“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” ― Lao Tzu

I don’t know about plans Tzu, but some travel tips will do one no harm! Instead it will save you from many.

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An awful hotel room, restaurants that suck the cash out of you, a major tourist attraction that turns out to be a not-so-worth-it time-trap, a bothersome travel agent etc. etc. There are so many things that can go wrong on a tour (I, of all people, know that!), but if you have prepped yourself with these best travel tips, you can sit back and have the best time of your life!

Suggested read: 14 Vital Tips Every Woman MUST Keep In Mind When Traveling Alone

Let’s dive straight into the tips, because we know that a traveler’s time, if not spent exploring, is time wasted.

Best travel tips

• You need to pack a towel! You will need it, though before setting off for you travels it might seem unlikely.
• Invest in a small backpack; small because you need to learn how to travel light, or else, you will be dragging a mountain of a rucksack on your back and all of us know how fun that is, right?!
• Third tip is obviously a reiteration of the previous tip; in case I didn’t say it loud enough: PACK LIGHT! An easy way to do this is to make a list of things you think you will need during the vacation, and take half of the things (the important half) on the list.
• Take extra inners. You will lose some. Few laundries won’t return some. Some will wear out. You will need backup.
• Always carry an extra credit card when traveling because you know how we tend to lose things while traveling. Also disasters do happen! Be safe than sorry is a clichéd, but like most clichés, a true one.
• Learn to travel solo. For this, you need to start with a two or three-day visit to somewhere nearby. Then slowly increase your latitude. Travel all by yourself will teach you so much about the world around, and about your own self. Handling unfamiliar situations only comes from being in a lot of such situations!
• Learn how to use a map. If you already know that, woohoo! But if you are anything like me, then you got to learn it ASAP. Ending up somewhere you don’t want to be may not be fun.

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• If you want to get lost decisively, then you should! It is one of the best ways to finding out more about a place and its people. Take the road not taken.
• Once you reach your destiny, you should visit the local tourism office, coz they will have all the details about what happening is happening in town! It is their job to make sure you have a nice stay.
• When booking a flight, make sure to book window seats, unless your flight is a 50-minute one. Even then*
• On international flights, you should not only book window seats, but also ones closer to the front, because it will be easier to race to the passport control line and beat everyone!
• When you leave your hotel to explore the new place, carry with you, things that are indispensable. The rest of the things can rest back in the hotel room.
• You need to lock up your suitcases when you leave your hotel room, to be safe.
• Make some extra copies of important documents, especially your passport. Scan the documents are mail them to yourself. This way you will be able to access these whenever you want.
• Getting used to the traffic flow in a new place can take some time. So, it is always better you move a little slow, look both sides while crossing and obey other global traffic rules.

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• Even if you are not eating at your hotel, you can ask the staff for info regarding where to eat. Don’t forget to tell them you are on a budget!
• It is always a good idea to know the basic phrases and words in the national language of place you are visiting. Interacting with locals will be way easier for you that way.

Suggested read: 10 Compelling Reasons Why You Must Travel More As A Couple

• Know the history of the place to enjoy the place better. Read up on each destination and find out about its past before visiting.
• If you feel homesick and could use some familiarity, then walk into a Starbucks, have our favorite meal, drink your coffee, and you are ready to walk into the unknown again!
• Use local transport like buses and trains. Avoid taxis. This way it is cheaper, and also gives you the real taste of the culture. It gives you an opportunity to be a part of the everyday life of the locals.
• This might sound a little presumptuous, but avoid getting behind families in queues. They take forever!
• Go to places that have free Wi-Fi. That way, you can stay connected, plus you can get important info about which places to visit and how to get there, without spending an extra penny.
• Visit historical and archaeological sites during lunchtime as they empty out during that time and you will have scarcer crowds to battle!
• Do not eat out every night, if you want to save money and use it to visit more places. You should go shopping and bring things that are ready to eat. Also, this gives you time to relax in your hotel room.
• You need to have a torchlight in your backpack. That is an essential item even if you are not afraid of the dark. Unless you glow in the dark, carry it will ya?!
• Always carry a first aid kit with you. This again comes under the better safe than sorry rule. In the box, you need to make sure you have meds for common ailments, few Band-Aids, ointments for allergies, etc.
• Always book your flights in advance. Also compare your options to get the best deals.
• Hostels are a good place to stay in. There you can make friends. You can eat good but cheap food. And hostel bars are not over-priced, so have fun! Also, it is one of the safest option.

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• Do not close yourself up to strangers. Majority of them will not bite you! But again be careful and know how to deal with those who you think might bite.
• Try local cuisine. Yes, please! Your new favorite dish might be waiting to be discovered. This is your chance to try some unusual, exotic cuisine, do not let go of this opportunity!
• Carry a metal water bottle that’s empty when you walk through the security at the airport. You can fill it up once you are in your gate. If you want to save the planet and also your money, drink from the tap.
• Not many people do this, but it important you take pictures of your luggage as well as your clothes, in case you lose them both. It will be easier for you to get the insurance reimburse you.
• Do not rely on your card (and your extra card) alone. Carry some emergency cash. It will come in handy.
• Invest in a pair of good sneakers. You will have to walk a lot, and so to make sure your feet have a good time too, get yourself a comfortable pair.
• Before visiting a foreign country, it is advised you get vaccinated. Illness is not fun.
• Learn the art of bargaining, no matter how embarrassing it is. Or else, get ready to get fleeced at the local markets.
• For free travel, make use of your miles. Every travel junkie’s dream is to go around the world and not get charged for it. By using your miles, you can actually do that!
• Even if you are travelling to the equator (!), carry a jacket.
• Travel insurance is not foolish. Not getting it just might be. Like we said, accidents happen and in case it does, you will be covered by your insurance. This is important, but we hope you never have to use it.
• Don’t be disrespectful to the locals. If you sow gratitude and are humble, then they are sure to help you out. Even they want you to have a good time, and to talk good about their place and people, back home. Don’t be an *ssh*le!

Suggested read: 9 Inspiring And Exotic Travel Destinations For Soul-searching

The last and most important tip: Relax. Stop worrying or even over planning your trip. With these best travel tips be rest assured that you are going to have an awesome trip!

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That’s a wrap on these travel tips. Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comment section.

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Summary

Article Name

My 40 Best Travel Tips That Will Make You The Coolest Traveler You Know

Author

Ruth Russell

Description

There are so many things that can go wrong on a tour, but if you have prepped yourself with these best travel tips, you can sit back and have the best time of your life!