Did You Know Any of These Travel Tips?
Don’t believe everything you see on social media. Those bloggers might portray their trips as seamless adventures, but true travel comes with all kinds of obstacles. Not to worry! We’re here to help you navigate the less glamorous side of travel with 20 things people never told you.
1. Check Tourism Sites
You have your trip planned out. Everything’s set and you can’t wait to tour all the best sites—except you forgot to do your research. Now, after a ten-hour flight and two hours of walking, you realize that museum isn’t open (or it needs online pre-booking). Look up those sites before you tour them so you’re not caught in the lurch!
2. You’re Going to Make Mistakes
Social media often portrays travel as this simple adventure anyone can take. While you should explore new places, don’t forget that we’re all human and will make mistakes. You might take the wrong bus or speak a new language poorly. You might even take a wrong road somewhere new. It’s okay, the important thing is you overcome.
3. You Gain More From Life Experiences
They always say money can’t buy happiness, and while that’s mostly true, it certainly helps pave the way to more life experiences. With all those stamps on your passport, you’ll be richer in ways you can’t even imagine yet.
4. Most People are Friendly
Alright, it’s true—not all the locals are friendly. However, that can be said of nearly every country. For the most part, locals are willing to help you out, guide you to the best spots, or point you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to approach strangers for assistance.
5. You’ll Learn to Scout Weirdos
Speaking of strangers, it’s just as important to sharpen your senses in a foreign area. Though it’s pretty easy to scout obvious scams, not everyone fits an immediate bill. Don’t worry, the more you travel, the more you’ll learn about common swindles.
6. Travel Takes Longer Than You Think
Just because that boarding pass reads a two-hour flight doesn’t mean you’ll get there on time. The same goes for bus tickets or group tours. Always arrive early and bank on experiencing hiccups. That way, you aren’t flustered when they happen.
Global Residence Index on Unsplash
7. Keep Physical and Digital Documents
In today’s day and age, physical documents are a thing of the past. While most boarding passes go straight to your phone, you should also ask for physical copies at the airport. It’s always better to have a backup just in case!
8. Travel Can Make You Lonely
Whether it’s nomads in vans or families at Disneyland, travel can make you homesick. Sure, it’s great to see new sights and experience new places, but there comes a day when you’ll miss the comfort of your own bed. You’ll miss your family and your adorable pet. It’s all part of the territory. Go on day trips, bring items from home, or schedule calls with loved ones to keep in touch.
9. Eat What the Locals Suggest
You can only rely on your rumbling tummy so much. At the end of the day, locals know the best haunts and you should trust their word. You can also look at Yelp reviews, but local knowledge is the closest thing you’ll get to gospel.
10. Learn Conversational Phrases
It doesn’t matter if you can’t speak a new language perfectly. What matters is you put in the effort to learn conversational phrases. You’ll have a much easier time knowing language basics than relying on Google.
11. You’ll Appreciate Home
Traveling to a new place teaches you to appreciate what’s around you—and what’s back at home. No one tells you how much you’ll fall back in love with your country, your street, and even the familiar spots you frequent.
12. Book Some Days for Rest
It’s a common misconception that a week of travel means a week of touring. Get that shut-eye! Rest days give you a chance to relax, and tourist spots are much better with a working brain. You’re not lazy for spending a day in bed, you’re giving yourself a much-needed break.
13. Learn About and Respect Customs
A culture’s customs are just as important as a country’s language. Learn about local traditions before flying somewhere new, especially if it’s halfway across the world. The last thing you want is to be a disrespectful tourist all the locals side-eye.
14. Remember Jet Lag
Not enough people take jet lag seriously. Even one hour can knock your internal clock off kilter, so make sure you get some shut-eye on the plane. It’s much easier to walk around with fresh eyes than it is to traipse through towns in zombie mode.
15. Prepare for Stomach Trouble
Stomach trouble happens at the best of times, but it happens all the time overseas. From disagreeable food to rumbling in a nervous stomach, you’ll likely need to hit the washroom when you travel. Come prepared with OTC remedies or simple solutions like ginger.
16. Bring Your Own Essentials
Of course, Gravol isn’t your only essential. Remember—life doesn’t stop on vacation, which could spell trouble. Pack feminine hygiene products and bring any medication you need. Trust us, you don’t want to get caught without them.
17. Nothing is Free
Oh, this friendly tourist offered to show you around. Wow, this kind gentleman just placed a bracelet on your wrist. Guess what? Now they want money. Nothing overseas is free and scam artists spot tourists a mile away. Keep your wits about you and don’t just accept random help. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
18. Don’t Forget TSA Precheck
Do you want to skip ahead in airport security? Look online for preboarding services like TSA Precheck. You’ll be able to jump to another line that moves way faster than everyday security. It’ll cost some money, but some travelers think it’s worth it.
19. Unpack Your Stuff Immediately
Don’t live out of a suitcase upon arrival. Unpack your stuff and get familiar with your hotel. Once you have a better lay of the land, you’ll feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Unpacking is especially useful for lengthy trips.
20. Double Your Budget
One of the smartest things you can do before traveling is to set your budget. Once you have it, double it. Travelers often forget all the little expenses that pop up, so it’s better to have too much money available than too little.
