Are you ready for an adventure? There
are so many different forms of travel: backpacking, cruises, long-term
travel, etc. No two trips are the same, and each trip will provide you
with unique memories and exciting adventures that you can share with
your friends and family back home. Whether you are taking a trip to see
family and friends for the holidays, or want to explore new countries
across the world, traveling can be an enriching and memorable
experience.
We
have all spent hours looking at pictures of gorgeous beaches, luxury
resorts, and cool road trips. Before you book, know that travel isn’t always
Instagram-worthy. Flights may be delayed, you might run into scams, and
you may dip into your budget more than you had originally planned. A
battle with food poisoning or lost luggage can certainly put a damper on
your trip. Luckily, travelers before you have gone through similar
experiences and know how to avoid snafus while traveling. Do not worry;
with proper planning, and the following travel tips from travel experts,
you can make the most out of your travels and experience the vacation
or trip of a lifetime. Enjoy the next 50 tips for traveling, including flying, taking a road trip, traveling with children, and traveling overseas.
Tips for Planning Your Trip and Booking Accommodation
Get the Best Deals on Hotel Rooms
In
order to score a great deal on a hotel room, you may have to be
patient, be flexible, and do your research. Travelers have many
different strategies and tricks
for getting the best hotel room for the lowest price. For example,
booking 24-48 hours may get you a lower rate, as you’re booking during
the hotel’s cancellation time frame. If you sign up ahead of time on
websites that alert you of price drops, you will get an instant
notification when the hotel is available at the best price. Checking in
at the end of the day, and discreetly asking for a corner room, will
also give you the best chance of getting an upgrade for the same price.
Make Friends (And Save Money) By Staying in a Hostel
If
you are a young solo traveler, staying in a hotel can get lonely. Meet
fellow travelers at youth hostels, which offer cheap accommodation in
private or dorm rooms. The quality of the rooms or amenities may not
match a 5-star resort, but many hostels have communal areas or
activities where travelers can mingle and enjoy a drink. Hostels are (usually) not available for travelers over the age of 50, but solo travelers can meet people through a variety of websites or apps.
Consider Housesitting for Free Accommodation
If
you are flexible with travel dates and where you would like to stay,
consider house sitting or pet sitting. There are a handful of websites
that offer a subscription program in order to search and apply for house
sitting jobs. Most of these jobs are in the suburbs, but if you own a
car or do not mind taking public transportation, you can get a nice
house or apartment with little to no cost.
Check The Dates Of Your Trip For Public Holidays
Different countries have different religions and holidays
that may affect your travel plans. In some cases, the rates for
accommodation may be higher, or hotels will book up fast. Other holidays
may affect the hours of popular tourist sites or local businesses. In
some countries, religious holidays may affect the sale of alcohol. On
the other hand, visiting a country or city while they celebrate a big
holiday can be very enriching and make your trip more special. Plan your
trip accordingly, and know what to expect when you arrive during a
holiday season.
Read Blogs or Visit Social Media For Inspiration
If
you pop your destination into Google, you may find a handful of the
same restaurants, sites, and hotels in the first page of results. Dig a
little deeper and get recommendations from Bloglovin or other blogging
platforms. Bloggers, especially bloggers with smaller followings, are
more likely to give accurate and authentic information about what it is
like to travel; if they are paid by a tour or company to promote their
product, they should disclose that information throughout their blog
posts. You can also use
social media to find local gems and hidden spots. Searching through
Instagram by specific locations or hashtags will show you pretty sites
and great restaurants that you might not find on big travel websites.
Tips for Packing
Know the Weather and Culture of Your Destination Before Packing
In
order to properly pack for your destination, do some research about
your destination and your itinerary. Check how hot, and also how humid,
the weather will be during your trip. If you are traveling during a
“rainy season,” you will want to pack more breathable clothes and
waterproof shoes. If you are packing for colder weather, you will have
to pack layers. Also consider the culture and dress codes
of the area you are visiting. In a country like Thailand or Cambodia,
you will need to cover your shoulders and knees in order to visit a
temple. Sandals or shorts may also be prohibited if you want to go to a
nice restaurant or bar.
Choose Luggage That You Recognize
A
square black suitcase can be hard to find at baggage claim, and harder
to identify if your luggage gets lost. Bring a unique suitcase or
backpack with bright colors or patterns. Take a picture of your suitcase
before you check it, just in case it gets lost. If you do need to pack a
more common suitcase, add a bright luggage tag or tie a ribbon around
the handle to easily identify the bag.
