You may have heard the saying:
“Good judgment often comes from experience. However, experience sometimes comes from poor judgment.”
The humor and irony of that statement is one of the main reasons I created this website. I want people to benefit from the knowledge I’ve picked up traveling for so many years, without having to experience some of the poor judgement for themselves. 🙂 I also can’t stand reading things where it takes forever to get to the point, so let’s get right to it!
Here are my Top 50 Travel Tips from more than thirty years of galavanting around the globe. I’m going to list them all first then go into more detail about each further down if you want to read more details about each one (which I highly recommend).
- Make the decision that travel is a priority in your life.
- Save so you can spend.
- Use points and miles for free travel.
- Make a pre-travel plan. You’ll never be sorry you did.
- Book flights at least two to three months in advance to get the best price.
- Read and research the place you are going and its history.
- Purchase a museum / site pass ahead of time if you can.
- Off times are the best time to visit historical sites.
- Purchase a rail / subway pass ahead of time if you can.
- Don’t plan to go everywhere in one trip. Please trust me on this.
- Use Airbnb and avoid expensive hotels unless you can afford it.
- Invest in and get fitted for a really good backpack, not a cheap one. Proper fit is everything.
- Invest in and get fitted for really good walking shoes.
- Invest in a portable battery charger.
- The value of a good set of earplugs can’t be overstated enough.
- Make a packing list way ahead of time. It’s fun to start planning and will keep you excited about your trip. Add to it and revise it as you think of things.
- Look up the weather of the destination you are visiting so you know what to expect.
- Pack smartly and sensibly. What does that mean?
- Pack lighter than you think.
- Pack extra underwear and socks.
- It doesn’t hurt to pack a towel.
- If you have a “wooby,” take it.
- Pre-plan some outfits.
- Pack a headlamp or small flashlight.
- Pack a basic first-aid kit.
- Pack any medicines you need.
- Make sure you have enough of any prescriptions. Contact your doctor / pharmacist ahead of time if you don’t.
- When in doubt, leave most things at home.
- Start to learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination ahead of time. Practice together and/or with friends.
- Put your valuables, electronics, and two days worth of clothing in your carry-on.
- Purchase travel insurance or use a credit card that covers you. Or both.
- Make sure your financial stuff is in order long before you leave.
- Use no-fee credit and debit cards when traveling abroad.
- Let your bank know ahead of time that you’re traveling.
- Bring only the cards you need.
- Use an anti-theft wallet with RFID protection.
- If traveling with a partner split up your credit cards and cash in case of theft.
- Get some cash in the currency of where you’re going.
- Look up if the places you’re going and see if they take Apple / Samsung Pay.
- Have an emergency plan.
- Bring your favorite entertainment for long trips and make amazing memories with it.
- Photograph your passport and important documents before you leave.
- Use a passport app if your country has one.
- Have multiple ways to access your money.
- Take pictures of your luggage and clothes.
- Make sure you’re vaccinated if needed.
- Be environmentally conscious. Take an empty water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate.
- Don’t get behind families at security if possible.
- Stay hydrated, especially on planes.
- When you check into a hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade.
- When you go out, take only what you need.
- Be respectful of other cultures.
- Visit the local tourism office and find out what’s FREE!
- Go grocery shopping and cook at your Airbnb.
- Save expensive restaurants for lunchtime.
- Meet new people, but listen to your “spidey-sense.”
- Get proper sleep and eat well.
- If you want to avoid crowds, wake up early.
- Take a LOT of photographs, mostly of people, not things.
- BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP!
- Use free Wi-Fi, but don’t share sensitive information in public places.
- Rely on the technology, but also rely on YOU.
- Get safely lost.
- Try new foods!
- Travel by yourself at least once
- Don’t be afraid of foreign countries, but be safe and smart.
- Lotion, lotion, lotion.
- Keep in contact with your loved ones.
- Remember that travel doesn’t always mean a plane and another continent!
- Watch your expectations. Thing aren’t always like they are where you’re from.
- Understand that people in a foreign country may not speak English. You need to adapt, not them.
- Life begins outside of your comfort zone.
- Remember best laid plans…
- Don’t be a d**k.
- Log off from your home life and put the phone down.
