If you’re just starting out with your travel adventures or travel often I want to share with you my top ten travel tips that will make all of your travels better.
Consider this, with all the information on travel out there and all the travel blogs it can get a little overwhelming so I’m here to break down what I feel are the 10 most important things, this is my travel advice to you.
Let’s get started:
#1 Don’t be Afraid.
When many people think about travel they think there is so much to do and so much planning that they get themselves into a place of fear which deters them from ever traveling. Remember this, you are not the first person to ever do this, in fact you’re not going to discover a new continent or go places that no one has ever been. There is a beaten path out there where millions of people travel the globe every year. There is guidance for each step of the way if that’s what you need, so relax and don’t be afraid.
#2 Don’t wait.
There are people out there who get so caught up in the planning of a trip that it takes up a lot of their time and they wait too long. You never know what tomorrow will bring, you don’t know in 3 or 5 months if your life will still allow what it does today that lets you travel. There will always be something you have to do, be it a party, wedding, whatever, don’t wait just go as soon as you can. Once you make it outside your door the hardest part is over.
#3 Over packing is real.
When it comes to travel tips this is one you can’t skip. As you think of the locations you will visit you check the weather and do your best to plan on having the right clothes. The problem with this is you end up trying to pack for every scenario and this leads to over packing. It’s a real pain lugging a heavy suitcase or bag all over with you. Only pack the basics and if there is something that you really end up needing you can pick it up as you go.
#4 Avoid planning everything.
When it comes to your trip don’t plan everyday down to the last detail. The reason for this is it can add a lot of stress to a trip when your trying to meet certain timetables and be at certain locations on time. There are things that will happen on your journey that are just unexpected, when this happens you want to be able to just go with it. It’s fine to plan one or two excursions but let the rest just happen.
#5 Slow down and take it all in.
This travel tip is one of the most important in my opinion. If you plan on trying to see everything in a location all you will be doing is rushing around and getting a glimpse of whats around you. I did a tour of Italy from Rome north and back. It was a great trip but there was so much to see and so little time to see it. We flew through Rome in two days but you could spend two weeks there to see everything. It’s important to take the time on your trip to take in what’s around you and really learn about the location.
#6 Watch the ATM and credit card fees.
When you travel the cost of ATM fees and credit card fees will add up fast. Don’t burn your hard earned cash on these stupid fees. To avoid them you can join a bank that is part of the global ATM alliance or if your American you can join Charles Schwab which has no ATM fees. Stop paying your money to giant banks who already have plenty, be smart and it will save you a lot of money.
#7 You don’t have to stay in a hotel.
The first think most people think about when they setup travel arrangements is what hotel to stay in. I’m here to tell you there are many other options than mainstream hotels. Some of these options can even save you money that can be better spent elsewhere. For example, you could check out places on Airbnb or PerfectPlaces. You also could stay in a monastery or just find a small non-chain budget hotel. If the sleeping arrangements don’t mean that much to you remember there are plenty of places to just lay your head.
#8 Always sign up for loyalty programs.
This is one of those travel tips that at first may not seem like something you will need but if you start to travel a lot, these rewards will add up. By not signing up from the beginning you’ll miss out on points and later wish you had them. So sign up for airline and hotel rewards and any other rewards programs that fit your travel needs.
#9 Watch your budget.
When you travel you’ll here people saying they can’t believe how much this or that costs or that the drinks would be so expensive. These are people who didn’t put in the work to learn about what it costs where their going. Be budget savoy, if you eat and drink a lot then plan your budget for that. If adventure is more your speed then plan on putting more of your budget there. Don’t be that person saying they didn’t know what things cost.
#10 Never skip travel insurance.
If I could give you just one piece of travel advice this would be it. You see, this type of insurance covers more than just health costs. It can cover things like cancellations, trip delays, emergencies and even lost or stolen luggage. If you don’t have this insurance on your travels then you’re making a big mistake.
These travel tips are designed to help you travel better, travel wiser and of course save you money.
