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My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler

Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

In the beginning, you just make a lot of travel mistakes.

But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes ( and I often make a lot of them ), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.

I’ve learned these tips over the last sixteen years being a nomad.

These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.

So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:

1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking – and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.

Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!

My favorite bag is the Flash Pack from REI . Other companies offering high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

This article has more tips on finding the best travel backpack for your needs.

The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one .

I also recommend packing cubes , which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.

3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.

I love Unbound Merino , as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look sylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Click here for more packing tips .

4. But take extra socks. You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks!

Here’s a list of all my best hostels around the world . If you’re planning on backpacking Europe , it’s worth getting HostelPass , a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.

6. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money for me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive.

Here are some helpful articles on banking:

• How to Avoid Banking Fees While Traveling
• 22 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Have Money for Travel
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card

7. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up!

Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that.

8. Don’t fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly in to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to where you need to go.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner . This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.

Here are some more tips on finding cheap flights!

Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:

• Why I Travel Alone
• The Joy of Solo Travel
• Travel: The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
• How to Overcome Being Alone
• Reading People: One Skill Travel Has Taught Me

10. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource!

11. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. Here are some of my favorite walking tour companies around the world:

• The Best Walking Tours in New York City
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Berlin
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere.

For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.

12. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!

13. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.

14. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.

15. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first. The best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – The BEST for upcoming US flight deals.
• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

16. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid. Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff!

17. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.

18. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)

19. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report.

20. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried.

Here are some tips on how to learn a language .

Here are some posts that highlight my favorite reads:

• 13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
• The Best Travel Books
• 12 Books to Take You Around the World

22. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.

23. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!

24. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.

25. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!

Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card . You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!

26. Write down your experiences. Even in this hyper-technological age, I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on. I never leave home without a journal. Not only do I use them for work (I’m constantly taking notes and writing down ideas) but I also use them to keep track of my travels.

Simple travel journals work great for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down logistical information like directions, contact information, and language tips.

If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, inspirational quotes, and more, grab our new travel journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes as well as write down stories and reflections during your travels.

27. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!

28. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp , Google Maps , or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.

Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists!

29. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!

30. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel.

I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.

31. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.

32. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.

You can either assemble a first aid kit yourself ( here are some tips for doing so ), or purchase a pre-made kit online .

33. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week, or if you search in an incognito window.

Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember, you usually have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Here are some article on how to save money on flights:

• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight Online
• How to Always Find a Cheap Flight
• Where I Find the Best Travel Deals

34. Use Meetup, the sharing economy, and hospitality websites to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win – and I use these resources all the time when I travel.

Here’s an article on how to use the sharing economy (and what websites to use) when you travel.

35. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.

36. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.

• My Favorite Restaurants in Europe
• The Best Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• 30+ Places to Eat in Tokyo
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

38. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!

39. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw .

40. Get city attraction cards. If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!).

41. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.

42. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!

43. Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

My favorite shoes for traveling are Suavs shoes , which are versatile and durable. They’re comfortable and great for exploring a new city all day, but also look nice enough that you can dress them up if you want to at night.

44. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.

Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road.

45. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market.

Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

47. Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

48. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture . Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

49. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.

You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.

My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
• Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
• Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.

50. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

51. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.

52. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!

53. Relax. See Be patient .

54. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

55. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep.

But even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!

These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.

56. Always carry a power bank. Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t.

We all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets, but it can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem.

57. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.

If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network . I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.

59. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!

Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!

Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!

60. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.

On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.

61. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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I'm David Leiter , the travel blogger behind this website. I'm an American who's been traveling the world full time for 8 years now.

I started this travel blog in 2019 to document my own international trips and help others learn how to travel the world on a budget.

I'm currently based in Bali , Indonesia , where I met my wife Intan (who’s a Bali local), and now we've continued this travel blog as a couple.

I was originally sharing tips for solo travel, but I'm sure someday when we have kids we'll cover family vacations as well!

Together, we travel the world with a camera and drone, and try to document the most scenic destinations by creating articles, photos, videos, and guides with expert advice for other travelers.

I like to write about all kinds of hikes , beaches , waterfalls , volcanoes , castles , temples , monuments , wildlife , and other interesting sights.

I've worked with or been featured by BBC Travel , NBC News , Time , and other companies. I also sell some photo prints from my travels now.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. I hope this world travel blog can help and inspire you in your own journeys as well!

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Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

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90 travel tips & tricks to save you time, money & stress.

After more than 5 years spent travelling the world, visiting many of the best backpacking destinations you can think of, we figured it time to put together our top travel tips!

These are all tips we’ve used over the years and are planning to use on our future travels. 

Many have been hard learned after making plenty of mistakes over the years!

So if you're just starting out on your world travel adventures, take note to help you avoid making the same mistakes.

They should help you with everything, right through from planning your adventures, to saving money and even how to stay safe on the road!

Plus, we’ve split this guide into different sections to help you out, you're welcome!

Want our overall top 10 best tips? Here they are ...

Travellerspoint

Travel planning tips

1. take out annual travel insurance .

It’s important to ALWAYS travel with travel insurance. 

It’s a silly risk to take if you’re not covered and you’ll soon find that paying for healthcare out of your own pocket is very very expensive. 

If you’re taking more than one trip a year, it’s often more feasible to take out an annual policy. Or one that auto-renews each month; but allows you to pause when not needed (which is what SafetyWing offer)

You also need to make sure it includes covid cover which limited travel policies still do.

Luckily, SafetyWing offers both of these things. We have used them and can recommend them as an awesome policy for most travellers. So be sure to check them out and get a quote . They have very straightforward pricing and policy details.

2. The earlier you book, the cheaper the flights 

Most flight companies release their flight schedule a year ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best deal. 

There seems to be a sweet spot when it comes to booking flights, and that tends to be around 4-6 month mark.

That's not to say that you can’t bag some great last minute deals!

However if like us you like to be a little prepared when booking long haul flights, then this is a good guideline to aim for.

Sure, you may be able to save a little more closer to the time, but you could also end up being forced to pay a lot more!

3. Book refundable hotel rooms

You’ll soon find that when travelling (especially when backpacking), your plans don’t always play out. 

This means you’ll need to cancel hotel bookings last minute. 

Rather than losing out on that money, it's great to use a website like Booking.com or Airbnb, who (most of the time) offer free cancellations (sometimes even on the day you’re due to arrive!) 

This has proven really useful for us in last minute situations where circumstances have changed. 

To save even more time with this process, I recommend using a price comparison site like CozyCozy which compares properties around a given location.

They rank all properties across both Airbnb & Booking.com, making this search process 10 times easier. And even have the option to only show properties with flexible cancellation terms.

We've got plenty of other travel tips on how to get cheap hotel rooms if you're interested...

4. Start preparing your trip at least 6 weeks before you go

We love a last minute trip, and whilst they are great, if you’re going somewhere that requires a specific visa, then some visa applications can take up to 6 weeks, so bear this in mind when you’re planning your travels. 

There are lots of great services online, like Natvisa which take much of the stress out of visa applications and show you exactly what you need to do and how far in advance.

Plus, it’s the same with vaccinations and planning certain tourist sights. 

For example, getting tickets for hot spots like the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam , or the Statue of Liberty in New York require booking at least a few weeks in advance. 

5. Book vacation time well before you go 

Most people aren’t digital nomads who work whilst travelling, so remember to book your vacation time well before you go. 

If you can, build up your vacation time so that you can really make the most of your trip!

If you’re heading on a city break try and book a Thursday and/or Monday off, so that you can turn it into a long weekend. 

A city like Barcelona only needs 2 nights to discover the highlights!

6. Bookmark posts on Instagram to remember great places to visit

This is such a great travel tip and something I’ve started doing in more recent years. 

Instagram is a haven for travel inspiration, and you can discover some pretty awesome places, both popular and remote.

If you save those travel photos , you can go in search of them when you visit a location, and lots of time people tag the location in their photos which is super helpful. 

I found myself with a lot of places to discover from Instagram when we visited The Philippines . 

It was awesome! 

7. Bring more than one credit/debit card with you 

Don’t make the mistake of just travelling with one bank card. 

It’s too easy for it to go missing, to break, be stolen, and there is even the chance that the ATM will not accept it (or eat the card!). 

Prepare for this by bringing at least 2 or 3 cards with you. 

This could be one debit card, one credit card, and a travel card. 

If you’re from the UK (like us) then you should check out Monzo and Revolut .

Here are some guides that you might find helpful if you're looking to get a travel card:

• Monzo Vs Revolut Which Is Best For Travel? [Full Comparison]
• Wise Vs Revolut: Which Is Better? [Detailed And Unbiased]

8. Purchase a quality backpack or suitcase

Before you head off on an adventure, it’s a good idea to research different backpacks and suitcases that will perform well in the environment you’re visiting.

Of course if you’re just visiting one destination that’s quite tourist friendly, then you’ll probably not need something robust and sturdy, but if you’re backpacking for long periods of time in different terrains and places, then you’re going to need a backpack that can handle that environment.

‍ Typically, higher quality backpacks are a little more expensive, BUT, they last a lot longer!  My top recommendation at the moment would be the Tropicfeel Shell backpack .

As an added tip, ask for your bag as a Christmas/birthday backpacking gift . Our parents paid for our first backpacks as a Christmas gift before we first set off to South America.

9. Allow at least 1.5 hours between connection flights

Bradley and I have taken a lot of connection flights over the years, and I’ve learnt that there is a perfect balance when it comes to a connection time.

Clearly you don’t want it to be too long, because the wait is just annoying, but you also don’t want it to be too short, because that means there is no room for error. 

We’ve often had flight connection times that were 45 minutes, and when our first flight landed 15 minutes late, and we still have to go through security, run to a different boarding gate, or get on the next flight, there suddenly is NOT a lot of time! 

We’ve found that a 1.5 hour connection time seems to work well. You’ll have time to go to the toilet and catch a coffee before your next flight. 

10. Use Skyscanner before booking any flight

We have never booked a flight without using Skyscanner . 

Skyscanner is a flight comparison website and it shows you the best possible flight combinations, in terms of time and price. 

You’ll never definitely get it cheaper searching direct (unless you have points of course), so Skycanner is the best way to find the best deals on flights all over the world. 

Plus you can set up price alerts if you’re looking to buy flights at the cheapest price! 

11. Book tickets online when possible 

Booking tickets online for all aspects of travel has become very popular. We are in a digital age where paper isn’t really necessary. 

With regards to travelling, this is really useful. 

There’s less complication and confusion when everything is online. 

Plus, you’ll often see that when you’re booking tourist attractions online, you can get discounts, coupon codes and flash deals that will allow you to save money. 

We typically use GetYourGuide & Klook for all our tour needs.

12. Compare tour sites before booking (Klook/GYG/Viator)

On the same note … there are a lot of tour companies online offering different deals and experiences, but you’d be surprised at just how much the difference in price can be between some of these companies.

We always cross-check different websites for the same tour or experience, to see who is giving the best deal.  

Sometimes this might only be a couple of dollars, but if you’re on a budget, this will add up! 

Here’s all the tour sites we have used and recommend:

• GetYourGuide
• Forever Vacation
• 12Go ← Not for tours, but excellent on transfers

13. Use Rome2Rio to make planning transfers a LOT easier

Rome2Rio is a fantastic website which lets you type in any two locations in the world and it will give you all the options of getting there, alongside the estimated cost.

This is really good, not only for planning a travel route , but also for quickly working out a rough budget.

The one thing I will say is to never take their prices as a firm answer.

When it comes to actually booking, prices on your chosen days can be a lot different, so instead use them as a rough estimate.

14. Check into your flight as soon as it opens to get seats together 

It’s really annoying when you book flights with your friends or partners and the airline wants to charge you $30 a seat each so that you can sit together. 

I don’t think it’s justifiable. 

But there is a way around it. 

All airlines will tell you the exact time their check-in will open for a flight.

I suggest you set an alarm and check it right at that moment, and you’ll likely get to sit next together. 

This has always worked for us, especially on long haul flights. 

Some airlines, like Ryanair, purposely seat you away from each other because you didn’t pay for extra seats, but they’re a short haul airline, so it’s fine! 

15. Use Facebook groups for local experiences 

A great way to discover local experiences that are low-cost, or free is via Facebook groups. 

Most popular destinations will have a Facebook group that’s dedicated to sharing information about travelling around that destination.  

We found this group super useful when planning our visit to Sri Lanka.

At the time, drone laws were incredibly vague in Sri Lanka and this group was vital in helping us to find out if we could take our drone and also to providing unique spots to film.

Here’s 2 other groups we’ve used regularly over the years:

• Travel Around the World - Backpackers
• Backpacking Europe

Packing tips

16. plan your clothing for all the seasons you’ll be experiencing .

If you’re doing an adventure trip but you're only going to warm destinations, then you certainly won’t need a thick jacket, jumpers or a hat. 

So don’t pack those unnecessary items. 

BUT if you’re planning on visiting somewhere like South America , where you will pass through a variety of climates from very hot to very cold, then you’ll want to plan for that. 

Especially in that continent where buying warm clothes isn’t cheap. 

I remember being stood outside of Ushuaia airport in southern Argentina, shivering under a blanket because we hadn’t brought any cold weather clothes with us!

17. Don’t bring more than 2 pairs of shoes 

When we first started backpacking, I’m pretty sure I took 4 pairs of shoes with me! 

I had hiking boots, I had trainers, I had a pair flip flops and I had a pair of Skechers. 

This is WAY too much. I now carry two. 

I always have my water shoes, and a pair of Skechers or Tropicfeel shoes which work well for walking and day-to-day outfits. 

If I need other shoes, such as flip flops, I’ll buy a cheap pair in the country I’m visiting. 

If you’re heading on a shorter trip, then sure, you can throw in your favourite pair of sandals or boots, but not when you’re backpacking for a longer period of time.

18. Bring enough underwear for at least a week 

I guess this also applies to all clothing. 

Basically pack enough clothes for a week. 

I’m not talking about full outfits either, it’s easy to bring 2 pairs of shorts and a couple of tops and suddenly you’ve got like 5 different outfits. 

But always pack a week's worth of underwear. I actually bring about 10 days worth, simply because I always seem to lose something.

19. Bring ear plugs 

Ear plugs are really useful for a lot of occasions when travelling. 

They’re perfect for plane travel, when you want to get some sleep, they’re really good for hostels, perfect for busy cities when the walls can’t drown out that city noise, and super long bus and train journeys throughout the country. 

Or, if your partner simply snores a lot! 

If you struggle sleeping in different light conditions, then an eye mask might be a good idea too. But these are typically provided on long-haul flights so you can just take it off the plane with you. 

20. Pack a small towel with you

When we first started travelling we used to bring a big towel each. 

Turns out, it just took up too much room and it was unnecessary as every hotel we have ever stayed in has provided us with towels. 

But bringing a small towel is a great idea for the days you are chasing waterfalls or by the beach and need to dry yourself off. 

Here’s a great lightweight, fast-drying towel .

21. Don’t bring lots of hair products/body wash products with you 

Lots of people make the mistake of bringing shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and maybe some lotion. 

This really isn’t necessary. 

Firstly, it takes up valuable space, and valuable weight from your luggage.

Rather, most hotels and hostels will provide you with these, and if you wish, you can pick up a smaller version of them at the airport, or even in the country you're visiting. 

There is no real need to bring your own with you (unless you have a specific skin condition). 

22. Use packing cubes 

Packing cubes are an excellent way to maximise the space in your suitcase or backpack. 

They are also very useful for bringing some sort of organisation when travelling. 

You’ll also find you can fit more in when you use packing cubes, because you become strategic with how you pack. 

Again these are easily purchased online .

23. Always pack a sarong

This is more relevant for women, but it also is necessary for men in quite a few countries. 

A sarong is required at a lot of religious sites across Asia. 

When you’re travelling in a hot continent like Asia, naturally you want to have lightweight clothing on, which usually means your shoulders are exposed. 

This is a big no-no if you want to enter certain religious sights, so having a lightweight sarong with you is an easy way to cover up . 

Plus they’re great as cover ups by the beach, or or lie on instead of a towel. 

24. Bring a small travel first aid kit

We always travel with a small first aid kit that’s packed with the essentials. 

This includes paracetamol, flu tablets, tablets to help your tummy when issues arise due to food, plasters, antiseptic cream and a couple of bandages.  

You may wish to put more or less in, but that tends to be a good start and will help you with any minor issues. 

25. Pack your backpack, then remove a third

Overpacking a backpack is so easy to do. I mentioned above that a week’s worth of clothes is enough, but naturally when you start packing, you’ll do more than that- trust me. 

So I suggest you pack your backpack with everything you think you need, then you get rid of a third of it.  

You will thank me later when your back isn’t killing you and you realize having an extra 3 dress, or shorts is unnecessary. 

For more of an idea what to bring, check out our travel packing list ! 

26. Bring extra memory cards

Travel is all about creating memories and most people don’t travel with a laptop like Bradley and I do. 

So you’ll not have a way to back up your photos and delete them to create space on your memory card. 

So rather than having to delete precious photos, I suggest you bring extra memory cards with you . 

This means you never have to miss out on an epic photo. 

Here’s the memory cards we use (oh, and be sure to grab a hard case as well so as to keep them all safe and organised!)

27. Bring a light jacket 

Always bring a light jacket when travelling. 

Not only do they class up an outfit (when needed), but even if you’re visiting the hottest of countries, it tends to get chilly in the evenings. 

You’ll also notice that when your body starts adapting to the heat, you’ll feel colder at temperatures you never thought you could! 

They’ll also keep you warm on the plane and bus journeys that are typically cold from air conditioning.

28. Test the weight of your backpack and make sure you can actually carry it

This goes hand-in-hand with your overpacking. 

But whilst avoiding overpacking is important, it’s also important to consider the weight of what you are packing. 

Remember, you’re going to be carrying your backpack around with you. 

And if you’re on a real low budget, then you’ll probably be walking from train stations to your accommodation.  

It’s therefore important to test the weight against what you can actually carry. 

Pop your backpack on and go for a 10 minute walk, you’ll soon find out whether it’s too heavy or not. 

29. Carry a small bag within your backpack for dirty laundry 

Keeping your clean and dirty clothes separate is not only great for your sanity but for obvious cleanliness reasons too. 

Just bring a small extra bag that you can pop your dirty clothes in, then this is the bag you can send to the laundry room when washing clothes! 

Bradley and I share the same bag to save space. 

30. Bring toilet roll tissues with you

In a lot of countries, toilet roll is a luxury, and if you’re doing some serious travelling you will find yourself going to the bathroom in a hole in the ground where there is no form of toilet paper. 

Just the classic bucket of water situation. 

I always suggest you carry a roll of toilet paper, or if on day-trips then a packet of tissues that you can use when necessary. 

31. Use a packing list to help you pack 

Packing lists are a really useful way to visually see and check off everything you need to bring with you on a trip. 

You can either create your own, or use an online list and combine it with yours to make sure you’ve covered all angles. 

We’ve actually created some pretty cool packing lists for certain destinations that you can check out below.

• Sri Lanka Packing List
• Thailand Packing List
• Bali Packing List
• India Packing List

32. Bring an universal adapter

You can’t travel without a universal adapter. 

It’s an absolutely travel necessity! 

Adapters can change from country to country, so a universal adapter will allow you to stay charged whilst travelling the world. 

We recommend this one here.

Sightseeing travel tips

33. don’t overplan every detail (learn to go with the flow) .

I LOVE to plan, but sometimes that’s actually a downfall. 

Sometimes when you overplan everything, you become rigid and restricted in what you can and want to do. 

This means if something doesn’t go to plan, you’ll be disappointed or frustrated. 

Well, things will not go to plan all the time, so it’s important to learn to go with the flow. 

Some of our best travel adventures and memories were completely unexpected.

34. Wake up early to beat the crowds 

If you wonder how people take great travel photos with no one else in the background, it’s the art of getting up early. 

Most people often think “oh it’s just Photoshopped”, not always true. 

If you’re one of the first people to arrive at a destination, then you’ll easily beat the crowds! 

It’s really nice having a spot to yourself before others arrive, it gives you a sense of peacefulness and excitement. 

You’ll really have the chance to appreciate your surroundings.

35. Only carry what you need when sightseeing 

Only take the bare essentials when you're sightseeing. 

If you’ve got a lot of important documents and items with you, you’ll spend most of your time worried that something will be stolen, or has gone missing. 

Take only what you need and it’ll be a lot less stressful. Don’t flash your cash or fancy jewels either. 

It just puts you at increased risk from thieves.

36. Eat local 

Now, I can’t say that I’ve never been to a Mcdonalds in a foreign country. 

It’s a great place to pee and get a coffee or a snack at night, but don’t let that replace the amazing local cuisine that will surround you!

Try new foods, ask locals for food recommendations and support the local businesses. 

I have to say our favourite country for amazing local food is India . 

India has the best food in the world, and after 3 weeks of eating there we never got the dreaded Delhi Belly .

37. Bring a decent camera to take amazing photos

Whilst you don’t need a super expensive camera to take great photos , it’s still worth having a phone or camera that can take good quality pictures. 

You will constantly be surrounded with the opportunity to take pictures and you should! 

Photos are the best way to capture a memory and look back on it in the future.