Details for each tip
Make the decision that travel is a priority in your life.
We make time for the things we really want. It’s that simple. If you want to travel more, then you have to decide that it’s a priority. Once you do, you’ll automatically start to adjust your life accordingly. Several of the tips below will refer back to this idea.
Save so you can spend.
Oh look, I’m already referring back to tip #1. 🙂 Budgeting for travel is of paramount importance, and when you make travel a priority, this becomes easier. There are lots of small things you can do that add up to big money. One example: Stop buying coffee out, or at least reduce the amount that you do. Why? Because you can buy a plane ticket with the money you’ll save in one year. Here’s the math breakdown:
A single cup of coffee each day at Starbucks ranges from $2 to $5 each. That’s $60 to $150 a month, or $730 to $1,825 per year. There’s a lot of research on-line about making coffee at home and drip coffee vs. Keurig, etc. At the end of the day, the math averages out to about .25 to .50 cents a cup if you brew at home. That’s $91.25 to $182.50 per year vs. $730 to $1,825 per year. If we take the difference of Starbucks vs. home brewing, that’s $730 – $91.25 = $638.75 and $1,825 – $182.50 = $1,642.50.
Therefore, brewing coffee at home can save you from $638 to $1,642 per year. Guess how much a round trip ticket, as an example, from the USA to Europe costs? Less than both of those numbers if you book ahead.
There are lots of other ways you can save money, and I’ll be sharing some more of them in a future post. A few big ones are: eating out less, lowering your cable and other bills, and using an on-line savings account to earn at least 2% interest instead of your local bank.
Use reward points and miles for free travel.
Very soon, I’ll have an entire post about this, as I’m very passionate about it, but suffice it to say, having a credit card with a really good rewards plan and the discipline to use it correctly will get you free plane tickets, rental cars, etc.. We traveled to New Zealand for free. We traveled to Scotland for free. And we have traveled all over the United States… for free!
If you want to travel a lot like we do, I think the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the best. If you don’t travel as often, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Freedom Unlimited cards are great alternatives. More on all of them coming soon.
Make a pre-travel plan. You will never be sorry you did.
This is one of the most important things you can do and where most people drop the proverbial ball. Once you’ve explored some options of places you want to go, doing some reading and research about those places is very important. On more than one occasion, I changed my mind about where I wanted to go when I found out some details about the place I had initially looked at. Some destinations fit better for where you are in your life, and figuring that out before you purchase tickets is very important so you don’t waste your precious time and money.
Once you’ve made the decision about where you want to go, the real fun begins!
As part of your pre-travel plan you should start searching the web for information about that place. Pinterest is a very valuable tool as well, as there are a plethora of posts about most destinations in the world. Create a board on Pinterest where you can start gathering information. Additionally, I like the travel books at Lonely Planet. They’re beautifully put together, very reasonably priced, and super informative. Believe me, you’re going to discover that there are hidden gems in almost every destination you’re considering. You’re going to want to see those things as they’re likely to be the best parts of your trips.
My pre-travel plan always consists of research, reading, and Pinterest boards. Then I look at the general weather for that time of year to get an idea of what kind of wardrobe and accessories I’m going to want to bring with me. This leads me to start my packing list, which I create in the cloud so that I can access it no matter where I am or what device I’m on. I highly recommend this and if you don’t know how to use the cloud, please consult one of your tech friends. I’ll be writing a post about it in the near future as well.
Book flights at least two to three months in advance to get the best price.
You can save a substantial amount of money by booking early. I always recommend two to four months ahead of time, especially if you’re going to be traveling on any of the major holidays. Another thing to take into consideration is whether or not you want to buy a flexible plane ticket. They cost more money, but allow you to change the ticket without any fees. If you think your travel plans are solid, I wouldn’t bother with this option because of the cost. However, if you want flexibility with your ticket and can afford it, it’s definitely a good idea.
Read and research the place you are going and its history.
As I mentioned above, reading about the places you’re going can help you discover things to explore that you never knew existed. A real example of this was when we were planning our trip to New Zealand for our ten year anniversary. While looking up stuff on the internet, I found an underground caving adventure called The Black Abyss. It looked so awesome that I started researching it a lot more anany d very soon knew it was something we wanted to do. To this day, it’s one of the coolest things we’ve ever done anywhere in the world and I only found it because I researched where we were going.
