20 Best Travel Tips | Essential Travel Hacks

Have you made arrangements for your long-awaited trip to a destination on your bucket list? Or are you simply visiting a new city that has been recommended to you by other travellers?
 

When it comes to travelling abroad for the first time, one of the most common concerns is the unfamiliarity of the situation. When you start thinking about all of the details and safety concerns, it can be difficult to stay focused.

But I assure you that it is completely possible and also safe.

For all the new travellers out there thinking of starting a new journey ahead, we have the 20 best travel tips for you.

Pack less luggage 

Packing light can save you a lot of time and space. It will assist you in moving through security more quickly, deboarding the plane more easily, boarding and disembarking from the bus or taxi more quickly, and keeping your belongings safe. It will significantly assist you in avoiding being robbed or pickpocketed.

Fortunately, this does not happen all of the time and is more likely to occur when you are careless with your valuables. Simple: keep your belongings close to you at all times, and if you must leave luggage in your room, make sure that it is securely stored and locked away.

It is recommended that you travel as light as possible. If you only bring a carry-on bag with you, you can keep it on your lap while riding the bus or in a taxi, allowing you to move quickly from one location to the next. After all, you are unlikely to wear or use the majority of the items you bring with you.

Book afternoon flights 

Although it is common knowledge that airline fares fluctuate over the week, few people are aware that they also fluctuate during the day. Buy your ticket in the afternoon to save money, as rates are higher in the morning when most business travellers book their flights.

Check these travel essentials 

An anti-theft money belt: I recommend purchasing this anti-theft money belt to keep your money safe when walking around the city.

A Pacsafe is a must-have for keeping your valuable vacation items safe while staying at the hotel.

A travel neck pouch: A travel neck pouch can be worn around your neck to keep all of your most critical documents safe, including your passport. It's divided into sections to keep things safe and organized.

A global travel adapter: Because different nations use different adapters, I recommend purchasing a single universal travel adapter that will work in all locations.

A power bank: A power bank is one of the items you should never leave at home while travelling! So bring a power bank with you to avoid running out of battery.

Microfiber travel towel: choose a microfibre travel towel since it is light, easy to wash, and dries quickly.

First Aid Kit: Regardless of where you're going, you'll need to have a First Aid kit with you in case of an emergency while travelling. Always remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. Simply ensure that the one you bring contains all of the essentials and is tiny and light enough to fit into any luggage or backpack.

Collapsible water bottle: When travelling, always have a water bottle with you so that you can simply replace it when you run out of water. It also allows you to be a more environmentally conscious traveller because you won't have to use as many disposable plastic bottles, which are bad for the earth.

Spend more time at fewer places

When planning a trip, don't try to see and do everything ? this will lead to burnout and a budget blowout! Rather than rushing from one end of a country to the other or ripping through six countries in six weeks, spend time getting to know an area.

Burnout can be caused by constantly packing and unpacking, spending time looking for cheap flights, coping with multiple time zones, currency changes, and even visa complications. Furthermore, travelling to too many different places will drain your bank account.

Slow down and take in more of what is going on around you. You will gain a deeper understanding of a location in this manner. If you're travelling alone or with a partner, expect to travel more slowly. If you're travelling with toddlers, be realistic about what you can do.

The less you feel obligated to see and do, the more enjoyable and stress-free the experience will be for all. Recognize that you will never have enough time to see and experience everything there is to see and do. And that's perfectly fine.

Learn common languages

Don't yell at the locals just because they don't understand what you're saying! And never, ever complain that the folks in the country you're visiting don't speak English fluently. 

Learning the fundamentals of the local language is an excellent approach to demonstrate respect and break down barriers. Attempt to learn at least a few fundamental phrases using a phrasebook or an app. It can make things easier for you, as you will get more immersed in the culture and gain more respect from the people. Plus, a kind grin, a wave, and a friendly attitude may break down any language barrier.

Get help from locals 

Talking to the locals is one of our best travel tips, and it's something everyone recommends! Locals are usually willing to steer you in the proper direction and can tell you what's new and popular.

They usually offer the best travel tips and insider information on what to see and eat in their own city. It's incredible how much you can learn just by striking up a casual chat. Simple queries such:

"Where can we get the best coffee?" should be asked.

What's the finest place to watch the sunrise?

What are the top three things you'd show an out-of-town visitor?

Locals are eager to share travel tips and anecdotes about their area and will go out of their way to ensure that you have a wonderful visit! Those working at your hotel's front desk or the bellboy are some of the best locals to talk to. We always ask for recommendations for places to eat, drink, and explore.

Be street smart 

Street robbery is a major public safety concern in practically all major cities across the world. This includes everything from pickpocketing to using devious tactics to steal your possessions without your knowledge. When travelling through congested areas, it's best to keep your possessions in a visible location at all times.

Furthermore, it is preferable to wear your daypack in front of you rather than behind you to avoid someone collecting your belongings without your knowledge. You can also wear a money belt, making it nearly hard for someone to steal your cash.

Also, rather than carrying credit cards, bring cash because big complications are rare when using cash. Another strategy to keep yourself safe on the streets is to avoid having valuables.

Prefer affordable accommodations

Apart from flights, hotels are often the second most expensive part of trip preparation. Still, you can spend more on activities if you are prepared to trade homogeneous roadside businesses for something somewhat economical. Backpacker and luxury hostels offer the same standard of service that hotels often do.

Make friends wherever you go 

The people you meet while travelling is, without a doubt, the best part of the experience. Participate in a yoga retreat, attend a local event, or stay in a hostel to meet and befriend more people.

