary, or you know what things you plan on getting up to each day, you can also pack your luggage accordingly. 

2. Distance

It helps to have some idea about how close in proximity to your accommodation things will be, so you know the distance you will be traveling each day. Alternatively, if you know where you will be working or visiting, you can book your accommodation in close proximity. Now is also a good time to check transport links, bus and taxi prices, as well as walking distances. Getting a head-start on travel times and distances will make your trip less stressful, as you are already prepared for getting around.

3. Updates

If you rely on technology - update all your apps! You should update your apps before you start your travel, but also, you can spend a little time looking for more. If you are heading to a city with a specific travel company and they have their own app for purchasing bus tickets, etc., now is the time to download it. It saves time thinking about it later, so you can be ready to go with your apps already installed and updated and signed in.

4. Time is Money

When it comes to travel, you've probably spent a fair amount of money on getting there, so it seems reasonable that you will want to spend as much of your time there doing stuff. To get the most out of your time, make an itinerary so you can fit in everything you want to do. It gives you a nice clear view of when and where you are meant to be, so you can ensure you don't forget about anything. If you are traveling on business, then having all your meetings marked out makes it easier to see the gaps that can be filled doing more enjoyable stuff.

5. Food

Eating and drinking are essential to everyone's day, and this is an area you can plan for too. It is even more important to do so if you have any dietary restrictions, as some places cater to them better than others. Some cities have their own delicacies, or perhaps a dish or snack they are famed for. If its something that takes your interest, make sure you try it out whilst you're there. If coffee is your thing then try looking up the best spots to get coffee, read up on reviews and you could find some hidden gems. Without a little pre-planning, it's easy to rely on chain restaurants, but if you do your research then you can find some great places for local food and enjoy a more exciting experience.

6. A Place to Call Home

Finding the right place to stay can make a big difference in your overall experience. Hotels are always available and usually cater to different budgets, but they allow less freedom if you want more of a homely experience. If you are staying for a longer trip, or perhaps you are traveling with friends and family, something to consider is these rentals. For example, Blueground rentals in Los Angeles are fully-furnished and have flexible stay-times, making them perfect for a home away from home. There are lots of options to consider but finding the right accommodation can make your trip more satisfactory. If you're planning on staying for a long period of time, then a serviced apartment is the perfect option. 

7. Make Smart Savings

Going to new places makes it easy to fall for tourist traps. Whilst spending money on popular tourist spots is OK sometimes, it's not budget-friendly to go all in. Make sure you look up discount vouchers and codes for attractions you don't want to miss, but also look for the beauty spots and things to do that are free. Not everything costs money, so finding out what there is to offer that won't cost you lots, and it will help you to enjoy your trip without spending all your money in one go. 

Wherever you're headed, you are bound to have lots of fun and make new memories. With a little pre-planning, you can get the most from your trips and have a great experience. Happy traveling!