Pack Solid Cosmetics When You Can
If
you want to limit your luggage to a carry-on, you will have to limit
the amount of liquids you bring with you, including shampoos and shower
gels. Purchase solid cosmetics to get through airport security without
throwing anything away. If you need to pack smaller liquids, make sure
they will comply with the 3-1-1 rule. These liquids should be kept in a Ziploc bag just in case they spill or burst in transit.
Bring Essentials In Your Carry-On
If
you are checking a bag, pack an extra outfit and your essentials in
your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag gets lost. No matter whether you are checking or carrying on luggage, don’t forget to pack the following essentials:
A
two-week trip can be packed in a carry-on bag, if you pack light and
forego unnecessary outfits. Once you have informed yourself of any
special clothing items you will need for your trip, you can create your
packing list.
Go by the popular 5-4-3-2-1 rule: 5 Tops, 4 Bottoms, 3 Accessories, 2 Pairs of Shoes, 1 Swimsuit
Never pack for more than two weeks at a time. You can always visit a laundromat if you are traveling for over two weeks.
Pack clothes with neutral colors in order to mix and match outfits easily.
Limit all cosmetics to carry-on size. If you are staying a hotel where
shampoo, body soap, etc. will be available, leave these items at home.
Leave room for souvenirs!
Roll, rather than fold, your clothes in order to save space in your suitcase.
Put smaller items inside your shoes. Wrap your shoes in a shower cap to prevent other items from getting dirty.
Additional Preparation
Arrange Everything at Home Before You Go
If
you and your family are traveling and leaving the house unoccupied, you
will need to make certain arrangements to keep your pets and house
safe. Alert your neighbors that you will be leaving, and let them know
how long you will be gone. Hold mail or newspaper deliveries, or arrange
a neighbor to bring in deliveries while you are away. You have many
options when it comes to caring for your pets: you can hire a pet
sitter, leave them with a trusted friend or neighbor, or drop them off
at a kennel. Leave your car(s) in the garage or park them at the
airport.
Learn a Few Local Phrases
If
English is your native language, you may not have a lot of trouble
navigating big cities or popular tourist destinations. Learning a few
phrases, like “thank you”
or other greetings, will show that you are making an effort to respect
the local culture. Learn how to pronounce the name of the street where
you will be staying if you need to hop into a taxi outside of the
airport or at the end of the day.
Tips for Flying
Get the Best Deal on Your Flight
You may have heard this classic tip:
booking your flight six weeks in advance, on a Tuesday afternoon, will
give you the best price. In addition to using this time frame, refresh
your browser history before you book. When airlines see that you have
looked at a flight multiple times, they might jack up prices.
Get to Your Flight Early for Upgrades and Deals
In
order to get through airport security, you should arrive at the airport
2-3 hours before your flight boards. The earlier you get to your gate,
the more chances you have of getting an upgrade. Flights may overbook
and ask for volunteers who will take a later flight in exchange for a
flight voucher. Other flights may allow you to checked your bags for
free if the flight is fully booked. If
you are comfortable sitting in the emergency exit row, take advantage
of the opportunity; you will have more leg room and be more comfortable
on your flight.
Prepare For Airport Security
Even if you arrive a few hours before your flight takes off, you will want to zip through airport security
as fast as possible. Wear slip-on shoes or sandals that will come off
easily before you go through the metal detector. Place your bag of
liquids, as well as your laptop and any other electronics, in your front
pocket for easy access – these need to be removed while your carry-on
is checked. Leave coins at home; they’ll need to be removed too.
Avoid Jet Lag While Flying
If
you are traveling across multiple time zones, you may spend the first
few days of your trip with “jet lag.” Jet lag can cause serious fatigue,
headaches, or stomach problems. In order to overcome jet lag,
you must prepare your body a few days in advance for the time zone
change. Travelers heading east should sleep and wake up earlier than
normal; travelers heading west should do the opposite. Taking naps
during your destination’s nighttime will also help to prepare your body
before you hop on a plane. When you fly, bring a sleep mask and earplugs
so you can sleep comfortably if you are flying during your
destination’s night. (A sleep mask and earplugs are also worth packing
if you are just going on a road trip.) Keep yourself hydrated on the
flight. Drinking alcohol or caffeine will make your jet lag worse. If
your trip is only a few days long, take naps during the day to prevent
jet lag when you go home. If you are traveling long-term, take it easy
the first few days of travel to account for possible jet lag symptoms.
Spending an extra day or two by the pool relaxing will help you get over
jet lag faster, and give you energy for the rest of your trip.
