Traveling and going someplace new is exciting! You’re looking forward to all the new experiences, memories you’ll make, food you’ll try, and insta-worthy photos you’ll take; it can be easy to miss out on things though if you aren’t prepared enough. Here are 15 travel tips to make your experience as fulfilling, memorable, and easy-going as possible.
#1: Pack light
When traveling, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by a bunch of luggage, always trying to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind. Yes, you want to make sure you pack for any and all types of weather you might encounter, but you don’t need a lot of statement pieces, fancy outfits, or clunky accessories. Pack one or two nice outfits for the nights you do go out, but focus more on packing versatile pieces in neutral tones; you won’t have to worry about mismatching and you can wear one piece for multiple scenarios.
#2: Don’t avoid the unbeaten path
While you should always remain cautious, some of the best experiences from traveling abroad come from the local hubs rather than tourist hot spots. I don’t want to say you should avoid the touristy locations, because they are often synonymous with the must-see landmarks of a destination, but you shouldn’t be afraid to go down an unbeaten path and get lost in the true, untouched version of the city you’re visiting.
#3: Make copies of important documents
When crossing international borders, it is important to carry proper documentation of who you are and what your purpose in the country is. It is important to make copies of these documents so in the event of misplacing them you still have a copy to verify your identity and purpose. Getting caught in a foreign country without a passport is the last thing you want.
#4: Pack a scarf
Scarves can be incredibly versatile garments and are a staple to have in your luggage when you’re traveling. They can keep you warm, shield you from the sun, wind, and rain, can act as a towel or blanket, and depending on where you’re traveling can act as a head cover. There are some locations you may travel, especially around the middle east, where you may not be allowed access unless you have something to cover your head, especially if you’re a woman. A scarf can fulfill all these needs, as well as being a cute accessory!
#5: Take only what you need when you go out
Pickpockets are an unfortunate reality in almost any city you visit, as is the possibility of being robbed. While you can only do so much to prevent being robbed, such as being aware of your surroundings and researching what neighborhoods are unsafe before you leave, the best thing to do is carry as few personal belongings with you as possible. By doing this, in the unfortunate occurrence that you do get robbed or unknowingly pickpocketed, you are as minimally impacted as possible.
#6: Read up on the history of your destination
If you know the history of your destination, you’ll be more likely to understand the significance of the sites you’ll be seeing and be on better terms with the locals. It’s never cool to walk into a party, completely oblivious to where you are and who your host is, so why would you do that when you’re visiting a new country? Take a little time before your departure to read up on the history of the country’s politics, culture, and government; you won’t seem like such an ignorant tourist and you can avoid potentially saying anything offensive or insensitive to the locals.
#7: Learn the language
You don’t have to become fluent by any means, but it is important to know the basics of the local language. For example, in Croatia it will be important for me to know:
Hello = bak (bahk)
Goodbye = dovidenja (doh-vee-jeh-nyah)
Please = molim (moh-leem)
Thank you = hvala (hvah-lah)
Pardon me = aprositite (oh-prohs-tee-tee)
Yes = da (dah)
No = ne (neh)
Even if you have horrible pronunciation skills, the natives in the country you are visiting will appreciate the effort you put forth in attempting to learn the language. They will be more inclined to assist you if you need help and answer any questions you may have.
#8: Avoid backpacks and money belts
To go along with #5, robbery and pickpockets are something you have to be aware of wherever you are, not just when you are traveling. Many travelers utilize money belts and backpacks to carry any belongings or money, but the truth is these objects can make you a target. Especially in the case of bags with zippers, it can be easy for an experienced pickpocket to zip open your bag and take your belongings without you even noticing until long after they've gone.
#9: Be flexible
It can be helpful to have a plan or schedule in place for your trip, but don’t feel like you have to stick to this plan like glue. Allow yourself to be flexible and roll with the punches; you don’t want to forgo a potentially amazing opportunity just because you have to stick to your plan. Again, a plan isn’t always a bad thing, it can act as a guide so you don’t end up doing nothing during your trip because you didn’t know where to start, just don’t follow your plan as if it were law.
#10: Get up early
The early morning hours can be a magical time of day- only a few people stirring, the city quiet save for the occasional shop owner. To really see a city, rather than the people in it, the morning hours are the best time. It’s also a beautiful benefit to see everything so warmly and calmly lit, and a peaceful sunrise is always a great memory to take back home with you.
#11: Stay up late
While this point can be difficult to accomplish if you’re already doing #12, it is also important to stay up late. As peaceful as the morning hours can be, it is when the sun goes down down and streetlights come on that you can really see a city come to life! It can seem almost like an entirely different city from the one you see at dawn, but they are both amazing in their own ways and it is a must for you to experience both; you’ll be tired, but you won’t regret it.
#12: Take photos of luggage
Another unfortunate reality of traveling is sometimes your luggage gets lost. While people have luggage tags for this reason, it is also helpful to take photos of your luggage. Although you know exactly what your luggage looks like, it can be useful in helping the workers in airports and hotels identify your luggage as well; pictures are more useful when trying to identify objects rather than verbal descriptions.
#13: Travel insurance
Travel insurance can be one of the wisest investments you can make. Of course the specific coverage you get will depend on what insurance plan you get, but most travel insurance plans will cover accidents and medical insurance, baggage or property insurance, and tour/flight cancellation or interruption insurance. Purchasing a single travel insurance package negates the need to get multiple individual insurance packages, and includes coverage for most of your basic needs.
#14: Sunscreen
Not to sound like your mother, but you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen. When visiting a new city, you do spend a lot of time outside walking around, and when you’re not at a beach it can be easy to forget to put on your SPF. Although you may want to get a nice tan, the last thing you want is to get crispy early on in your trip and have to wear long sleeves and be uncomfortable for the rest of your experiences. You'll still be able to get a tan, and you won't have to deal with painful sunburn!
#15: Keep a notepad and pen
There are a lot of short stories and details about your travels that don’t get captured in photos, which is why you should keep a notepad and pen with you to write daily journal entries and record what all happened that day. My first time out of the country I did not do this, but a friend of mine did, and I wish I would have recorded more of my memories like she did for me to look back on. A notepad is also helpful for writing down names, locations, directions, anything you’re learning about on the fly that you want to record and remember for future reference.