The Black Abyss was so awesome that I wrote a whole post about it, which you can read right here!
Purchase a museum / site pass ahead of time if you can.
Whenever possible, I recommend purchasing a pass for the museums and other exhibits in whatever city you’re going to. Most cities offer them, and they’ll not only save you money, but more importantly, a lot of time waiting in lines.
Off times are the best times to see the sites.
If you want to visit popular places, exhibits, etc., you’ll definitely have smaller crowds if you go in the off times. The only drawback to this, is that you have to either get up very early or arrange your schedule so that you’re there when other people aren’t. This can involve pushing meal times to odd hours and other schedule changes. The advantage is that you get to enjoy these wonderful places without tons of people potentially hindering your experience. It’s really up to you, and how you like to travel, but definitely something to consider.
Purchase a rail / subway pass ahead of time if you can.
Just like a museum and exhibit pass, most cities offer a rail and/or subway pass. If you’re going to be traveling for a week or more, these can save you money and time. If you’re only going to be in a place for a few days however, you’re likely better off with a daily pass instead.
Don’t plan to go everywhere in one trip. Please trust me on this.
Of the classic mistakes that people make when they travel, is trying to see a multitude of locations and destinations in a short amount of time. I fully understand the temptation. You work hard for your money, you spend a lot of it to travel, and you want to take in as much as possible to “get your money’s worth.” It’s very normal to feel that way.
However… it’s a mistake, and you’re not going to get anywhere near your money’s worth.
The reason is that when you try to fit in lots of locations and destinations quickly, there’s simply no way for you to actually relax and take in the culture, people, and overall feel of these amazing places. You’ll hear different thoughts on this subject, but trust me, I’ve done both kinds of trips, and allowing plenty of time in a singular place, or maybe two places, is a much more fantastic experience then blazing through several quickly.
Traveling quickly is essentially like watching several days of movie previews, but never actually sitting down to take a movie in. Can you get an idea of what it might be about? Maybe. But do you actually get to experience the film in all its glory? No. And furthermore, you miss the point of the whole thing in the process.
When you take the time to visit a new place for at least a week, you have the opportunity to meet locals, have conversations with shop owners, see what life is like for people in another part of the world (or your own country), and truly feel and experience a different culture than your own. This is at the heart of why people should travel. I personally believe that to speed through a bunch of places robs us of almost everything that’s important about traveling.
Is it fun to hop in the car and try to see as much as you can in a short amount of time? If you have the right people with you, maybe once. But understand that you will look back on trips like that and wish that you had stayed in one or two places. We did a marathon trip where we were in five countries in a week and we not only got sick, but we spent so much time in airports, planes, trains, and subways, that we were exhausted most of the time. This not only led to cranky moods and deciding to bypass several attractions, but also missing several because our timing didn’t line up. In the end, it wasn’t a wasted trip because we learned very valuable lessons, but trust me, you don’t want to squander your time and money like that.
Use Airbnb and avoid expensive hotels unless you can afford it.
Airbnb has really changed the world in a fantastic way. There are now affordable accommodations available in almost every corner of the earth. Additionally, you can find some really fun and unique places to stay! Are there times when you just want a hotel? Sure. But most of the time, we’ve enjoyed Airbnb because we get to meet new people and feel much more like a local than a foreigner. Additionally, one of the greatest things about Airbnb, is that you get to buy groceries and cook your own food which saves a ton of money. I also think that it’s nice to have a place that feels like a home away from home, rather than the often sterile environment of a hotel. And let’s not forget… you also have the benefit of having a place to yourself and not being surrounded by hundreds of people.
Invest in and get fitted for a really good backpack, not a cheap one. Proper fit is everything.
I wrote a post about about backpacks which you can read right here. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a backpack that fits you properly. It’s going to be one of the major differences between an easy-going, comfortable vacation and a miserable trip with discomfort and possible future injury.
Take me seriously when I tell you that going to an outdoors store like REI, and getting properly fit is a decision for which you’ll be thankful the rest of your life. Just imagine your future self looking back through time and saying, “Thank you for not treating our body like crap.” 🙂
Invest in and get fitted for really good walking shoes.
