Top Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know: The Ultimate List
Having traveled for years, I’ve definitely learned a few things from applying for visas, tricks for traveling with kids, and dealing with Delhi belly. So, I’ve compiled a list of the top travel tips every traveler should know before they travel.
Travel proficiency comes from the experience you’ve built up over the years. From missed planes and trains to lost luggage and countless other errors, you start to learn from these mistakes which one day transforms into seamless travel journeys.
I want to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when traveling. These tips for traveling will save you money, and make you more prepared for your trip ahead. It will help you be a better traveler. Keep in mind some travel mishaps can be avoided while some you just can’t plan for. At the end of the day, you’ll learn from every failed encounter which will leave you even more prepared for your next trip.
Top 12 travel tips every traveler should know before traveling
Let’s get started with these top travel tips every traveler should know before hitting the road. These are the perfect tips for travelers who may be beginners, couples, or even those traveling with kids.
1. Be Flexible
Have a plan, but don’t over-plan. Things don’t always go the way you want them to. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You can’t control everything and things will go wrong from time to time. The important thing is to stay flexible and adapt to changing situations. Try to keep yourself as stress-free as possible. Stay open to new possibilities, patience and flexibility are extremely important when traveling.
2. Check for Visas
As a Kiwi, I feel privileged to hold a passport that enables me to easily enter many countries around the world without the requirement of a visa. But sometimes that makes me too comfortable and I assume I can fly to any destination without a visa. But as you know this is not always the case. There are still many countries that have certain visa requirements. So you should always check the visa requirements for a destination well before you plan to travel.
3. Make a Packing List
Packing lists, in my opinion, are extremely essential. A week or so before your trip, list all the items you need. Store it on your phone, write it down or print it off. This will definitely come in handy the night before your trip. It’s a good way to ensure you have all your essentials with you before your trip.
4. Get Travel Insurance
Whether through your credit card or an insurance company, ensure you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance has literally been a lifesaver for lost luggage or sickness that leads you to hospitalization.
Things happen when you least expect it so it’s always good to be prepared. On my last trip to India, I had a base case of food poisoning. I actually ended up in the hospital, it was bad! I was just so glad I had travel insurance.
With good cover, you don’t have to worry about huge hospital bills or stolen gear. Find something that works for you, but make sure you have some form of cover before you head off on holiday.
5. Check on Vaccines
Check the requirements of the destination you are traveling to so that you have no issues at the airport or on arrival. Getting sick in a foreign country is no fun. So do your research well ahead of time and make sure you get your shots well before your trip.
6. Book flights and accommodation well in advance
If you want to save yourself some money, book your flights and accommodation well in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
7. Wake Up Early
I love sleeping in, but when I’m traveling, I like to start my day early. And also, I travel with young kids who don’t know the definition of sleeping in 😊. It does work in our favor because when you start the day early you beat most of the crowds at top attractions. You can get some great photos without thousands of tourists standing in your frame. Plus waking up early also means your day feels a bit longer and you can get more out of seeing a new place.
I’d also encourage you to wake up a bit earlier if you have a morning flight. A cool and calm start sets the tone for the trip. Starting your journey off right will lead to a successful trip. This is probably one of the top travel tips that everyone should keep in mind during their travels.
8. Pack Your Valuables in Your Carry-On or handbag
Incredibly self-explanatory and I hope everyone does this already. Pack your valuables in your carry-on. You never know when your luggage may be lost in transit and you’ll end up losing anything valuable you have.
9. Keep a copy of your passport and itinerary safe
I always make copies of passports and itineraries for every member of my family. It’s imperative you keep a copy in each bag. Having a copy on your phone isn’t always sufficient just in case you lose your phone or it gets stolen.
10. Learn a few words in the local language
A little effort can go a long way in a foreign-speaking country. When we lived and traveled through Spain, I made it a point to learn a few basic words such as hi, thank you, please, welcome, and how to order a drink or meal.
The locals appreciate the effort and it doesn’t take very long to learn the basics. You could use apps like Duolingo that teach in many different languages. Not being able to communicate can be incredibly frustrating so make the effort to learn a few common phrases. You can even use Google Translate which works great.
Also, make note of the social etiquette and customs in the country. What you should and shouldn’t do could save you a lot of embarrassment.
11. Use Packing Cubes
The best way to keep your suitcase or backpack organized while you travel is by using packing cubes. I promise once you start using them you won’t want to travel without them. You can store everything from clothes, shoes, and toiletries and use individual cubes for all items. This is undeniably one of my top travel tips every traveler should know.
12. Pack Light
For heaven’s sake, don’t overpack. I’m guilty of the same at times. But in recent times I’ve learned to lay out all that I think I need on my bed before it goes into my suitcase and then I really assess to see what I actually need for the trip before it goes into my bag.
