It is fun to travel, especially when the purpose is to play and not work. If it is work, why not have fun while there as well. There are lots of tips and tricks out there to ensure that you have a memorable stay wherever you travel to. Anything can happen while on a trip, being mugged to getting lost to making great friends and having the time of your life.
There are important things to keep in mind which will make your travels much easier. Here are a traveller’s best travel tips, as contained in ordinarytraveler.com. In no particular order:
- Be flexible
We always plan for delays and try not to get upset when things inevitably go wrong. Patience is extremely important when traveling!
- Make a list
About a week or so before each trip, make a mental list of items you don’t want to forget — which you will forget if you don’t write them down. When you think of something, you need to write it down.
- Learn common phrases of the local language
A simple “please,” “thank you,” and “i’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way.
- Don’t forget an extra camera battery (or two)
Have you ever gotten to that epic sunset photo spot and realized your camera battery is dead and you don’t have a backup? Take at least three camera batteries on all our trips so that you don’t miss out on that perfect shot.
- Always bring a sarong
Sarongs can be used as a wrap when you are cold, a towel, a curtain, or a piece of clothing that can be worn dozens of different ways.
- Always buy travel insurance
A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse.
- Make photocopies of important documents
In my early twenties, i was very good about keeping a copy of my passport in a separate bag from my actual passport. Then i got lazy. Recently, a friend of mine lost her passport at the airport. She was told that if she had brought a copy of it and extra passport photos they would have let her travel. Since she didn’t, she was forced to forfeit a $2,000 flight and a week in europe. I now carry a copy with me.
- Pack extra underwear
Undies are small and it’s always a good idea to have a few extra pairs in case of emergencies. Another option is to pack this quick-dry underwear so you can easily wash them on the road.
- Pre-plan your outfits
If you are a lazy, last-minute packer, you might spend a lot of trips with all black or all grey outfits because you didn’t plan your outfits before packing. Your pictures will tell the tale.
- Put electronics, medications, toothbrush, and an extra pair of underwear in your carry-on
A few important items should always go in your carry-on. A swimsuit is also a good idea if you are going on a beach vacation. You can buy most of these things if your bag gets lost, but having them in your carry-on will save you money and time if your luggage gets lost in transit.
- Enquire about the price before you take public transportation
It’s a good idea to ask about the price before you hop on a bus, guagua, or other form of public transportation.
- Bring lotion in your carry-on
You could fill both sides of a contact lens container or something small like that.
- Stay hydrated on planes
It’s fun to get drunk at 30,000 feet, but it’s also much easier to get dehydrated. Staying hydrated — especially on long-haul flights — makes it easier to get over jet lag too.
- Put your room number & hotel address in your phone
- Ask the locals
Always ask the locals to point us to the best restaurants, awesome spots to watch the sunset, the best coffee shops, etc. Tell people what type of food you are craving. You will be surprised at the interesting restaurants you would be led to that ordinarily wouldn’t have been your first choice.
- Beware of free public Wi-Fi
Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering any passwords while using free public Wi-Fi at a place like an airport. You can be less strict about this once you’ve gotten to your hotel, especially if the Wi-Fi has a password.
- Alert your bank and credit card company of your travel plans
This is a great habit to get into if you don’t want your credit card company or bank to put a hold on your card while you are overseas.
- Wear sunscreen
- Take plenty of photos
They make the best souvenirs!
- Keep an open mind
Don’t judge other customs. You are a visitor. Be respectful.
- Leave room for spontaneity
Don’t plan your entire itinerary ahead of time. It’s tempting, yes, but those unplanned moments while traveling can be the best memories.
- Let someone at home know your plans
This is extremely important when traveling solo, but it’s still a good idea no matter how many people are in your travel group.
- Separate your personal items
- Separate your sources of money
Don’t keep all your cash and cards in one spot. Hide some cash and a backup credit/bank card in a separate bag — not the same bag as your wallet.
- Travel first aid kit
Pack up a small first aid kit with aspirin, Benadryl, cold meds, tums, cough drops, bandages, Activated charcoal pills (these are a life saver for traveller’s diarrhoea and minor allergic reactions), Neosporin, and other things that may not always easily be accessible when traveling.