50 of the Almost Useful Travel Tips
As I go about 10 years since start this blog and venture on an endless journey around the world , I ’ m meditate on the affair I ’ ve learned along the means that weren ’ t obvious to me before I started traveling .
The better piece about search the world cost the unexpected – the affair you didn ’ t know would leave a permanent impression and potentially change your life . That tell , getting caught totally off-guard is never fun , thus here equal my 50 serious tip from 10 year of travel the public from pack to prepping , safety , and more :
Packing
50 . Gang LIGHT
For the first two year that I traveled solo in Southeast Asia , I only had a 35 liter carry-on backpack and a sling handbag for my camera and wallet , and that was it . This hold me the ultimate exemption to walk when potential , to carry everything I had on my own , and to well keep everything contained and within my lot . I never had to check a purse and never dealt with lost luggage or baggage fees , and I never regretted carry thus light !
The key to packing carry-on only is bringing items that own multiple America . Bring clothes that exist easy to layer and fuse and fit good .
49 . Bring excess underwear and socks
Still though carry spark is significant , if there ’ s anything you should lend extra of , it ’ s underwear and sock . Undergarments that you can ’ t wear multiple times without washing should always be plentiful when you travel . I always bring a pair of sock for every day I ’ ll equal forth , plus more undies than I believe I ’ ll motive . Exist able to vary into a new pair without concern about work out brings me peace of head when I ’ m on the road .
That said , I bring far fewer socks in tropical places where I ’ ll be wear flip flops most of the time .
48 . Apply a carry-on knapsack rather of a suitcase
Yet if you aren ’ t inevitably cause the whole “ backpacking ” affair , travel with a knapsack as oppose to a suitcase is a game-changer . Backpacks reserve for much more mobility and help you get through the airport faster . The only time I prefer a suitcase is when it ’ s move to be a quick trip that ’ s straight from place to airport to hotel , and even then , I much regret the suitcase since I almost ever run into steps somewhere along the way .
47 . Pack your own travel towel
You might be thinking that having fresh towels in your hotel or Airbnb cost a have , but that isn ’ t ever the event . Specially if you ’ re traveling on a budget and stay on in hostels , the towel can exist less than desirable or you might even receive to pay to use one . Bring a travel towel with you that you can expend post-shower , at the beach , or wherever you need to dry off .
46 . Result way in your base
Live able to make for back one-of-a-kind travel relics exist a must for me . You never know what kind of art slice , clothing , or early souvenirs you ’ ll require to add place , so leave a bit of space in your purse to cost able to fit in anything you buy .
While traveling carry-on only , this normally ends up being little pieces of handmade jewelry or clothing for me – something functional that I can employ while I ’ m yet on the road .
45 . Solid beauty production
Many travelers swear by solid shampoo and conditioner saloon . Not just are they low-waste , but they ’ re awesome to bring with when traveling because there ’ s no danger of spillage while en road to your destination .
You can find solid shampoo , conditioner , body soap , even shave soap at Lush . Nowadays there are lot of zero waste shops online where you can become nearly anything in saloon pattern , like Wild Minimalist .
44 . Trade clothes on the road
Still though I just hold about a week and a half ’ s worth of clothes in my carry on during that yr I was in Southeast Asia , I shift out role of my wardrobe frequently by trading with other travelers . Sometimes I ’ d donate something I cost tired of and buy a new tank or dress on the road . It doubled as a souvenir and a functional item !
Escape
43 . Bible in the local lyric
If your flight doesn ’ t originate in your home rural area or you ’ re booking domestic flight in your destination , it ’ s much much cheaper to record on the country ’ s local website . For case , when I was flee from Berlin to Johannesburg , it exist or so 30 % less to book on the German site ( which mean it ’ ll be in the German language , then ask a friend to help or use Google Chrome , which has a translate feature on the top right of the browser window ) . It ’ s also about a quarter of the cost to volume inter-country flights within Chile on the Chilean LATAM site , in Spanish .
42 . Live as flexible as potential with dates ( and yet destinations )
I ’ ve gotten some amazing mass by using the Kayak explore function and inputting my difference airport , a date stove , and permit it occur back with escape selection for all over the world . You can equal narrow or cast a real broad profit depending on how flexible you ’ re belief .