When we travel, we take:

• Our blogging cameras
• Our travel drone
• GoPro/Alternative action cam

38. Bring a GoPro if you’re going somewhere water-based

If you’re travelling somewhere that’s famous for it’s waters, then you’re going to want to bring a GoPro - trust me. 

We didn’t bring a GoPro to The Philippines and honestly it’s one of the biggest travel regrets we have!

If you want awesome underwater footage, great snorkeling pictures etc, then bring your GoPro! Or a great quality GoPro alternative that can capture epic places in just as much detail.

We now have the GoPro Hero 9 and the quality is just fantastic. 

39. Don’t be afraid to get lost 

Getting lost often leads you to new places and new adventures, so don’t be worried when you do. 

When you get lost for real in a destination, locals are more than happy to help you find your way back. 

So enjoy the experience of where you are and take the unknown road. You never know where it could lead! 

40. Try new things (but don’t be afraid to say no)

Travelling is all about pushing yourself to try new things and new experiences in a new country. This is fantastic, but don’t be afraid to say no.  

If you’re terrified of something, don’t just do it because you feel like you have to because you’re travelling, or it’s “for the Gram”. 

Only do things you are genuinely interested and comfortable doing. 

Just because someone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you need to either. 

Especially if said thing is unsafe. 

41. Get friendly with locals 

Some of our favourite travel moments are from making friends with locals. 

We’ve met some amazing people over the years and chatting with people who live and breathe the country you're visiting is such an amazing way to get real insight into what the country is like, rather than just what’s in the guidebooks. 

Some of my favourite moments are enjoying a fire with the locals outside in Nagarkot (Nepal) , chatting about life and learning about Nepaliese pop music, and meeting awesome locals in El Salvador who invited us for surfing and a really great night out. 

They’ll also find you locations to discover that you didn’t know existed! 

42. Be respectful & mindful 

Different countries have different religions and rules that need to be abided. 

Just because it’s something you’re not used to, or you don’t necessarily agree with, doesn’t mean you just blatantly ignore it. 

For example, in Muslim countries it’s important not to go around showing off loads of skin. 

Local people are tolerable to a certain extent of course, but it’s nice to be respectful of a culture and to reflect that in your actions when visiting their country. 

Failing to do so could land you in a lot of trouble.

43. Ask permission when taking pictures of locals 

It’s important to remember that when you’re a new destination, the people of that country aren’t zoo animals that you’re looking at. 

So what I mean is, that you can’t just take close up pictures of them without asking. 

You’ll often find most people say yes to pictures being taken, but just ask first. 

This is especially true if you’re taking pictures of local children. Just be wary of what you’re doing. 

I have to say, I wish this worked the other way. 

When in India I felt like I had the paparazzi with me anywhere I went. 

People were constantly taking my picture, to the point crowds would form and I would be overwhelmed. I’m not joking . 

But, I realise I look unique to them, so I accept it to a certain extent, but say no when I feel uncomfortable.

44. Bring a power bank with you when on long day trips 

When you’re using your phone to navigate yourself, taking pictures and using Instagram or other apps, you’ll find that your battery is going to drain pretty quickly. 

This can often be really frustrating, so I suggest bringing a power bank with you so that you can keep your phone charged when out on your adventures. 

Better yet, grab a solar powered one that recharges itself throughout the day!

45. Google translate can be useful when you’re struggling to communicate 

Google translate has saved us quite a few times! 

It’s all well and good knowing little bits of the local language, but if you need to ask something specific, you’ll run into problems. 

A great way to overcome this is simply by using Google translate.

It’s also a good way to learn new phrases too! 

46. Don’t be afraid to see the generic tourist attractions 

There seems to be some sort of stigma when it comes to sightseeing certain attractions. 

So you’ll often see bloggers and travellers stating things about getting off the beaten track, and “alternative things to do in, such and such”. 

Well, that’s great, but it’s also completely fine to see the generic popular sights of a city or country. 

They are popular for a reason. 

I wasn’t disappointed by a single sight when we visited Rome , but they were all very touristy. Who cares! It’s your trip, see and do whatever makes you happy. 

47. Rent a car at your destination when possible 

There is no better way to explore a country than with a set of wheels. 

Whether it’s a car, moped, or a tuk-tuk ( like we had in Sri Lanka! ), having your own vehicle allows you to explore far more than you ever could on a tour. 

Even just driving the local roads will give you a whole new perspective on a country.

We always suggest that if it’s possible, then rent a car for at least a day and head out and find new things to discover. 

Rentalcars.com is a great website to compare rental car prices around the world. 

48. Or better yet, a campervan!

If the opportunity is there, then 100% get a campervan.

Our favourite trips around the world have been in campervans and it’s our go-to form of transport when planning most new trips .

We’ve had the opportunity to wild camp in some of the most epic locations around the world. 

The most memorable being around Norway when we saw the Northern Lights almost every night! 

A campervan is a great way to just emerge yourself in the nature and surroundings of a country and it can be a useful way to save money as you’ll be combining accommodation, cooking and travel costs into one. Living and travelling from a campervan is also becoming more and more common .

Useful guides:

• Best campervan rentals in Norway
• Best campervan rentals in Portugal
• Best campervan rentals in France
• Best campervan rentals in Scotland
• Best campervan rentals in Ireland

49. Use Atlas Obscura to find cool sights off-the-beaten-path

Atlas Obscuras has proved extremely useful is finding the most random attractions, but also great fun.

For example, when road tripping Sweden , two of our favourite spots were found through Atlas Obscura:

• Esrange Space Centre ← Yes, we got to visit a space centre!
• Lovikkavanten ← The world’s largest hand-knitted mitten .. I know, jealous much!?

They weren’t mentioned on any other travel blogs so we’d have missed them otherwise!

If you’re revisiting a destination you’ve been to before, or you’ve managed to see all the sights you want to see and still have some time left, then this is a fantastic way to discover even more. Seriously a lot of the time you wonder how these places were even found! 

Budget travel tips

50. don’t be afraid to haggle  .

In many countries, when you’re at a market or even trying to buy a tour from a local street vendor, haggling is expected.

Of course there is a fine line between getting a great deal and offending someone. 

Naturally, when locals expect you to haggle, they start you off at a price that’s crazy high (something you would never pay back home), that’s because they expect you to cut it by half and start your negotiations from there. 

Sometimes, if you’re haggling for the sake of a couple of dollars it’s not worth it, so you may just want to pay the little extra.

But haggling can be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it, and a great way to share a joke with a local! 

51. Lunchtime always has the best meal deals in restaurants 

We’ve found this to be the case in many countries all around the world, such as Bolivia, France, Ireland , Peru, and Spain.

Lunch time is the time of day you can get great meal deals in restaurants.  

Typically it could be a set menu for a low price (in Bolivia it’s $2 for a 3 course meal!), or all lunch dishes are $5, and things like that. 

So if you want cheaper food, then have your bigger meal at lunch time and something smaller for dinner. 

52. Book a hotel/hostel that includes breakfast

Tonnes of hotels and hostels include breakfast in their rate, but if they don’t, you’ll often have the option to add it on. 

In Asia, this typically costs an extra $1-2 so it’s worth doing. 

When possible, we try and choose an accommodation option that includes our breakfast. 

That’s one less meal we have to worry about paying for! 

If you’re really tight on money, you could also book accommodation that has cooking facilities so you can cook your own lunch and dinner. 

53. If you’re still a student - don’t forget your student card for discounts

We aren’t students any more, but when I went to South America , I still had a valid in-date student card and was able to get some great discounts, especially on famous sights in Rio de Janeiro. You’ll also get lots of discounts throughout Europe, so it’s definitely worth bringing your student card with you on your travels. 

54. Take advantage of free walking tours/travel experiences

Most cities nowadays seem to offer some form of free walking tour and over the years Bradley and I have partaken in quite a few. 

They are a great way to get some extra insight into a destination and work out sights you want to return too. 

We did one in Rome which was excellent, and in Buenos Aires which was fantastic! Of course when they mean free, it doesn’t mean totally free. 

You should give your guide a tip, as that’s what their earnings are based on! It’ll always cost less than actually forking out for a tour. 

55. Shoulder season is the BEST time to travel 

Shoulder season is brilliant for a variety of reasons. 

Firstly there are less people and the weather is usually still great, but the most appealing reason is that it’s always cheaper. 

You’ll get cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation and even cheaper entrance fees. 

So shoulder season is the sweet spot for anyone wanting to save money whilst travelling. 

56. Travelling with a friend or partner is always cheaper 

Whether it’s a romantic partner or a great friend, travelling with someone else always seems to work out cheaper. 

You’ll be able to get a twin room/double room often for less than it costs for two dorm beds, you’ll be able to haggle for better prices on tours, and you can split food bills and taxis. 

It’s one of the reasons Bradley and I love travelling as a couple !

57. Carry one laundry soap bar and wash the basics yourself

Laundry soap bars are very cheap and a great way to keep on top of your washing. 

When travelling, doing the laundry is actually time consuming, so we often try to do it once a week, or every 10 days, but this means we might run out of basics, like underwear. 

When you’ve got your own laundry soap bar, you can clean these yourself to stay on top of things. 

58. Use Revolut/Monzo for the best exchange rates (avoid airport exchanging)

Monzo and Revolut are two digital banking systems that offer the best exchange rates on the market. 

There is no hidden detail or charges, it’s very basic and you get the best exchange rate available.

You also get no charges for withdrawals up to a certain amount, which in the UK is £200 per month on each card.

So we often travel with two cards each, which means we get £800 worth of free withdrawals between us monthly. 

You’ll find that most places take cards nowadays anyway, so you never really go over the limit. But even if you do, it’s only a small percentage (2%). 

Exchanging at the airport is a waste of time and money. 

Just withdraw your money from the ATM at the destination you’ve arrived at with your travel card.

REMEMBER, when the ATM asks you to choose either the ATMs exchange rate or your bank’s, you choose your bank’s. 

This option is sometimes called: “continue without conversion”.

59. Couchsurfing is a great low-budget accommodation option 

We’ve only done couch surfing once, when in Chile, but it was amazing. 

We ended up staying with a wonderful couple who we are still in touch with today. 

Staying with locals allows you to really see more of a country from a local perspective and it’s a great way to make new connections. 

Plus, couchsurfing works on a free basis. 

You stay at the hosts home for free, and in return, you are typically just expected to spend some time with and get to know them. 

You really never know just who you might meet!

60. Use local transport to save money

Local transport is always cheaper because locals use it. 

It’s true, in some countries local transport is over-crowded, not very safe, and just very manic.

But if you like a challenge, then it’s always fun to use and the cheapest way to get around. 

It’s always best to just ask a local for advice with local transport. 

Tell them where you want to go and they’ll point you to the right train or bus. 

61. Pick up a Handpresso and still have great coffee every day

This is an awesome device I recently discovered as Bradley got me one for my birthday! 

This nifty device allows you to make real espresso on the go! 

All you need is your coffee and hot water and you’re ready to make great coffee.

I’m a coffee lover, and sometimes I miss espresso coffee when travelling, especially when on a road trip , so this is a brilliant alternative and a great way for me to get my caffeine fix! 

It also means you can pick up local coffee from around the world and try it when travelling. Central America is a great place for this since it has so many amazing coffee regions including, Nicaragua , Honduras, Guatemala , Costa Rica & El Salvador .

62. Make full use of sign up codes

Sign up codes are a great travel tip when you want to save money for travel !

Lots of accommodation websites use sign up codes to entice you into your first booking, and if a sign up code requires an email address, remember you can use different email addresses to reuse the code on different occasions. 

Here are a few of our sign up codes you can use to get started:

Be sure to pass your own referral code onto friends and relatives so you can benefit again and again!

Travel safety tips

63. always bring a lock for your bags/items .

A lock is a good way to help keep your items more secure. 

I do think that they aren’t full proof, because if someone wants to steal your stuff, then a lock won’t stand in their way. 

But it can act as a deterrent. Locks are cheap, just make sure you don’t lose the keys! 

64. When carrying medical supplies: split between two bags 

Since I have type 1 diabetes, this is an important factor for me, but lots of people travel with some sort of condition or illness and if that applies to you, then make sure you split your important supplies between two different bags. 

It could be your bag and your travel partners bag, or a day bag or a main bag. 

This means if something gets stolen (or ruined), you have a backup plan.

65. Ask locals for advice on the local safety 

No one knows the safety of a city or country better than the locals themselves.

Ask your hotel staff or guy at the coffee shop if the area is safe. 

Ask if there are anything extra precautions you should take, can you walk alone at night, should you trust the taxi drivers, etc.  

You’ll often find that locals want to keep you safe, so that you can encourage others to visit, so they’ll be open and honest. We’ve always found this. 

66. Be careful with who you trust 

Unfortunately not everyone you meet will have your best interests at heart. 

So, you need to find the balance between trusting people and having your guard up. 

This is actually a pretty difficult balance to find, especially when you’re approached by locals in the street. 

You just need to keep common sense. 

If you ask for directions and you know it’s somewhere left, and the person you ask is directing you another way, then the chances are, they’re not trying to help. 

This happens in Marrakech a lot. Some people are genuine, but you just need to be wary. 

67. Let someone else know your travel plans 

This is pretty easy to do if you’re sharing your travels on social media. 

Often I’ll say on Instagram stories what the plans are for the day, where we are going, and this is really useful if suddenly we were inactive, someone would know the last place we said we were. 

This also works for if you’re travelling solo, tell someone at the hostel desk where you’re planning on heading out to, or let your friends and family know back home, so that if they don’t hear from you, then they have a starting place on where to look. 

68. Don’t put all your money/bank cards in one bag 

I’ve mentioned before the importance of taking more than one bank card with you when travelling, but it’s also smart not to place them altogether. 

You should separate your cards into different bags so that if one bag goes missing, you’ve still got another. 

69. Plan your routes (at least roughly) before you go on an adventure

This is more applicable to daily days when travelling. 

If you’re heading out for the day it’s a good idea to plan your route before you leave. 

This means you’ve got an idea of when places close, and ensure you’re closer to your hotel/hostel before dark. 

It also allows you to feel secure in where you’re going, so if someone tries to offer you advice that throws you off track, you can stick to the route you had planned. 

Of course things change, but it’s good to be prepared. 

70. Save the address of your accommodation on your phone 

Always save your hotel or hostel on Google Maps . 

This means if you get lost, or you need to show someone where you’re staying, you can show on Google maps rather than trying to explain verbally in a language you probably don’t speak. Locals can often work out where your hotel is once you show them a map, or if not, you can direct the taxi driver yourself to ensure you get back okay. 

This is another reason why we love Booking.com ; their mobile app syncs up to Google Maps; so once you’ve made a booking, you can quickly click through from the app to the exact location of the property on maps.

Other general travel tips

71. learn common phrases in the language of the country your visiting .

Not only is this a very useful travel tip, it’s actually pretty fun! 

I really enjoy trying to learn basic phrases in the language I visit. 

And honestly, this is one of the reasons I love visiting Central/South America, basically anywhere that speaks Spanish, because I love learning the language! 

You don’t need to know a lot, just basic, “hello”, “thank you”, “do you speak English”, tend to be useful and the locals really appreciate it.  

72. Make photocopies of important documents & digital copies 

This is really important.

Your passport is pretty much your most important document when travelling, you’ll need it to get into and out of a country. 

Sometimes it’s required in certain countries that you carry your passport with you daily for random spot checks. 

I can tell you that in all my years of travelling, this has never ever happened. 

So, instead I would carry a photocopy of my passport, and if they need further information, then I’ll just have to bring my actual passport to a station at a later date. 

With regards to health insurance documents and visa documents, make sure you have digital copies of those with you that are easily accessible.

73. Always carry extra passport photos

This is a really useful travel tip, that I only learnt from experience. 

You’ll need passport photos for random things, it could be a visa application at a border, or it could be to get a local sim card (this happened in India ). 

It’s really useful to carry just one or two passport photos with you and I usually keep mine in the back of my phone for safekeeping and easy access! 

74. Make sure your phone is unlocked to use local sims 

Local sims are the easiest and cheapest way to stay connected when travelling abroad. 

We’ve used local sims all around the world, from Nepal the USA, and they’ve always proven to be better value for money. 

You just need to ensure that your phone is unlocked, which basically means your phone will allow you to use another sim. 

Speak with your phone provider to find out if your phone is locked or unlocked. 

75. Plan for the unexpected 

We always plan for the “what could go wrong” before we head off on a big trip. 

You can’t predict absolutely everything, but it definitely brings you more confidence if you’re ready to accept some of the potential mishaps that could happen. 

For me, I like to have a rough idea of how I can get a hold of type 1 diabetes supplies, just in case something bad happens and my supplies get lost or broken.

If you like to be particularly cautious, you could always go ahead and download important local numbers, such as health services or the police.

76. Bring your own water bottle with you 

In the eco-friendly world we live in, or aspire to live in, this is definitely a great tip.

Bringing your own water bottle with you will ensure you use less plastic, and it also means you’ll save money on buying countless bottles of water. 

Lots of cities have water fountains, and typically if you ask your hostel/hotel or a cafe to fill up your water bottle, they will! 

You can get water purifiers too (if you’re worried about the quality of water you’re drinking).

77. Bring your own coffee cup with you 

I’m a coffee fanatic, and this is something I’ve started doing on my recent travels.

I now bring my own little pop up travel coffee cup that I use daily. 

This is perfect if you want to bring your coffee with you on the go, and if you’re grabbing a coffee from a cafe, you can use your own cup.  

It’s also handy for it to be collapsible as it saves space in my bags.

78. Slow travel is better than fast 

Slow travel is not only cheaper, but it’s just an all round better experience. 

You’ll get the chance to really immerse yourself in a new culture and way of life, and you’ll feel much more relaxed when sightseeing and visiting a country. 

There’s nothing worse than being super stressed that you’ve only got a day to see all the best sights in one location, then rushing through them and not really admiring or connecting with what you’re actually visiting. 

We’ve learnt this over the years, and I much prefer to give myself extra time than rush through a destination. 

After all, our mission is to see every country in the world, but we have a lifetime to do it!

79. Listen to your body & know when to rest

Travel burnout is a real thing and when you’re constantly on the move, constantly taking in new situations, experiences, your brain is on overdrive a lot of the time. 

Eventually you’ll just feel overwhelmed or super tired and you lose interest in what you're seeing. These are all signs that you just need to take a day or two to do nothing. 

Just relax, reconnect your thoughts, and then you’ll be ready to take on the world again! 

80. When flying, only sleep when your destination is sleeping (jet lag tip) 

I never get jet lagged (well, hardly ever) and it’s because I stick to this one rule:

I only sleep when my destination country is sleeping. 

So if I’m on an overnight flight, but my destination is awake, then I’m awake too and if I arrive in a country and I haven’t slept in hours but it’s not bedtime yet there, I force myself to stay awake. 

It’s a challenge, but it means you reset your body right away, so when you wake up, you’re already connecting to the new time zone.

I sleep really easily, so this marks it easier for me. But, it’s a good travel tip that genuinely works! 

For more flying tips, check out my guide on the best things to do on long flights .

81. Wear sunscreen!

It’s really important you protect your skin when travelling. 

The sun is a powerful thing and damage to your skin, and skin cancer is a real possibility if you do not wear suncream. 

If you’re going to be swimming and snorkelling, then opt for reef safe sunscreen when possible. But don’t let yourself burn! 

Suncream will be more expensive in hotter countries, so if you can get a great deal for suncream online, or in your hometown, stock up there. 

82. Move your feet and legs regularly on long haul flights 

People actually underestimate how easy it is to get blood clots in the legs when flying long haul. It’s really important to keep your feet moving. 

My legs have swollen a few times, and it’s not great! Wear flight socks when flying long haul, and get up and walk around the cabin. 

If you don’t want to get up a lot, then just do little feet exercises at your seat.

83. Carry hand sanitizer with you

This is a pretty basic, but important travel tip … always carry hand sanitizer! 

A lot of the toilets you’ll be visiting if you’re backpacking will not have any sort of cleaning facilities in place, and it’s super easy to pick up infection. 

Clean your hands before you eat too, as again, you don’t know what you’ve been touching all day. 

84. Download offline maps for your chosen country 

This is really useful when you don’t want to drain your battery with your internet data on whilst sightseeing. 

Mark all your sightseeing locations on Google Maps and download offline maps so that you access directions without the internet. 

This has been super useful for us when travelling and I can’t imagine how we survived without it before! 

85. Carry small change 

Whilst a lot of places accept card payments nowadays, when you visit very local places, the chances are, no cards will be accepted. 

So it’s good to have a small change with you.

Small change is also useful for local transportation. 

For example tuk-tuk drivers can’t break large notes, and it’s also good for restaurants and cafes when you’re leaving a tip! 

Try to use larger supermarkets and stores to break change, rather than a local market which will be less willing or able. 

86. Always check under the bed when leaving a hotel room 

As you travel more frequently, you’ll begin to develop your own little routine for hotel check-outs. But one tip I can give you is to always check under the bed! 

Stuff constantly falls underneath or even between the bed and you could misplace it easily. Bradley will confirm this, but we always find one sock under the bed before we leave hotel rooms...and that leads me to my next tip ...

