Like the time I got burglarized on the train, or the time Scott and I discovered our rental car was no longer sitting at the Bozeman Airport. Some travel mistakes like these are preventable, and some are just part of the trip. You can't be prepared for everything. However, keeping some things in mind will make your trip easier. Here are my top 25 travel tips, no matter the order:
My Top 25 Travel Tips;
Be Flexible
We always try to be prepared for delays and get desperately upset when something doesn't go right. Patience is the most important thing when traveling!
Make a List
About a week before each trip, I create a mental list of the items I don't want to forget - I write down the things I'm sure I will forget on a piece of paper. I learned that when I think about something, I should write it down on paper.
Learn Common Expressions of the Local Language
A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Sorry” in the local language will do you just fine. I also love learning the meaning of beer, but I guess that's just me.
Don't Forget to Pack an Extra Camera Battery (or Two)
Have you ever noticed that your battery is about to run out and you don't have a spare while watching a magnificent sunset? I try to carry at least 3 batteries with us on every trip we go to never miss the perfect shot.
Always Carry a Shawl
Shawls serve as a blanket when you're cold, a towel when necessary, a curtain, or a piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways. Solid colored ones are very suitable for this situation.
Always Have Health Insurance
A medical break moment can destroy your entire budget, and it is most important that you set out with health insurance before anything worse happens.
Make Photocopies of Important Documents
When I was in my 20s, I used to carry a photocopy of my passport with me in a separate bag along with the original. After that, I got lazy. Recently a friend of mine lost his passport at the airport. The employees told my friend that he could board the plane if he presented a photocopy of his passport and a few spare biometric photographs to the staff there, but of course they did not let my friend on the plane because he was lazy like me. He had to pay a fine of $2,000 as a fine and lost a week of vacation in Europe.
Throw Extra Laundry in Your Bag
Since there is no harm in having extra clothes in case of possible situations, every extra laundry put in the bag will save lives. Another practical idea is to buy clothes that can be easily washed and dried quickly while you are on the road.
Determine the Clothes You Will Wear in Advance
Since I am a lazy, last-minute packing person, I spent many of my trips wearing all black or gray clothes because I never planned what I would wear in advance. When I look at the photos, I wish I had made a little more effort when packing my bag.
Put Electronic Devices, Medication, Toothbrush, Extra Underwear, and Travel-Size Items in Your Carry-On Bag
Put your important belongings in the bag you always carry with you. If you are going on a road trip by the beach, you should also throw your swimming clothes in your bag. You can buy most of these easily, but carrying them with you at all times will save you money in case your large bag is lost or stolen on the plane.
Check Ticket Prices BEFORE Using Public Transportation
It is a good idea to be aware of how much the price is before getting on any public transportation vehicle. We learned our lesson in the Dominican Republics.
Carry Lotion in Your Small Bag
I always fill both eyes of my lens case with moisturizing lotion because it's hard to find at most sinks and airports are pretty dry.
Don't Stay Hydrated on the Plane
Yes, it's fun to get drunk at 30,000 ft, but it's also easy to become dehydrated because of it. Staying hydrated on long flights also makes it easier to overcome jet lag.
Note Your Hotel Room Number and Hotel Address in Your Phone
Am I the only one who can't remember the hotel room number? There should be others like me, too.
Consult the Locals
We always ask locals to recommend the best restaurant, the best spot to watch the sunset, and the best stop for coffee. I even tell people what I want to eat, so I can eat and be amazed at places I might never visit.
Be Careful of Free Public WIFI Connections
I take care not to use internet banking over public connections in places such as airports and not to enter my passwords through these connections. I'm not that strict when I arrive at the hotel especially if they have passwords for their WIFI connection.
Inform Your Bank and Credit Card Company About Your Trip
This is a very important step if you do not want your card to be blocked while traveling overseas.
Apply Sunscreen
My facial moisturizer also has sun protection. This is something I normally do every day, but it is much more important and needs attention when traveling.
Take Tons of Photos
The best travel memories come from them!
Be Open Minded
Not judging different traditions. You are a visitor. Be respectful.
Leave Time for Sudden Events
Don't plan everything ahead of time either. I know it's tempting, but the unplanned moments that happen while traveling can create your best memories.
Inform Someone in the House of Your Plans
This is really important if you are traveling alone, but if you are traveling with a few people, it would not be a bad idea to have someone know where you are and where you will be.
Keep Your Personal Belongings in Separate Places
When my boyfriend and I travel together, we try to mix our personal belongings into each other's bags so that even if one of the bags gets lost, neither of us will still lose our clothes and some of our personal belongings.
Don't Keep Your Money in One Place
Don't keep all your cash and cards in one place. I always have cash and a spare debit card that I keep in a separate place from my wallet, and I keep them in a separate bag.
Travel First Aid Kit
It would be beneficial to carry a bag ready with aspirin, Benadryl, cold medicines, stomach and cough syrups, band-aids, Activated Charcoal medications (these are lifesavers for travelers in case of some allergic reactions and diarrhea), Neosporin and some other medications that you cannot easily access. J&J sells a mini first aid kit for an affordable price.
Do You Love Travel?
Do you want to know how you can travel the world? I have put together for you a page full of useful travel research that I have learned from traveling for ten years. There are many articles you can learn about how to make money while traveling, how to find the best prices on flights and accommodation, how to save money for a trip, how to start a travel blog, and many other topics.