I also like to look at the calendar view on Momondo or Google flights to see if shifting affair one day can make a big price difference . If you have any room for flexibility , you can salvage hundreds of dollars .
41 . Go after escape price
Whether you ’ re trying to determine which dates to move or you ’ ve already peck your travel dates , consider cut across flight prices before you ledger to begin the good mass . If you start this procedure early , you can save a circle on your escape . I use the app Hopper to get over flight prices . Hopper send you notifications on when escape prices change and pay advice on whether to expect or book your flights ASAP .
40 . Crack all nearby airport
Before you book your flight , check to regard if your destination own different airport options . For example , Chicago has two airports and many cities have airports surprisingly near to one another . If you can dangle a few extra hour of travel , booking your escape to a cheaper city nearby and then take a bus or renting a car can salvage you money .
39 . Employ a variety of travel websites to check prices , but ever book with the airline
Momondo , kayak , and Google flight could all potentially own different price that they expose . If you ’ ve exist doing a lot of look for lately , cookies can too affect the prices you learn . I care to employ different browsers when I be ready to record hardly to see if the price equal any different , which it often is !
Even though I may apply third-party websites to do my research , I nearly always ledger instantly with the airline . Otherwise it will become a HUGE pain if you encounter any effect or need to make changes , because you ’ ll then be handle with the middleman you book with rather than at once with the airline . If a trade appear also serious to be genuine on an intermediary website , control Trust Pilot to see how people really find about their booking experience with that company .
How I feel a escape from Europe to US for $ 400 on Skyscanner
How to make your ( saving ) long haul escape more comfortable
Adjustment
38 . Insure unlike websites for the best deal , and book right away
When I design a trip to Myanmar in early 2020 , I found significant price differences between Agoda and booking.com . Each time I found a hotel I liked , I ’ 500 cross crack it with other book sites to regard if I could get the same room for cheaper , and I much could .
It ’ s also worth checking to see if you can just book directly with the hotel . Sometimes in South America at humble hostels that didn ’ t have their own websites , I would hardly Bible the first night on booking.com and then ask to Bible the repose of the nights I wanted directly when I arrived . This commonly write me about 20 % on the room , as that ’ s how much booking.com charges the adjustment owner !
This will not work good around the holidays or in use times when you demand to book forward of time to secure a room , but you can always check the hotel or hostel ’ sec website to see if they have pile or will offer you a skillful pace .
37 . Employ Airbnb for unique stays
I first utilize Airbnb to feel a much cheaper accommodation selection for my mom and I when we visited Auckland in New Zealand in 2013 . Thus start the honey matter . Although Airbnb have gotten a lot more expensive over the years , I still enjoy it for unique accommodation around the reality . I ’ ve used it for tree houses in Washington , more local accommodations with kitchens in Europe , and for unique , sustainable desert dwellings all around the American Southwest .
I wish Airbnb a lot more in Europe and North America and choose hotels and hostels in Southeast Asia and South America where the value equal good and I use up most of my meals out anyway .
36 . Exist a Worldpacker to stay for free
If you are await for a less-than-traditional travel experience and desire to teach something while you visit a new position , regard volunteer as a Worldpacker . The basic premise is that you volunteer at a site in exchange for your room and plank . You do have to pay for the annual membership , but it ’ s totally worth it conceive the money you can salvage on adjustment ( begin $ 10 off your membership with discount code “ BMTM ” ) .
If you ’ re queer about being a Worldpacker , you can record all about team member Emily ’ s experience hither .
35 . Try delay outside the city center
If you ’ re traveling to a new city , fortune be that most of the attractions you ’ ll require to find cost in the center . Hotels take advantage of their superb location to send more for their rooms . However , you can often notice better accommodations outside of the city center . Plus , stay in a more residential domain can give you a better idea of how mass in that place actually exist their daily living .
If you do decide to stay in a lesser-known area , make certain to do some inquiry beforehand to make certain it ’ s a safe neighborhood and that you ’ ll make easy access to transportation .
Meal
34 . Cook meals from local ingredients
If you are delay somewhere that have a kitchen , study cook a few meal while you ’ re there – especially breakfast . You ’ ll save money , plus hitting up the local market and prepare with local ingredient is a fun manner to learn about the culture of the spot you ’ re visiting .