Tips for Road Trips
Take Your Car in For Inspection Before You Go
You’re ready for a big road trip…but is your car? Before you hit the road,
take your car to a service station to perform routine maintenance and
check to see that the car is running smoothly. Deflated tires, crummy
brake pads, or weak batteries will increase the risk of an emergency
situation when you’re on the way to your destination. Double check what
your auto insurance policy covers, and buy additional travel insurance
for your car if necessary.
Pack Safety Gear in Your Trunk or Glove Box
If
you are driving long distances, you may run into car troubles. Not all
routes have gas stations and help nearby, so having a kit with emergency
gear will get you through any tire blowout or stalled car. Remember to pack the following items:
Flashlight
First aid kit
Blankets
Jumper cables
Seatbelt cutter
Roadside flares
Spare tire
Toolbox
Phone charger
Apps designed to help record and report car accidents
Packing
for a road trip is different than packing for a flight. Even if you’re
crossing state and international borders, you can bring food and drinks
with you while you travel. Even if you have two or three drivers ready
to take the wheel, having food on hand will keep everyone in the car
happy and awake (when they need to be). The best non-perishable snacks for a quick energy boost include:
Peanut butter
Edamame
Almonds and cashews
Whole grain cereal
Trail mix
Plan Your Route (And Where You Will Be Sleeping)
We
all have GPS devices on our phones or in our cars, but it’s still good
to be prepared with an old-fashioned map and knowledge of the routes you
are taking. While you are planning your route, plan where you will be
sleeping each night. Driver fatigue is involved in 100,000 roadside crashes
each year in the United States alone. Hotels are available along most
highways for a good night’s sleep, but do not let a tight budget deter
you from getting some sleep. Campgrounds, rest stops, and some 24-hour
convenience stores will allow you to sleep in your car legally, getting a
quick rest before hitting the road again. If
you are planning on sleeping in your car, be sure to pack warm blankets
or a sleeping bag to keep you warm in all seasons. Window tints or
temporary curtains can protect all passengers while you get some
shut-eye.
Staying Safe while Traveling
Purchase Insurance
Whether you are traveling within your own country or internationally, travel insurance
will give you peace of mind in case of any emergency. Travel insurance
may cover cancelled flights, lost luggage, or medical expenses during
your trip. Before you purchase insurance from a third party, talk to
your current health insurance provider, and check on the warranties and
insurance policies of your electronics. Knowing what is covered without
travel insurance will save you money when you are picking a policy.
Avoid International Fees With ATM Withdrawal
Before
you travel abroad, visit your bank and discuss your upcoming travel
plans. If you do not let your bank know that you are traveling,
seemingly random charges in a different country will look like identity
theft. The bank may shut down your card without warning. Some
cards will charge an additional fee for using your card abroad. In
order to avoid these fees, take out a larger sum of money from the ATM
when you arrive in the airport. Having cash on hand will help you stay
within your budget; you can physically see how much money you are
spending, and ration out money throughout your trip. In many countries,
credit cards aren’t accepted at local businesses, so it’s smart to have
cash on hand anyway.
Check Your Credit Card Statement Throughout Your Trip
If
you are using cash, don’t neglect your credit card statement. The
longer you go without checking your statement, the longer someone can
get away with stealing your information or making unauthorized
purchases.
Keep Money in Hidden Places
Having
a large sum of cash on hand will help you budget, but may not be safe.
Thieves target tourists, especially in big cities. Some of the most notorious cities for pickpockets include:
Barcelona, Spain
Rome, Italy
Prague, Czech Republic
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Buenos Aires, Argentina
In
order to keep your money safe, separate your money and place them in
different pockets or parts of your body. The money can go in your shoes,
inside pockets, tucked in your bra, wherever you can fit it! (If you
are visiting a warmer country, it may help to have a thin wallet or
money holder to keep your money from smelling like sweat.)
Wear a Fanny Pack (Bum Bag)
Another
way to keep your valuables on your person is to wear a fanny pack.
(These are called “bum bags” in England, because the word “fanny” is
rather offensive and silly.) A fanny pack can be worn over or under a
loose shirt or jacket. In the past, these bags have been regarded as
overtly touristy and dorky, but lately, they’ve become almost trendy.
Educate Yourself About Scams Before You Arrive
You
will meet many loving and gracious people while you travel, but be
aware that some locals may take advantage of you because you’re a
tourist. Know common scams
where you are heading. In general, be sure to avoid unmetered taxis and
haggle for goods wherever it’s appropriate. If a cab driver tells you
that your hotel, tour, or a certain tourist attraction is closed or
overbooked, be cautious. Only book train or bus tickets online or inside
the station, not through cab drivers.