87. Accept the fact you will loose socks

I don’t know why I keep losing socks, I don’t do it intentionally, I try to keep track of them, but I always end up losing my socks when travelling! 

They’re either stuck in between the beds, or they go missing when laundry is done, but you’ll just have to accept that those darn socks will disappear. 

88. Use a VPN to maintain access to your favourite sites

VPNs are not only a great way to protect yourself online, especially when using the internet in foreign countries where connections might not be as secure. 

But, it’s also perfect for being able to access websites that may not be accessible in your destination.

For example, in China where a lot of social media networks sites are blocked. Or if you just want to access Netflix movies from another region! 

There are lots of great VPNs on the market, but we can recommend this one for your travels. 

89. Keep in touch with family and friends (but not too much!)

It’s important to strike a balance when it comes to staying in connection with your friends and family. 

If you’re in touch too much then there is a good chance you will start to get homesick, whereas if you ring them weekly it’s fun to catch up on all the awesome activities and things you’ve seen that week.

Don’t feel guilty either, you’re family and friends want to have fun on your trip of a lifetime! 

I find that Instagram story updates are a great compromise.

That way, your friends and family can see what you’re up to every day and you don’t have to repeat the same stories for everyone!

90. Make sure you vaccinated

Lots of people decide to take the risk when it comes to travelling and vaccinations, but I think this is a silly attitude.

The conditions you’re getting vaccinated for can kill you, so why would you take the risk . 

Most vaccinations last a couple of years, and some a lifetime, so it’s an investment into your future travels. 

To find which vaccines you need for different countries, it’s always best to visit a travel nurse before you leave!

Oh, and make sure you visit at least a month in advance (ideally 2) so that you have enough time to receive the different vaccines needed.

Digital nomad?

Do not leave home without ensuring you have access to good quality internet, regardless of where you travel with a wifi hot spot .

GlocalMe are a great option for this, they have a range of devices to help you stay connected throughout the world.

We've been using their Numen Air, which is truly the best global 5G portable WIFI hotspot we've used!

If you're interested in being a digital nomad there are plenty of fantastic travel-related jobs out there...

What is your top travel tip?

So there you have it, our ultimate travel tips that will hopefully help you plan the perfect trip and ensure you have a fantastic time on your adventures! 

Now over to you ...

Drop a comment below letting me know either:

• What travel tip you found the most useful
• What is your top travel tip that you think I missed out from this post!

I'm always keen to pick up new travel tricks so would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

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53 Best Travel Blogs and Bloggers To Follow (in 2024)

Written by Ankit Singla

3K Followers

Last Updated on:

by Ankit Singla

If you’re searching for the best travel blogs today, look no further.

As always, I created this list to help aspiring travel bloggers learn a thing or two from these established sites.

However, people who are only looking for travel ideas and tips will also enjoy this post.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top travel blogs to follow in 2024.

Best Travel Blogs

• Nomadic Matt
• Backpacking Matt
• Adventurous Kate
• The Blonde Abroad
• California Through My Lens
• Dan Flying Solo
• Travel With Lakshmi
• Fluent in 3 Months
• Cheapest Destinations Blog
• Alex in Wanderland
• I Am Aileen
• Wandering Earl
• Be My Travel Muse
• Followtheboat
• Matthew Woodward
• The Opposite Travellers
• We Seek Travel
• Bucket List Journey
• Migrationology
• The Cranky Flier
• Never Ending Footsteps
• A Dangerous Business
• Against The Compass
• Everything Everywhere
• The Longest Way Home
• Global Grasshopper
• Girl Gone Travel
• Oneika The Traveller
• The Adventurists
• Time Travel Turtle
• Hand Luggage Only
• Travel4Wildlife
• The Insatiable Traveler
• View From The Wing
• Uncornered Market
• Jessie On a Journey
• Legal Nomads
• TravelFreak
• The Everywhereist
• Keep Calm and Travel
• Practical Wanderlust
• Expert Vagabond
• The Voyageur
• Amateur Traveler
• Girl Eat World
• The Adventure Junkies
• A Broken Backpack
• The World Travel Guy
• Life Part 2

1. Nomadic Matt

By:  Matthew Kepnes

I have to be honest with you — I love everything about  Nomadic Matt .  

Everything from his website’s design to his personal writing voice makes for an engaging reading experience. Not to mention that the name “Nomadic Matt” really sticks with me. 

Matthew Kepnes, AKA Nomadic Matt, was once a cubicle worker who admittedly wasn’t always a big traveler. On his first trip back in 2004, he went to Costa Rica where his perspective in life transformed forever. 

A single trip — that’s how easy it is to fall in love with travel. 

Today, Matthew continues living the life he was born for. He primarily blogs about travel tips, encompassing topics like how to save for a trip and things to do in Singapore. 

Blog Topics 

• Travel Insurance
• Travel planning
• Saving money on travel
• Travel gear
• Destinations

Monetization Strategies

• Display advertisements
• Superstar Blogging online course
• Affiliate marketing ( Check: Best Travel Affiliate Programs )

2. Backpacking Matt

By:  Matt Kyhnn

I think there’s something about the name “Matt” that raises a person’s affinity for traveling. 

Backpacking Matt , owned and run by Matt Kyhnn, is a travel blog that has similar vibes with Nomadic Matt. It has a simplistic design, a memorable content tone, and striking travel photos that bring the blog’s stories to life. 

Matt Kyhnn also leverages videos — providing his audience a more immersive way to enjoy his content. 

Fresh out of college, Matt simply decided that he won’t settle for a 9-5 job. Instead, he spent months working and traveling across Ireland, Scotland, and other regions in mainland Europe. 

He then booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand where he now resides. In addition to his blog, Matt also runs his own travel planning and booking website — Planit NZ. 

Blog Topics

• Affiliate marketing
• Planit NZ travel planning and booking services
• Brand collaborations

3. Adventurous Kate

By:  Kate McCulley

Kate McCulley, AKA  Adventurous Kate , is a travel blogger with lots of adventures to tell.

She’s been to 83 countries, seven continents, and plenty of experiences to help women appreciate the traveling life. 

Kate’s blog was built during her time in Southeast Asia along with her freelance portfolio, which helped fund her travels. Her target audience is women who want to travel, but required guidance on how to do it safely and easily. 

The “Solo Female Travel” category on her blog consists of posts about travel safety, travel planning, destination guides, and more. She also compiled a list of travel resources that help turn her audience’s travel ideas into action plans. 

• Travel safety for women
• Sponsored posts

4. The Blonde Abroad

By:  Kiersten “Kiki” Rich

I covered Kiersten “Kiki” Rich of  The Blonde Abroad   in my list of the top lifestyle bloggers to follow in 2024. 

As her blog’s name suggests, she’s mainly a travel blogger who also discusses two other lifestyle-related topics — blogging and photography. 

Kiersten spent three, eye-opening months in multiple countries to re-envision the idea of “ success .” She succeeded in her goal and is now one of the most accomplished travel bloggers on the web. 

The Blonde Abroad covers a range of topics from travel photography to foreign cuisine. All of which draws wisdom from Kiersten’s personal travel experiences.

• Photography
• Travel destinations
• The Travel Shop
• Social media and influencer marketing consulting

5. California Through My Lens

By:  Josh McNair

Josh McNair, owner of  California Through My Lens , has a distinct writing style that vividly describes details of travel destinations. 

Unlike bloggers who discovered the love for travel in their adulthood, Josh has always been a passionate traveler at heart. He created California Through My Lens to document his adventures with the online audience. 

California Through My Lens is run by both Josh and his wife, Amy. The pair also has an active YouTube channel called Through My Lens where they share their experiences in video form. 

As you may have guessed, Josh’s content focuses on the beaches, caves, hiking trails, waterfalls, and various landmarks in California. Intricate details of each location, from hike distances to specific travel tips, are often included in his posts. 

• National parks in California
• Driving around California
• California destinations
• Selling eBooks
• Advertisements through YouTube 

6. Dan Flying Solo

By:  Daniel “Dan” Clarke

Dan Flying Solo   is by Daniel Clarke — a travel blogger, photographer, and creative director at his own Portugal-based media company. 

Dan’s blogging life was ignited by his passion for photography. He was originally a frustrated restaurant manager who wanted more out of life.

Like me, Dan is a self-taught blogger. He worked day in and day out by doing free online courses, YouTube tutorials, and heaps of informative guides. 

What makes Dan Flying Solo an extra noteworthy blog is its library of video content. Daniel also makes it clear that the site has no particular theme — not unlike everything else in life.  

“ There’s not one particular theme to this blog because I don’t think that’s how life really is. We change and what we enjoy changes.”

7. Travel with Lakshmi

By:  Lakshmi Sharath

Lakshmi Sharath worked on a desk job for multiple media organizations for 15 years. She then started her personal travel blog in 2005 — traveling to over 25 countries and across every corner of India. 

Travel with Lakshmi has only grown steadily ever since. It won multiple awards, including “India’s best travel blog of the year” award from Indiebloggie.  

As an Indian herself, Lakshmi made sure to highlight the country’s top travel destinations on the blog. She also documented her travels to foreign countries — from Abu Dhabi to the United Kingdom. 

As a way to support aspiring travelers around the world, Lakshmi also covers important tips on starting a travel blog. This includes essential tips on photography, travel planning, and travel writing.

• Social media marketing campaigns
• Content marketing and writing services
• Digital media consulting services

8. foXnoMad

By:  Anil Polat

foXnoMad   is a unique travel blog run by digital nomad Anil Polat.

Anil was exposed to travel at a young age because his parents were journalists. Other than routine trips between Turkey and the United States, they also visited multiple destinations around the world. 

Even in his professional life as a computer security consultant, travel was a big part of Anil’s life. He eventually decided to quit his job and fixate on one goal: to visit every country in the world.

What makes foXnoMad unique is that Anil utilizes his knowledge in tech to provide insightful tips on traveling smartly. He also develops apps that can help travelers in situations like determining water drinkability and calculating tips.

You can check out his podcast where he talks about current events, new product tech releases, and all things travel-related. 

Blog Topics                                           

• foXnoMad Shop
• Paid mobile apps

9. Fluent in 3 Months

By:  Brendan “Benny” Lewis

Fluent in 3 Months   by Brendan Lewis is created for travelers with a purpose. 

Apart from regular posts about travel planning and destinations, Brendan also writes a lot of guides on foreign languages. 

Remember, language is a crucial part of every culture. Brendan makes sure you learn dozens of useful words and phrases that will enrich your visit to any country. 

Some of the most prominent content formats in his blog are “ways to say” posts and phrase listicles. There are also fun, bite-sized stories like “How I Learned French on the Toilet in 6 Months.”

For more serious language learners, Fluent in 3 Months offers “The Challenge.” It’s a full-fledged online course that will enable you to hold a 15-minute conversation in a new language.

• How to speak foreign languages
• Language hacking 
• Traveling jobs
• The Challenge online course
• Speaking engagements

10. Cheapest Destinations Blog

By:  Tim Leffel

Cheapest Destinations Blog   is one of the oldest travel blogs on this list. 

It is created and run by Tim Leffel — an award-winning travel writer and author.  

Tim has made it his life’s goal to help people make the most out of travel while spending less. His blog contains posts that teach how to spend your travel money wisely and how to make every cent count. 

Other than Cheapest Destinations Blog, Tim also runs a handful of other blogs on different, travel-related topics. This includes Perceptive Travel, Travel Writing 2.0 Blog, and Cheap Living Abroad.  

• Travel budgeting
• Influencer marketing through 360 Degree Travel Network

11. Alex in Wanderland 

By:  Alexandra Baackes

Alexandra Baackes created  Alex in Wanderland   for two reasons. 

First, she’s been dealing with a case of wanderlust all her life. And second, she’s a fan of a beloved, fictional character — Alice in Wonderland. 

Alexandra is originally from Brooklyn, New York where she purchased her one-way ticket into the traveling life. She now blogs about the best travel destinations, outdoor activities, and her personal, travel-related gear.

One of the things I like about Alex in Wanderland is the presentation and categorization of content. 

On the “Categories” page, Alex makes sure articles are well-organized based on topics like travel inspiration, activities, and planning. This makes it easy for her audience to find the information they need at any given time. 

• Outdoor activities

12. Hey Nadine

By:  Nadine Sykora

Nadine Sykora of  Hey Nadine   is a popular travel blogger, YouTuber, and social media influencer.

Over the past 10 years, she has traveled across 55 countries, spoken on expert panels, and became a keynote speaker. 

Nadine’s goal is simple: share her travel experiences with the world and help others do the same. 

Hey Nadine contains a host of content on travel advice, hacks, destinations, and inspiration. As a seasoned YouTuber, you can expect her blog content to contain a lot of embedded videos from her channel. 

• Video production
• Advertisements through YouTube
• Sponsored content

13. I Am Aileen

Just like Kiersten Rich, Aileen Adalid is another travel blogger whom I also featured in my top lifestyle blogs listicle.

Aileen runs  I Am Aileen   — an award-winning blog that discusses just about everything there is to discuss in travel. She writes about destinations, the best travel activities, foreign cuisine, and more. 

What interested me the most about Aileen is her blogging background. At age 21, she quit her corporate job, which only paid $300 a month, to become a professional traveler. 

Since then, she’s been on a streak of smashing goals and breaking barriers. Thanks to her commitment to quality content, she’s recognized as one of the top bloggers in Asia. 

• Online shop

14. Wandering Earl

By:  Derek Earl Baron

Here’s a fun trivia about  Wandering Earl . 

Unlike most bloggers who use their first names, the “Earl” in “Wandering Earl” is actually a middle name. Blog owner Derek Earl Baron only thought that “Wandering Derek” didn’t sound as catchy.

Derek is a one-of-a-kind, adventurous soul who discovered his purpose as a modern nomad relatively early into adulthood. After graduating in 1999, he planned a three-month vacation across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. 

That three-month vacation continues to this very day. 

And that’s how Wandering Earl was created — documenting Derek’s adventures in over 100 countries. He also shares valuable pieces of wisdom on travel planning, food, budgeting, gear, and so on. 

Wandering Earl has that “old-school” look and feel to it. On the plus side, the site’s design only highlights 

• Working while traveling
• Selling “eGuides”

15. Be My Travel Muse

By:  Kristin Addis

Be My Travel Muse  is a solo female travel blog created by Kristin Addis. 

She studied in Taiwan and kept an investment banking job for four years. The only problem was, her daily routine rendered her creative, dreamer side claustrophobic. 

Her first step was a one-way ticket to Bangkok — envisioning a life of writing and travel. That’s exactly what she accomplished with her blog, which now caters to millions of readers all over the world. 

Kristin believes that solo traveling is the best way for women to feel empowered and more confident. She prioritizes solo female travel tips on her blog, including guides on safety, packing, and maintaining relationships. 

Be My Travel Muse also has heaps of content on popular travel destinations and self-care for women. 

• Self-help for women
• Relationships
• The Photo Muse Masterclass online course

16. Followtheboat

By:  Liz Cleere and Jamie Furlong

Followtheboat   is a unique travel blog that focuses on a specific mode of transport: sailing. 

It is created with love by a travel writer Liz Cleere and photographer Jamie Furlong. There’s also Millie the rescue cat, which functions as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the blog’s human founders. 

Despite the focus on sailboats, Followtheboat’s content isn’t just made for sailors. The posts are tailor-made for travelers who also happen to be interested in the art and joys of sailing. 

Don’t be surprised at the humor and dynamic range of topics on the blog. You’ll find posts like “tools you need on a sailboat” and “is this the weirdest loo in the world?”

Followtheboat also has a library of podcasts, which record Liz and Jamie’s experiences on their travels. 

• Boat maintenance
• Patreon donations

17. Matthew Woodward

By:  Matthew Woodward

If Followtheboat is about boats, you can probably guess what  Matthew Woodward   is a blog about trains. 

Not to be mistaken for  Matthew Woodward  the internet marketer, Matthew Woodward the rail adventurer loved trains as a child. He owned model railway sets, traveled alone by train, and watched shows about trains on TV. 

In his time as a geography student, he explored Europe with his trusty Interrail pass. He set his passion aside to focus on his career, which he eventually gave up to become a travel writer. 

Today, he blogs about railway systems over different continents. He’s also an accomplished author of three books: “The Railway to Heaven,” “A Bridge Even Further,” and “Trans-Siberian Adventures.”

• Railway systems
• Traveling by train
• Selling books

18. The Opposite Travellers

By:  Ryan and Rachel Riel

The Opposite Travellers   were created by married couple Ryan and Rachel Riel. 

While both loved to travel, Ryan and Rachel had contrasting preferences when it comes to traveling. 

Rachel prefers to travel in style and luxury — through the accommodations and services offered by establishments and travel agencies. Ryan, on the other hand, leans toward daring adventures like biking and trekking — on $5 per night accommodations. 

The couple, however, utilized their differences as a selling point in The Opposite Travellers. 

As such, the website’s “Travel” section has two main categories: “Luxury Travel” and “Adventure Travel.” In other words, the blog has a diverse content library for travelers of all tastes and budgets.

The Opposite Travellers also boasts high-quality visuals taken and produced by Ryan Riel. All of the site’s videos are published on Ryan Riel Media — Ryan’s official YouTube channel.  

• Content production
• Social media marketing 
• Influencer marketing

19. We Seek Travel 

By:  Olly Gaspar

We Seek Travel is an adventure travel blog by traveler and adventure photographer Olly Gaspar.

Olly has been living out of his bags full-time since 2018, turning his passion for global adventure into a treasure trove of useful travel guides accompanied by his inspiring photography.

His travel blog serves as a window to extraordinary experiences around the world– from backpacking in India to climbing Himalayan peaks, crossing deserts on camelback, cycling over the Arctic Circle, hiking with gorillas in Uganda, and even fighting Muay Thai in Thailand.

But We Seek Travel is more than just a diary of adventures. It’s a resource-rich hub where Olly shares his firsthand experiences to help modern explorers discover unique outdoor adventures, off-beat hiking trails, travel photography gear, and helpful accommodation and digital nomad resources.

• Travel Planning & Accommodation
• Outdoor Adventure
• Hiking & Trekking
• Travel photography
• Travel Gear
• Photography licensing
• Adventure Photography shoots
• Tourism development

20. Bucket List Journey

By:  Annette White

Travel is all about adventures, and so is life. 

That’s the essence of the  Bucket List Journey   by Annette White. 

The blog’s tagline is “tools and inspiration to live your list.” It refers to a person’s “bucket list,” which is basically a list of goals and experiences they want in life. 

Annette didn’t always have such a positive outlook in life. She used to be diagnosed with anxiety, which caused her to miss out on life-enriching experiences and opportunities. 

Eventually, she decided that she’ll no longer become a prisoner of fear and uncertainty. She had courage and took charge of her life’s direction — something every aspiring blogger needs to do at one point. 

Bucket List Journey talks about bucket list-worthy destinations, motivation, money, and travel tips. Annette also imparts knowledge on people who also struggle with facing fear and making braver life decisions. 

• Overcoming fear and anxiety

21. Migrationology

By:  Mark Wiens

When I first visited  Migrationology , I wasn’t sure whether to classify it as a food or travel blog. 

Then I checked out Mark Wiens’s “About” page. There, I learned that he viewed food as a way to connect with people in various cultures. 

And to be exposed to these cultures, Mark dedicates his time, money, and efforts to travel. 

Mark makes sure the blog only focuses on content based on his personal travels. It’s made for people who want to experience the flavors of the world — in person or through Mark’s posts. 

Apart from general food travel blog posts and city guides, Migrationology also offers readers a “Food Tour” service. It is the result of a year of research done by Mark himself — in partnership with  Bangkok Vanguards . 

• Bangkok Food Tour

22. The Cranky Flier

By:  Brett Snyder

We already mentioned a blog about boats and another about trains. It’s time to talk about a blog on airplanes and air travel.

Cranky Flier   is a unique blog created by Brett Snyder — President and “Chief Airline Dork” of Cranky Flier LLC. 

Brett has been fascinated with airlines all his life. When he was young, he collected airline timetables and even spent a birthday with his grandmother watching planes land. 

As an adult, he spent several years in the airline industry fulfilling multiple roles. He became a sales intern at USAir, senior analyst at America West, marketing planning product at United, and so on.

Today, Brett publishes his opinions about the airline industry on Cranky Flier. He also updates several series, like “Worst Airline Ever,” “Airlines We Lost,” and “Across the Aisle Interviews.” 

I’ll let you determine what these series are all about based on what they’re called. 

• Airline industry
• Cranky Concierge service

23. Never Ending Footsteps

By:  Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is one of those bloggers who already knew what they wanted to be from an early age. 

She dreamt of traveling to new places, meeting new people, and exploring new cultures.  Never Ending Footsteps   is proof that she accomplished all three. 

The blog consists of posts about Lauren’s fulfilling travels to different countries. But unlike a lot of famous travel bloggers, she also talks about the downsides of being a digital nomad.

Never Ending Footsteps has a “The Incidents” blog section where Lauren discusses the not-so-sexy aspects of traveling. She has been scammed, attacked by monkeys, locked out of her room, lost her passport, and more. 

Despite these incidents, Lauren’s love for travel only grew. Such experiences increased her wisdom and travel acumen — resulting in some of the most insightful travel articles ever published.