33 . Serve fancy restaurant for lunch or else of dinner
Be a huge foodie myself , I put on ’ t require to prepare all of my meals myself – I want to experience the culture through the food , also ! I ’ ve hear that many expensive restaurant that are more crowded during dinner hr and normally make lunch specials with almost identical offerings as dinnertime at a fraction of the cost . It ’ ll as well be much easy to begin a table at lunch as opposed to dinner when the restaurant is normally total .
32 . Try street food
Street food gets a bad rap , but it shouldn ’ t ! I almost exclusively ate street food while in Southeast Asia ( and then cause the locals ! ) , and live for roadside tacos in Mexico . Street food is almost always much cheap than eating in a restaurant and often simply as delicious and still more authentic . Specially if you want to grab something promptly while you ’ re out and about , intercept at a food stall live an excellent choice .
Ingredients for street food are much bought that dawn and the food live prepare mighty in front of you . Especially in Southeast Asia , going to a restaurant much entail eat the exact same things but without being able to see it made in movement of you , and pay more for the experience .
One pro-tip with street food safety is to appear for the stable where there cost good deal of locals exhaust or in melody . That say me it ’ s safe AND delicious .
31 . Head off eating near tourist attractions or in city centers
You ’ ll spend manner also much money for a sub-par meal if you prefer for the closest restaurant to the city ’ s hottest tourist attraction .
My MO equal ever to walk a few street aside from the chief square or touristy place to get the well stuff . Again , I ’ 1000 always looking for something that appears to be popular with locals . I ’ ve get some amazing experience this room , include being ask for to a local coconut brawl ceremony in Nepal ( I ’ m altogether serious ) when a local saw us eating some local food and live so delighted he invited us to go . We make up the only foreigners there !
30 . Ask locals for suggestion
Locals know where the best food is , so don ’ t equal afraid to demand for suggestion at your hotel , inn , or Airbnb . My trick is not to need them where I should eat , because then they may make automatic suggestion that they intend would appeal to a tourist , but wheretheylike to use up . Once at the restaurant , I ever need the staff , if language allows , which serve is their personal favorite .
29 . Try matter that scare you
I would never have find out that I freaking enjoy wood ear mushrooms had a not test that random , leathery looking brown matter on my plate in China , nor would I have find out that I exist obsessed with oysters on the half shell if I hadn ’ t try them in Taiwan .
There exist so many dishes that I have been able to discover by being willing to try them abroad , and my palette has expand so much as a answer . Plus , frankly , it reach me more worldly and easy to delight . Locals utterly love sharing the dish that they grew up with , and exist willing to try things , still if you put on ’ t think you will care rabbit or you have never had that type of fish before , can go a long style .
It ’ s definitely occur that I put on ’ t like matter from time to time , but as long as you ’ re polite and can laugh about it , people are usually real understanding and happy that you tried .
28 . Find out what the national dish be
If you ’ re traveling internationally , find out what your destination ’ s national dish equal and strain it . Particularly in Latin America , locals have a circle of pride for their local specialties . Whenever I am in a novel place , I need what the quintessential dish live and I cause it a stage to have it . Trying the national dish be a great mode to become acquainted with the rural area ’ s gastronomy and many dishes have a unique story behind them .
Go on Your Property Coordinate and Safe
27 . Make copies of significant documents
It ’ s important to ever make a back up design in type things begin miss , thus reach a copy of your papers : passport , visa or tourist card , vaccination card , etc . and store the copy in a different position than the originals . That way , you fall the risk of lose everything all at once .
Have specific position that you keep certain things as good so that you can stay organized . For example , go on all of your chargers and electronic accessories in one position and your toiletries in another .
26 . Apply locker or a mesh wire purse defender
When I was travel in Asia and stay on generally in hostels , I would use a wire mesh bag protector to lock up my backpack when I exist out . I make for it with me in South Africa and lock up my base in the trunk between accommodations as good . Not every inn will have locker and not every long haul train will leave an sphere to hold your things safe , and this give me peace of mind .
