Are you preparing for a trip? Read the following tips to make your travel experience easier. From being flexible with your plans to savoring local cuisine, these suggestions will help you embrace a thrilling adventure around the world.
1. Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is key! While it’s great to have a plan, make sure it’s adaptable. Things can change during your journey, and being open to adjustments will make your travels smoother. Some places may not be as accessible as you expect, while others may present unexpected opportunities.
Embrace change—it’s a positive thing!
2. Cultivate Patience
A valuable travel tip passed down by my father is to cultivate patience. In certain countries, things may not function as efficiently as they do back home, and people may have a different perception of time.
You’ll often hear phrases like “This is Africa time” or “This is Bali time!” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated by delays, but it’s better to relax and wait it out.
3. Pack a Versatile Sarong
One of my top travel tips is to ditch the bulky beach towel and pack a sarong instead! Sarongs are lightweight, easy to pack, and dry quickly. They serve multiple purposes, from beach cover-ups to picnic mats, and can also keep you warm in the evenings.
Most hostels provide bath towels, so it’s worth considering if you really need to bring one. However, I recommend carrying a microfiber towel (large) for emergencies.
4. Utilize Packing Cubes
Your bag is your lifeline, and packing cubes will help you keep it organized throughout your global adventures. If you’re traveling with a backpack, locating specific items can be a nightmare. Trust me when I say that packing cubes will save you from that struggle.
FYI: Packing cubes are small zippered cases that hold your clothes. They make packing, organizing, and retrieving specific items much easier, without having to unpack everything!
5. Escape the Crowds
Popular tourist attractions are bound to be crowded. While it’s not always possible to avoid them, my travel tip is to go early in the morning. Yes, it might require an early start, but the experience will be worth it. You’ll have a better chance of capturing those stunning early morning photos and enjoying the sights before the masses arrive.
6. Embrace a Worry-Free Attitude
Traveling should be enjoyable and adventurous. I’m fortunate to have a carefree demeanor, but for those who tend to worry, it takes some time to adopt a “no worries” mindset.
Consider this: if you can’t change something that’s happening, why worry about it? Everything will work out for the best, as it always does. Embrace and enjoy the present moment!
7. Learn Basic Foreign Phrases
Even if you only learn a few phrases like “thank you” and “please,” it makes a significant difference while traveling. Locals will appreciate your efforts to speak a few words in their native language, and it often elicits a positive response.
Additionally, greeting people in their language can make them more inclined to offer help, such as giving directions if you’re lost.
8. Keep Your Accommodation Details Handy
Always grab a business card from your hostel or hotel. It contains their address, which can come in handy. If a business card is unavailable, write down the address or save it in your maps app. Language barriers can pose challenges, so it’s easier to show the address to a taxi or tuk-tuk driver instead of trying to explain it verbally.
9. Carry Spare Passport Photos and Copies
Having spare passport photos and copies is a smart move. Depending on your trip, you may need them for visa applications or extensions. It’s better to be prepared, and these travel tips will ensure you have the necessary documents whenever required.
10. Secure Your Belongings with a Padlock
If you plan on staying in hostels, it’s essential to carry a padlock. While most hostels offer lockboxes or storage areas for your bags, they usually don’t provide locks. Safeguard your belongings by using a padlock.
In case you don’t feel comfortable leaving valuables locked in a shared area, some hostels allow you to leave them at reception for safekeeping, particularly passports and valuable items like laptops.
Read more: Solo travel – self discovery journey
11. Listen and Observe
Listening to the people around you is always a good idea. Locals possess excellent knowledge of the area, and fellow travelers, especially those who have been there for a while, can provide valuable insights. Listen to their stories, learn about their experiences, and strike up conversations to gain inspiration.
12. Enjoy Some “You” Time
One of the greatest perks of traveling is the freedom to explore without time constraints. When you find a place you love, take some time for yourself. Pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect with your surroundings.
Even if you’re traveling with others, carve out moments for personal reflection and rejuvenation.
13. Join Free Walking Tours
One of the best travel tips for exploring new cities is to participate in free walking tours. Your hostel or hotel can guide you to reputable options.
These tours are not only cost-effective but also provide a fantastic opportunity to familiarize yourself with the city, discover local spots, meet fellow travelers, and explore areas you might not have come across otherwise.
14. Invest in a Warm Sleeping Bag
Don’t underestimate the chill on overnight buses. Although it may seem unlikely in warmer countries, take my advice and pack a sleeping bag. The air conditioning on buses can be extremely cold, causing fingers and noses to freeze.
I’m naturally more susceptible to the cold, but having a sleeping bag saved me. It’s one of the first tips I offer when people ask for packing advice.
15. Carry Backup Bank Cards
Always remember to bring backup cards! Mishaps can happen-cards can be swallowed by machines, lost, stolen, or damaged. To ensure peace of mind, use a credit card for online transactions like flights and accommodation.
We primarily rely on our international ‘TransferWise’ account, which is fantastic. However, we also carry a few additional cards tucked away in our bags as emergency backups.
16. Opt for Local Transport
To experience the true essence of a destination and save money, follow the locals’ lead and use public transport. Local buses, trains, and boats offer affordable and authentic travel experiences.
It can be fun and rewarding to navigate from point A to B using local transportation. On the other hand, be cautious with taxis, as they can attempt scams, take longer routes, or overcharge you.
If you do need to take a taxi, especially late at night, consider using local taxi apps like Grab, Gojek, or Uber. Booking through the app provides transparency in trip costs and minimizes the chances of scams.
17. Homestays for Authentic Experiences
Whenever possible, choose homestays during your travels. They provide an excellent opportunity to connect with locals, immerse yourself in their culture, learn traditional cooking methods, and gain local insights.
Staying with host families also contributes to the local community and provides financial support. It’s a wonderful way to experience the world, especially if you’ve been on the road for a while and crave a sense of home.
18. Pack Cozy Socks
If you’re someone who easily feels cold, like me, it’s important to pack a thick pair of socks. While others might be comfortable in shorts, I find myself reaching for a jumper and trousers to stay warm.
Air conditioning on planes, buses, trains, and even in hostels can be surprisingly chilly. The temperature settings don’t always match the outside weather, so having a pair of thick socks handy is a must to keep your feet cozy and comfortable.
19. Indulge in Local Cuisine
This travel tip not only adds flavor to your journey but also helps keep your expenses in check. Instead of opting for expensive Western food, venture into the world of local cuisine. Each destination has its own unique flavors and culinary traditions.
Trying new dishes and experimenting with unfamiliar tastes can be exciting and surprising. After all, you’re traveling to experience something different from home, so why not eat like the locals do?
Remember these travel tips as you embark on your adventures, and enjoy every moment of your journey around the world!
Conclusion
These beginner travel tips will help you have a smoother and more enjoyable adventure. Embrace flexibility, cultivate patience, pack smart, escape the crowds, and immerse yourself in local experiences. With these tips in mind, you’ll make the most of your journey and create unforgettable memories.