Lauren also helps her audience get into the world of travel blogging. Check out “How to Start a Travel Blog” for information on web hosting, working with WordPress, and so on.

• Travel safety

24. A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

By:  Amanda Williams

A Dangerous Business Travel Blog   is a straightforward blog made to help people travel. 

It is created by Amanda Williams, who is a former journalist with degrees in journalism, hospitality, and tourism management.

Amanda first got into journalism by editing obituaries — eventually becoming a copy and layout editor at a newspaper company. She started A Dangerous Business Travel Blog in 2010 out of boredom and her need for a creative outlet. 

Fast forward to 2024, the blog now averages over 340,000 page views per month. Amanda also maintains a strong social media presence with thousands of followers across networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

A Dangerous Business Travel Blog contains posts about travel planning, packing, destinations, and inspiration. Everything is sprinkled with high-quality photos to keep readers engaged and enthused.  

The centerpiece of A Dangerous Business Travel Blog is “The 10-Day Adventure Project.” Put simply, it’s a collection of ready-to-use, self-guided itineraries that will shave hours off your travel planning process.

• Packing 
• DangerousBiz online course
• Freelance writing

25. Against the Compass

By:  Joan Torres

How do you make a travel blog stand out?

Joan Torres has a surefire answer: covering the most unusual and “off the beaten track” destinations.

Against The Compass   is a unique blog that talks about the travel routes and destinations you probably haven’t heard of. It covers destinations that people don’t normally include in their bucket list, like Pakistan, Tunisia, Syria, and other high-risk countries. 

Of course, Joan makes sure to highlight the importance of safety when traveling in relatively low-popularity destinations. He has comprehensive guides for solo female travel, travel insurance, and general travel safety.

• Travel insurance

26. Everything Everywhere 

By:  Gary Arndt

In travel blogging, a picture is undeniably worth a thousand words. There’s simply no excuse for any travel blogger to forego the inclusion of visual content in their posts.

Gary Arndt’s absolutely nailed it with his photography work for  Everything Everywhere .

Gary actually won multiple, major travel photography awards — more than any travel photographer. His photography is so good that I suggest you check the “Travel Photos” page on Everything Everywhere.

Go ahead, take a break and thank me later. 

Other than taking breathtaking photos, Gary also publishes detailed blog posts about the places he’s been. He’s been on the go for roughly 9 years non-stop, which means readers will never run out of material.

27. The Longest Way Home

By:  David Ways

The Longest Way Home   started as the personal travel journal of David Ways — a solo traveler in search of home. 

The blog originally started as David’s private, digital diary. As he journeyed across Europe and gained experience, it turned into a full-on blog with travel guides to specific locations. 

David finally found home in Nepal before traveling to other parts of Southeast Asia. 

He’s not the most nitpicky blogger in terms of grammar and spelling, but he’s definitely a brilliant storyteller. He’s also skilled in capturing and immortalizing moments into photos, which you can view on his blog’s gallery. 

The Longest Way Home has a library of content about various destinations, trekking, and travel planning. It also features in-depth travel guides to Nepal, Thailand, and overland travel — plus a mini-guide to Portugal.  

• Travel planning 
• Overland travel

28. Global Grasshopper

By:  Becky Moore

Global Grasshopper   is a travel blog run by Becky Moore and her team of professional travel photographers and writers. 

Becky’s first adventure was a six-month voyage in Southeast Asia. She considers herself a “semi-nomad,” traveling from country to country while nestling in Ireland, Australia, or parts of Southeast Asia. 

Global Grasshopper contains posts about popular travel destinations, hotels, and other places that deserve more attention. Readers will also enjoy the blog’s posts about dog-friendly travel — covering topics like dog booster seats and pet-friendly hotels. 

Since the blog is run by a team of experts, expect the content quality to be top-notch across the board. The team also organizes boutique tours, which readers can participate in for a memorable travel experience. 

• Traveling with a pet
• Boutique tours bookings

29. Girl Gone Travel

By:  Carol Cain

Carol Cain is an accomplished professional in the field of communications. She is a social media marketing expert, public speaker, branding agency owner, and award-winning travel blogger.

Girl Gone Travel   is the result of Carol’s innate passion for travel and knack for digital marketing. It is a well-designed, engaging, and filled with quality content that shines with Carol’s personality. 

Other than her travel-related posts, Girl Gone Travel also publishes a lot of posts about blogging and online branding. This makes it an excellent place to start for hopeful travelers who plan to have their own blog one day. 

• Destinations 
• Online branding
• Brave World Media company

30. HoneyTrek

By:  Mike and Anne Howard

Believe it or not,  HoneyTrek   is a travel blog about a honeymoon.

Yes — it’s probably the longest honeymoon ever.

Founders Mike and Anne Howard are a power couple with skills that can make any blog great. Anne is a former magazine editor whereas Mike’s a veteran digital media strategist and photographer. 

Together, they’ve honeymooned to over seven continents and 60 countries while creating the most romantic travel blog in the process. 

HoneyTrek contains a collection of posts about their travel destinations, experiences, and travel tips for all budgets. They also wrote two successful books: “Comfortably Wild” and “Ultimate Journeys for Two.” 

• Travel budgeting 
• Travel skills

31. Oneika The Traveller

By:  Oneika Raymond

Oneika The Traveller   is an award-winning travel blog by journalist, keynote speaker, and media personality Oneika Raymond. 

For those who don’t know Oneika, she’s the on-air travel and lifestyle correspondent for CTV Canada and NBC New York. Even more impressively, her blog won her a gold medal in the 2018 SATW Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition.

Oneika talks about travel destinations and her go-to tips for life on the road. With her experience in the field of journalism, she’s definitely one of the most engaging storytellers on this list.

• Fashion and style while traveling
• Traveling as a minority
• Personal opinions
• Social media marketing

32. The Adventurists

By:  Tom Morgan

The Adventurists   is hands down one of the most well-designed travel blogs in this post. 

The blog proves that integrating tons of video content into one page doesn’t have to affect its loading speed. In fact, the site loads surprisingly fast despite having several video panels on the homepage.

I’m not going to delve too deeply into this technical feat. What I’m going to focus on, however, is the brilliant team behind The Adventurists. 

The site is founded by “Chief Idiot” — Tom Morgan. Apparently, most of the crazy ideas featured on the blog were his. 

Every page on the site reflects Morgan and his team’s wackiness and passion for great adventures. They do, host, and document daring outdoor activities on air, land, and sea — plus, a whole lot of charity.

Their audience can also participate in these activities, which can be held in various parts of the globe. The “Monkey Run,” for example, is an event where participants race through dirt trails on tiny bikes.

The bottom line is, it’s hard to come up with unique ideas that set you apart in the blogging landscape. The Adventurists, on the other hand, managed to do so multiple times. 

• “The Adventures” events
• The “Shop of Stuff”

33. Time Travel Turtle

By:  Michael Turtle

Time Travel Turtle   is created by Australian Journalist Michael Turtle. 

Michael was born to be a storyteller and he knew it from an early age. 

In school, he ran the student newsletter and contributed a weekly column. He also filled the role of deputy editor of a university newspaper. 

Time Travel Turtle’s contains mainly posts on the locations that Michael has visited over the years. 

Like most renowned travel bloggers, Michael captures amazing photos that travel enthusiasts can fall in love with. He puts some of these photos up for sale to companies who’d like to feature those locations or properties. 

Michael continues to explore the world as a digital nomad. He also shares practical travel tips so readers can experience these adventures themselves. 

• Selling photography

34. Hand Luggage Only

By:  Yaya and Lloyd

Hand Luggage Only   is a hugely successful travel blog by couple Yaya and Lloyd. 

The site doles out travel advice, inspiration, photography tips, food reviews, and posts about must-see destinations. It also has a library of high-quality videos where Yaya and Lloyd describe their experiences in detail.  

Yaya and Lloyd started the blog in 2014 with a plan to share their travel stories with the world. Within a few hours, they published their first posts using photos they already took and edited. 

The moral of the story is, consider starting a blog if you already have a library of unused travel photos. 

35. Travel4Wildlife

By:  Christina Garcia and Hal Brindley 

It should only take anyone a second to figure out what  Travel4Wildlife   is all about. 

The blog is created by couple Christina Garcia and Hal Brindley out of their passion for wildlife. 

Hal is an experienced wildlife photographer for organizations like the Nature Conservancy Magazine, SEE Turtles, and RARE Conservation. Christina, on the other hand, is an experienced zoologist who worked on studies on wolves, cheetahs, and leopards. 

Travel4Wildlife’s goal is to increase awareness and increase the appreciation for wildlife. More importantly, it was Christina and Hal’s life goal to promote wildlife conservation through responsible tourism. 

Behind the scenes, the couple teams up to create compelling articles that focus on wildlife in specific destinations. The blog covers a range of species on different continents — from owls in South Africa to polar bears in Canada. 

• Wildlife tour reviews
• Responsible travel

36. The Insatiable Traveler

By:  Susan Portnoy

Susan Portnoy, also called  The Insatiable Traveler   on her blog, is a seasoned travel writer and photographer. 

Susan’s last full-time job was VP of corporate communications at Condé Nast. When that door closed, she took on a freelancing career as she learned the art of photography. 

Fast forward a few years, and she has enough accolades to make photography degree holders envious. 

Her photographic works were featured by organizations like National Geographic and companies like Bing. She also won awards like the SATW Lowell Thomas Award and the 2018 Gold in the Muster Photo Competition. 

The main focal points of The Insatiable Traveler include destinations, cruises, photography, and travel gear. Susan also covers the safaris in various regions, like Tanzania, Namibia, and Kenya. 

37. View from the Wing

By:  Gary Leff 

Just like Brett Snyder, Gary Leff of  View From The Wing   is an expert in all things air travel. 

Gary was named one of the “World’s Top Travel Experts” by Condé Nast Traveler since 2010. He also co-founded InsideFlyer.com — a community made by and for frequent flyers.

View From The Wing is a goldmine of timeless tips on airline miles, credit cards, hotels, and business travel. No matter your sub-niche in travel, I recommend checking it out for ways to maximize your frequent flyer miles. 

Gary also publishes posts called “Trip Reports” about establishments, food, and various attractions. 

• Hotel reviews
• Credit cards

38. Uncornered Market

By:  Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott

Dan Noll and Audrey Scott are a pair of adventurers, storytellers, and tourism advisors who advocate for responsible traveling. 

They created  Uncornered Market   — a responsible tourism blog — after leaving their secure and stable lifestyle in Prague. Prior to that, they lived in San Francisco and took a leap of faith for the sake of avoiding regrets.  

It’s clear that both Dan and Audrey believed that fulfillment can’t be found within the confines of your comfort zone. They explored, made connections, and shared their experiences through their travel blog. 

Some of the topics you’ll find in Uncornered Market are about destinations, sustainable tourism, food, and trekking. Dan and Audrey also write about personal growth and experiential travel. 

Uncornered Market is also a tourism development and marketing consultancy company. They help travel companies, destinations, and tourism organizations build their brands and deliver their message to a wider audience. 

• Responsible tourism
• Tourism development and marketing consultancy services

39. Jessie on a Journey

By:  Jessica “Jessie” Festa

Like plenty of bloggers, Jessica Festa needed a taste of life before discovering her true calling. 

In her youth, Jessie traveled to mostly cruises in the Caribbean and road trips in North America. She also experienced being a sightseeing guide in New York. 

Jessie on a Journey   is the result of her pursuing her dreams of getting paid to do something she loves. She now blogs about being a solo female traveler, blogging it, and profiting off of it. 

I’m sure a lot of big-name bloggers are all too familiar with how Jessie made the blogging vision a reality.

For a long time, she felt that the workaday lifestyle isn’t for her. It made her feel like she’s living everyone else’s life — not the kind of life she wanted to keep. 

Despite the disapproval of loved ones, Jessie decided to quit her secure job in favor of being a travel blogger. 

She was just as unprepared as most people before starting their own blog. The key difference is, she went out there and took her first step. 

• Travel blog consulting
• Tour company consulting

40. Legal Nomads

By:  Jodi Ettenberg

Back when Jodi Ettenberg was in law school, she never would’ve guessed she’d run a successful travel and food business. 

That happens to a lot of people, especially those who never thought of giving priority to their passions. 

It’s just a hunch, but I think the name  Legal Nomads   had something to do with Jodi’s background in law. 

Legal Nomads highlights destinations and local cultures just as insightfully as other travel blogs. What makes it different is that Jodi focuses on local cuisines to experience and tell the stories of each destination. 

A huge part of Jodi’s blog is about wellness and gluten-free eating. She then utilized her knowledge and experience to create detailed restaurant cards, which travelers can use when visiting certain countries. 

• Gluten-free restaurant cards
• The Legal Nomads Shop

41. Indiana Jo

By:  Jo Fitzsimons

Like Jodi Ettenberg, Jo Fitzsimons also used to practice law before becoming a successful travel and lifestyle writer. 

Indiana Jo   started way back in 2010 where Jo can comfortably type away her thoughts and musings. Fed up with her full-time job, she went out to see the world as a digital nomad.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Indiana Jo, however. According to her, she thought about quitting the blog several times before finally realizing that it’s a lifetime thing. 

Jo writes about her travel experiences, destinations, wine, and food. She also shares travel planning tips along with a long list of content about topics that personally interest her. 

• Travel health and safety

42. TravelFreak

By:  Jeremy Scott Foster

TravelFreak   is the brainchild of Jeremy Scott Foster who left America in the middle of a recession and to Australia. 

For a while, he racked up some savings as a traveling bartender. It took some time before he finally made the switch to be a digital nomad and online entrepreneur. 

Jeremy created the blog to help people create opportunities to achieve the fulfilling life they deserve. 

He writes about travel advice, destinations, gear, and ways to get your finances in order as you travel. This includes guides on how to land and keep a job abroad along with resources on reliable booking websites. 

I personally like the way Jeremy designed TravelFreak to provide the best possible user experience. Unlike a traditional layout, the site features a search bar so readers can jump right into the content they need.

TravelFreak has been featured in Forbes, National Geographic, The New York Times, and a few other big-name publications.   

43. The Everywhereist

By:  Geraldine DeRuiter

Before anything else, yes — that’s Rand Fishkin in the photo above. 

And yes, the next travel blogger on this list is Rand’s longtime sweetheart and wife. 

Geraldine DeRuiter was a former copywriter and went with Rand in his travels, which are often business-related. She then turned to the habit of documenting their travel experiences, which she described as “love letters” to her husband. 

Today, Geraldine works full-time on  The Everywhereist   — named by Time magazine as one of the best blogs in 2011. 

The Everywhereist contains posts about food and Geraldine’s travel experiences along with a comprehensive Philadelphia travel guide. The guide contains information on where to go, eat, shop, and stay. 

Geraldine also wrote a book called “All Over The Place.” It chronicles how she embraced her love for blogging after being laid off, which aspiring bloggers can draw inspiration from. 

• All Over The Place book sales

44. Keep Calm and Travel

By:  Clelia Mattana

Keep Calm and Travel   is a travel blog created by serial traveler Clelia Mattana. 

Ever since she was 19, Clelia is a certified sea lover and globetrotter. But like many travel bloggers, she was given a choice between a secure job and the traveling lifestyle. 

Clelia’s finalized her choice when she bought a one-way ticket to Asia. She then created Keep Calm and Travel to send a simple message:

“No matter what your age is, or your budget, or status, you can travel and live your life on your own terms.”

The blog’s topics include destinations across continents, photography, and travel gear. She also has a dedicated page for Sardinia, which is one of her absolute favorite travel destinations.

45. Practical Wanderlust

By:  Lia and Jeremy Garcia

Lia and Jeremy Garcia, who aptly labeled themselves a “travel couple” on Instagram, are the minds behind  Practical Wanderlust .  

Jeremy is a film degree holder whose passions include writing and directing. He also became a high school teacher who taught filmmaking and digital media art.

Lia, on the other hand, has a fashion design and apparel merchandising degree. She took on roles in corporate merchandising before becoming a business systems analyst. 

Why did I tell you all this? Simple: I want you to know what the pair had to give up pursuing their dreams of traveling. 

Practical Wanderlust’s goal is to help other people enjoy travel in the most realistic and sensible approach possible. The blog is filled with detailed content on planning memorable trips on a budget, where to go, and staying safe.   

Lia and Jeremy also host their own podcast, which is available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 

• Coaching and mentoring services
• Sponsored podcast episodes

46. Expert Vagabond

By:  Matthew “Matt” Karsten

Matthew Karsten, AKA the  Expert Vagabond , has been a travel blogger, photographer, and digital nomad for nine years.

He talks about budget travel tips, destinations, travel photography, and strategies to make the digital nomadic life work. 

Matt is a business degree holder who spent time freelancing as a nightlife and event photographer. While he admits it was fun, he knew that he wants and deserves something more. 

After a year of downsizing his life, eating homemade food, selling eBooks, and saving every penny, he was ready. He set out to obtain a different kind of wealth — that which is made with adventures and experiences.

• Nomadic living

47. The Voyageur

By:  Pauline Chardin

Pauline Chardin is a France-based fashion designer, photographer, and art director. 

She always had a soft spot for travel — driven by her appreciation for picturesque architecture, landscapes, and good food. She started  The Voyageur   to help people view the world through her voice and eyes. 

The Voyageur is a simple, yet aesthetic website achieved through Pauline’s incredible photography skills. Apart from itineraries and posts about hotels, food, art, and architecture, the site also has a sizeable photo gallery.

Images are accompanied by a brief article that describes the destination’s history and Pauline’s thoughts and emotions during her visit. I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something about this content format that’s truly engaging and relaxing. 

• Art and architecture

48. Amateur Traveler

By:  Chris Christensen

Don’t be fooled by the name —  Amateur Traveler   is by no means run by an amateur.

Chris Christensen is a skilled photographer, travel writer, and podcast host. The site also utilizes a long list of monetization strategies that I believe every blogger should learn. 

True, he wasn’t the most experienced traveler when he started the blog. Before he created Amateur Traveler, he was a full-time EVP of engineering and operations for a company based in Silicon Valley. 

In his defense, he grew up in a family that traveled a lot to national parks in a trailer. He also learned a lot of foreign languages, which he believes is a window into understanding and embracing different cultures. 

Amateur Traveler discusses destinations, travel budgeting, planning, gear, and booking. The site also features a weekly podcast on the top destinations around the world. 

• Amateur Traveler Shop powered by Etsy
• Podcast advertisements
• Social media and content marketing consulting services
• Content writing services
• Paid guest posts

49. Girl Eat World

By:  Melissa Hie

Melissa Hie is the “Girl” in  Girl Eat World  — a name that encapsulates what the whole blog is all about. 

You see, Melissa’s three passions are food, travel, and storytelling. She started the blog in 2015 as a digital diary for herself and friends who need travel tips. 

Prior to her blog’s success, she amassed quite a following on Instagram. This springboarded her blogging career, which she put in the back burner after focusing on her full-time career.

Girl Eat World is essentially a compendium of Melissa’s travel stories and travel planning guides. She also has an iconic style of capturing Instagram posts, which must be seen to be appreciated. 

50. The Adventure Junkies

By:  Antonio Cala and Amanda Zeisset

The Adventure Junkies   is definitely not your average travel blog. 

It’s not just about the travel stories of founders Antonio Cala and Amanda Zeisset. Upon visiting the blog for the first time, you’ll realize that it’s all about the community the blog has built. 

New visitors are encouraged to join “ Summit ” — a free community for people who seek adventures through travel and outdoor activities. There, members can connect, plan events, share posts, ask questions, form groups, and discuss anything related to travel. 

The Adventure Junkies also compile guides and resources about outdoor activities like diving, kayaking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. There’s also a section for visitors who’d like to learn about outdoor and underwater photography.

Antonio and Amanda started The Adventure Junkies as a personal blog about their three years of cycling. Over time, their readers began asking questions on how they can plan their own adventures. 

The couple then realized that they need to create something more than a personal blog. As such, they transformed The Adventure Junkies as a one-stop shop for adventurists.  

• The Adventure Junkies Store
• Paid digital guides

51. A Broken Backpack Travel Blog

By:  Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux used to be a social worker who only traveled once a year. 

Melissa created  A Broken Backpack   a year after her journey in the Canadian Rockies — hitch-hiking from point A to B. She continued working on her blog as a creative outlet while working on a farm in Australia. 

It didn’t take long before A Broken Backpack’s popularity gained momentum and gave Melissa a new frontier. 

The website contains crucial tips on travel gear, budgeting, destinations, and the life of a digital nomad. Melissa also put together in-depth guides on travel blogging, moving to another country as an expat, and backpacking.

• SEO eBook on Nomad Life 101

52. The World Travel Guy

By : David Leiter

David Leiter is an American travel blogger currently based in Bali, Indonesia, with his wife Intan (who’s a Bali local).

They travel around the world and try to document the most scenic destinations by creating articles, photos, videos, and guides for other travelers.

David runs  The World Travel Guy , an adventure travel blog that he started when he was a solo traveler, but now covers their travels around the globe as a couple.

In total, they’ve visited dozens of countries, while also checking off some bucket list adventures like a Komodo dragon safari in Indonesia, the Mount Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, and a bunch of world monuments like the Angkor Wat and Taj Mahal.

