Ever arrive at your destination, drop your bags and run off to explore? Only to come back to the hotel exhausted, frustrated and hungry, looking for something to eat and your toothbrush, but just wanting to collapse on the bed? Read below to start your vacation off right with these First Five Things to Do in a New Place. Get these done and your first day in a new city will end happy and tired.

Unpack at Least your Toiletries

By getting things out like your toothbrush, makeup remover, etc you’ll feel relieved to not have to dig through your bags later in the evening, when you return from your first day of exploring.

Scope Out the Hotel and What it Has to Offer

From amenities, to restaurant menus, to whether they have a pool. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with what you can get from the hotel and what you’ll have to get while you’re out.

Map Out the Distance to your First Activity

Say you want to be at your first museum when it opens at 9am to beat the crowds. You’ll want to calculate how much time it will take you to get there, so that you can factor in breakfast and other morning routines. Start the day off right, by not rushing around.

Yelp your Next Meal

Using Yelp while you’re traveling is a great tool. Not only can it help you decide which restaurants to steer clear of, but it can also help you have a great food experience almost every time. Instead of pattering around, starving; hoping for something to pop up, you can choose that highly regarded local dive a few blocks away. If you’re international, TripAdvisor is the way to go.

Have a Drink

Settle in and go for your favorite wine or something local. Relax while you take in the new place and new surroundings.

Check out my fun article on How to Prepare for Long Term Hotel Stays!