Orienting yourself in a new city takes some time and research. Half the fun of travelling is discovering local gems—restaurants, sights, boutiques, parks. But you should identify some places before any trip for your own safety and convenience. Here are essential places to locate on a trip.

Pharmacies

Should you forget a prescription or require first-aid, you will need the local pharmacy. Moreover, most pharmacies now double as grocers. This means you can buy food and other hygiene products there, too. While convenience stores sell snacks and smokes, the pharmacy equips you with much more.

Restaurants

Most people expect to dine out when travelling. Therefore, you’ll need to find some local restaurants. Ask for recommendations at the hotel or research places online. Do your best to refrain from eating places you can go back home.

Dry Cleaners

Many hotels provide on premise laundry facilities, but they might not accommodate dry-clean-only apparel. If you bring a suit or dress that cannot go into the wash, look for a dry cleaner in the case you soil your clothes.

Emergency Services

Injuries happen. Unfortunately, so do crimes. Find the police stations and hospitals in the area to protect yourself from such things. If travelling outside your home country, medical insurance can protect you. Keep a record of your insurance in your luggage or wallet whenever travelling.

Gas Stations

If you drive, you might need to fill up your vehicle before leaving. Breaking down at the side of the road can ruin any trip, so plan ahead and locate gas stations. Depending on your vehicle, you may want to add a mechanic to this list for automotive repairs and maintenance.