The landscapes are breathtaking, and the food is delectable, but it is the people who will be with you for the rest of your life. You will meet people who share your interests from all over the world, each with unique and interesting stories to tell. You will gain an understanding of their cultures and hear about their travel experiences. It is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable aspect of travelling.

So, yes, take a nice vacation, but also set aside some time to become really friendly with as many people as you can while on vacation. When it comes to turning your vacation into a life-changing experience, this is the secret sauce.

Make money travelling 

When it comes to making money while travelling, there are plenty of options available in today's market. Teaching English to children or adults, or working as a freelancer on digital platforms such as Upwork, Fiver, making Vlogs are just a few possibilities.

Carry small amongst of cash 

The exchange rate is always at its worst at the airport or at the border (which is correct), but it is worthwhile to convert a small quantity of cash for foreign currency as soon as possible. Having enough cash on hand to pay for a taxi, a bus, a cafe, or anything you need is really beneficial.

Every member of the BookRetreats crew has unavoidably found themselves trapped somewhere without change for a bus or a taxi, and it is not a pleasant experience. If you have to find an ATM, make the change at a convenience store, and then get on the bus or into a taxi as scheduled, it is not the worst thing that could happen, but it can be extremely frustrating.

Aside from that, many transportation means will be unable to provide change for huge sums. Consequently, even if you have cash on hand, try to keep in mind that many of these establishments will not have enough change when you want to make a transaction.

Not to mention that you shouldn't use traveller's checks at all. They're out of date, and no one would know what to do with them in the first place.

Keep updated with political and security conditions 

Avoid finding yourself in a war zone because you failed to conduct an adequate study into the stability and security of the country or place in question. Even though you were looking forward to the trip, you should cancel it immediately if there is instability in the area; your safety is more vital than a day's fun.

Know Weather conditions 

Staying safe while travelling involves being aware of wars and political instability in the place you intend to visit and being aware of the weather conditions at your destination.

Extreme weather conditions can occur in some nations, and visiting such locations during those periods might be hazardous to your safety and well-being.

Always attempt to keep an eye on the weather forecast on AccuWeather or Google Weather to see if the circumstances are favourable for your activities.

For example, I would not recommend that you travel to locations prone to flooding, hurricanes, mudslides, or even earthquakes for your safety.

Do free travelling 

If conserving money while travelling is a priority for you, one of our greatest budget travel suggestions is to take advantage of all of the free activities to do at your destination. The majority of the time, the most memorable moments in life are either free or relatively inexpensive. The simplest of moments, such as hanging in a hammock while watching the sunset over the horizon, can bring a great deal of happiness.

Other freebies include:

Take a stroll or a spin on your bike.

Swim in a lake or at the beach.

Climb a mountain to get some exercise.

Take in the breathtaking sunrise.

Attend museums or tourist attractions on free or cheap days or when they are offering specials.

Have a good time in the park.

Pay a visit to a market

Attend a street festival or a cultural event in your area.

Walking is something we enjoy doing. As an alternative to driving around in circles, it is one of the most effective ways to get to know and enjoy your surroundings. When you're walking around, you'll have plenty of opportunities to pause and take in all the details. As a result, you will be better able to absorb the atmosphere and experience the energy.

Walking is also completely free and extremely beneficial to your health!

Aware of travel scams 

In practically every country on the globe, there are certain travel scams that people fall for. Even though they are well-known worldwide, you are more likely to be taken advantage of if you do not know them personally.

Here are some of the most typical travel scams that occur worldwide that you should be aware of.

Some taxi drivers take a longer route in order to charge you extra money. To avoid this, make sure you know where you're going or that you're following the route with maps. Instead, you can hire a chauffeur to avoid any delays and have a fully secure ride.

Don't use exchange at the airport 

In the weeks preceding up to your departure date, you're bound to be quite busy, so make sure you allow yourself enough time to exchange currency at your local bank. They're well-known for providing the poorest conversion rates, and with a little extra work, you may save a large amount of money on your purchases. 

Travel based on instincts 

If something doesn't feel right while travelling, simply continues on your journey. Take it easy if you don't feel comfortable strolling at night in a rural place (which you shouldn't feel uncomfortable doing).

Instead of making a mistake and later regretting it, put your trust in your guard and follow it. The good news is that your guard is almost always correct in the majority of circumstances.

Have travel insurance 

One of the best travel advice is to prepare travel insurance beforehand. You can't afford to go if you can't afford travel insurance, especially if it's a journey to another country! Buying travel insurance is so inexpensive that it's a no-brainer, and the peace of mind is invaluable! I'd rather spend an extra $100 or so on our trip and not use the insurance than have my bank account wiped clean if something went wrong.

What is the purpose of having travel insurance?

You had to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

A hurricane ruins your vacation spot.

There has been a terrorist attack.

On your journey, you become ill or injured.

Your luggage has been misplaced or stolen.

Your passport is misplaced.

Don't be overtrusting 

No matter how kind a stranger appears to be, don't immediately put your faith in them. Let's face it, knowing someone's true intentions in the smallest amount of time is quite difficult to do.

As a result, instead of informing them about the hotel, you are staying at, tell them about an adjacent hotel in the city where you are staying.

And if someone inquires as to whether this is your first visit to the area, simply state that it is not or use the line "you're visiting family and friends." That person may decide to change their mind about making you a target and move on to the next person on their list.

Download digital guides of everything 

Download a city guide to your destination of choice so you can refer to it while you're on the road for the most up-to-date information on amazing prices, free things to do, and generally budget-friendly places to dine, and attractions to see.