Travel Tips - Part I
Hi Travellers
I have been travelling since I was 10, and even more so after leaving school. As much as I am passionate about travelling, it comes with challenges...
Most people aren’t born savvy travellers. It’s something that only comes with experience. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes. Travel adroitness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behaviour, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a duck to water.
To speed up the process and help you avoid mistakes (and I often make a lot of them), I put together a giant list on travel tips that cover nearly everything under the sun to assist you reach your full travel pugilist craft:
#1 Small suitcase
By purchasing a small suitcase, you will be forced to pack light. Humans have a natural tendency to want to fill space so if you pack light but have lots of extra room in your bag, you’ll end up going “well, I guess I can take more” and then regret it.
#2 Pack light
It’s quite alright to wear the same t-shirt or jeans a few days in a row. Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. A smaller suitcase will help with this.
#3 Take extra socks and underwear
You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. I only take a few more than I need. Nothing beats a fresh pair of underwear!
#4 Additional bank card and/or credit card
Disasters happen. It’s always good to have a backup in case you get robbed or lose a card. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds.
#5 Try to use no-fee bank cards
Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee.
#6 Pay local currency
A few countries will ask you in which currency you want to be charged when paying by card. Always pay local currency, the fees are less, and conversion from your bank will save you a bit. If they do not ask, remind them.
#7 Travel by yourself at least once
You’ll learn a lot about yourself and how to become independent. It’s a banality, but it’s true. Travelling solo taught me how to fend for myself, talk to people, and handle unfamiliar situations with ease. It’s made me comfortable with myself, helped me learn about what I’m capable of, and allowed me to be super selfish and do whatever I want! It can take some getting used to if you’ve never done it before but do it at least once. Make yourself uncomfortable and surprise yourself. You’ll learn valuable life skills when you push yourself!
#8 Use a map
Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighbourhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one! I always use a Google Maps when I travel. It helps you get to where you need to go!
#9 Don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost
Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps!
#10 Avoid money-belts
Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff! Use card holders instead.
#11 When you go out, take only what you need.
Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. I never carry cash unless I will take a taxi. Over the years, countries have developed and have many ATMs scatter in abundance. But, if there aren't many around, take max $50.
#12 Carry a lock
They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms and need to lock your stuff up. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. Don’t use one with keys because, if you lose the keys, you’re screwed! I use a lock on my suitcase so I do not forget to take one.
#13 Make extra copies of your passport and important documents
Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report. Some countries you have an immigration receipt or e-visa you can carry instead.
#14 Ask hotel staff for information
Hotel staff deal with budget travellers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.
#15 Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination
The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you've tried. I experienced in countries that are very proud of their language, it goes a far way. Or, just use Google Translate.
#16 Read up on history
You can’t understand a place’s present if you don’t know anything about its past. Read up on the destinations you are visiting. It will give you a deeper understanding of this place you’ve wanted to see for so long!
#17 Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s
Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free WiFi and public restrooms you can use. And if you are Starbucks die hard, like me, get your favourite cup of coffee, a snack and one of their infamous branded mugs!
#18 Don’t fly direct
When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly into airports close to your final destination, and then take a train or bus to where you need to go. Be sure to shop around for cheap flights and know that direct isn’t always the cheapest route.
#19 Always get behind business travellers when in security lines.
They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!
#20 Never get behind families
They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take awhile.
#21 Checking in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade
I am not that comfortable with doing this, but my partner is excellent at haggling. We have been upgraded 90% of the time. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!
I hope that helps. I will be sharing more tips in part II.
If you have any tips, drop a comment, and I will add it.
I have been travelling since I was 10, and even more so after leaving school. As much as I am passionate about travelling, it comes with challenges...
Most people aren’t born savvy travellers. It’s something that only comes with experience. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes. Travel adroitness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behaviour, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a duck to water.
To speed up the process and help you avoid mistakes (and I often make a lot of them), I put together a giant list on travel tips that cover nearly everything under the sun to assist you reach your full travel pugilist craft:
#1 Small suitcase
By purchasing a small suitcase, you will be forced to pack light. Humans have a natural tendency to want to fill space so if you pack light but have lots of extra room in your bag, you’ll end up going “well, I guess I can take more” and then regret it.
#2 Pack light
It’s quite alright to wear the same t-shirt or jeans a few days in a row. Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. A smaller suitcase will help with this.
#3 Take extra socks and underwear
You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. I only take a few more than I need. Nothing beats a fresh pair of underwear!
#4 Additional bank card and/or credit card
Disasters happen. It’s always good to have a backup in case you get robbed or lose a card. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds.
#5 Try to use no-fee bank cards
Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee.
#6 Pay local currency
A few countries will ask you in which currency you want to be charged when paying by card. Always pay local currency, the fees are less, and conversion from your bank will save you a bit. If they do not ask, remind them.
#7 Travel by yourself at least once
You’ll learn a lot about yourself and how to become independent. It’s a banality, but it’s true. Travelling solo taught me how to fend for myself, talk to people, and handle unfamiliar situations with ease. It’s made me comfortable with myself, helped me learn about what I’m capable of, and allowed me to be super selfish and do whatever I want! It can take some getting used to if you’ve never done it before but do it at least once. Make yourself uncomfortable and surprise yourself. You’ll learn valuable life skills when you push yourself!
#8 Use a map
Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighbourhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one! I always use a Google Maps when I travel. It helps you get to where you need to go!
#9 Don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost
Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps!
#10 Avoid money-belts
Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff! Use card holders instead.
#11 When you go out, take only what you need.
Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. I never carry cash unless I will take a taxi. Over the years, countries have developed and have many ATMs scatter in abundance. But, if there aren't many around, take max $50.
#12 Carry a lock
They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms and need to lock your stuff up. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. Don’t use one with keys because, if you lose the keys, you’re screwed! I use a lock on my suitcase so I do not forget to take one.
#13 Make extra copies of your passport and important documents
Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report. Some countries you have an immigration receipt or e-visa you can carry instead.
#14 Ask hotel staff for information
Hotel staff deal with budget travellers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.
#15 Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination
The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you've tried. I experienced in countries that are very proud of their language, it goes a far way. Or, just use Google Translate.
#16 Read up on history
You can’t understand a place’s present if you don’t know anything about its past. Read up on the destinations you are visiting. It will give you a deeper understanding of this place you’ve wanted to see for so long!
#17 Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s
Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free WiFi and public restrooms you can use. And if you are Starbucks die hard, like me, get your favourite cup of coffee, a snack and one of their infamous branded mugs!
#18 Don’t fly direct
When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly into airports close to your final destination, and then take a train or bus to where you need to go. Be sure to shop around for cheap flights and know that direct isn’t always the cheapest route.
#19 Always get behind business travellers when in security lines.
They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!
#20 Never get behind families
They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take awhile.
#21 Checking in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade
I am not that comfortable with doing this, but my partner is excellent at haggling. We have been upgraded 90% of the time. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!
I hope that helps. I will be sharing more tips in part II.
If you have any tips, drop a comment, and I will add it.
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