• Adventure Travel
• Destination Guides
• Budget Tips
• Travel Photography
• Drone Videos
• Affiliate Partnerships
• Display Advertisements
• Sponsored Trips
• YouTube Videos

53. Life Part 2

By:  Jonathan Look Jr. and Sarah Wilson

The last blog on this list that your best life can start at any time you choose. 

Let me tell you the story behind  Life Part 2   and the people behind it.

Jonathan Look Jr. and Sarah Wilson are both happy retirees with a simple mantra: “don’t waste your retirement.”

To them, retirement isn’t about being comfortable and secure. Rather, it’s all about the freedom to listen to your heart and follow where it takes you. 

Jonathan and Sarah met in Chiang Mai, Thailand where they both agreed to see the world as a couple. 

Life Part 2 is a mix of all things travel. At times, there’ll be a post about remote destinations and backpacking, and at other times, the theme is luxury travel. 

You will, however, notice that the content topics on the blog often revolve around retirement, minimalism, and travel. 

Planning to go on your own travel adventures? Perhaps you’re thinking of starting your very own travel blog?

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a case of wanderlust or the desire to be a travel blogger yourself. 

The list above has some of the best travel blogs ever created. They can provide you with ideas and inspiration for your next trip or first-ever travel blog post. 

If you think I missed a great travel blog that everyone should read, let me know in the comments below. Good luck!

Ankit Singla

Ankit Singla is a full-time blogger, YouTuber, author, and public speaker. He founded and leads Master Blogging . With over 13 years of blogging expertise, he has assisted numerous aspiring bloggers in achieving their dreams of creating successful blogs.

Popular Posts by Ankit Singla ( see latest )

• 11 Best Blog Topic Research Tools (Free and Paid) + Tutorial
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• 9 Best Digital Products to Sell as a Blogger [All Profitable]

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Travel Tips: The Best 99 Travel Tips You’ll Ever Need

August 30, 2023

Traveling is something that you can only learn with experience. The more you travel, the more you experience and learn.

If you are new to traveling, you are most likely to make a whole lot of mistakes at first and that’s okay.

With time, you’ll know all the things to do and all the things to avoid when planning a trip somewhere or visiting a foreign land.

There are a ton of mistakes you can make as a first-time traveler. These include being reckless, being culturally offensive, missing buses, etc.

You have to think about traveling as you did your first time in a new school. It will take some time but eventually you will get used to how things work.

Meanwhile, here are my 99 travel tips to get you started as a traveler.

The journey might be long and bumpy so hold on tight and brace yourself;

1. Find Photogenic Places & Spots Using Instagram

2. learn common phrases of the local language, 3. read a history book about the place you are visiting, 4. get to know local customs before you go, 5. don’t be afraid to take your kids with you, 6. get vaccinated, 7. let your family and friends at home know your plans, 8. if you plan to visit someone/staying with someone, during your trip, then get them a present, 9. don’t go into debt for travel, don’t spend beyond your means, 10. research your destination, 11. be flexible and don’t over-plan, 12. book early for cheap flights, 13. use points and miles for discounts and even free travel, 14. use a vpn to potentially get a discount on flights, 15. avoid expensive hotels and accommodations, spend your money on experiences not on sleeping, 16. write down your hotel address and phone number.

• 17. Get a VPN for Travel to Protect Your Internet Connection While Abroad (I Personally Recommend ProtonVPN and NordVPN)

18. Take Cash with You and Extra Credit/debit Card

19. let your bank know you’re traveling, 20. pack light, 21. but take extra underwear and socks, 22. pack a pair of sneakers, 23. carry a first-aid kit, 24. always get a compeed for your feet – thank me later, 25. bring your normal clothes you’re comfortable in with you, 26. wear comfortable shoes you already broke into, 27. don’t bring clothes that need ironing, 28. always pack a hat and a sarong/scarf, 29. mark your luggage and write your name and contact information on them, 30. take pictures of your luggage and clothes, 31. take a photo and make copies of your passport and important documents, 32. get your phone unlocked before you leave, 33. invest in a good travel camera, 34. bring an extra camera battery, 35. bring a powerful power bank, 36. put electronics, medications, and extra clothes in your carry-on, 37. go to the airport early, 38. go to the bathroom right before boarding on a plane or taking a bus, 39. get a window seat so you can lean against the wall when you sleep, 40. get the closest seat possible from the doors on the plane, this will save a huge time going through customs, 41. stay hydrated on the plane and on the road, 42. get a water filter bottle and drink tap water whenever you can., 43. don’t change your currency at the airport, 44. track your spending, 45. don’t be afraid to pay to get your laundry done, it’s totally worth it, 46. wake up early, 47. try to exercise during your trip, 48. eat local food frequently, 49. don’t be ashamed to buy souvenirs, 50. visit famous and touristy places, 51. but don’t hesitate to get off the beaten path, 52. also, don’t eat at restaurants in touristy places, 53. wear sunscreen, 54. always have snacks with you, 55. put down your cellphone and enjoy the moment, 56. visit historical places at lunchtime, they are usually less crowded between 12:30 and 13:30, 57. go to local markets, 58. try new food, even if you think you won’t like it, 59. go on free walking tours, 60. make friends with locals, 61. make friends with other travelers, 62. break out of your comfort zone, 63. get lost on purpose, 64. do something that scares you, 65. be spontaneous. say yes to interesting opportunities and don’t stick blindly to your plans, 66. experience traveling alone from time to time, 67. go somewhere new every year, 68. if it feels wrong, it’s probably wrong. don’t take unnecessary risks, 69. abc: always be charging charge your power-bank and your devices whenever you have the chance, 70. get a local sim card with internet data for your phone, 71. always take your camera with you, always, 72. don’t forget to take epic photos of what you’re seeing, 73. take plenty of photos at sunrise and sunsets., 74. cloudy days are actually excellent for portrait photos, 75. take more photos of yourself in those places, 76. take more photos of and with locals, 77. save memories, don’t fake memories. your photos are meant to remind you of good times, not for showing off to others., 78. don’t wear your purse on one shoulder. rather, wear it around your body, 79. never carry your wallet in your back pocket., 80. be aware of pickpockets and scams, 81. use public transportation in big cities, 82. if you need a car then rent it. it’s cheaper than hiring a driver or taking taxis every time, 83. if you hired a driver, take pictures of the car, the license plate, and relevant details about the car and the driver. just in case, 84. never leave any valuables in your car, ever, 85. check if you forgot something in your hotel room before leaving, 86. don’t throw trash on the street, 87. be eco-friendly and minimize your trash, 88. also don’t buy anything made of animal parts, 89. don’t take your trip too seriously., 90. expect everything to go wrong, 91. don’t lose your temper when it does, 92. be kind with your travel partner. try to understand each other and avoid getting into an argument or a fight., 93. also, a fight doesn’t mean the end of your relationship/friendship. don’t be too proud to apologize, 94. compromise, compromise, compromise, 95. slow down to enjoy your vacation and never let yourself be in a rush, 96. keep an open mind and don’t judge other cultures, 97. don’t assume that you know more about a country or a culture than the people who actually live there, 98. be polite, smile often, and be friendly, 99. always, always, be respectful., i- travel tips before you go.

Instagram is one of the most popular social media applications you can resort to if you want to stay updated with the best places in town to visit.

Before you plan a trip to any destination, make sure to check Instagram for all the most scenic places you must visit in that particular town and city.

Each city in every country has certain must-see tourist spots, including places of worship, museums, or even landscapes full of natural beauty that you must visit. Instagram can be pretty useful as a starting point for pinning down which places you should necessarily add to your itinerary.

Visiting a new place will always be easier if you have some knowledge of the local language.

This doesn’t mean that you have to spend weeks picking up the new language. It simply means that you can take out a few hours each week before your trip to learn some common phrases in the local language that will help you when in the foreign land.

Such phrases include “I’m sorry” , “hello” , “thank you” and anything else that you feel is necessary to get you through your trip.

As an example I wrote an article that compiles the must-known phrases when visiting Japan . Check it out.

More knowledge never hurt anyone. It’s only human to be curious about a place before you visit it. For the sake of both your curiosity and for efficiency purposes, try to grab a hold of a history book about wherever you plan on visiting.

Anywhere you decide to travel will most likely have a rich history and heritage and it only makes sense to read up on some of this so that you enjoy your trip even more.

Read our guide on the best travel books to read that give intense wanderlust.

The one mistake you want to avoid as much as you can when in a new place is to be culturally insensitive or offensive in some way to the locals.

If you are unaware of their culture entirely, you are quite likely to make this mistake. This is why it makes sense to read up a little on the traditions and customs of a place before you visit so that you understand them better and don’t risk acting in an insensitive manner.

Some people are afraid of traveling with their children, especially if their children are pretty young. Although traveling with toddlers or even infants can be exhausting and even terrifying at times, this is no reason to avoid it altogether.

In fact, traveling helps increase knowledge and if a child is made to travel from a younger age, they develop cultural awareness from that tender age and this shapes them up to be informed, educated, and sensitive adults.

Some countries have strict travel policies and will not allow you to enter their land until you are properly vaccinated. The reasoning behind this is simple – they wish to prevent the spread of diseases from one country to another.

Even if it is not required of you by the country according to its travel policies, it is always a good idea to get yourself vaccinated before boarding the plane to another country. Why risk passing on some sort of infection or disease to another land when you can easily avoid it altogether?

This is perhaps the simplest of all travel tips and is understood even without mentioning. Unless, of course, you have absolutely no friends or family that you are in contact with, it’s always a good idea to inform your close relatives and friends about your travel plans.

This is important because visiting a new place is always risky, and it’s good to know that someone knows exactly where you are in case you need any help or encounter some sort of an emergency.

This shouldn’t be too hard to understand. It’s only common decency that if you plan on living with someone during your travels, or even just visiting them, you should buy them a present in advance of your trip.

It’s best to not leave this till the last minute when you will be chaotic and in a rush. Buy these presents at least two weeks before your intended date of travel to avoid any last minute anxieties.

Traveling can be pretty expensive. The actual costs that you will incur depend on where you are traveling, for how long, and whether or not you opt for any travel packages.

It is never a good idea to spend so much that you are in debt after your trip. If you can’t afford to stay in luxury hotels then don’t include them in your itinerary.

As fun as traveling can be, it won’t be much fun if you can’t afford basic necessities for months after your trip.

II- Travel Planning Tips

Before you begin packing your bags and booking your flights, it’s important to do some research on your destination. This will help you better understand the culture, customs, and norms of the place you are visiting, and ensure that you are prepared for what to expect.

Some things you might want to research include the climate and weather, local laws and regulations, the cost of living and common expenses, and any potential health or safety concerns.

This will help you plan and pack appropriately, and also give you a sense of what activities or sights you might want to see while you are there.

Traveling anywhere requires at least a certain degree of flexibility. It is a basic rule of life that everything is more fun when you don’t plan it down to every little detail.

While it is important to be organized and responsible when visiting a new place, you should always be open to spontaneity.

If things don’t go exactly as you planned, don’t be too disappointed because this will most likely ruin the rest of your trip.

Once you have made up your mind about where you are traveling, it only makes sense to book your flights as soon as you can.

You can hire a travel agent, book a package, or even plan the entire trip by yourself, but whatever you choose to do, make sure to get a head start on the process.

No point paying extra when you can get much lower prices by just being responsible enough to book the flights well in advance.

Once you become a frequent flier, you are likely to receive flying points and miles. The more points and miles you gather, the more likely you are to get a discount on your flights. Sometimes, once you have accumulated enough points, it’s even possible for you to travel completely free of cost!

Generally speaking, travel websites tend to track your IP address and the prices that they offer you are based on where you are browsing from.

Using a VPN for travel , you can hide your IP address and consequently, you might be able to benefit from lower flight prices. For example, if you were to set your IP address to a lower income country, you may be able to book a flight at a lower price.

Similarly, you may be able to set your IP address to the country from which that particular airline operates, and thereby save on flight costs.

Yes, traveling is expensive; but it doesn’t always have to be! There are countless ways you can save money during your travels using hacks such as choosing budget-friendly hotels as opposed to luxury, five-star hotels if you can’t afford it.

Remember that the whole point of traveling is to gain new experiences. If you want to sleep comfortably, you can do that in your own home. Make sure that when you do travel, spend on exploring and discovering new places, rather than on comfort.

In fact, the whole point of traveling is to step outside your comfort zone!

Before you set out for your travels, it is pertinent to do some research well in advance. You need to know exactly which hotels you will be staying at, and the smart thing to do is to write down the contact number and address of wherever you will be staying.

This information is important to keep for yourself, as well as for giving it to a close family member or friend lest they have to contact you in case of an emergency.

17. Get a VPN for Travel to Protect Your Internet Connection While Abroad (I Personally Recommend ProtonVPN and NordVPN )

A VPN protects the privacy of your internet connection when you’re away from your home country. When in a new country, it makes sense to install a VPN well in advance of your travel for the sake of internet privacy.

There are certain websites that you are accustomed to using that may even be blocked in the country you are traveling to. A VPN can make sure that you can access your favorite sites regardless of where you are.

ProtonVPN and NordVPN are two reliable VPNs you can install before your travel dates.

Remember that when traveling, it’s always good to be prepared for the worst. Anything can happen during your travels, things can go wrong and you must be prepared.

As such, always make sure to travel with your debit and credit cards, along with cash. It’s important to have both options in hand because depending on where you are traveling, one option might work while another might not.

For example, if you are in a particular city, some areas such as large malls and restaurants might accept a card while marketplaces and bazaars etc. might only accept cash.

Never make the mistake of limiting your options to only one of the two.

It’s always a good idea to inform your bank that you will be traveling and give them your travel dates. This is important because it’s possible that your ATM card or debit card might not work in a foreign country unless your bank allows it.

You might get into a very sticky situation if you somehow run out of cash sooner than you expect and your debit card refuses to work. So make sure to get these technical processes sorted out well in advance of your trip to avoid any inconveniences during the trip.

III- Packing Tips for Travel

He who travels happily must travel light. Antoine de Saint-Exupery – One of the best travel quotes out there

When going on a trip, it makes sense to pack as light as you possibly can. The more things you carry with you, the more inconvenient things are likely to be for you.

Let’s say your trip comprises of visits to a number of different cities or even countries. The fewer things you carry with yourself, the easier it will be for you to maneuver and move around.

Additionally, the fewer things you carry, the less likely you are to lose things.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand why this is so important. Remember that no matter how much you pre-plan, it isn’t possible to think of almost every possible thing that can go wrong in the trip.

You also don’t know if your plan might somewhat change along the way. For example, let’s say you decide to extend your trip by a few days.

The smart thing to do is to avoid all these problems and simply pack a few extra pairs of socks and some extra underwear.

The most important thing to keep in mind while packing is that your comfort must be your first consideration.

If you aren’t comfortable with the clothes you have packed or the things you have kept with you, your entire trip might get ruined.

You also generally have to walk a lot during trips as you go about exploring and discovering new cities and towns.

This is why it’s always a good idea to pack at least one pair of sneakers with you, wherever you go. Sneakers are comfortable, durable, and perfect for walking long distances.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a group of people, you alone are responsible for your health along the way.

It is possible for you to encounter any number of accidents or incidents on your trip. You could get a small injury like a broken nail or stubbed toe, or a bigger injury, such as a fracture.

In any case, having a first aid box with you at all times of your travel is absolutely essential.

Compeed dressings are meant to relieve you of the pain of blisters on the feet. When traveling, there are usually such large distances to cover that you can get blisters very easily.

Blisters are naturally painful and uncomfortable and can potentially make the rest of your trip not as much fun for you.

So do remember to keep some compeed with you at all times during your travels.

No matter where you are traveling to, you aren’t likely to have too great a time if you aren’t comfortable.

While fashion is important, the first rule of fashion is that you must be comfortable in what you wear. So make sure to at least bring two to three outfits that you know you are 100% comfortable in.

It’s common knowledge that new shoes can be pretty uncomfortable the first few times you wear them. This is why it’s never a good idea to take new shoes that you haven’t worn too often along with you on a trip.

It’s possible that the new shoes start to dig into your toes, or hurt the back of your heel.

Old is gold, so stick to what’s comfortable!

While it is possible for you to take a steam iron along with you on your travels, it will just be an added inconvenience.

Ironing also takes up a whole lot of time you could have spent exploring the new land you are in.

The solution is simple – simply make sure to take clothes that you know for a fact won’t require ironing.

There are certain accessories that prove to be very useful during traveling. A hat or a cap is one such accessory. Hats can protect you from the sun, particularly if you are heading out towards a tropical climate. Hats also look stylish.

A scarf can also serve multiple purposes. If you are going to a country where you are required to dress ‘modestly’, a scarf can be pretty useful. Scarves can also sometimes look very fashionable.

Similarly, if you are going to a beach location, a sarong is a necessary item to pack.

If you have ever traveled on a plane before, you will realize just why this is so important. Flights nowadays are often booked. Among so many passengers, it’s very easily to lose some or your entire luggage along the way.

This can easily be avoided. All you have to do is make sure that all pieces of your luggage have your name and proper contact information on them.

This way, even if you do lose your luggage, you can be assured that it will always make your way back to you.

This is purely a precautionary measure. Just writing your name and contact information on all pieces of your luggage sometimes isn’t enough.

It’s also a good idea to take pictures of all pieces of your luggage and clothing just in case something goes wrong.

This is one of the most important pre-travel steps you need to take.

It’s always a good idea to have copies of each of your important travel documents including your passport, your tickets, hotel bookings, and any other crucial pieces of information or documents you need to travel.

IV- Travel Tips for Packing Tech

Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave for any trip. You don’t want to face any complications accessing your phone when in a completely foreign land.

There is little point of traveling if you aren’t going to make a whole lot of memories and make sure that at least some of those memories are caught on camera and preserved for you to keep for years and years.

This is why it is always worth investing in a decent travel camera well in advance of your trip. The Canon G5X M2 is one camera certainly worth investing in before your travels.

Cameras usually come with batteries.

It’s possible for those batteries to run out or for something else to go wrong with those batteries.

As such, always make sure that you carry extra camera batteries with you each time you travel.

A power bank is a device that can help you charge your phone when on the go. This device is particularly useful during traveling because even if you do take your phone charger with you, a number of things could go wrong.

It’s possible that the charger begins to malfunction or that you are on some cruise or on an exotic island where there is no way for you to charge your phone.

That’s why I actually have 3 or 4 myself 😀

A carry-on bag serves many purposes during traveling. This bag is where you store all of the extra things that are very useful to you such as necessary medications, electronic items such as your laptop and laptop charger, power bank etc.

You might even want to put a few pairs of extra clothing inside your carry on, just in case you need to freshen up during the journey.

Opening the main suitcase mid journey is impossible, so all of the important things that you might need should be stored in your carry on.

V- Travel Tips While on the Road

This is perhaps the number one rule of traveling – you must get to the airport well in advance of your flight.

It’s always better to be early rather than late. So quit being lazy. On the day that you have to travel, wake up extra early, have a good breakfast, make sure all your stuff is with you and is sorted out, then head on over to the airport!

One of the most uncomfortable aspects of traveling is not having access to one’s own bathroom. Since traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, you must not mind this too much.

In order to avoid having to go to the bathroom while traveling, make sure you use the bathroom right before boarding a plane, a ship, a bus, or any other vehicle where it might be difficult to use the washroom.

Although this isn’t necessary, the window seat is always a good seat to select, when on a bus or plane.

Not only is this a more comfortable seat because you can lean against the window and fall asleep, the window seat also offers the best views, especially from an airplane.

If possible, make sure to get a seat as near to the doors of the plane as you possibly can.

The nearer you are to the exit of the plane, the earlier you can exit the plane, and the sooner you can get clearance from customs.

This is particularly important if you have to take a connecting flight because you cannot afford to get late for it.

When traveling, it’s sometimes impossible to remember to drink enough water.

Always make sure that whether you are flying or on the road, you have water with you.

Traveling to another country is scary enough, especially for first timers. You don’t need the added stress of encountering any health problems when in a foreign land.

So drink as much water as you can!

It may not be possible for you to find mineral or bottled water easily when on the go.

The easiest thing to do is to simply carry around a water bottle (with an included filter) with you and fill it up with tap water wherever you may find it.

VI- Travel Tips when Arriving at Your Destination

If you are a frequent traveler, you may have realized that it is never a good idea to get your currency exchanged for the foreign currency when at the airport.

This is because the airport often tends to overcharge and give you a rate higher than what you would get from anywhere outside.

Each time you travel, you will have a fixed amount of money with you. As such, you need to spend it wisely.

Make sure you keep a track of all the money you are spending on internal commute, food etc.

Carry a small notebook in your handbag, or use a dedicated budgeting app, and make a note of each time you spend money so that you don’t go overboard or run out of cash.

Whichever hotels you choose to stay at will most likely have a laundry service. You may be unwilling to use the service because of the money you will have to pay for it.

It’s best to however pay that money and get your clothes laundered because you will be saved from a whole lot of inconvenience later.

Fresh, clean clothes are definitely a blessing, especially when you’re in a foreign land.

VII- Travel Tips During Your Trip

The whole purpose of travel is to explore and discover new places. As such, you want to make the best of your time in the foreign land.

Make sure that you plan out activities for each day of the trip in advance and during the trip, wake up bright and early each day so as not to waste any precious trip time.

