10 Best Travel Tips for New and Seasoned Travelers
As you plan your travels, you want to be as informed as possible about your destination or traveling in general. This way you know what to expect and how to prepare for your trip. Here are some of the best tips from travelers who have spent at least a decade traveling all over the world.
- Pack light
One of the best pieces of advice for travelers is to pack light. Whatever you have packed already, make it half. Resist the temptation to overpack and be open to wearing the same shirt, dress, or pants twice. You will have access to laundry wherever you are traveling and if not, you could always buy some more clothes. The secret to making your luggage small is to use a small backpack or suitcase. That way, you won’t be tempted to fill in the empty spaces that would be in a large suitcase. Pick your lightweight clothes that are easy to wash and only carry two pairs of shoes. The less luggage, the easier your travels will be.
- Travel insurance
This is the most vital travel tip you should take. Always get travel insurance before you leave home. You can never expect to be sick in your travels or get injured but it is better to be prepared. The air ambulance and hospital bills can amount to $100,000 in case of an accident or illness. Good travel insurance will ensure that this is not among your worries and you get to enjoy your trip. Get insurance whether the trip is days long or even lasting more than a month.
- Learn Basic phrases
You do not need to learn a second or third language but it is important to learn the basic phrases of the local language in the place you are visiting. The locals will be very appreciative that you tried and more open to interacting with you. Learn basic phrases such as “Hello”, “How are you”, “Sorry”, “Thank you”, “Where is the bathroom”, and “Goodbye”. It will earn you respect and added with a smile, will go a long way to making your visit more pleasant. It is also important to do basic research on your destination before the journey. You can get a history book, an encyclopedia, or even the most popular book in the country or region. This will not reduce any mystery or fun of your visit but it will familiarize you with the place, people, and culture.
- Emergency cash and extra credit/debit card
One of the worst things that can happen while traveling is losing your bags or being robbed. Either way, you might find yourself without funds or any means to secure any. Therefore be sure to always bring an extra credit card. One bank card is too risky and might leave you stranded so carry along two or three credit or debit cards with you. Aside from this, ensure to carry emergency cash as well. You should have a stash of about $200 to $300 set aside. Cash is not always safe so be sure to minimize the amount you carry around. Split the cash in various places in your bag or pockets. The U.S. dollar is the best currency to use since it is widely accepted in many parts of the world.
- Always pack a towel and a scarf/sarong
A towel will be necessary when you are either on your walks or hikes and need to dry off. You can’t carry the hotel’s towels so pack one to carry around. A sarong is used as a headscarf in some temples in Asia and the Middle East. A sarong can also serve as a towel for you so it’s more convenient. You can also use a sarong as a beach blanket or keep warm in the evening chill.
- Eat Street food
Always eat street food. It is most times the most authentic and fresh food you can find. Don’t even ask what it is but just put it into your mouth. If you are worried about safety, select the ones cooked over a flame, boiled, or deep-fried. Streetfood is a sure way to learn about the culture of the people and while you are at it, you will discover some delicious meals you had never heard of. It is an adventure you truly don’t want to miss out on in your travels. Resist the temptation to go to the supermarket and eat the local cuisine. However, don’t eat out every day as it will strain your pockets. Take time to cook meals for yourself as well.
- Wander
Feel free to wander and purposefully get lost. There is so much to learn about a place when you just take a stroll in a random direction and wander aimlessly. It’s the best way to get away from places full of tourists as well and you will find some hidden gems. In case you are afraid of getting lost, use Google Maps to check your location occasionally. Immerse yourself in culture and meet new people on your way. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers or even ask for directions every once in a while. Traveling is about discovering new things, new places, new people, and new joys. Aimless strolls are a sure way to tick all of the above.
- Take good photos
Photos will freeze the moments in time and later on you can reminisce about them. Selfies might be the easiest to take but they tend to look the same. So ask people to take photos of you on your travels. Ensure to save backup copies of the photos and also print out a few. Physical copies of your pictures will make for a great memento of your trip. Another tip is to put your cell phone down and just experience the place. Despite the temptation to take out your phone and snap or record something, experiencing moments and places is one of the best ways to truly enjoy your travels. Put your phone away and be in the moment.
- Splurge
Indulge yourself in luxury or at least step out of your tight budget every once in a while. Although it would seem like being frugal with your money is wise, splurging is needed as well. Whether it’s a spa day, a bag you simply must get, some beautiful shoes, an expensive dinner, or an expensive bottle of wine, spend out of your limit at least once. This will help you recharge, have fun, and is very healthy.
- Do not over-plan your day
You will be tempted to fill every hour of your day with activities to experience as much as possible. Don’t. Be flexible and plan at least two to three activities for your day. Go with the flow and allow yourself to explore rather than follow a schedule. Over-planning can also make you exhausted which will beat the purpose of your travels. Treat your traveling as leisure time and plan it as such. Allow some days to unfold and ask the residents the best places to visit. This way your stay will be more fulfilling and you can also enjoy the sights better as you won’t be on the clock.
