After nine years of traveling, I have learned the best travel tips after visiting 40 countries across six continents.
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Ten Years
If I could do it again, I would do the same thing.
Yes, I have made mistakes. I’ve made some serious ones! We learn from our mistakes. This is how I developed this list of travel advice.
Let’s face it; I am too stubborn to learn something new every month. I’m giving myself a little leeway.
These are 65 of my best travel tips after ten years of traveling.
The 65 Best Travel Tips
- Do not pinch your pennies when you count your dollars.
Do not get me wrong. It is essential to watch your budget, especially when traveling.
What is the cost?
Avoid getting caught up in the nickels and dimes. You want to maximize your travel time and not waste it on budgeting.
You know, I understand. I’ve also been there. Money is limited when you’re on vacation (unless you work while you travel). Spending money is a big deal.
Instead of focusing on small amounts, save more significant amounts.
I’ve spent an hour looking at shops to find a bargain to save me $5. Decide if you’re willing to spend an hour on the internet looking for a deal to save you $5 (I did it! Would you prefer to spend the money and continue your journey?
You’ll remember your great times, not how much you saved. Try to spend only some of your time on how to save every dollar. Instead, focus on cutting higher costs.
- Get rid of what you don’t need.
You should pack only items that you use regularly. When it comes to packing, simplicity is vital. You do need to carry all your luggage.
Make things simple for yourself.
You will not need to pack “just in case.” It is a waste of space. It’s always possible to buy items as you travel and leave behind what you don’t need.
Get rid of the items that you don’t use. Clothing is a great place to begin.
When I moved from a cold country to a hot, humid Colombia, I threw away my expensive North Face jacket the very first day. It was a waste to bring it with me for six months.
Keep in mind, too, that the weight limit for your luggage will be meager if you are booking a cheap flight and only carrying a carry-on. Think about the weight of each item.
- Learn the local language.
You’ll receive the most positive response from locals if you greet them in their native language.
Even learning a few basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” can go a very long way. Although it may seem simple, this is a very effective way to learn a language. People will welcome you more warmly if you can show them that you’re trying hard when you visit their country. Try!
Learn how to count up to 10. You’ll use your left and right hands at least three times a day.
Spend some time learning the language before you go on your trip. Bring a book with common phrases to help you read menus in restaurants.
Take in as much information as possible. Traveling is fun!
Sunset on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
- Spend more time in fewer places.
I decided long ago that my travel experience should be about immersion and not stamps on my passport.
Too many people are rushing through entire countries in under a week. Heck, I did it myself. I was caught up trying to see everything as fast as possible.
But I have learned that there are better ways to learn about a place than this one.
You’ll only see the surface of things if you move at that pace. Take your time when you first arrive in a foreign country. Immerse yourself in the country’s culture, language, food, and nature. Also, learn about the art, history, culture, cuisine, people, and the locals. Create an unforgettable experience so you can feel confident about leaving a location knowing you experienced and not just seen.
After ten years, I may have visited fewer places, but my travel experiences are more affluent.
- Trust Your Gut
It’s that feeling in your stomach telling you something is wrong. You should trust your gut if you have a terrible feeling.
Your gut instinct is just as crucial as these travel tips. You have instincts for a good reason: so you can stay safe. It’s sometimes a good thing to opt out, but sometimes it can be.
The opposite is also true. Go for it if you feel extra brave! You never know what could happen. Be smart, but travel with no fear. You should only take a risk if you think it is correct.
My gut is the only thing that keeps me alive after all these years.
- Don’t Over-Plan
On paper, your travel plans will look fantastic. You can explain them easily to friends and family. They’re only good for that. It’s best to leave behind the best-laid travel arrangements.
Plan your entire trip to avoid spontaneity. How boring would that be? The stress that comes from over-planning a trip can be unwarranted.
It’s not healthy to let your travel plans control you. Finding the best hotels, cheap flights, good deals, your budget, passport stamps, packing, and repacking can take a lot of work.
I don’t plan much. You should read some articles about your destination, but I become stressed if I focus on the details.
You will not succeed if you force your plans. Let them happen, and you will enjoy your journey more.
- Quality Gear is Worth Investing in
You will be wearing your gear every day. It doesn’t matter if it rains, snows, or if the sun shines.
Your travel bag will get beaten up by the sun, the rain, and airport transit. It will be packed with all your belongings, and you want it to last as long as you can while traveling.
The $30 backpack from China might do the trick, but it could have done better. Not for very long.
It’s better to pay the actual dollar amount upfront than the symbolic price down the road. For the essential things, research to find high-quality items that meet your needs.