Just like a good backpack, I can’t stress the importance of good shoes. When most people travel, they do a lot of walking. A good pair of shoes can be the difference between a fantastic trip and a miserable one. There are so many excellent shoe manufacturers now that I think it’s actually hard to not get a good pair of shoes.
Do some research on your own feet. Most shoe stores, whether they are freestanding or in the mall, will give you a free fitting and let you know your exact size and width. Some of them even have fancy computer systems that will scan your feet. You don’t necessarily have to buy the shoes at these stores, but knowing your fit, much like a backpack, is very important. I found great shoes on Amazon after doing research about which kind was right for me, and as a real-life example, on a recent trip we walked over 115 miles and I didn’t notice my feet or shoes the entire time.
Invest in a portable battery charger.
We live in an age of incredible technology. Mobile phones, computers, digital watches, etc. When traveling, I’ve run out of battery on my phone a few times because I was shooting so many pictures and videos. Now I carry a portable battery charger with me wherever I go. There are lots of vendors that make them and I think Amazon is a great place to pick one up for very reasonable price. Battery technology is also something that is constantly evolving and from the time I bought one a couple of years ago until today they’ve gotten cheaper and even more powerful and lighter in weight.
Please know ahead of time that a portable battery is something that you absolutely have to take in a carry-on when you fly because they’re not permitted in checked bags.
Having one of these on hand is a lifesaver when you’re visiting a tourist site in the middle of nowhere and your phone is running out of juice. You can just plug it in and keep on taking pictures and video, never missing an important memory.
Check out some samples of portable battery charges here.
The value of a good set of earplugs can’t be overstated enough.
Whether it’s noise from the engines of an airplane, screaming babies, or just general crowds, sometimes you really need to shut the world out. I don’t ever travel without a good quality set of earplugs. I’ll include a link below as a starting reference point. There’s lots of different kinds out there to choose from.
Earplugs are also great for getting a good night’s sleep if you’re staying in a place that’s noisy. If you’re in a major metropolis area like Paris or London and the noise of the city is interrupting your sleep, you can simply put in a pair of earplugs and off you go.
Here’s a link to an example, and those even come with a nice, small travel case.
Make a packing list way ahead of time. It’s fun to start planning and will keep you excited about your trip. Add to it and revise it as you think of things.
I mentioned this in the notes about having a pre-travel plan. Creating your packing list ahead of time allows you to see what you have and don’t have in case there are some items you may need to purchase before you travel. I will be posting about packing lists soon, providing a sample list for both men and women as a starting point. There are also some really nice apps out there if you don’t want to create a list from scratch.
Look up the weather of the destination you are visiting so you know what to expect.
Most major weather websites on the Internet have an archive going back many years. You can also Google things like, “What is the weather like in London in May?” You’ll very quickly and easily get a sense what the weather’s going to be like at the time of year that you’re going to be visiting. Additionally, if you have any friends who live in the area or who have been there before, they’re an invaluable resource because they’ll have the most realistic information.
Once you’ve determined what the weather is likely to be, you can judge your wardrobe and other accessories. As an example, when we went to Scotland, we knew the weather was going to be a bit rainy and cold. We were able to plan ahead and make sure we had wet weather gear, which definitely came in handy.
Pack smartly and sensibly. What does that mean?
As you’ll see by the list below, there are some things you’ll want to make sure you pack. You also want to make sure that you pack properly so that your luggage can hold all of your items efficiently. There’s a lot of different ways to pack but I personally find that rolling is much better than folding. Once you get the hang of rolling your clothing you’ll find that you’re able to easily fit about twice as much as you would with traditional folding. Remember these tips as well:
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- Pack lighter than you think.
- Pack extra underwear and socks.
- It doesn’t hurt to pack a towel.
- If you have a “wooby,” take it. No judgement here.
- Pre-plan some outfits.
- Pack a headlamp or small flashlight.
- Pack a basic first-aid kit.
- Pack any medicines you need.
- Make sure you have enough of any prescriptions. Contact your doctor / pharmacist ahead of time if you don’t.
- When in doubt, leave most things at home.
Start to learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination ahead of time. Practice with friends.
