Top 20 Travel Tips For Your Next Trip

Travelling can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful if you’re not prepared.

To make your next trip a success, here are 18 important travel tips you should keep in mind before you head out:

1. Plan ahead

Before you hit the road or board a plane, take the time to plan your trip in advance. This means booking your flights and accommodations early, creating a rough itinerary, and researching the places you’ll be visiting.

You don’t necessarily need to book or plan every last detail of your trip, but having a general idea of where you want to go, stay, and what you want to see and do will help you make the most of your time and avoid some potential hiccups along the way.

Also make sure to leave room for spontaneity and unexpected adventures - some of the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan for!

2. Pack smart

When it comes to packing for a trip, less is often more. Pack only the essentials, and make sure to bring comfortable shoes, a good backpack, a reusable water bottle (or water bladder if your backpack supports it), and a portable charger for your electronic devices.

If you’re flying, packing light is especially advantageous as it can allow you to avoid checked baggage fees and the hassle of waiting for your luggage at the baggage claim, or worse - lost luggage!

3. Stay safe

Wherever you travel, safety should be a top priority.

Research the crime rates and common scams in your destination(s), and take steps to protect your valuables, such as using a money belt and keeping your passport, cash, and credit/debit cards secure.

It’s also a good idea to remain mindful of your belongings and surroundings while out and about, and avoid walking alone at night - especially in unfamiliar areas.

4. Be respectful of local customs

Every culture has its own customs and traditions, so it’s important to be respectful of them when travelling.

Research the local customs and dress codes, and avoid behaviours that might be considered offensive, disrespectful, or in worse cases, illegal.

5. Learn the basics of the local language

Even if you don’t become fluent, learning a few key phrases in the local language can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.

Locals will appreciate the effort, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate the area. Knowing a few key phrases might also help you avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers and street/local vendors!

6. Embrace the local cuisine

One of the best parts of travelling is getting to try new foods.

Be adventurous and try the local cuisine, but also be mindful of any dietary restrictions you may have, as a lot of countries use ingredients that you might not be use to, or lack the same food safety standards as your home country.

As an added safe bet, bring along some anti-diarrhoea pills to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation!

7. Keep an open mind

Travelling can be unpredictable, and things often don’t go exactly as planned.

Keep an open mind and be willing to go with the flow. It’s a good idea to schedule some unplanned or at least loosely planned days if possible. After all, sometimes the unexpected experiences are the best ones!

8. Stay hydrated

Travelling can be exhausting, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

Bring a reusable water bottle or water bladder (that fits in your backpack) with you and fill it up whenever you have the chance, and avoid waiting until you’re thirsty to drink, as this is a sign that you’re already dehydrated.

Also note that many countries don’t have potable tap water, so make sure to research the water situation in your destination(s) and plan accordingly.

9. Stay connected

While it’s important to disconnect and enjoy your surroundings, it’s also important to stay connected with family and friends back home.

So make sure you have a way to communicate with them in case of an emergency.

10. Value your time more than money

Don’t waste a lot of time just to save a few bucks. Time is a valuable resource, and it’s important to use it wisely while travelling.

After your trip is over and you’re back home, you’ll be glad you spent a little extra money to save yourself some time and hassle, and in some cases, even avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

11. Never turn down the chance to use the bathroom when the opportunity presents itself!

You never know when the next opportunity to use a restroom will come, so take advantage of it whenever possible.

This is especially important if you’re travelling in a country where public restrooms are scarce or non-existent.

12. Avoid eating at restaurants near major tourist attractions

The food will generally be sub-par, and pricier, as these restaurants know they can get away with charging more due to their convenient location.

Research local eateries and try something new. You can also ask locals for suggestions, and hotel or hostel staff can usually provide good local suggestions as well.

13. Don’t forget the selfies

Make sure you take pictures with yourself in them!

But also put the camera away after taking pics and take time to enjoy the places you visit. Don’t get so caught up in documenting your trip that you forget to live in the moment… Trust me, been there done that! 🤦‍♂️

14. Pay in the local currency

Let the credit card do the currency exchange.

This will often result in a better exchange rate than if you were to pay in your home currency.

That said, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand in the local currency for smaller purchases and emergencies.

15. Take pictures of your important documents

Save pictures of your passport(s), travel insurance, and credit cards in a cloud-storage account, or print them on paper, to use in case of emergency.

This will allow you to access your important documents even if you lose your physical copies or if they get stolen.

17. Trust your gut

If you start getting a bad feeling about a place or situation you’re in, trust your instincts and leave.

Scammers and thieves can smell a tourist from a mile away, and they will often try to take advantage of you if you let your guard down. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and there’s no shame in prioritizing your own safety and well-being.

18. Share your itinerary and contact info

Send a copy of your itinerary and contact info to family and/or friends.

This will allow them to know where you will be and how to reach you in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to check in with them periodically throughout your trip to let them know you’re safe and having a good time.

19. Know your Embassy’s contact info

Make sure you know the contact info for your country’s Embassy in the country you’re visiting.

This will allow you to contact them in case of an emergency, such as if your passport gets lost or stolen, or if any political unrest or natural disasters occur.

20. Have fun!

Last but not least, and it may sound silly to say, but remember to have fun!

Travelling is an incredible experience, so enjoy every moment and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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Travelling can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, but it’s important to be prepared and take steps to ensure your safety and well-being while on the road.

By following these 20 travel tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your next adventure. Safe travels!