Remember, you can always sleep once you’re back home!

Because traveling can be so chaotic in itself, you may forget to care about your physical and mental health. A little bit of exercise goes a long way in this regard.

You can wake up early and do some morning stretches and yoga before starting your day. Alternatively, you can even use an application to keep a track of the number of steps you walk each day. Set a target number of steps and make it your goal to meet your target each day.

There is little point visiting strange new lands if you aren’t willing to step outside your comfort zone. When in a new place, make sure to try out all the local delicacies instead of sticking with food that is readily available.

It can be tempting to buy souvenirs such as bells, magnets, decorative items, or T-Shirts when in a new place.

It’s always a good gesture to buy such things for your family and friends back home or even just for yourself so that you remember this trip for a long time to come.

As obvious as this sounds, some people visit a place and miss out on some of the most famous places to visit because they aren’t aware of them.

Do your research in advance or talk to local tour guides and make sure you visit all the must-see places when in a new place.

While touristy spots are always a delight to visit, sometimes, there are places that no one talks about or visits about are pretty charming. In fact, if you want to get an authentic vibe of the place, its best to sometimes visit places that aren’t particularly famous among tourists.

The problem with only sticking to spots and restaurants that are ‘touristy’ is that these places often tend to get pretty crowded. You also won’t get a feel of the local culture and cuisine if you only stick to restaurants specifically designed to cater to tourists.

This is particularly relevant if you are visiting a tropical region or island. The rays of the sun tend to be pretty strong in these places so make sure to apply sunscreen on all parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun.

Traveling tends to make you pretty hungry, especially when your trip involves a whole lot of adventure an if you’re constantly on the move. Because you can’t always stop at restaurants it’s best to keep some snacks with you on hand in case you get hungry.

The one mistake you should never make when on a trip is to be constantly using your phone. In fact, you should try to avoid social media as much as you can when on vacation. Put your cell phone away, talk to those around you, and enjoy each little moment to the fullest!

If you are in a town or city that is home to a number of historical landmarks that are open for tourists to visit, make sure you plan your visit around lunchtime. This is the time when these landmarks are least crowded and you can even manage to get decent photographs.

Local markets everywhere have a charm of their own. No matter where you are, make sure to visit the night markets and day markets because these can both be pretty interesting in their own ways.

Some places even have floating markets – markets built over flowing water. If you come across any of these, make sure to explore well.

There is little to no point in traveling if you’re only going to stick to what’s considered ‘safe’. Each place you visit will have certain local culinary delicacies that you should at least try out, even if you think you might not like them. Traveling is about collecting new experiences after all!

If the city or town you are visiting has the option of availing free walking tours, make sure you go for these. These walking tours generally tend to be guided and can tell you a lot about the history and culture of the place you are visiting. It’s always good to learn!

Making friends with the locals has a whole lot of advantages of its own. For starters, you can learn some of the local language. More importantly, the locals can guide you on the best places to visit in town and perhaps tell you where you can get the best local food.

It’s always a good idea to befriend those you are traveling with. Not only does this give you a certain support system when in a new land, you can also explore and discover new parts of the city with the other travelers. It’s always more fun when there are more people.

You can even get to know more about the travelers’ home county and this in itself is a learning experience.

VIII- Travel Tips to Live Unforgettable Experiences

The number one rule of traveling is that you step outside your comfort zone and are willing to have all sorts of new experiences.

During your travels, you might sometimes face situations that are entirely unfamiliar and where you may feel where you are uncomfortable and that is perfectly okay.

Strange as it sounds, sometimes, the best way to discover yourself is to get lost deliberately. When in a new, strange land, try to be as adventurous as you can, and what’s more adventurous then getting lost?

So shut your phone and aimlessly walk the streets of a foreign city until you don’t know where you are.

At home, it’s okay to stay away from the things that tend to scare you, but not while you are traveling. During your travels, make sure to do things you were otherwise too scared to do. For example, if there’s something you always wanted to try but never got around to it, make sure you go for it when you’re on your trip.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is, what’s the worst that can happen?

Life is supposed to be an adventure, more so when you are traveling. During your travels, make sure to be as spontaneous as you can.

While it’s important to plan out your activities for each day, it’s equally important to take life as it comes to you and not be too stringent if things don’t work out exactly how you plan them.

While it’s always fun to travel in groups, it’s also sometimes fun to travel by yourself. Traveling by yourself can sometimes help you gain a whole new perspective on life. It can also be enriching for your soul to travel alone.

Being by yourself and discovering new places is fulfilling in itself.

While traveling anywhere is a learning experience, the more places you discover, the more you are likely to learn. As such, make it a point to visit a whole new place each year.

The more places you travel, the more you learn about different cultures, histories and traditions, the more foods you discover and the more lifestyles you experience.

Remember that are instincts are almost always right. If you are in a new place or situation that doesn’t feel right to you, get out of those situations as soon as you possibly can. Taking risks is important but taking unnecessary risks is stupid.

Remember that if you mess up, no one can come to your rescue so far away from home. So be smart and careful whenever required.

IX- Travel Tips for Photography & Tech

You want to make sure that you don’t run out of charge in your phone or any of the other essential devices you need to carry with yourself. The easiest thing you can do is charge your phone and power bank overnight each day of the trip. You don’t want your phone to be off when you are out and about taking pictures!

This will be useful in case you need to contact friends and family back home. Remember, anything can happen when you are on a trip, far away from all that is familiar. This is also particularly important if you are traveling alone.

Furthermore, data is important even just to access GPS settings on your phone. Imagine that you are in a new place and get lost only because you cannot access maps on your phone.

Make sure that wherever you go, you carry your camera with you and that your camera is fully charged. You might not realize the importance of a camera today, but someday, years from now, when you want to look back at the memories from the trip and you have only the photographs you took, you will realize just how important a camera is.

Photographs will be the only memories of your trip for years to come. Even when you are old and wrinkly, photographs remind you of the places you have visited and the people you have seen,

So make sure that whichever photographs you do end up taking are memorable and epic!

Sunrises and sunsets are two of nature’s most incredible phenomena. Some of the best pictures you can capture are those of the sun rising and setting because this is when the sky is in stunning shades of orange and pink. So make sure to get plenty of these if and where possible!

Many people believe that only sunny day pictures turn out decent and avoid taking pictures when the sky is overcast.

Contrary to popular belief however, cloudy days actually make for excellent backgrounds for photographs, particular portrait photographs .

So next time the sky is cloudy, there is no need to shy away from pictures!

Remember, it’s not all about landscape photography. It’s also somewhat about taking pictures of yourself in whichever place you are visiting.

Years from now, you will want to remember the time you were visiting that place. So make sure to get great shots of yourself with the most popular landmarks of that city.

These are important because years from now, these will make for excellent memories. Make sure that each town or city you are visiting, you get at least a few shots of and with the locals.

Locals everywhere are different from each other. They may for example have a unique style of dressing that you want to capture, for memory’s sake.

Remember that the purpose of taking pictures on a trip is to preserve the memories from the trip, for your own sake, and no one else.

If you spend most of your trip going around taking ‘aesthetic’ or ‘Insta-worthy’ pictures then you might as well not go.

X- Travel Tips for Security & Transportation

This is a safety precaution. While traveling, as you go about exploring and discovering a new town or city, it is common that your things may get stolen or misplaced.

As a result, it’s always best to make sure that your stuff is tightly strung across your body. That way, you can keep an eye on your valuables at all times.

If you are visiting a town or city where theft or pick pocketing is common, you don’t want to risk your things getting stolen. As a result, you must take all necessary safety precautions.

Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is never a good idea because a thief may easily steal it, so avoid this as much as possible.

In some countries and cities, street crime and theft is pretty common. If you are visiting any such city, you must be sure to be as careful as you possibly can. Always be on the lookout for pick pockets and don’t trust anyone blindly when in a foreign land.

If you are visiting any of the major cities of the world such as Tokyo, Paris, London, or new York, it’s always best to stick to public means of transportation such as buses.

Public transport generally tends to be much safer than private taxi services.

If for some reason, public transportation isn’t an option for you and you would much rather travel by car, make sure you rent out a car. Renting a car is much more practical and affordable option than taking taxis all the time. Taxis can sometimes be really expensive and even unsafe in certain situations.

When in a completely new land, there aren’t a lot of people you can trust. Anything can go wrong and you always need to be on your guard. When traveling by taxi, make sure you have pictures of the driver, the car and the license plate, just in case.

While you can afford to be reckless when you’re at home surrounded by friends and family who love you, you must always be extra careful during your travels.

Never forget any of your valuables in a public place.

You most likely won’t get them back.

XI- Common Sense

It doesn’t take a genius to understand why this is so important.

It’s possible that you may not gather all your things before leaving and forget some things in the hotel room, so always double check.

You wouldn’t like it if someone came to your country or city and littered the streets. Littering is extremely disrespectful and ill-mannered so make sure to avoid it.

Each place you visit is likely to have dustbins where you can throw your trash, so follow rules and be on your best behavior.

It’s never too late to start thinking about your planet. During the course of your trip, try to minimize your trash in as many ways as you possibly can. A good start would be to carry around a single water bottle with you instead of buying plastic water bottles all the time.

Caring about animals goes hand in hand with caring about the planet.

Avoid at all cost buying anything that is made up of animal parts. Such as handbags made from crocodile leather, lined with tiger fur, or anything made from giraffe parts, for example.

Purchasing souvenirs made from animal skin to bring home with you is ill-advised, just DON’T do it.

Remember that the primary purpose of your trip is to have a ball. Stop trying to take each aspect of the trip too seriously. Let loose, have fun, and treat everything as an adventure.

If you get lost on your way back to your hotel, stay calm, enjoy the moment while it lasts. You will find your way back eventually!

It’s always best to be prepared for the worst. Remember, any number of things can go wrong during your trip, from the time you board your flight till you come back. Mishaps are simply a part of life. Take them as you come and try to enjoy the journey regardless.

When things don’t seem to be going your way, remember to stay calm. Have faith that everything will work itself out eventually.

There is no need to get wound up about things that are beyond your control and the least productive thing you can do is get angry or lash out on others when things don’t go your way.

During traveling, it’s fairly common for people to get irritable with those they are traveling with. It’s possible that the people you travel with have personality differences to you.

Don’t let this ruin your trip however. Be understanding of everyone’s wishes.

Checkout this wonderful video of the Flying The Nest channel where 4 couples share their best advice about How to travel better as a couple:

Even if you do end up having a fight or two with your travel partners, this is perfectly okay. It doesn’t have to imply the end of your friendship or relationship. It is a fight and you will get over it.

A squabble or two are common when traveling with people. Just remember to not take it to heart or let it ruin your trip, or even worse, your relationship.

The key to a successful trip is to compromise as much as you can with those you are traveling with. Remember, they may have preferences you have to take into account.

This is particularly relevant when you are traveling with your partner our with a group of friends. Each person may have a different place they may want to visit, and you may sometimes have to give up some of the places on your ‘must visit’ list for them, even when you don’t want to.

While you do have to cover a lot of places and activities during you travels, make sure to take things slow at times and enjoy yourself thoroughly.

It does make sense to plan out your itinerary well in advance, but you don’t always have to be on the move. Allow enough time for yourself to soak in each moment so that you enjoy to the fullest.

Simply running from one tourist attraction to the next isn’t always important. What’s important is to make sure to enjoy yourself, wherever you are in that moment.

A lot of tourists make the mistake of being judgemental and insensitive when visiting a new place.

If you want people to welcome you to their country, you need to be sensitive towards their culture, heritage, religion, and traditions.

Avoid doing anything that might be offensive. For example, do not visit a mosque or temple with light clothes as this may be considered disrespectful.

No one can know more about a place than its inhabitants. Be very careful to not act arrogant when visiting a new place.

Locals will consider this to be tactless and disrespectful.

Remember, you are only a tourist, not a resident. You should be open to learning new things, but always remember, you know less than them. It is their country after all!

This is a good idea regardless of where you are traveling. Always appear a friendly as you possibly can.

You must be friendly to the locals as well as to your fellow travelers. People always love to be around friendly people and the more kind and outgoing you are, the more you are likely to enjoy your trip!

This is something you must always remember, regardless of where you are traveling. Make sure you are respectful at all times during your travels. Each place you visit has a unique culture, heritage and traditions. In order to learn about these, you must first and foremost be respectful of these differences.

If someone welcomes you with open arms into their country, you don’t want them to think that you are being offensive to their history, culture or traditions.

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Travel Reporter & Editorial Director

Ph.D. in Geography, Travel Photographer, and Software Engineer. Been on 4 continents and loved them all.

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The Vacationer • Travel Guides • Travel Tips

49 Best Travel Tips to Save Time, Money, & Stress in 2024

Traveling locally, across the country, or to another continent is an exciting way to form memories and experience other cultures. But an awry trip can usher in unnecessary stress, expenses, and potential regrets.

These travel tips can help you have a successful trip from the initial planning stages, as you pack your bags, and once you reach your destination. 

Table of Contents

Best Travel Tips While Preparing for a Trip

This collection of tips covers just about everything you should consider when traveling and before you go. You are most likely practicing some of them, making them a good reminder, and others can help prevent uncommon travel surprises.

1. Book At Least Six Weeks in Advance

Instead of carving time out of your schedule to book your trip at a specific date or time (such as Tuesdays at 3 a.m. using a private browsing session to find discounted fares), a more effective strategy is researching travel options at least four to six weeks in advance.

You can still find cheap flights and ideal flight times at least six weeks before departure. Getting on the hunt two or three months before major holidays is also good.  

Last-minute travel savings are possible but you may be unable to get a desired departure time, layover window, or destination. Waiting until the final days can be worth it if you have a flexible schedule and are open-minded about where you travel to.

Learn More: Best Days and Times to Book Flights

2. Travel in the Off-Season or Shoulder Season

Avoiding the peak travel season is one of the easiest ways to pay less for flights and lodging. You also will enjoy smaller crowds and the weather can still be decent for your intended activities.

For example, visiting Spain is delightful in March and April but travel prices are elevated during Semana Santa (Holy Week) when most cities have processions that virtually shut down the city.

Another example is visiting a beach town during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the time between the peak and the offseason. So you could take a trip to Cape May, NJ from the middle of May to the end of June instead of during the July/August peak. The weather is still good enough during the shoulder season to enjoy most peak-season activities.

3. Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Comparing prices from several travel booking sites can help you find the best rate within minutes. Airlines, hotels, and rental cars offer several slots to third-party booking sites and you can pay less than booking directly from the carrier.

It’s worth your time to check prices directly from the carrier website but also from one or more third-party booking sites (online travel agencies or OTAs) like Hotels.com , Kayak , or Google Flights .

The Vacationer Tip

Along with looking for the best flight schedule and prices, you can use our guide to help find the best seats on the plane and book them for cheap or for free.

4. Book Directly from the Travel Provider

While you can find discounted prices through online travel agencies and third-party booking sites, booking directly from the airline, hotel, or rental car agency provides more protection if you must cancel or reschedule. This is especially important for flights and the 24-hour cancellation rule .

With third-party reservations, you may be locked into a particular itinerary that could be non-refundable or non-changeable. You will need to call the booking site to determine what your alternatives are. If you’re eligible for a refund, it can take longer to receive your funds.

5. Stay at a Hostel to Save Money

Hostels are a common and safe way to secure affordable lodging in Europe and Asia. If you’re traveling solo or in a group and okay with not having as much privacy, a hostel helps keep your travel costs down. 

Despite many misconceptions, most establishments are well-run with clean bathrooms and bedding. You may also be able to get a basic breakfast at some. With that said, be sure to research your options and consider paying a little more to get more luxurious accommodations.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Staying in a Hostel

6. Consider Vacation Rentals for Extended Stays

Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO have become immensely more popular since the pandemic as people yearned for privacy. While hotels are usually better for shorter stays as you avoid expensive cleaning fees and service fees, a vacation home or villa can be more cost-effective for extended stays.

At a minimum, a rental or an extended-stay hotel is more likely to offer a full kitchen suite that allows you to cook full meals instead of relying on packaged snacks or what fits inside the hotel mini-fridge. 

Vacation rentals can also be cheaper per square foot if traveling as a family. Instead of squeezing into a hotel suite or booking multiple rooms, you have spacious accommodations. If you have small children, the extra space can keep you from losing your mind on rainy days.

The Vacationer’s Tip: While many people focus on spending less for flights, hotels and vacation rentals can have variable pricing. Here is how to find and book cheap hotels to enjoy clean and spacious lodging on a budget.

7. Buy Travel Insurance for Expensive or International Trips

Travel insurance is inexpensive on most itineraries and can save you thousands of dollars if your non-refundable travel is canceled or delayed for qualifying reasons. 

Obtaining coverage is a good option for expensive trips. Picking up a policy can also be worth it when traveling outside the United States as you can have medical coverage and emergency evacuation benefits that your ordinary health insurance may not provide outside the country.

You should also consider booking your trips using credit cards with travel insurance coverage . These benefits are sufficient for low-cost excursions and can activate before your standalone travel insurance policy can. They can also provide complimentary rental car coverage .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the best credit card travel insurance benefits. Namely, you can be eligible for trip interruption and cancellation coverage of up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip), primary auto rental collision damage waiver, up to $500 per ticket in trip delay reimbursement, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation  Learn How to Apply Here

8. Consider Annual Travel Insurance Plans

If you travel regularly, an annual travel insurance policy covers multiple trips at a lower premium than buying a new policy for each trip. This is an excellent option for frequent leisure travelers and business travelers.

9. Review Airline and Hotel Cancellation Policies

Your travel plans may change unexpectedly for personal or work reasons. Before you book, take the time to review the cancellation and modification policies just to make sure they are reasonable.

You want to make sure you have a strong possibility of getting a refund or a travel credit to redeem later. Being locked into a non-refundable itinerary may not be worth the savings unless you’re booking right before you go or your travel insurance may issue a refund.

In addition to researching the cancellation policy, be sure to review an airline’s seating and carry-on policy to avoid add-on fees and restrictions. 

10. Choose Early Flights

Early morning flights are the best time to fly for several reasons. First, these departures are less likely to be delayed as it’s a new travel day with rested crews and minimal weather-related interruptions. 

Additionally, these flights can be cheaper as you need to arrive at the airport a little earlier. Routes popular with business travel can be an exception to this rule, but you can anticipate paying less than for a mid-day sortie.

Learn More: How to Avoid Flight Delays and Cancellations

11. Arrive at the Airport Early

Photo: Pixabay

Getting to the airport at least an hour before departure for domestic flights at small airports or when you’re not checking luggage. Plan on arriving at least two hours for domestic flights at busy airports, if you’re checking a bag, or traveling with small children.

What about international flights? Plan on arriving at least three hours before departure to allow additional time for a potentially longer check-in time.

Learn More: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

12. Qualify for Expedited Airport Security 

If you fly several times a year, obtaining expedited airport security credentials can help you avoid long airport security lines. 

The first step is applying for a federally-administered Trusted Traveler Program, such as:

• TSA PreCheck : Enjoy expedited security at domestic airports only.  
• Global Entry : Get expedited processing at customs lines on international flights plus TSA PreCheck benefits. 
• NEXUS : Ideal for travel between the U.S. and Canada. It also includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. 

Several rewards credit cards are offering free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits to save a few dollars.

In addition to Trusted Traveler programs, you can also shave a few minutes off security wait times with CLEAR at select major airports and stadiums. Where available, this pre-security program can help you reach the expedited TSA security lines sooner. 

Getting a Redress Number can help those who frequently have boarding pass issues, are subject to additional security screenings (including having SSSS on their boarding pass ), and those who experience delayed or denied boardings.

Learn More: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster

13. Relax at an Airport Lounge

If you have a long layover or arrive at the airport several hours later, visiting an airport lounge (like a Centurion Lounge ) can help you grab a complimentary meal and drink, and recharge your devices. You can also have a comfortable place to sit and the luxury lounges offer spa treatment, sleeping rooms, and shower suites to clean up.

Single-day passes are pricey but there are several credit cards with lounge access . Most lounges allow entry for the primary cardholder and up to two guests complimentary up to three hours before your next flight’s departure.

Airport lounge access is just one way to reduce air travel stress . Check out our article for additional suggestions. 

14. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Some countries and airlines won’t let you travel if your passport expires within six months. If you’re planning a trip, see if your passport is expiring soon to prevent delaying your trip.

Consider renewing your passport early if you’re approaching the six-month expiration window as the passport processing times can take up to 13 weeks to receive your new document. You can pay extra for expedited processing but the process can still take several weeks.

After submitting your renewal request, you can check your passport application status online .

Finally, use our How to Take Your Own Passport Photo guide to simplify things when applying or renewing.

15. Don’t Go Into Debt for Vacation

As much as you’re earning to get away on a dream trip, it’s probably not worth going into debt for. Whether your bank is offering a vacation loan or you intend on carrying a credit card balance (even with a 0% APR), borrowing money to travel can backfire.

Instead, look for the best options within your spending power. Consider setting aside money each month and delaying your trip if necessary.

In addition to saving up for travel in a dedicated savings account, you can use travel rewards credit cards to redeem points to defray purchases. Some cards offer annual statement credits that reimburse eligible travel bookings. 