If you’re traveling to a foreign country where English is not the primary language, it’s very important to learn the most basic phrases and words. Things like “hello,” “good-bye,” “yes,” “no,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome,” and questions like “Pardon me, do you speak English,” “Where is the nearest bathroom,” and “Where is the nearest restaurant?”
There are plenty of resources on-line and apps for your phone like Microsoft Translator and Google Translate that are incredibly handy to have when you’re in a place where English is not spoken commonly.
Another extremely important aspect of this is to look up the general customs of the place you’re visiting. There are certain social niceties and traditions you should be aware of when visiting a foreign country. Trust me, they will appreciate it. For example, in France, it’s considered customary and polite that whenever you walk into any kind of store you always say, “Bonjour.” It’s a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the person or persons working there. You’ll find that when you practice these simple gestures, you’ll be much more well received.
Put your valuables, electronics, and two days worth of clothing in your carry-on.
In case your checked luggage is delayed or lost, it’s crucial to always have at least two days of clothes in your carry-on as well as any valuables and electronics. Ask yourself, “If my luggage is delayed for 48 hours what do I need to still have a happy vacation?”
Put those items in your carry-on.
Purchase travel insurance or use a credit card that covers you. Or both.
When researching travel, you’ll see travel insurance mentioned quite a bit. That’s for a good reason. It’s relatively inexpensive and an absolute necessity if you ever get into a serious problem, especially abroad. It covers you for any medical expenses, as well as reimburses you if your trip has to be canceled.
Some credit card companies actually provide certain aspects of travel insurance. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card come with certain protections if you purchase your airfare on their credit card. You can see a list of those benefits at this link.
Make sure your financial stuff is in order long before you leave.
As the list below states, make sure you have a good sense of your finances before you leave. You also want a contingency plan in case one or more of your forms of payment don’t work overseas, and without question, some cash on hand in the local currency. You can usually get this at your local bank, or once you arrive at your destination. Additionally:
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- Use no-fee credit and debit cards when traveling abroad.
- Let your bank know ahead of time that you’re traveling.
- Bring only the cards you need.
- Use an anti-theft wallet with RFID protection.
- If traveling with a partner split up your credit cards and cash in case of theft.
- Get some cash in the currency of where you’re going.
- Look up if the places you’re going and see if they take Apple / Samsung Pay.
- Have an emergency plan.
Bring your favorite entertainment for long trips and make amazing memories with it.
True story: We were in the middle of watching several seasons of a t.v. show on Netflix when we left to travel to Europe. I downloaded the rest of the episodes via the Netflix app so we could bring them with us. While we were in England, during our down time, we made a tradition of eating some really good pizza and watching the rest of the show. Now we have this very special memory of finishing that show in London and eating yummy things together. I tell you this because it’s important to plan ahead for some of those nice things.
If there are certain songs, shows, or movies that you love, bring them with you! Make sure you also have and app on your mobile device to be able to listen to or watch them. I also think it’s crucial to have an awesome music playlist… or ten… to listen to while on planes, trains, and the subway. Having a “soundtrack to your life” is one of the most important things you can do when traveling, because years from now, when those songs come on, you’ll be reminded of so many awesome things that you may have forgotten and instantly transported back to those moments. Keep that in mind for your travel.
Photograph your passport and important documents before you leave.
Very simply, make sure you take a picture of your passport and important documents and keep them not only on your phone, but email them to yourself, your traveling partner (if you have one), and a trusted family member. That way if there’s any problem or your documents get stolen, you have one form of proof.
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- Use a passport app if your country has one.
- Have multiple ways to access your money.
Take pictures of your luggage and clothes.
This is a preventative measure in case your luggage gets lost or stolen. You’ll be able to prove to the airline what contents you had so you can get reimbursed for everything and not forget anything.
Make sure you’re vaccinated if needed.
This is pretty self-explanatory, but if you’re traveling to a country where vaccinations are required, make sure to allow enough time to take care of that before you leave.
Be environmentally conscious. Bring your own empty water bottle through security and fill it up afterwards.
This not only saves money, but very soon single-use plastics will be banned worldwide anyway. Help the environment. I LOVE my Yeti brand bottle and take it with me most places.