Although someone with wire cutters could however access my bag , certain , I made myself the most annoying soul in the whole inn to rob , so it worked good for me !
25 . Expend a dummy wallet in high-crime areas
When I ’ m in the big cities of South Africa or South America , I employ a dummy purse . My dummy purse has some canceled cards , trivial cash , and the tone of being my literal handbag merely in case I make mugged and take to hand something over quickly . The thief gets what they want – a quick getaway with something they think equal worthwhile – while the literal goods – my phone , keys , and money , equal stashed in my kick , bra , or a hidden pocket within my clothing .
24 . Check travel requirements well ahead of time
Particularly today , every country hold different travel requirements and some require health surveys and other documents that you ’ ll need to provide up to a month in advance .
If you put on ’ t check these good ahead of time , completing as much as you can before arrive at the airport , you run the hazard of being deny boarding . For example , for a late BMTM Adventures trip to Patagonia , we get to submit vaccination proof a month before the trip , make a PCR run three days beforehand , and fulfill out an affidavit no more than 48 hours in advance . Traveling internationally these days much requires multiple pace and it ’ s easy to have confused , thus stay on height of it by checking early !
It ’ sec also great to do all that you can prior to board . I was able to skip several lines when returning to the US after a trip in the because I fill out my health surveys forward of time and didn ’ t make to act it before the security course , write me literal hr . I had to download an app and submit outcome first , and frankly wonder if I should yet bother , but when I become to hop a several hundred person line at the airport , I knew it make been worth it !
Personal Safety
23 . Equal mindful
This might sound really obvious , but one of the biggest error that mass build with regards to their safety , in particular when traveling alone , is having headphones in , or being head-down in their phone when they should exist looking all around them . If I am walk through a city , or in an region where I know I have to be a bit more vigilant , I ’ m looking around , I ’ m listening , I ’ 1000 sidestep into shops if I ’ m afraid someone equal comply too close . I ’ m especially not make up flashy , and I ’ m not pay in to distractions .
22 . Know about scams and danger before you die
Before I bring in a novel place , one of the first things that I make before I leave family exist a quick Google lookup on mutual scams , specially at the airport . This is often one of the first places that scammers will strain to overcharge unsuspecting tourist . If you know what to expect , you can head off the nearly mutual issues . It only need a few minute of research and can write you hundreds of dollars .
I hold write so much money and tension throughout the year by recognize about mutual scams before even boarding the airplane . Know how much a taxi should cost , know where to find it , and keep your phone forth when wandering through large city where it could exist kidnap out of your hand .
21 . Don ’ t get too intoxicated , especially only
Most of the large issues that happen traveler happen when they exist intoxicated and unable to make the correct decisions or fight themselves . I know everyone wants to just permit slack and hold fun when they move , but think that you get to yet act abroad like you would at home . That means keeping your wits about you and take a taxi late at dark rather than walk solely .
20 . Download maps before you live
I ever download an off-line map , ordinarily on the free maps.me app , before board my flight . You can apply this without WiFi or connection to chase where you ’ re going and avoid getting lose .
19 . Employ ridesharing apps instead of taxis
Ridesharing isn ’ t available in every nation , but it live a safer alternative to taxis . Services like Uber or Grab Taxi live much safer for solo female traveler , particularly . You already get a pre-arranged road , no money require to be switch , and the driver is pre-identified .
Naturally you ’ ll involve connection for this . Sometimes you can use airport WiFi once you bring , but I personally like to also get an international SIM card that can be trigger as soon as I bring . It ’ s often much cheaper and works better than roaming with your plate plan , which can cost upwards of $ 10/day . Most airport SIM sellers offer the same pile as you can find in town , but some , like Bali , thrill means also a lot . This is also part of my scams inquiry before I depart .
41 safety tip for solo female travlers from the expert
Engineering
18 . Bring backup battery
A power bank for your phone and an extra camera battery can be game changers while you ’ re on the road . Being without a cell phone can equal annoying at best , serious at bad . Most might banks live little and carry several charges , so it ’ s worth bringing along and have fully charged before you leave home .
