Travel savviness can be a result of making small mistakes, missing buses, cultural ignorance, foolish behavior and other little errors. You will eventually be able to effortlessly move through airports, and you will feel like a fish in water when you are able to integrate into other cultures.
To speed up the process and avoid my errors ( , I make many of them), I have compiled this huge list of my top travel tips to help you realize your full potential as a travel ninja.
These are the tips I have learned over the past twelve years.
These tips will help you save money, sleep better, get off the beaten track more, meet locals and be a better traveler.
Here are the top 10 tips for the world.
1. Always bring a towel
It is the key to successful galactic hitchhiking, and just common sense. It’s always handy, no matter where you are, and it can be used for anything: a picnic, at the beach, or to dry off. Although many hostels provide towels, it is not necessary to bring your own. A small towel will not add much weight to your bag.
2. Purchase a small bag/suitcase
You will find it easier to keep your stuff light by buying a small backpack (I prefer something between 35/40 liters). You will find that humans have a natural desire to take up space. If you have too much stuff in your bag, you might regret it later.
3. Be light
It is okay to wear the same tee shirt for a few days. You won’t use as many clothes as you think. Make a list of your essentials and cut it in half. Then, only bring that. You won’t be able to store much extra stuff if you have a small backpack, as I mentioned.
4. Take extra socks
Due to wear and tear, laundry gremlins and hiking, you’ll likely lose quite a bit. So it is worth packing more. I take only what I need. A new pair of socks is better than nothing!
5. You can also take an additional credit or bank card along
Disasters happen. In the event that you are robbed or lose your card, it is always a good idea to have a backup. It’s not a good idea to be stranded somewhere new with no access to your funds. Once, I had my card duplicated and put under a freeze. It was not available for use during my entire trip. I was happy to have an extra, and not my friend who couldn’t afford it and had to borrow money all the time.
These are some useful articles about travel hacking and banking:
- How to Avoid Bank Fees When Traveling
- 22 ways to cut your expenses, grow your bank balance, and have money for travel
- The Ultimate Guide for Picking the Best Travel Credit Card (2018 edition)
- The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Cheaply: How to Travel When You Don’t Have Money
6. Use no-fee bankcards
Banks shouldn’t be given your hard-earned cash. You can keep it for yourself and use it to travel. A debit and credit card that doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee, or ATM fees should be considered. The few dollars that they spend every time on a long trip will add up quickly!
7. At least once a year, travel solo
You will learn a lot about your self and how to be independent. Although it sounds cliché, it is true. Solo travel taught me how I can take care of myself, communicate with people, and deal with unfamiliar situations well. It has made me feel more confident about myself, allowed me to be very selfish, and enabled me to do what I want. If you have never done this before, it can be difficult to get used to but at least try it once. Be uncomfortable, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn. Push yourself to learn valuable life skills.
These are some useful articles about solo travel.
- Why Do I Travel Alone
- Solo Travel – The Joy of
- The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
- How To Overcome Being Alone
- Readers: One Skill in Travel Taught Me
8. Use a map whenever you feel the need.
It’s not as dangerous to look like a tourist as being lost and finding the wrong place. You don’t have to be shy about asking for directions or a map and you can look like a tourist. You are one after all! When I travel, I always have a map with me. It can help you get where you want to go.
9. Don’t be afraid of getting lost.
Wandering aimlessly around a new city can help you get to know it better, to explore the area, and to avoid the tourist traps. You may be surprised at the hidden treasures you discover. I love to explore the city and find my way around without Google Maps.
10. Always check with the local tourism office.
They are knowledgeable about all the happenings in town. They will be able to point you in the right direction for free activities and special events that are happening during your stay. You can even get discounts on transportation and attractions. They are there to make your experience more enjoyable. This is a common mistake that travelers make when visiting a new place. However, savvy travelers know how to use it! This is one of the most overlooked travel tips in the entire world. The tourism board is a great way to save money! You can save money!
11. Do not buy a money belt – they are stupid.
Thieves are aware that they exist, and being seen with them basically shouts “Look at me! I’m a tourist who has money!” You can make it seem like you’re a local and get better deals. Keep your belongings secure if you are concerned about pickpockets.
12. Take only what you really need when you go out.
Limit how much cash and bank cards that you have with you. This will make it easier to recover in the event of an emergency. You should never take more than one ATM or credit card. Cash is my rule of thumb. I limit cash to $50 USD.
13. Always keep a lock.
These locks are very useful, especially if you live in dorms where you need to lock up your belongings. When you travel, keep a small combination lock handy. You don’t need keys to use a combination lock.
14. Keep extra copies of important documents and your passport.
Do not forget to email a copy to your self. It’s possible that you will need some documentation at some point in the future. You might even forget to bring your original. A copy of your passport is also useful for police reports if it is stolen.