If possible, don’t get behind families at security.
This is not meant to be offensive towards families at all, they’re great. I myself come from a large family. But often, families are dealing with so many things that it’s faster to simply go to another line.
Stay hydrated, especially on planes.
This is another thing that can’t be overstated enough. Staying hydrated allows you to not only feel better physically and sleep better, but will also keep you healthier. A compromised immune system that is dehydrated is much worse than one that is not.
If you’re using a hotel, ask for an upgrade!
If you’re going to use a hotel, there’s no hurt in asking. Sometimes they have cancellations or things available only at the front desk, and remember the old saying… “You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.”
When you go out, take only what you need.
It’s very common to want to take a bunch of stuff with you in your backpack when you’re going out for the day. Don’t. 🙂 Take only the necessary things for that day’s events. In most countries if you forget something you can pick it up pretty cheaply while you’re out. Your body will thank you for not carrying a heavy load everywhere and trust me, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience not being weighed down all day.
Be respectful of other cultures.
It still surprises me how disrespectful some people can be when they’re visiting another country. I certainly don’t like it when people come to America and are rude or disrespectful, so I do my best to give other countries the same respect. You should too. This involves what I mentioned earlier, which is learning the basic customs, courtesies and traditions of the places you’re traveling to. Most people will “give you a pass” if they find out you’re a foreigner, but why have them give you a pass when you can just be a respectful person to begin with?
You might be surprised just how far common courtesy will get you with most people.
Visit the local tourism office and find out what’s FREE!
Tourism offices exist for a reason! Go to the one in the city or town where you’re headed and ask them what free activities and tours are going on while you’re there. Often times there’ll be a music festival or arts festival or even a food festival of some kind. There’s almost always something fun going on for free and going to those things can be some of the most enjoyable experiences of your trip. There’s nothing like a little local flavor. If you do go on a free tour, please make sure and tip your tour guide. They’re taking you around for free, so a gratuity is a proper form of thank you and respect.
Go grocery shopping, cook at your Airbnb, and split meals out.
Eating food out is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s very much a passion of mine. It’s also one of the reasons I tell people to find every way they can to put money away so that when you’re traveling, you can enjoy really goooooood fooooooood!
However…
Eating out can also be expensive and drain your wallet very quickly. This is why I highly recommend getting yourself an Airbnb with a kitchen, buying groceries locally, and cooking your own food. You can also make simple sandwiches and take leftovers with you when you leave for the day. That way you may only end up eating one meal out. You can also eat the food you take with you, and then come back to the Airbnb for dinner, and then go back out on the town after that. There are a multitude of options but trust me, the money you’ll save cooking your own food is quite substantial and will allow you to spend more on other really cool things.
Save expensive restaurants for lunchtime.
Adding to what I just wrote above, there are some fantastic restaurants that you’re going to want to experience in the world. Most of them offer a lunchtime menu where they serve the same food that they do at night, but a smaller portion for almost half the price. This is a great way to experience amazing cuisine and not break the bank.
Meet new people, but listen to your “spidey-sense.”
I love meeting new people. I love talking to people from different countries and hearing about their way of life. I love laughing with people. I love trading stories and learning about other cultures. This is the one thing for me personally that’s at the heart of why I travel. And… why I created this website in the first place.
I’ve been traveling for most of my life and I’ve made many friends abroad. One great benefit to that, is that I have a guest room to stay at for free in several different countries and they have mine. 🙂 You should endeavor to do the same and create what I call “friendship bridges” around the world.
Meeting new people is a fundamental way for human beings to expand their horizons, learn more about life, and why we’re all here. It also helps us enjoy our lives even more by communing in the human experience. I encourage you to have conversations with others, step outside your comfort zone, and meet new people.
However…
I also firmly believe that every single human being has a sixth sense or gut instinct. In the Spider-Man cartoons, they called it his “spidey sense.” It’s absolutely crucial that you listen to this instinct. If you meet someone and they rub you the wrong way or give you the heebie-jeebies, WALK AWAY.
Never be ashamed of walking away from someone or not engaging with someone because your instincts tell you to do so. There’s a reason your senses are making you feel that way, so never, ever ignore them.
Get proper sleep and eat well.