Talk to Female Staff About Traveling as a Woman
If
you are a solo female traveler, some cities and countries can be
especially daunting. Unfortunately, most countries still harbour a
culture that makes women lesser, and women are more likely to face scams
or violence if traveling alone. To stay safe, reach out to local women
(including hotel staff, tour guides, or waitresses) and ask about
different neighborhoods and ways to stay safe as a woman. Join Facebook
groups of women travelers for additional tips and tricks; if you ask for
women to go out with and travel with, you may just make a few friends.
If you are flying, you will be limited in what self-defense weapons you
can bring, but you can always buy a discreet form of brass knuckles or
pepper spray abroad to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
Traveling With Children
Combine Luggage
Traveling
light is even more important when you’re with children. Once one child
decides that they don’t want to wear their backpack or carry a suitcase,
the domino effect will begin and you will get stuck carrying more than
you bargained for. Pack light; fit your children’s day bags in your
checked suitcase to consolidate. Checking less baggage will save you
money and muscle strain throughout your trip.
Give Them Your Phone Number and Address
If
your child gets lost, they should be able to reach you through phone or
by telling a stranger or security officer your name. Children who are
old enough should be taught this information; children who are younger
should have this information on their person. Give your child an index
card with your name, phone number, address, and accommodation
information so they can be traced back to you if they wander off.
Check for Additional Fees
Traveling
with toddlers and infants often means your little ones get free entry
to parks or transportation tickets, but not always. Research additional
fees that parents may have to pay for a child on your lap or entry into
tourist attractions. Your children may also need identification if they
are traveling, including a passport or visa.
Bring Extra Activities
Young
children may be face-to-face with Mickey Mouse, standing in front of
the Eiffel Tower, or dipping their toes in the Pacific Ocean for the
first time – and all they want to do is eat a snack or play with their
toys. When they get bored during long lines or on a flight, the wait can
become unbearable. Pack coloring books, games, or teething toys in your
carry-on or day bag to have on hand in an instant.
Take Things Slow, and Be Positive
Traveling
with children is not easy, whether they are a newborn or a moody
teenager. Plan your itinerary ahead of time and give yourselves extra
time at each restaurant or attraction; you never know when your child
will have a meltdown or you will have to change plans. Throughout your
travels, remember that you will miss these days when your children are
grown up. Big families with small children aren’t always treated well by
fellow passengers; keep your cool. Positivity is contagious; the more
calm and happy you remain around screaming or crying children, the more
calm and happy your whole tour group or flight will be.
How to Avoid Getting Sick
Stay Up to Date On Immunizations
If
you are entering country, you may risk getting sick from the local
food, water, or insects. Before you travel, research recommended
immunizations for the countries you are visiting. You may have to get
the immunizations two weeks before departure in order for them to work.
Avoid Tap Water
Buy
bottled water whenever you can. If you are at a restaurant, ask for
your drinks without ice. Typically, ice that is shaped like a doughnut
(round with a hole in the middle) is produced by a safe company and is
okay to drink, but continue to exercise caution throughout your trip. If
you are staying in a country with particularly bad tap water, remember
to use drinking water while you are brushing your teeth or washing your
face.
Avoid Food Poisoning By (Carefully) Eating Street Food
If
you are traveling to Southeast Asia or anywhere with a big street food
culture, you may be nervous about getting sick. For many travelers,
eating street food is safer than
eating at a sit-down restaurant. When you order a meal or snack from a
stall outside, you can watch the food being cooked. Choose a stall that
looks like the food was freshly laid out and not sitting around all day.
If you have a choice of different stalls, choose one where a lot of
locals are lined up; this means that the food is high-quality and is not
known for getting people sick.
Be Cautious If You Have Allergies
Travelers
with food allergies may run into difficulties at restaurants where the
staff do not speak your language. Be patient with wait staff; learn
basic phrases that communicate your allergy. Research ingredients of
common dishes where you are traveling ahead of time. Pack proper
medication in your carry-on or day bag in case of an emergency. If you
are traveling alone, pack instructions to give to a witness or stranger
who may have to administer medication.
How To Make Travel Meaningful
Talk With Travel Partners Before You Go
If
you are traveling with a partner or a friend, avoid conflicts by laying
out your goals before you go. Each person may have a different idea on
how much they would like to budget out per day, which sites they would
like to see, and the ideal pace of each day. Sit down and look at your
possible itinerary and talk about how you would like to budget your
meals, shopping, and other expenses. Talking these issues out before you
travel will give you a better idea of what your trip will be like,
avoiding possible conflicts while you are trying to relax and enjoy your
vacation.
Rise and Shine
If
you have popular tourist attractions on your bucket list, set your
alarms. Check the attraction’s hours online and get in line before the
attraction even opens. Once the afternoon hits, you may find yourself
waiting in long lines with big tourist groups. Seeing the attraction
when it’s not crowded will help you make the most of your experience
(and have limited photobombers in your photos.)