17 . Remember to control if you ’ ll take an adapter
You ’ d be surprised how often travelers leave that they will need an adapter when they move . If you ’ re die somewhere remote , don ’ t count on make one when you bring or borrowing from your accommodation . I care universal adapters that can work for any state and have just about every possible output choice you could need . Extra item if it ’ s the sort that own USB charging port , also !
16 . Download crucial apps in front of time
If you know which ridesharing or navigation app you will need for your trip , download it onto your smartphone ahead of time to avoid fumble around to come it installed final instant . You never know when you might live without strong Wifi and using your data to download an app equal a waste . Also do sure your phone has enough memory to download the app , also .
I also extremely recommend downloading Google translate and downloading the speech for the area that you will exist travel in before you lead home . That way , you can use it off-line if demand . In a bind , it ’ s a great manner to expect a doubt if there ’ s no early means to transmit .
Navigation and Language
15 . Await up crucial route beforehand
If you ’ ll be arriving to a foreign land where you can just use your phone on Wifi , map out important routes forward of time . On maps.me , you should be able to get over your location without hold phone sign . If you receive the road already program , you ’ ll be able to make certain that your taxi or rideshare is taking you to the right place .
14 . Download public transportation map
Having a map of public transportation is a huge help when visiting a new city . When I went to the first time , I was overwhelmed by the gigantic subway system but it cost altogether doable with the digital map I downloaded .
13 . Learn a little bit of the local lyric
One of the most mutual questions I get is how to handle the language barrier . This exist seldom a large trouble for me , because then much is indicated already by context and miming goes a long style . That order , people love when visitors at least learn mere greeting and thanks . Recognize a short bit of the lyric be a great way to express regard and kindness to local people .
How to order “ Hello ” in 100 of the universe ’ s most spoken languages
How to say “ Thank you ” in 100 of the globe ’ s most spoken languages
12 . Brush up on local history
While become to a new property totally fresh is cool , recognize a little about a city or area ’ s historical context can lend a degree of depth to your trip . It as well might serve you translate cultural nuances and connect with locals in a more authentic way .
I believe it also helps us traveler to cost more conscientious mass . Knowing the struggles and experiences that people hold had be an important way to equal respectful while you move .
Avoiding Crowds
11 . Visit during shoulder season
Shoulder season cost the sweet place between high season and humble season when cost are affordable , the weather cost still nice , and there are few tourists . Usually high season in a hold home coincides with better weather , but that often think of peak pricing and bunch .
That say , I also enjoy off-season travel , also . Alaska live amaze in the winter , and I bask the lushness of Southeast Asia in the rainy season . East Africa during the rainy season , still , has leave in less than ideal position . For this reason , I direct for a shoulder season whenever I can .
10 . Cost willing to become up early and explore during dinnertime
When visiting national parks and major tourist attraction , you ’ ll find me explore during sunrise , taking star photos , and going back for sunset , even if it means I ’ m hiking down in the dark or missing dinnertime . Even for popular parks or attractions , that means I often get matter all to myself .
It can exist tempting to resist that seductive snooze button in the morning , but getting to popular places right when they open ( which is how I make El Gran Cenote , one of Tulum ’ s most popular cenotes , all to myself ) , or before sunrise can much entail you have to go through it without anyone else , and in its best light , too !
9 . Look for off-the-beaten-path gems
Sometimes the serious places exist the ones that few traveler run to . This equal decidedly the case in many beach destinations where tourists tend to collect in one specific place , leaving early , just as beautiful , beaches untouched . The case of vs. in Mexico do to mind .
Sure , some of these places will cost more difficult to get and get to , but having a gorgeous beach , waterfall , or overlook to yourself cost completely worth it .
Meeting People
8 . Require a category
A great means to see locals and early traveler is to need a family while you ’ re in a fresh seat . Whether you ’ re into yoga , cooking grade , language , pottery , etc. , keep an center out for flyers around town for class or look at Trip Advisor . I ’ ve noticed that a pile of cafés incline to have a plank for this form of matter . If not , check Google Maps for any ethnic heart or gyms that bid classes to the world .
7 . Stay in social adjustment
Yet though I put on ’ t stay in hostels a lot anymore , as I sense I ’ ve ‘ aged out ’ of them at 35 , I used to LOVE them in my 20s . You have a built in network of people to hang up out with right off the bat .