I know this is common sense, but a lot of people will try to push themselves while traveling and that’s a mistake. You’re going to have a much better time if you’re well rested and healthily fed.
I also know you may want to eat all the pastries in sight when you’re walking around a city like Paris… but don’t. You can overdo it once in a while for fun, but moderation is important so you don’t end up feeling lethargic and crummy on your trip. And side note… the pastries in Paris are incredible, so don’t eat all of them, but uhhhh… eat several. 🙂
If you want to avoid crowds, wake up early.
Some people are not morning people and I get it. However, if you really want to avoid crowds at popular destinations, getting up early is one of the only ways to do that.
Furthermore… If you want to catch that incredibly beautiful sunrise photo… you’re going to have to get up really, really early. Period. This is one of the things that distinguishes a vacation from traveling.
A vacation is when you go somewhere for the purpose of relaxing, sleeping in, detaching from your normal life, and “getting away from it all.”
Traveling… is when you go somewhere with the purpose of experiencing something new. It may often involve compromises, schedule changes, and a little bit of chaos.
Of course, there is a hybrid of both which is what I would call a “traveling vacation.” A little bit of relaxation, a little bit of adventure.
I highly recommend that you decide ahead of time what kind of trip you want to have so that you’re not ever disappointed.
Take a LOT of photographs. Most of them should be of people, not things.
In this wonderful digital era where we don’t have to worry about roles of film and getting them developed, it’s easy to take photos of everything from our food, to a statue, to a sunset. But believe it or not, people often forget to take pictures of themselves and their friends and loved ones. Years later, when you look back on your trips, having some photos of the things you saw will be nice, but you’ll treasure the photographs of the people far more.
Just remember that when you’re out and about so you take a few extra seconds or minutes to capture the people as well as the things.
BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP!
I cannot stress this tip enough. There’s a saying in technology: “You’re only as good as your last backup.” What this means is that when you’re traveling, you definitely want to make sure that at the very least you are backing up all your photos and videos to the cloud every day. Whether you’re using iCloud with an iPhone or some other service with android, a cloud backup should be your first priority.
The second thing that’s an important priority is to travel with a laptop that you can put a backup onto. Some people don’t want to travel with a laptop and I understand, but for those of us who do, backing up your media every day to your laptop is a great way to make sure that all of your memories are safe, even if your phone / camera got stolen.
For those of you like me who travel with even more gear like DSLR / mirrorless cameras, drones, and other more complicated technology, having a multi-stage and redundant backup solution is essential. I personally use a laptop and two external hard drives to have triple redundancy as well as a cloud backup for my personal stuff. Do whatever works for you, but make sure that your backup has a backup.
Use free Wi-Fi, but don’t share sensitive information in public places.
Using free Wi-Fi is great to be able to stay connected when you want to. However, I highly recommend that you don’t log into your bank or any other kind of financial service or sensitive data while on public Wi-Fi. Save those things for when you’re in your accommodation with a private Wi-Fi network with a password, or a trusted Internet source like your friends’ house or an Internet café with security.
Rely on the technology, but also rely on YOU.
I love technology. It helps us in innumerable ways. However, it’s also important to remember that you as a human being are one of the greatest pieces of technology that has ever existed. You are a very complicated machine that can do incredible things and don’t ever sell yourself short. Remember that they used to navigate the oceans by the stars.
Surely you can find your way to the subway without a phone. 🙂
Get safely lost.
Most travelers will tell you that getting lost often leads to some of the best memories you’ll ever make. I agree, but I also want to stress that being safe is a big part of that. For each person, being safe may have a slightly different definition but whatever it is for you, just be safe when you get lost. Trust your instincts, listen to your gut, and practice common sense.
And don’t take any candy from strangers. 🙂
Try new foods!
I know I mentioned food already, but I want to reiterate that when you’re traveling, don’t just eat the same things you always do. You don’t have to go crazy and try something bizarre and weird, but definitely eat something you’ve never had before, especially if there’s a cuisine from a foreign country that you’ve never experienced.
I’ve had at least ten different meals in different countries that opened my palate up to new spices, new ways of cooking, and food experiences that were just magnificent. That in turn has allowed me to research those recipes and make some of those amazing foods at home.
Travel by yourself at least once.