I use to always worry about the “what if” or the “just in case”, but remember you can always buy stuff along the way (unless you’re in the middle of the jungle, then you probably need to put a bit more thought into packing)
You don’t want to be carting around unnecessary weight. Think about that while you are walking on cobblestone streets in Europe or climbing a long flight of stairs to get to your Air Bnb apartment. Yes, I’ve learned the hard way!
13. Carry On Baggage where possible
This leads me to stick to a carry-on bag, especially if you are going on a short trip. Airlines can sometimes lose bags, especially during peak travel times. I promise you that you need way less than you think. Worst case scenario if you’ve forgotten something you can always purchase it at your destination when you arrive.
If you are checking in bags, use an air tag (one of the best travel tips I picked up from @heleninbetween) so you can track your bag in case it doesn’t arrive.
14. Essentials for a carry-on bag
If you do check in a bag, it is imperative to have the essentials with you in case your luggage is lost or doesn’t arrive in time. This is one of my top packing travel tips. My airplane carry-on includes:
- Change of clothes, socks, and extra underwear
- Toiletries
- Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
- Eye mask
- Lip balm
- Photocopies of important documents like your passport. I also email myself a copy.
- Water Bottle (you can ask the flight attendant to fill this up for you so you can stay hydrated on the flight)
- Jumper and a sarong. A sarong can be used as a scarf on the plane if you are too cold. Alternatively, you can use the sarong as a cover-up to visit temples or mosques, it can be used as a blanket on the beach or even over your swimsuit. Really quite handy!
Keep all your liquids prepacked and easy to access in a ziplock bag.
15. One Pair of Good Walking Shoes
It doesn’t matter what else you have in your bags; you need one good pair of walking shoes to see your feet through your holiday. I know when I’m on holiday there’s a lot of walking involved. So, make sure your feet feel loved.
16. Carry essential medication
My husband always makes fun of the box of medication I carry when we travel. But in my opinion, you can never be too careful. The last thing you want is to end up in a foreign country and not have the medication you need. Carry any prescribed medication as well as other basics like pain relief and something for an upset tummy. Cause Delhi belly is a real thing ya’ll!
I’d also suggest carrying a small first aid kit, cause accidents happen from time to time.
17. Carry spare cash
While credit cards are widely accepted in most major cities, you never know when you may need some cash. There’s often the odd place that will accept cash only or a souvenir shop that doesn’t take credit cards. Be prepared especially if you are traveling through smaller towns in some countries.
I’d also recommend carrying a spare credit card. Having your card stolen can be tough, especially in a foreign country. Keep this card separate from your wallet. This way, if your wallet gets stolen, or your card gets declined, you are still able to have access to money during your travels.
18. Carry a spare camera battery and a portable drive to store photos
While phones these days take amazing photos, if you are looking for a professional touch then take your DSLR with you. But please remember to take a spare battery. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a perfect photo opportunity, but having a dead camera battery! Be sure to back up all your photos so you don’t lose everything in the event of theft or damage.
19. Take a universal adapter
So, no matter where I go, the one thing I always take with me is my GHD. My hair is a mix of curly and frizzy so I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. I prefer to have my hair straightened so I don’t look like I’ve just crawled out of bed.
Funny story, when we were traveling through the US, we moved around so much that I completely forgot to unplug my adapter and take it with us from our hotel in Vegas to DC. I was petrified when I got to Washington, washed and dried my hair, and went to connect my straightener. There was no way to get that thing going on a New Zealand plug.
I drove my husband crazy and told him we had to get an adaptor. We went to several places but it was late in the evening and a lot of the shops were closed. He somehow managed to find a Best Buy and got me an adaptor. I never felt more relieved!
The moral of the story is if you travel with any appliances and are going to a country where the plug point could be different, carry an adaptor with you. Do some research and find out what you’ll need or even better carry a universal adaptor. You don’t want to spend your time running around shops to find one. In fact, carry a spare just in case you’re like me and leave yours behind.
I’d also encourage you to check the voltage of your appliances and get a converter so you don’t end up blowing them out.
20. Carry a water bottle
Carry an empty water bottle with you and fill it up at the gate once you are past security. Always stay hydrated on the flight.
Also with all the walking around and exploring you are about to do on your holiday; you need to ensure you stay hydrated through the course of the day. No one wants Mr. Heatstroke accompanying you on your trip! I find it’s easier if I have my water bottle and fill it up at the start of each day before I head out. This will save you money and also help save the environment.
Treat your body well. Travel can throw your body out of whack. So, eat well and drink plenty of water to keep your body as healthy as you can while traveling.
21. Get a local Sim Card
I simply cannot travel without a phone and a local sim card. In this day and age, it’s the best and quickest way to get around a place. You can look up directions as you are exploring or check whether attractions are open. Spend a little time doing a bit of research for a local sim before you fly to your destination. It is totally worth it.