Educate Yourself About Local Culture
Traveling
does not just involve one or two people. When you visit another
person’s home or country, you may have a lasting effect on their land,
their property, or their perception of travelers from your country. All
humans deserve to be treated with respect, and sometimes, respect looks
different around the world. Consult with etiquette guides
about local customs. Know when and when not to tip. Appropriate
gestures in your country may be extremely offensive to locals. During
meal time, different cultures might have unique rules on who sits at the
table first (and where they sit), how food is eaten, and how to let
hosts know that you have finished and enjoyed your meal. If you are unsure of local customs, follow these general rules:
Dress modestly
Drink responsibly
Do not feed wild animals
Refrain from taking photos of local people without their permission
Refrain from insulting local customs or traditions, no matter how “weird” they may seem
Refrain from touching people of the opposite sex
If
you see signs while abroad, be sure to read them, ask a local what the
sign says, or take a picture and translate them when you have an
Internet connection.
When
you respect the area you are visiting, you create a more positive
atmosphere and allow future travelers to enjoy the area as well.
Volunteer While Traveling – With Sustainable, Ethical Organizations
Traveling
long-term will certainly eat up your budget, but travelers can cut down
on expenses through volunteer work. There are a handful of websites
that set up volunteer programs and cultural exchanges between travelers
and homestays or businesses. These exchanges generally give travelers
free accommodation and free food in exchange for a few hours of work a
day or week. There are many travelers currently working at hostels,
helping around a family’s home, or farming in exchange for a free stay
and free food. These programs can last a week or last for a few months,
if you would like to travel long-term. If
you are looking at a volunteer program that requires you to pay big
bucks for accommodation and food expenses, be cautious. Conduct thorough
research and read reviews of the program. Volunteer work and exchanges
can be done without shelling out big bucks. Other volunteer programs do
not have a sustainable, positive impact. One example is visiting orphanages; while many tourists believe that a trip to an orphanage is doing a good deed, their visit may actually harm children in the long run.
Look Out For Social Enterprise Businesses and Cafes
Travelers
can give back to the community without volunteering. Take some time to
research ethically run businesses and tours in the areas where you will
be visiting. Visiting a coffee shop or restaurant that offers job
training and fair wages give back to the community through a delicious
meal. While you are shopping for souvenirs, consider visiting markets
that showcase local artisans over mass-produced goods. Some spas or
beauty salons are social enterprises, giving opportunities to women who
have been abused or sent to jail in the past. Supporting these
businesses shows the community that you care. On the other side, do some research into what popular tourist attractions or sites are not ethically
run. Tourists may initially enjoy the idea of riding on an elephant or
taking selfies with a tiger, but after researching what practices go
into these animal attractions,
may not enjoy the activities as much. Read reviews from past patrons
and look closely into how the animals are treated before you give them
your money.
Pass on Advice to Fellow Travelers
If
you encounter a restaurant or business that provides excellent service,
share this information with fellow travelers! Many websites offer
advice and customer reviews on local businesses, and these sites rely on
travelers like you to give honest, unbiased feedback about your
experience. Leaving reviews will benefit business owners in the local
community, and encourage other travelers to do the same.
Travel in the Way That Works for You
There
are many different forms of travel, and each person is traveling for a
different reason. Before you travel, ask yourself why you are traveling,
and what you would like to gain from your trip. Would you like to get a
new perspective on the world? Would you like to check items off of your
bucket list? Would you like to try new food? Keep these goals in mind
during your trip, and know that while other people may have different
goals and perspectives, this is your trip. Do what feels best for you when it comes to accommodation, transportation, budget, and your itinerary.
Know That Not Everything Goes As Planned
Even
if you have your itinerary and budget planned to the last minute, you
may have to improvise on the spot. Flights could be delayed, weather
could cancel your cruise, or your accommodation may not be as glamorous
and relaxing as you think. No matter what happens, remember to relax and
have a good attitude. These surprises may end up making your trip more
memorable, in a positive way! Be open to itinerary changes and delays.
When you have to find a last-minute restaurant or make up plans on the
spot, you may end up with a more enriching experience.
Document the Experience
There
are moments from your travels that you will remember for the rest of
your life. Bring a small journal or a disposable camera to quickly jot
down funny stories or take pictures during your trip. Sure, these photos
and notes will look great on your social media, but will also serve as
physical memories of an amazing experience. If you take pictures with
your smartphone, get in the habit of backing up your photos to a cloud
at the end of the day.
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