It’s a completely different experience to travel by yourself than with other people. I think most people should try it. It can be lonely, it can be scary, but it can also be one of the most incredible things you ever do. It also helps you learn a level of independence that most people didn’t think they were capable of.
But also follow rule number 38 and be safe. 🙂
Don’t be afraid of foreign countries, but be safe and smart.
I know safety is a recurring theme here but in today’s world it’s an important one. If you’re traveling to a foreign country that is known to have political issues or other difficulties, practice not only common sense, but don’t be a hero. Register with the local embassy for your country. Keep in contact with your family and loved ones, and be smart.
Listen to your instincts, but don’t let propaganda and fear prevent you from seeing some of the most incredible things in the world. My experience has been that most places are nowhere near as bad as the news sometimes makes them seem. Fear tactics are used quite often by people with their own agenda. To be clear, this doesn’t mean you should go to a war zone. You shouldn’t. But there are places you can go that are safer than rumor or news media will lead you to believe. Before you go to one of those places, do your own research. Talk to people and make your own opinion. But again, don’t be a hero. Be smart, be safe, and trust your instincts.
Lotion, lotion, lotion.
It may seem silly but one of the things that people actually forget about is moisturizing. Planes can really dry you out, and so can a change in environment. Bring your favorite lotion with you in a small enough container to have in a carry-on, and moisturize often. Your elderly self just thanked you.
Keep in contact with your loved ones.
Of course vacation and traveling are about getting away from it all, and you don’t want to be reporting in to people all the time. However, definitely send an occasional email or text to the people you love and let them know you’re safe. No matter what, they worry about you.
Remember that travel doesn’t always mean a plane and another continent!
When we talk about traveling, we often think of going to foreign countries and having exotic and incredible experiences. But one of the things that most people ignore are all of the absolutely amazing things in their own proverbial backyard. As an American, there are literally countless fantastic things to see right in our own country that cost very little money. From Mount Rushmore to Zion National Park, and New York City to Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of things to see in your own country.
Do some research on-line and you may find very quickly that there are unique arts festivals, experiences with animals, and other really cool adventures much closer to your home than a plane ride across the ocean.
Watch your expectations. Things aren’t always like they are where you’re from.
If you do travel internationally, don’t expect other people to behave or believe the same way you do. Many other places have different belief systems and different ways of doing things. Part of being a good traveler is not only understanding that, but respecting it.
Understand that people in a foreign country may not speak English. You need to adapt, not them.
This tip is mostly for Americans and other English speakers. I have found that when I’m traveling internationally people make the assumption that everyone speaks English. That is absolutely not the case. Furthermore, a lot of people think that English is the most spoken language in the world and in fact it is not. Mandarin Chinese is. English is second.
So just remember when you’re traveling in a foreign country that those people have no obligation to speak your language. You actually have the obligation to try and speak theirs.
Life begins outside of your comfort zone.
I could write a whole long post about this, but in short… try new things. Say yes more often when traveling and open yourself to new ideas. I’m not saying to go crazy and jump off a bridge while drinking snake blood, but I’m saying be open to new experiences.
Remember best laid plans…
The famous phrase from a Burns poem is commonly translated to: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”
It means that no matter how well you plan, sometimes things just don’t work out the way you had hoped. It’s about our expectations and the fact that we should always understand that in life, things may not go the way we wanted them to. Travel is no different.
For all the planning that I think people should do and all the tips that I could write, one of the most important things to also understand is that despite all of those things… if you want to have a successful trip, you have to be open to the fact that things may change, and things may not go the way you thought they would. If you can have that kind of flexibility in your every day life, and in your travel plans, you will have the best of experiences and the happiest life.
Don’t be a d**k.
Seriously. Don’t be a d**k. If there’s one rule that you remember above most of the others, it’s to practice kindness. It will take you quite a long way in life as well as traveling.
Log off from your home life and put the phone down.
For all of my love of technology, and the importance of staying in contact now and again, etc., remember that one of the greatest things about traveling is the ability to disconnect from your every day life and let go.
Make sure at some point during your travels you turn your off your phone, stow it in your bag, and just experience your journey as a human being present in the world without any distractions.
That’s when a lot of the magic happens.
