Hello fellow wanderers of the world, welcome to my travel guide. I recently traveled to several countries over the past year, and decided to compile a list of helpful hints I learned while abroad. Here’s a few tricks on how to pack well, save money, and have an awesome experience on your adventures.
Tips For Packing:
1. Check the Weather
I recommend always looking the weather up before you do anything else- including shopping. Do this regardless of what you expect the weather to be like. I once made the mistake of packing very light clothes for what turned out to be a unexpectedly cold vacation. (It is not fun, nor cheap considering I had to buy a few outfits.) And even when the weather channel calls for sunny days, pack these few items just in case: a rain jacket, warm sweatshirt and a pair of pants. I usually wear these heavy items on the airplane to save space and keep me warm on the air-conditioned flights.
2. Pack Lightly and Safely
Another essential packing tip is to pack light enough so you can bring souvenirs back. Make sure you bring only the necessities. For example, shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room, so pack only a few of the comfiest pairs you own. I personally always bring one pair of athletic sneakers, one pair of sandals, and one pair of flip flops. This also helps me limit my outfits to ones that match my shoes. Another important packing tip is to make sure to place any medications in a plastic baggie in your carry on so there’s no risk of losing them. Luckily, most airlines allow you a second quart size bag for medicine just in case they cannot fit in a smaller one.
3. Be Proactive to Avoid Boredom
For long plane rides, I recommend bringing some entertainment- books, magazines, art supplies, music, etc. Not every airline has personal TVs for every seat. My go to is always a good book that will keep me occupied.
Helpful hints for the Airport:
1. Be Early
Arrive early, and never be afraid to ask questions. Lines get super long and confusing. It is okay to get lost but not to remain lost. You should always look for someone in uniform or for detailed maps of the airport.
2. Precheck Boarding Passes
Most airlines allow seat pre-registration online. Check in before going to the airport so you don’t get stuck in the middle seat. If your airline does not do online precheck, then when you get to the check-in counter ask politely for the type of seat you want. If it’s available, the airline workers usually oblige.
How to Save Money:
1. Notify Your Bank Ahead of Time
Before getting to the airport, or buying your tickets, check in with your bank and ask about using your credit/debit card abroad. And if it is possible to use overseas, share with them your destination and numbers of days traveling. Otherwise, your card will be shut down for fraud. However, use cash whenever possible because credit/debit cards get charged fees for being used abroad.
2. Avoid Buying Airport Food
Pack your own snacks and gum for plane rides. The airport can be an expensive place to buy food, so pack your own! You could even pack an empty water bottle and fill it in airport water fountains. Also, for those of you who have food allergies or restrictions like me and can’t eat airplane food, pack oatmeal! Bring as many of those little packets as you like and just ask a flight attendant for hot water. Just be careful on bumpy rides.
3. Be Picky with ATMs
After landing it is important to use ATMs that are safe. I recommend ones attached to banks, and ones not in airports. Airports usually charge higher fees when converting one currency to another.
Advice for the Travelers Who Want a Real Experience:
1. Avoid American-based Restaurants
I know it might be tempting to stop at Starbucks for a coffee or eat fries at McDonald’s, try to resist!. You’re missing out on great experiences – food is an amazing way to learn about a country. In many places, the food embodies the local culture. Ask the locals where they love to eat, not other tourists. The places locals recommend are almost never high end or catered to tourists, but rather family owned and down to earth. In my experience, eating at family restaurants not only supports the community, it also is always way more delicious. (Plus less expensive!)
2. Learn the Language
I don’t mean you have to become fluent, but rather try to know important phrases. For example, “Where’s the bathroom?”, “How much is this?”, or even in case of emergencies, “I need help.” Also if you have any food limitations, learn the words to communicate this type of issue to someone in a restaurant. I personally am lactose intolerant, so when I travel I learn the word for “dairy” in the country’s main language.
3. Plan Day Trips Carefully
A lot of tourist attractions are crowded and run out of room quickly. I always book tickets for must-see places in advance just in case they fill up. Tourist groups mainly travel during midday so I always try to book either the earliest tour or the latest to avoid mobs. I also research places before I visit so I can truly understand the importance of the site and how it became so popular.
I hope this list inspires you to wander well and travel far. I wish that everyone experiences every country fully and safely. Don’t forget your phone for pictures, but don’t live behind the camera, make sure you experience everything personally. I hope my tips help you on your next grand adventure. See you there!