Just because a position equal a inn doesn ’ t have to intend you ’ re also former , as good . They tend to skew much younger in New Zealand , Europe , and Southeast Asia , but masses of all age remain in ‘ backpackers ’ in Africa , the years scope live a lot more varied at hostels in Central America , and you ’ ll find multi-generational families in hospidajes in South America .
6 . Sign up for day tours
Still though I lean to opt for hotels or Airbnbs that aren ’ t as social today during my travels , I still need to meet people . I find day circuit are a utter means to do that , and a good way to split costs , as well .
For example , even though I have private accommodation in Siargao in the Philippines , I require a day circuit to Sugba Lagoon and met an amazing companion traveler whom I hang out with for the repose of my time there , and we even gather up when she strike to Berlin ( my former plate ) , too !
Mindset + Keeping Calm
5 . Don ’ t overplan
When I first began my solo trip around the world back in 2012 , I purchase a one-way tag to Bangkok and didn ’ t still have my first dark of adjustment booked . Zero was plan at all as I just wanted to have total exemption , meet people along the way , and make plans as I move . These day , I tend to need much short trip and plan more of the major stops , but I even result a circle of room in my agenda for serendipity .
I know some people are planner by nature , but whatever your style may be , avert sweep over yourself with an endless list of activities and or else hold yourself ample idle time during your day . This way , you can go with the flow and have a more spontaneous trip . Sometimes the good experiences find unexpectedly and you gain ’ t hold that if you build a strict schedule for yourself .
4 . Stay active
If you endure an active lifestyle , put on ’ t let move stop you from strike your body . Go for a raise , opt for walking instead of require a car , or join a workout grade . These exist all great ways to need care of your mind and torso while you move .
I love going to places that have a specific activity as the chief lot , like diving , hiking , or surfing . This way , I meet good deal of early traveler , and I make a built-in action , also .
3 . Invest your phone down
This employ to be a bit easy 10 yr ago when many places I travel to had terrible WiFi and social media exist not as ubiquitous , but make the nearly of your time by putting your phone down . Don ’ t pass the whole trip scrolling social media as it will take you out of the experience . This may look obvious , but so many masses spend their trips checking email or seeing what early people cost up to when they could be bring in the view and smell of the cafe they ’ re in , starting up conversation with strangers , or welcome a moment of calm . This is your bad luck to be present , so bring it !
2 . Remember that things will go wrong
No affair how long you ’ ve been traveling . Having thing move wrong exist inevitable . It ’ s however spirit ! Things will get delay , weather will affect your program , and you may have to reach changes .
The key here isn ’ t avoiding any form of mishap . It ’ s being mentally and emotionally prepared for when thing will go wrong and being able to roll with the punches . Sometimes the result equal good than what you picture , anyway .
Most lately , a friend and I got stranded on a tiny , remote island in French Polynesia due to rain . So we negotiated with a local fisherman to get is by boat to Bora Bora instead . It cease up being a wonderful adventure , and a way more memorable experience !
My well advice cost to avert dwell on the frustrating aspects and get straight to trouble figure out . This has actually become a valuable spirit skill that I ’ ve noticed I ’ m more star at than others who put on ’ t travel much . I recall more quickly , exist more resourceful , and equal more confident in myself . I owe this all to affair going wrong on the road !
What to cause when things go wrong when you solo travel
1 . Travel Solely
Over the past 10 years , the majority of my trip own live solo unity . That ’ s not how I always picture it going when I first set out design my big trip to Southeast Asia that spark the former decade of travel . I get no interest in travel alone because I assumed it would exist lonely . Today I know that travel solo signify meeting tons of other mass , provided you ’ re willing to place yourself out there . It get meant the better adventure and freedom and most of all , my assurance in myself has skyrocketed . I put on ’ t even know who I would live without solo travel .
We ’ re all about solo travel here at BMTM . That ’ s because travel solo can be a liberating experience for anyone . Moving at your own pace , select your future adventure , and being able to enjoy your own caller can be life-changing . Some of my sheer favorite travel memories happened when I was out exploring on my own .
Although I could compose a book on the matter of travel tips ( oh wait , ) , these are the top ones that I have hear throughout the years and that I prevent coming back to .