Additionally, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards also offer complimentary benefits to spend less.  

Making a travel budget can help you plan for travel expenses so you’re not nervous about running out of cash while you travel or having regrets once you return home.

16. Exercise and Stretch

Once you depart for your trip, be sure to stretch and perform basic exercises as time and space permit. It can be as basic as stationary stretches while sitting in your seat to walking the airport terminal. If driving, stay outside for a few extra minutes at the gas station or rest area.

Stretching and being active once you arrive is also beneficial and can help you sleep better.

Best Travel Tips for Packing

17. only bring a carry-on.

When possible, only bring a carry-on to avoid lost or missing checked luggage. You can also avoid checked baggage fees and excessive weight charges if you overpack. Using the best carry-on can help you find the perfect soft or hard-sided luggage to fit your travel gear.

If you need to check a bag, it most likely won’t get lost but could get delayed. Here’s our helpful guide on what to do during baggage delays .

18. Pack as Light as Possible

Packing is stressful; Many people overpack to ease their anxiety, which sometimes means bringing extra suitcases or paying to check a bag. Write down everything you think you need on your packing list. After it’s complete, cut it down to the bare minimum.

Pack underwear and socks for the number of showers you expect to take; Add an emergency pair for every five or so days of your trip. Shirts and pants can usually be worn multiple days in a row. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can pack even less.

19. Carry-On Overnight Travel Essentials

You never know when a flight delay will turn into spending the night in the terminal or at a nearby hotel. While the airline may provide meal vouchers, you should pack these travel essentials to freshen up:

• A change of clothes, especially extra underwear and socks
• Powerbank (they cost about $20 and have several phone/tablet recharges)
• Travel charger

Even if you’re not stuck somewhere overnight, these small and compact items can also help you rest while on the road:

• Earplugs (great for plane rides and noisy hotels)
• Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
• Travel blanket
• Travel pillow (see the best travel neck pillows )

Adding these carry-on essentials to your packing list can prepare you for nearly any change of plans and to weather a long layover or flight. 

20. Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

A power adapter is essential in most foreign destinations to charge your devices. Traveling to Canada or Mexico is an exception as the standard voltage is 120v and these countries have the same outlet design as the United States. Check to see the adapter requirements for the country you are visiting before leaving.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler recently visited South Africa and needed a Type M adapter. He purchased this Ceptics International Power Plug Adapter Travel Set , which includes 13 adapters for just about every foreign country.

21. Use Packing Cubes

There are a couple of ways to organize your travel luggage to squeeze everything in. Your bag may include built-in storage compartments or you might roll up clothing and put them in packing cubes or vacuum storage bags. If you’re on a budget, rubber bands or plastic bags can also do the job. I recommend the following packing cubes: Veken 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes .

Packing for a vacation can feel like a fine art at times, even as a seasoned traveler. Our travel packing list can cover everything you need to bring so you don’t forget and have to buy something along the way.

22. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

For over 20 years, it’s become ingrained for air travelers to pack liquids in containers containing no more than three ounces. This security rule means you can’t bring a filled water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

Most airports have filtered water dispensers in the post-security terminal that you can fill up your bottle with and avoid paying big bucks for bottled water. You also won’t struggle to stay hydrated during your journey.

If you’re driving, consider bringing a travel water filter or a portable filter that you can use in your hotel room to pay pennies for filtered water.

23. Dress Comfortably for the Flight

You should dress comfortably for the plane ride. Dressing in layers with a light jacket or a travel blanket can help you stay warm if the cabin is cool. Bringing travel slippers or slip-on shoes on long-haul flights is another overlooked comfort hack. Wear sweatpants instead of jeans.

24. Bring Duplicate Travel Documents

Take a few minutes to photocopy your critical travel documents such as your government-issued IDs and passport. Be sure to keep these papers separate from your originals in case one set gets lost.

Once you arrive at your destination, you may decide to go out in public with your duplicates and keep your originals plus at least one payment card in the room safe. That way, a pickpocket doesn’t run off with the more valuable set and you still have a way to make purchases. 

Taking it a step further, write down your credit card numbers and the emergency contact number if you need to call and cancel if your plastic goes missing. If you don’t have a phone number, you can also look for a pay phone that should have a toll-free number to contact Visa or Mastercard to cancel your card.

25. Keep Valuables at Home and Bring a Lock

Unless it’s necessary to bring them along for a business function or a personal event, leave your valuables at home. The hassle of keeping them secure and the risk of losing them may not be worth the replacement cost. 

This includes your fine jewelry, watches, and high-end electronics that are nice to use but optional for this trip. Additionally, these items can make you a target for thieves.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler also recommends bringing a luggage lock or a standard combination lock.

26. Install a Luggage Tracking Device

Bluetooth tracking devices like the Apple AirTag are a small and easy way to see where your carry-on and checked luggage are at all times. A single piece is about the size of a coin and costs $30 or less.

27. Bring Comfy Walking Shoes

Most of the world walks more steps than we do daily. Therefore, it’s essential to pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to stroll the streets of your destination. Comfortable footwear is also a must-have if you’re staying stateside.

28. Keep a Travel Journal

Consider packing a notebook or diary into your carry-on. Handwriting your favorite travel memories in a journal is an easy way to remember the intricacies that you may struggle to remember years later when you reflect. 

For example, you can write down what you did each day along with exciting facts. Having everybody share their favorite activity for the day is another way to use this journal.

Best Travel Tips for Once You Arrive

29. learn the local customs.

Words and expressions can have different meanings where you’re traveling to. It’s also a good idea to know some of the common phrases and customs the locals practice so you can have a basic conversation.

You can research these details online or in a guidebook.

30. Dress As a Local

Blending in with the crowd can help prevent unwanted attention from panhandlers and pickpockets. For example, don’t wear revealing clothing when the culture favors pants or long dresses. Researching fashion advice for your destination is your best option.

31. Be Wary of Local Scams

Brushing up on the latest tourist scams can help you avoid bad situations. A recent travel guidebook is a reliable way to find the most common tactics for your destination. Two to look out for are unofficial taxis and fake wifi hotspots. 

32. Consider Wearing a Money Belt

Long-time travelers have a love-hate relationship with money belts as they point you out as a tourist if you’re constantly reaching for it in public. Additionally, wearing the belt all day can be a nuisance as it’s an extra layer of fabric you’re not used to.

At the same time, it’s harder to steal a money belt than to grab something from your pockets or purse. They are also inexpensive to buy on Amazon and don’t take up a lot of suitcase space if you decide not to use it.

33. Download Travel Apps

Smartphones make international travel substantially easier as you can download various apps before leaving home so you can hit the ground running.

Some types of apps you may consider downloading for these purposes:

• Offline Maps: Many consider Maps.me to be the best offline maps app and more user-friendly than Apple Maps or Google Maps. You may still try getting paper maps from a local tourism office or bookstore once you arrive though.
• Translation: A translator app for traveling can be pre-loaded with basic phrases with offline access. It may also be able to interpret voice recordings and photographs.
• Jet Lag: Flying to the other side of the world takes a toll on your body and sleep cycle. Timeshifter can help you conquer jet lag quicker while traveling and upon returning home.   

Downloading apps for your airline, hotel, and travel booking sites will help you access your digital reservation information and receive itinerary updates. Some travelers also enjoy downloading tourism apps like Tripadvisor or Yelp to quickly access ratings for attractions.

34. Get an International Sim Card or Phone Plan

Your stateside phone carrier may offer an international plan that you can upgrade to while you’re out of the country. Contract carriers and prepaid providers offer this overseas coverage.

Alternatively, an international sim card can be a budget-friendly and reliable option if you visit multiple countries. Just make sure your device is unlocked and GSM-compatible.  

35. Avoid Eating in Touristy Areas  

You’re likely to pay more and potentially get lower-quality food when eating in touristy areas. This isn’t always the case. For example, dining within sight of Rome’s Pantheon is an exception as there are well-rated restaurants for a memorable ambiance.

However, going a few streets over or to an adjacent community can be the ticket to finding authentic food. Asking your hotel or trustworthy locals can help you find a good spot in addition to researching places to eat online.

36. Lunch Can Be Cheaper than Supper

If you’re only planning on eating out one meal per day, your mid-day meal can be more affordable than in the evening. 

Depending on the restaurant, there can be separate menus for the bar and dining room. Staying in the bar can be more affordable and your meal options can be similar.

37. Use American Chains for Public Restrooms and Wifi

Finding a public bathroom can be challenging in foreign destinations. American restaurants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell are more likely to offer public access to restrooms and wifi, although you may need to make a small purchase.

38. Look for Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are common in popular tourist destinations both stateside and internationally. These tours can last a couple of hours and hit the cultural and historical points of interest. They can provide an idea of what you want to spend more time exploring later.  

While these tours don’t have an entry fee, nothing in life is genuinely 100% free ,and leaving a tip is expected in most situations. You may decide to tip more if the guide is knowledgeable and engaging.

39. A Paid Tour Can Be Better Than a Free Tour

You should also compare the free tours to private, guided tours. A paid tour can provide more hands-on support and access to more landmarks. 

In addition to researching the traditional tour providers, the experiences section in Airbnb can also provide curated opportunities to see the sights, enjoy culinary delights, or do physical activities like paddleboarding or folk dancing. 

Further Reading: Best Websites for Booking Cheap Tickets, Tours, & Activities

40. Look for Discounted Sightseeing Passes

Museums and entertainment attractions offer discounted and priority admission with sightseeing pass companies. So, instead of buying tickets directly from the tourist attractions you wish to visit, purchasing a city attraction card in advance can save money and means you won’t need to wait for hours (potentially) to buy a ticket at the door.

For domestic trips, CityPASS® offers discounted packages in approximately 15 major U.S. cities. Entertainment.com can also help you save on experiences in the United States and Canada.

If you’re flying to the “Eternal City” of Rome, Italy, the Roma Tourist Card is worth the upfront cost as you can enjoy these benefits:   

• Skip-the-line access at the Roman Colosseum
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Audio guides for the Pantheon and Rome
• Free return transfer to or from Rome’s international airports (Ciampino and Fiumicino)
• 10% discount on other attractions, museums, and tours

Depending on the program, you may need to book your pass weeks in advance.

41. Get an Interrail Pass for a Eurotrip

If you’re backpacking Europe or touring several countries, an Interrail Pass from Eurail can make it easier to finalize your transportation plan using an interactive map. This platform lets you visit up to 33 countries by rail with a single pass. 

42. Have a Flexible Travel Schedule

Mapping out an initial plan for each day can help you seize the day and optimize your time of playing tourist. Meanwhile, remaining flexible is pivotal as several variables can alter your itinerary such as:

• A change in the weather
• Accomplishing more than you originally scheduled 
• Making friends with other travelers and having dinner with them
• Realizing a planned activity isn’t as appealing once you arrive 

Another related suggestion is to get out and explore the city and the immediate area on your arrival date (time permitting) so you have a better idea of what to do the next day.

43. Wear Sunscreen Early and Often For Beach & Outdoor Trips

There is nothing worse than getting a bad sunburn at the beginning of a trip. Find a good facial sunscreen and buy a travel-sized container. Apply it to your face and neck a few times per day. For beach trips, either cover up with a hat and clothing or apply strong sunscreen to your body multiple times per day. While it may be annoying, it is much better than dealing with painful and peeling sunburn.

Sunscreen is usually marked up at typical tourist spots. If you check a bag, consider buying what you need before leaving and packing it.

44. Use an ATM Instead of a Currency Exchange Booth

Instead of heading directly to the currency exchange booth at the airport or train terminal, look for an ATM instead. Several should be in the public terminals or you can look for a local bank branch to find a secure location.

Why? ATMs provide better currency exchange ratios than the money exchange booth. Even if you pay foreign transaction fees and non-network ATM fees, you will most likely come out ahead financially speaking.

45. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Many travel-focused credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , and The Platinum Card from American Express do not have foreign transaction fees. Use cards like those when traveling internationally to avoid potentially expensive fees.

46. Bring at Least One Backup Credit Card

Getting stuck on vacation with no access to money (besides cash) is not something you want to experience; Your main credit card could get lost or stolen. Carry at least one backup credit card (ideally with no foreign transaction fees if overseas) on all trips.

Phil Dengler’s Favorite Travel Tips

Here are a few of Phil’s favorite travel tips.

47. Be Very Flexible – Pick Your Travel Dates Based on the Cheapest Days to Fly

Flights are usually the most costly part of a vacation. I recommend using Google Flights calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly to and from your destination. After identifying those days, book your airfare. You must be flexible, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars planning a vacation this way.

Further Reading: How to Find Cheap Flights and How to Use Google Flights

48. Book the Aisle and Window Seats When Traveling in Pairs

I always book the aisle and window seats when flying with my girlfriend or a friend. No one wants to sit in the middle seat, so people rarely select it. Doing this usually gives us the entire row to ourselves.

It does not work on full flights, however. The good news is people are usually willing to trade their middle seat. Simply offer them your aisle or window seat and you still get to sit next to your significant other or friend.

Further Reading: Can You (and Should You) Change Airplane Seats With Someone Else on a Flight?

49. Follow Proper Airline Etiquette

Knowing how to properly act on a plane can better your flying experience. See our following guides for more information.

• Airplane Seat Reclining Etiquette
• Overhead Bin Space Etiquette – Who Does it Belong To and How to Avoid Fights

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Taking the time to plan for a vacation, whether it’s the annual beach trip or you’re trying some new place, lets you practice these travel tips and not stress before or during your expedition. 

The best part is that you don’t need to be a travel pro to successfully implement these suggestions. If you’re a beginner, try adopting several more each time you leave home.

By Josh Patoka

Josh Patoka writes about maximizing travel rewards for The Vacationer. As well, he contributes to several personal finance sites specializing in making money, paying off debt, and investing.

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50 travel hacks that will change the way you travel forever

Travel Travel Inspiration Travel Tips & Hacks 50 Ultimate Travel Hacks

Travelling like a seasoned pro is not an overnight miracle. It comes with definite hardships and the trickiest of situations. Want an easy way out? Simple. To save the day from many likely travel disasters, you will need this list of handy travel hacks. That's right, there exists a bunch of secret tips and tricks that will change the way you travel forever! Whether it be never missing a flight again, or hacks to pack better or saving a few extra bucks, these 50 pro-tips and travel hacks will make the journey less stressful and your vacation a whole lot peaceful.

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Email yourself a scan of your passport

Carrying a hardcopy of your passport is important, but forgetfulness or theft and loss can always hit you at the wrong time. By emailing yourself a scan of your passport, you ensure that in case of an unfortunate event, your passport is only a click away. This also goes for any other type of journey confirmations (tickets, etc.), either scan or screenshot the same and save yourself a buttload of trouble in the future.

#2 Roll your clothes for more space

Packing smart does not take too much effort. One of the easiest and most effective travel hacks related to packing is to roll your clothes rather than fold. Not only does this method save you a lot of space, it also keeps your clothes wrinkle-free. Plus, little rolled tubes means you can easily see what you have packed.

#3 Sign up for last-minute deals on Headout

Planned a spontaneous trip and are looking for killer last-minute deals? Sign up on Headout and land great discounts on the top experiences in the city. Remember that great deals don't last too long, and by signing up on Headout you can make sure to grab a few before they disappear.

#4 If you’re jetlagged, run it off

Jet lag can be a real killjoy but there is a way to combat its depressing effects - exercise! It is advised to head out for a run or engage in light exercises like yoga or resistance band training to help ward off jet lag. It is also best not to fall asleep after boarding a flight or after reaching the destination.

#5 Make friends on the road using Travel Buddies and Backpackr

Finding real people to connect with on your trips or making new friends won't have to be a worry anymore. There are apps specifically for that. Download Backpackr or Travel Buddies and you won't ever have to experience the anxiety of approaching groups in person. The app instead will hook you up with travellers nearby based on a personality match. You can also check out each other's itineraries and sync up hangouts.

#6 Put your rechargeable batteries in the fridge

Running out of juice on your rechargeable batteries quicker than you thought can be a real bummer. Well, there is a pretty cool travel hack to help keep your batteries fresher and full of charge for longer - just stash them in the fridge! As strange as it may sound, most rechargeable batteries retain 90% of their full charge when kept in cold temperatures.

#7 Follow a pub crawl party for the best nightlife in town

To experience the nightlife of any destination you don't need to pay extra bucks and sign up for a pub crawl package. Instead, try this foolproof travel hack and locate the most popular pub crawl routes. Here, you are bound to find several fellow tourists and travellers or even one of the organised groups. You then just have to tag along, for free!

#8 Be strategic with flight cancellations

Booking a nonrefundable ticket can be a gamble but there is a silver lining. In the off chance that you change plans or don't travel on that flight, keep this pro tip in mind - do not cancel the ticket or just don't show up. Do this because in the rare case of the flight's cancellation or schedule change, you could be entitled to a credit or refund. Had you cancelled the ticket, you wouldn’t be entitled to anything.

17 Golden Hacks To Snagging Cheap Flight Tickets

#9 carry a handy extension cable, especially if you’re staying in hostels.

Your electronic devices are your BFFs throughout your travelling journey and they need to be looked after, which means constant recharges. Therefore, the biggest travel hacks of them all is to make sure you have an extension cable or a power strip for the same, especially if you're living in a hostel where everyone fights for plug time. An extension cable will also make you the star of the room, without doubt!

#10 Download Google Maps offline

Using an actual map today is obsolete but many think Google Maps without an internet connection is just as useless. But you must know that no access to WiFi, patchy network or throwing away money on data shouldn't be a reason to lose your way because you can go off grid and still use Google Maps! Just download Google Maps - go on the map to the area you want to save, type ‘ok map’ into the search option and then press ‘download’ - you can now use it even when on airplane mode.

#11 Google Translate is god sent in a foreign country. Download it.

A language barrier can put a damper on the best of spirits, so if you know the international country you're traveling to uses a foreign language to communicate, do yourself a favour and download Google Translate . It lets you take photos of text in a different language and translate what it means in real time. Just like Google Maps, Google Translate works in airplane mode too.

#12 WiFi access is a right, not a privilege. Steal away!

WiFi at this point is everybody's birthright and so you deserve access to it, no matter where you are. Like at the airports, find the first class lounge, sign in to the free WiFi and browse to your heart's content. Similarly, if you're on the streets, backup to a fancy restaurant and log into their WiFi without a thought. Some places may use password protection, in that case, you can find wifi passwords on FourSquare for restaurants, cafes and other places.

#13 Purchase skip-the-line tickets beforehand to avoid spending your holiday in queues

Waiting in long lines is a real bummer and you don't want to be that tourist that spends more time queuing than exploring. This can be totally avoided by pre-purchasing skip-the-line-tickets for tours and other activities. Headout has a great selection of skip-the-line tickets and tours in 50+ cities across the world.

#14 Add-ons are cheaper when purchased while booking the flight

A great way to save more than just a few bucks would be to figure out the add-ons you may require - like extra luggage, priority boarding, airport lounges, seat reservation or travel insurance - and customise your package to suit your needs and comfort while booking your flight tickets and not after. Adding add-ons later only means a higher, easily avoidable cost.

#15 Don’t EVER exchange money for local currency at the airport

When ATMs and cash machines exist, you don't have to ever exchange money at the airport or the local currency exchange. Not only do these money converters charge a fee of their own, they also rip-off exchange rates, usually amounts that are highly inflated, worse than your regular bank.

#16 Opt for long layovers to explore a city

Picking a flight with long layovers simply means buying youry more time to explore another city. Best to take advantage of this, most even choose flights with 12+ hour layovers to enjoy a whole day in a new city.

12 Creative Ways To Make The Most Of Your Airport Layover

#17 invest in a good travel wallet.

A good wallet is a lifesaver when travelling. It helps keep you organised - for once you will find all your bills, receipts, boarding passes, passport photocopies and foreign currency in one place. Investing in a good wallet doesn't necessarily mean expensive, there are several budget options of chic travel wallets that come with additional compartments for travel-related items.

#18 Mark your bag fragile (even if nothing’s fragile in there)

By doing this you ensure that your belongings are given the VIP treatment and you won't have to wait for long to collect your luggage - anything marked fragile gets to the top of the pile in storage and sent out in the first batch! To process this, just request for a ‘fragile’ sticker at the counter without paying a penny more.

#19 Shoulder season travel > everything else

Timing is everything when planning a trip and one sure shot way of saving money is to travel during 'shoulder season' aka the period between high and low travel season. The weather is still great but the destination is less crowded this time, plus hotels offer better rates too. In many destinations the shoulder seasons are September-November and March-May. Absolutely avoid picking peak periods like school breaks and holidays.

#20 Make a frequent flyer account on every airline you travel with

This is the wisest thing to do if not you will miss out on valuable miles that could potentially be put toward your next trip, thereby saving you money! Also, always keep your boarding pass until you see that your miles have been posted on your frequent flier account.

#21 Private rooms at hostels are a steal deal

#22 Toggle to a different “home” country when searching for flights to get cheaper rates

One of the more smart travel hacks, whenever looking to fly a specific airline, pick a country that offers a good foreign exchange rate as compared to other countries. This way you can view and purchase your tickets in another currency, and save big bucks! This is an extra, potentially time-consuming step but for what it's worth, you must give it a go.