22. Dress for the weather and wear sunscreen
Sunburn is a real thing and so is skin cancer. So, make sure you have sunscreen and a hat with you at all times. You’ll be out and about most of the day exploring and it’s easy to forget to top up on sunscreen until it’s too late. Set a reminder on your phone if you are likely to forget.
For warmer climates, stick to light cool linens and a hat!
23. Keep an Open Mind
Embrace new cultures and religions. Before you travel, do a bit of research about the place to find what’s acceptable and what’s not. It’s always good to blend in and save yourself some embarrassment by doing something wrong.
You don’t have to agree with everything or everyone but you may learn a thing or two from your travels. Remember you are the visitor, so be respectful.
24. Visit the local tourism office
The tourism office knows every place and activity that takes place in town. They can point you to free activities, or special events happening during your stay. If you are lucky, they sometimes have discounts they can offer for attractions and transportation.
Remember, making your experience at a new destination great is what they do for a living. A lot of travelers skip this, but I’ve come to realize just how valuable it can be to spend a few minutes at a tourism office when you first arrive at a new destination. So now this is one of my top travel tips when visiting a new city.
25. Go on a free walking tour
With travel picking up in recent years, most big cities have free walking tours that are led by local guides. These tours give you an overview of the city’s main attractions and allow you to customize yourself to the city, and help you understand places that interest you the most. You can then return to these spots in your own time.
While the tours themselves are free, it is expected that you tip the guides at the end of the tour. I’d suggest $5 – $10 per person. It’s one of the cheapest ways to learn about a new city and its attractions.
26. Download offline maps
This is especially useful for road trips. It’s great if you have them downloaded as you can’t always count on having wifi.
27. Try local food
One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food. Trying the local food is one of the greatest travel experiences. Like eating with your hands in India or using chopsticks in Japan, these experiences embed you into the place and make you feel part of the culture that country has to offer.
The local cuisine forms a huge part of a destination and to make the most of your trip, a top travel tip is to try local dishes and delicacies, especially if it’s something you’ll be unlikely to get back home. I always research a little before I head off to my destination and make myself a list of foods to try when I get there. You can go a further step and even look for top-rated restaurants or book a food tour. You can check getyourguide.com for such tours.
28. Cook your own meals when you can
One of the biggest benefits of staying in an apartment-type accommodation is that you can cook some of your meals using local produce. What a great way to save money but also indulge in a country’s local produce.
One of the biggest reasons travel can be so expensive is because we often eat out all the time. In recent years I’ve been trying to cook all our breakfasts and some dinners while we travel. Lunch is usually had out as we are always out exploring. But remember there are always economical options like popping into a supermarket at the start of the day and grabbing a few bits and bobs for lunch. Think of it this way, if you were at home, you wouldn’t be eating out every night, would you? It’s actually a lot of fun shopping at a foreign supermarket. I love looking at all the unique stuff they have, stuff that I couldn’t find in my country.
29. Take lots of photos
I don’t think there’s any need to explain just how important it is to capture all your travels. These photos will make some of the best memories in years to come and what better way to capture and print them so you can put them up in your home. I love looking at the travel photos we have printed in our home, they remind me of great times when we made some great memories. They also inspire me to book my next trip!
30. Travel Slow
Last but not least, pace yourself on your travels. It can be tempting to add many activities and places to your itinerary. It’s tough, especially when you only travel for a week or a couple of weeks at a time. The rush and fast pace will leave you exhausted at the end of your trip. You don’t really want to get back home only to feel like you need another holiday from the holiday you just had!
I’d highly recommend trying out slow travel. All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore a place. It’s the quality that really matters, taking in the culture, food, and everything your destination has to offer. In fact, slow travel is one of my favorite travel methods. It’s a far more memorable experience. This is probably my top travel tip for beginners as well as families.
So there you have it, my top travel tips to help you be the best traveler possible. These are some of the best travel tips I’ve picked up from my travels over the years. Remember wherever you go, there are thousands of other tourists in a similar boat as you. So don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. If you can start your travel off on the right foot, it sets the tone for a relaxing and fun holiday. And most importantly have a great time!
Happy Travels!
Top Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know
- Be Flexible
- Check for Visas
- Make a Packing List
- Get Travel Insurance
- Check on Vaccines
- Book flights and accommodation well in advance
- Wake Up Early
- Pack Your Valuables in Your Carry-On or handbag
- Keep a copy of your passport and itinerary safe
- Learn a few words in the local language
- Use Packing Cubes
- Pack Light
- Carry On Baggage where possible
- Essentials for a carry – on bag
- One Pair of Good Walking Shoes
- Carry essential medication
- Carry spare cash
- Carry a spare camera battery and a portable drive to store photos
- Take a universal adapter
- Carry a water bottle
- Get a local Sim Card
- Dress for the weather and wear sunscreen
- Keep an Open Mind
- Visit the local tourism office
- Go on a free walking tour
- Download offline maps
- Try local food
- Cook your own meals when you can
- Take lots of photos
- Travel Slow
