Quick Tips For The Traveling Merperson!

1. Pack Wisely

If you’re planning on taking your tail with you on your vacation, you need to make sure you pack it where it will be protected from any issues you could have while traveling. Check the storage instructions on your tail or fin, and pack it accordingly. Flexible fins can usually be curled in on themselves around clothing, which will also keep them from folding and tearing. Stiffer fins, like finis shooters, should be packed in between layers of clothing for protection.

And, any trip isn’t complete without the essentials. Make sure you have room in your luggage for your toiletries, any medications you’ll need, and sunscreen (even if you’re not on the paler side.)

Tail bags might seem like an extravagant expense until you need to move your 30 pound tail across borders and you get charged $100 by Delta for overweight fees. Tail bags are usually their most useful when you don’t have a suitcase that fits your tail, but if your tail does fit in your suitcase it may be wise to take one, anyway. You don’t want to take your suitcase all the way down to the beach, now, do you?

If you’re travelling to another country, especially to places where you don’t speak the language, take the time to learn some basic phrases, like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, as well as where the best place is to use them. In America, for example, it’s odd to hear people using ‘You’re Welcome’ outside of formal settings because it can come off as passive-aggressive, whereas in Britain, it’s expected after every service. So even in places that hypothetically speak the same language, learning the customs matters!

3. Look Up Local Customs

2. If Necessary, Get A Tail Bag

4. Find Safe Places To Swim

First rule of swimming in strange places is making sure that where you’re swimming is

• Legal for you to be there

• The water is safe to swim in

• That you aren’t swimming alone

These may seem obvious, but you might be shocked to know how many tourists end up swimming in water infested with flesh-eating bacteria because they didn’t pay attention the warning sides or thought that they were exaggerating. If you’re not sure if a place is safe to swim, ask locals, or if you are looking for a great place to swim look at the Map on MerMapp. It will not only show you pools, but also nearby Mermaids who may be open for going for a swim! You can download the app here to get ready for your next trip, or to make some mer-friends closer to home!

Please leave any additional tips you have in the comments! And as always, happy swimming!