Over my years of travel, I’ve learned a lot about what and what not to do and bring while traveling. Some were hard lessons, while others were beautiful experiences. It’s all a part of the beautiful gift of travel.
Here are some helpful travel tips I’ve learned along the way to help you prepare for your trip:
Plan and research
You’ve made it here, so you’re on the right track! Before your trip, you should always gather information about your destination, including local customs, weather, attractions, and any necessary travel documents. Personally, I love a good itinerary because it helps you keep track of all the places I want to visit. I do leave room for flexibility and spontaneous adventures though as well!
Instagram and TikTok are very useful apps to find activities and amazing restaurants in the area you’re visiting.
Pack wisely
Pack light and bring only essentials. This is my biggest obstacle when it comes to traveling. I usually overpack and end up only wearing half about what I pack. It came to bite me on the cheek though in Europe when we traveled by train. It was such a hassle lugging all of my luggage on and off the train. There also wasn’t a lot of space.
A must is checking the weather forecast and packing the appropriate clothing. Don’t forget important items like travel adapters, hats, sunscreen, chargers, medication, and a photocopy of your passport. AND DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT.
Secure your belongings
Keep your valuables secure by using a money belt or a secure bag. I would leave expensive jewelry at home and pack your custom jewelry. Use locks on your luggage and be cautious in crowded places, especially countries known for pickpocketing. If you use the safe in the hotel room, set a reminder for the morning you leave to make sure you get everything out. I recently went on a cruise and left my passport in the safe; not good.
Don’t Panic
I know you’ve been waiting for this travel forever and everything has to go PERFECT. Honestly, chances are everything isn’t going to as planned, no matter how hard you try. If you travel often enough, a piece of luggage will be lost, or a passport will be left on the plane, or an anticipated tour will be cancelled.
Don’t panic and let it ruin your trip because chances also are your luggage will be found, the flight attendant will retrieve your passport, and a better tour will open up. Sit back and keep calm; and your trip will be even better than you imagined.
Stay Safe and Aware of Your Surroundings
Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and emergency contact numbers. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Use reputable transportation options and avoid walking alone at night.
I know that traveling is amazing and spontaneous, but if you wouldn’t strike up a conversation with a random guy and follow him/her down a dark alley in your hometown, please don’t do it overseas.
Lastly, watch how much alcohol you drink. If you’re not familiar with your travel destination and the brands of alcohol they serve, they may effect you differently. Always listen to your body.
Be Respectful and Adapt
I can’t empathize this one enough. Respect the local culture, customs, and traditions. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language (if you can), which can go a long way in building connections and showing respect. If you can’t, download a translation app on your phone. This will help greatly.
Stay healthy
Take necessary health precautions by checking if any vaccinations are required for your destination. Carry a basic first aid kit, stay hydrated, and be mindful of food and water safety. My stomach always is wary of foreign food and drinks, so I personally only drink bottled water and take pills before I eat. Then I tear the food up.
Enjoy and Embrace the Experience:
Immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with locals, and be open to new experiences. Take photos, keep a travel journal or video, and create lasting memories.
Manage Your Finances:
Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions. Carry a mix of cash and credit cards. I recommend never using your debit card overseas and getting a travel credit card. Travel credit cards have perks like lost luggage and travel cancellation protection. Also, keep copies of important documents like your passport and travel insurance.
Explore Local Cuisine:
My favorite part of traveling is the food. I swear the food gets better and better with each country I travel too. Indulge in the local cuisine, but be cautious with street food and tap water. Seek recommendations from locals or trusted sources for authentic dining experiences.
While I do love my authentic local cuisine, it’s fun for me to go in and explore the differences in fast food in America and other countries. You learn so much. Like the US loves feeding us chemicals.
Stay Connected
Make sure to have international roaming on your phone or purchase a local SIM card for data and communication. It can be helpful for navigation, emergencies, and staying in touch with loved ones. Also check ahead and see if your hotel has wifi.
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