#23 Invest in travel insurance

Most people do not purchase travel insurance because their credit card perks cover most of it, but it's always wiser to have insurance than not. This is even more important if you're travelling with valuables or changing your plans on-the-go most days.

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Travel Insurance In The Post COVID World

#24 use a shower cap to protect your toiletries from exploding during flights.

Yes, shower caps have more than one use. They will keep the toiletry liquids from exploding and spilling all over your bag on the flight back home. Make sure to wrap the bottles well. In case of no shower cap, you can also use the plastic liner that comes in an ice bucket.

#25 Seek itinerary inspiration through social media

#26 Book overnight flights and buses to save on lodging

The best way to kill two birds with one stone - you get to sleep for free and stay on the move to your destination while sleeping! Essentially booking an overnight flight or bus is a night of free lodging. Make sure to make yourself comfortable with a cosy sweatshirt, good earplugs and an eye mask.

#27 Earn money in exchange for trip research/beta tests

Don't expect big money, but you can earn a little bit of pocket money by taking travel surveys online and testing new products and keeping all the freebies (free meals, films, drinks and more). Make sure to find legit websites that will pay. This travel hack of signing up to be a market researcher hardly takes a lot of time and effort, plus it helps you make a few bucks on the go.

Official Headout Deals, Offers & Promo Codes

#28 make sure to have a card that gives you airport lounge access.

By signing up for at least one travel credit card that includes a 'priority pass' or 'lounge access' you can cut your airport bill in half. The free food and drinks save you so much money and bad food! Additionally, you make your wait more enjoyable and get to relax in an airport lounge.

#29 Tweet your travel troubles. It gets solved quicker

#30 Visit destinations that don’t have a large tourism board. They tend to be cheaper

Locations that do not have a promotional budget or large tourism board tend to be cheaper and as a result less crowded. This means as a traveller you get to explore so much more without going broke. You also get to gloat about going to a lesser known country!

#31 Call the hotel for a better rate and do away with online taxes

Do not waste time browsing a million sites or call multiple reservation numbers. Just call the hotel directly instead, not only will they offer you a better rate devoid of online taxes, they also hold the power to an upgrade! If you're a regular traveller, it’s best to keep cordial relationships with the hotel staff and increase your perks.

#32 Pack a universal adapter that works across nations

If you do not want to end up at a spot with plug points that aren't compatible with your electronic devices, invest in a good universal adapter or plug converter with USB ports that works in all countries.

#33 Inform your credit card company before traveling abroad, so they don’t lock down your account due to suspicious activity

Together with informing your friends, family and employers about your trip, get on a call with your credit card company too. It is important to notify them about when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you plan on arriving home. This ensures they don't freeze your cards while you are traveling due to suspicious activity.

#34 Avoid the city center for staying. It’s always expensive

Travelling is already an expensive affair and where you stay determines where most of your money is spent. Picking prime locations like hotels in the city center is always expensive. It is best to find smaller hotels around or close to the city center, these are comparatively cheaper and not too further away from the hub either. This is also the wise thing to do if you won't be staying in one place for too long.

#35 Opt for hotels with free meals

This travel hack is a no-brainer. It helps save you loads of money. Complimentary breakfast is a common hotel perk, but always call ahead to check so you at least have one meal covered. Some hotels do offer free meals for more than just one meal, so dig deeper!

#36 To keep the money coming while you travel, go on a workation

Workation is the newest way of travelling, especially after spending forever working from home during the pandemic. Portable working or workation allows you to enjoy a whole new destination while you work and make yourself money! This way you get an opportunity to experience travel in a way most others won’t and you won’t have to worry about spending your savings.

Best Workation Destinations – The Digital Nomads Roundup

#37 grab a city travel card for the best bundled deals.

#38 Buy a transport pass (tube, train, metro, bus) and use unlimited public transport to get around the city

This travel hack allows you to travel seamlessly across all modes of transport (tube, train, metro, bus) using the same ticket/pass. A travel pass also means you won't have to wait in long lines to buy a ticket. Sightseeing on a local transport has a different charm, especially when it comes cheap!

#39 Read up about the free museum and tourist-attraction days

It's always best to look up if the destination you are visiting has free museums to visit, this will give you something to look forward to without having to spend a time. Also read up on tourist attraction days and best times to visit, this way you can steer clear of crowds and enjoy a peaceful day exploring.

#40 Try getting yourself open jaw flight tickets

One travel hack that nobody wants to let you in on is the open-jaw tickets frenzy. Open-jaw tickets are flexible and in most cases an inexpensive way of flying. They are priced as round-trip fares, and almost always less expensive than purchasing two one-way flights between the destinations visited. Basically, you book with one airline, into a city and out of another. This hack also allows you to travel in between two amazing cities and still get home/to the main destination!

#41 The right credit card makes or breaks your holiday budget. Choose it wisely

#42 Dinner during happy hours = drinks + cheaper food

Dinners on vacation can set you back a few hundreds of dollars. Thank god for happy hours though! You can take advantage of all the specials on the happy hour menus (most at half the price) plus enjoy drinks. Make sure you head to dinner early and land a win-win, all around including a discounted cheque!

#43 Anti-theft purse/backpack is a clever investment

Whoever decided that money belts are the best to carry cash as a tourist was wrong. It makes you stick out like a sore thumb and susceptible to attack and robbery. Your best bet is to use an anti-theft purse or backpack. These look like normal bags and help you blend with the crowd, thereby keeping you safe from pickpockets. These anti-theft purses not only look cute but also has cool features like like waterproof lining and RFID blocking material protects that IDs and credit cards from hacker scanning

#44 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries are a good bet for quick getaways

Visa processes (never-ending paperwork and long queues) are time and most importantly, money consuming. This is where countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel snoop in as saviours. There are over 50 countries that offer visa-on-arrival and so many that don't even need a travel visa. Now you can always make impromptu plans and quick getaways whenever the travel bug bites.

#45 Sustainable travel is the way to go (if you still want to travel 10 years down the line)

The world is moving towards sustainable practices in all spheres and travel is joining the bandwagon because if not, you may never get to travel a few years down the line. Sustainable travel takes into account current and future environmental, social and economic impact and imbibes practices that help reduce carbon footprint. So things like bike or walking tours, sailing instead of riding an engine boat, carsharing, public transport or indulging in activities that combine the travel experience and environmental benefits like beach clean-ups.

A Beginner’s Guide To Sustainable Traveling

#46 reserve the aisle and window seats.

Nothing eases a flight journey like strategically reserving a seat based on your preference. If you are one to use the restroom a lot, reserve the aisle seats for easy access. Aisle seats also offer extra legroom (exit row seats room) and are the first to exit. Similarly, if a view and a fuselage to sleep against is what makes it for you, reserve the window seats. Be strategic in your seat selection when booking a flight.

#47 Book with websites that offer cashbacks

If, like us all, money-saving on international trips comes first, make sure to book on websites like Headout, Book It or Make My Trip to find all-inclusive bundles to destinations all over the world or to land exclusive cashbacks. There are quite a few websites like this, make sure to check the one best suited to you before booking anything because you never know what deals you’ll find!

#48 Sign up for airline mailing lists to learn of flight deals

Even before you plan your next trip or start looking for flights make sure you've signed up for a few newsletters. Airlines mailing lists give you access to the absolute best deals when you need it most. Always keep tabs on your email and check these newsletters right away so you don't miss an opportunity. Additionally, airline mailing lists usually offer frequent flier bonuses. If you’re a travel hacker, those points and miles can add up to free flights and awesome upgrades.

#49 Pay the extra amount for refundable bookings

Cancellations can hit at any moment, so to take the pain out of cancelling any ticket, especially a high-priced one, is to pay the extra amount for a refund when first booking. This way all is not lost and you will be able to save your money in case of flight cancellations after 24-hours of booking.

#50 Hide cash in empty lip balm tubes

When travelling, a simple and easy way to hide a stash of emergency cash is in empty lip balm tubes. It's weather-resistant and nondescript, so nobody will know or try to steal it. All you need to do is just roll your cash so that it could fit inside the narrow container.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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54 Small Tips That'll Make Any Traveling So Much Easier This Year

Because you're on vacation to get away from work.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Take screen shots of all your travel confirmations and make two physical copies of your essential travel info because you never know.

This is my bus ticket for a Labor Day Weekend trip to the Catskills. Yes, it lives in my email. But I also took a screen grab and marked it as a favorite image for easier finding when I actually needed it. When I'm going on a longer trip that entails a lot more info, I make a photo folder on my phone and save all my screen grabs there. 

Some docs you should probably save are your hotel info, flight info, passport, COVID vaccination proof, contact for trip mates and tour guides, addresses for *any* places you're supposed to show up, etc. Depending on your itinerary and trip length, there are lots of other docs. If you think you might need to reference, it's worth printing out and saving. 

2. And keep a copy of your physical travel docs in a trifold  travel wallet  so you're not wearily holding up the line when it comes time to show the TSA agent your passport and boarding pass or at the hotel check-in counter when you want nothing more than to get into your room and take a shower. 

The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, a slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder. 

Promising review: "Guys, I'm beyond happy with this. I've been looking for a passport and ticket holder for a while but had never found the right size until I decided to try out this one. Besides, the material feels high quality and long-lasting, the red color is even better in person, and it's wildly pretty." — BazantSol

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 34 colors).

3. Always pack more Imodium (or your fave tummy-taming meds) than you think you'll need. Trust me!

Traveling can wreak havoc on your body, and even food that doesn't bother your stomach normally can REALLY take a toll. Better to be prepared! (I think this is something I heard Anthony Bourdain say once — RIP — and have taken it to heart...and tummy.) 

Get a 24-pack of Imodium from Amazon for $11.48 .

4. A  Pedialyte powder packets  (or another form of electrolytes) because yes, you are an adult, but sometimes, you indulge a little too much or start to feel a cold coming on from traveling and could use some help. I always pack these for trips and have never regretted it. And IMO, they're much tastier than electrolyte tablets you dilute in water. 

~Trust me~ when I tell you that these will work in a pinch. I bought them a few years ago to take on a bachelorette party to New Orleans, and everyone in the Airbnb was grateful I did. Since then, I've always had them in my carry-on bag when going on a trip. They REALLY came in handy when I went to the Greek islands for 10 days with an apparent mission to eat every piece of seafood and cheese within sight while washing it down with jugs of wine. These are powder in small individual packets, so they're so easy to pack! And also, you don't have to lug around a bottle of Gatorade to feel better. I aim to drink one in the morning when I wake up and then before I go to bed at night...though that doesn't always go as planned. 

Promising review: "I always have it with me. I travel a lot, and I’m super busy, so I will forget to drink enough water (I live in a VERY hot climate), so these drink packets save the day often." — ashley v

Get a 24-count from Amazon for $25.59 .

5. Check into your flight ASAP! Don't wait 'til you get to the airport. You want to check in before other passengers to secure your seat assignment and avoid getting bumped from the flight.

Airlines overbook flights and sometimes even when they don't, passengers can get bumped simply for the reason that they were the last to check in for a flight . 

I used to be one of those people who refused to give up space on my phone for an airline app and would check into the flight at an airport kiosk before going through security. I stopped that a few years ago when I saw a fellow passenger find out that they didn't have a seat assignment, and the airline counter employee at the gate told them that they didn't have a seat because they were the last to check in to the flight. Now, when I'm ready to go on a trip, I plan accordingly to check into my domestic flight 24 hours before, and for some international carriers, I've been able to check in days beforehand (for example, EasyJet  lets you check into your flight starting 30 days before). 

If you're traveling internationally, you might have to show your negative COVID test results to even get *to* checkin counters.  This also adds on quite a chunk of time at the airport. I nearly missed my flight back to NYC from Rome thanks to a line of hundreds of people at a checkpoint where any US-bound passengers had to have their test results checked. I made the flight. But it was a very close call!

6. Research any "extra" items (think: not toiletry or regular clothing) you may need on your trip so you don't pack something that a tour or hotel provides. Yes, this takes a few teensy extra minutes on the front end, but you'll thank me when you don't pack a bulky beach towel you don't need.

For example, will you be visiting French Riviera beach clubs that'll rent a towel to you for a few euros? (The one above in Nice did!) Do you need some athletic sneakers for zip-lining through the jungle? Or will the whitewater-rafting company have water shoes you can wear as you paddle through some picturesque canyon?

7. And if your research unearths the possibility of needing some water shoes , just go ahead and invest in these budget-friendly, quick-dry ones. They can help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon without blowing your travel shopping budget...lest a pointy sea urchin cramp your vacation shoe style.  

Promising review : "I bought these shoes a couple of years ago before a river hike. UM THESE ARE AWESOME. They lasted a long time and the only reason I bought these yellow ones were because I wanted a new color, haha. My older pair did start to wear out in the toes from scraping them on rocks and such when hiking but still no holes in them. These shoes feel like socks but with enough of a sole that you can walk on gravel with no problem. It really is like walking barefoot. Also, these are the only water shoes that I have worn that do NOT let a bunch of debris into the shoe making you constantly have to take it off to empty it or just deal with the irritant. You can play on the beach with minimal sand stuck between your toes. Thoroughly impressed by that. So with that, I do recommend if you are a half size to size down so they are snug, otherwise the sock like ability to keep stuff out might not work so well." — Samantha Lindsay

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

8. Share pics with your trip mates (and any loved ones who want to share in on the fun) with Google Photos for free. And then if you want to print photos out later...you already have some g2g.

All it takes to share a  Google Photos  album with your trip mates is grabbing the share link and sharing it in an email, WhatsApp chat, etc. This way you can spend more time taking in the glory of an unbelievably blue harbor instead of texting pics in the moment or getting the same pic of a group shot on every single group member's phone. I rec sharing that link at the beginning or even before your trip so folks get used to sharing them throughout your travels. 

But what to do with all those pics? I've printed out a bunch of photos with Google Photos after opting into a deal through my AmEx app for 20% cash back on Google photos and canvas printing services. (When I opt into deals with my credit card like this, I just then have to use the qualifying credit card to pay for that deal.) My total was $54.83 (my prints order included one 4”x6”, two 5”x7”s, three 8”x10”s, and three 11”x14”s) and then a few days later I got $10.97 credited back to my account. Google Photos seems to be competing with Shutterfly and other similar photo services right now, so you can probably get a good deal on shipping and prints overall. (I was able to score expedited shipping as part of my order because of this.) 

9. Eliminate a MAJOR ick factor with a pack of toilet seat covers  that'll create a (colorful) barrier between your toddler's curious hands and public toilet seats at rest stops and airports. 

Promising review: " If you're a germaphobe like myself, this is a must-have in your diaper bag. The thought of placing my son or daughter on a public toilet with only a seat liner is disturbing especially since they're both little and still hold onto the toilet seat for support when peeing/pooping. These cover the toilet completely and even cover the lower part of the toilet where dangling legs and pants/skirts touch. My only complaint about these is that they are not flushable. It's difficult trying to gather the liner up (they are rather large) without touching the toilet or the possibly wet liner (because it partially fell in the water) and then scrunching it up to fit into a sanitary napkin bin. Other than that, these are great. Also, I don't use the adhesive strips at all since I have two little ones that usually need to go right away so we don't have the time to remove the adhesive backing. I usually just place the liner on the toilet and then carefully plop my kid on top and all's well." — Ting

Get a pack of 24 covers from Amazon for $9.99 .

10. TRIPLE check the size constraints for every single airline you'll be flying on your trip so you aren't forced to gate-check an oversized (according to the airline) bag.

Budget airlines have stricter constraints on luggage size (looking at you, Spirit Airlines and EasyJet ) because, well, you get what you pay for, and they've gotta get you $$$-wise somewhere if not for the face price of the plane ticket. BUT, you can sometimes pay to carry on a bag that doesn't fit their FREE.99 baggage allowances or are allowed one depending on the type of ticket you book . For example, two summers ago, I paid for priority boarding and to take on my roller carry-on on an EasyJet flight from Palma de Mallorca to Gatwick and then from Gatwick to Rhodes, Greece. It was worth the peace of mind to have my stuff with me and not risk the airline losing my bag (which has been happening QUITE frequently lately, in case you've been living in a cave). 

Plus! Make sure that you're measuring correctly when planning ahead. Confusing centimeters for inches would be downright tragic. 

11. Also use a  digital luggage scale to make sure that you aren't slammed with an overweight luggage fee (ugh) or having to move stuff from your carryon bag to your personal item to avoid said fee (also, ugh). Yes, sometimes airlines will actually check the weight of your carry-on! Sigh. 

Promising review: "We use this on every trip to avoid paying for extra weight as we travel internationally quite often. I have tested in several ways and also always note the weigh number in the airport. After several trips, I can say that the accuracy of it is right within 2 lbs. I have it for almost two years and still using the same batteries." — Cass Young

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+  (available in eight colors).

12. Even if you're normally a carry-on person, I would recommend buying an Apple AirTag for each bag you'll take with you on your trip. I recently used one to help me track a bag that Lufthansa left behind in Frankfurt. And again, it gives you peace of mind even if you're driving to your destination and are just leaving your luggage at the hotel before check-in time!

Storytime: After traveling two summers ago, carry-on-only, and being a person who tries to carry on whenever possible, I finally bought a couple of Apple AirTags during 2022 Black Friday sales. And I am SO grateful I did. My normal carry-on bag was too big to fit the Lufthansa luggage requirements (and BOY, do they check that!), so I had to check my bags for a December 2022 trip to Vienna and back from Prague (with a layover in Frankfurt). My bag didn't make it onto the plane in Frankfurt, and once I landed in Newark, New Jersey, I pulled up the app on my phone and saw that yes, my backpack AirTag was indeed with me, but my suitcase AirTag was still in Germany . (The screengrab is from an Amazon review, but you get the gist.) The AirTag also helped me track FedEx's delivery of the suitcase to my parents' house, where I was spending the holidays immediately after my Europe trip ended. I was even able to see it on a highway less than an hour's drive from my parents' house. TL;DR: I think AirTags are very much a worthwhile investment if you travel a few times a year. And I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Promising review: "I purchased this for a friend’s birthday after a trip to Europe. There is a major lost-luggage issue currently, and this could have avoided two days without a suitcase. I will never travel without one planted in my bag!" — m putnam

Get it from Amazon for $24 (also available in a four-pack for $82.99 ).

13. If you're flying and limited on your toiletries, also lightly google whether you can buy toiletries near your accommodation on the cheap. You'll have to make easier packing decisions without sacrificing your go-to serum. (I always recommend buying sunscreen once you land because you SHOULD go through more than a measly carry-on-friendly bottle of SPF anyway.)

As a ghostly pale human who tries to reapply sunscreen every hour on the hour during an outdoor vacation, I buy it at my destination, and it's one less thing I have to pack. (Seriously, go and check out that French pharmacy's SPF aisle.) 

I was also able to buy some decent liquid shampoo and body wash two summers ago while on Rhodes in Greece, where you can vacation on a budget. *Some* resort areas have grossly overpriced toiletries. Just a few minutes of googling can help you plan!

14. Help prevent motion sickness on ferries, boat excursions, and just plain ole riding in a car with a set of Sea Bands  with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. Cheers to using these instead of having to buy Dramamine over and over and over again. 

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Promising review: "These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially car sickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. At one point I did have one child remove their bands because they said they were getting too tight. But after only a few minutes without them, a headache started to come on, so they immediately put them back on and the relief was instant. I have suffered for decades and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again! " — 1SmartCookie

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.51  (available in adult and children's sizes).

15. Research whether tipping is part of the culture. Depending on your destination, that's how some people make a living or could be incredibly offensive. And it can also help determine how much cash you should exchange for local currency.

It varies by location and by the service!

16. Decant your family's snacks into a pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers  so the Goldfish end up in tummies instead of all over the backseat.

Promising review: "The perfect companion for traveling with a toddler who loves to snack and prefers being independent. I can fit about 12 average-size grapes in it, about 5–6 regular sized cookies, about 8–10 mini cookies, a big handful or small cereal such as Cheerios, and about 10–12 standard Ritz crackers. These estimations are all things that I regularly place in there for him to snack on. Nothing spills out and whatever does come out is whatever he grabs with his hands to get which is amazing. The only thing I would suggest is placing foil or plastic wrap around the mouth of the cup to prevent any of the snack from getting stale from it being exposed. The lid doesn’t fully cover the snack from air exposure. It simply protects the snack from spilling over and promotes child independence." — Antoinette

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.96+  (available in two color combos).

17. Label all your stuff so you aren't wondering whether or not that's a container of mouthwash or toothpaste tablets . (Yep, I've had to use mouthwash tablets as toothpaste tablets on a trip because of that mistake.) It also makes it so much easier to refill your stores while packing.

As you can see, I clearly use Bite toothpaste bits and mouthwash bits on my travels. They seriously lighten my "wet" toiletries load, and I keep these containers in my personal-item backpack when I'm not traveling so I know *exactly* where they are when I start packing. 

18. Use a  packing list  to make sure you get every last thing you need. Alternatively, you can use a note on your phone, but sometimes, writing stuff down is just more effective for some folks!

I use a note on my phone that I copy over every time I have a new trip to make it even faster! Because yes, I am that level, and there are some items I always pack that aren't on a premade list like this. 

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for a trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver, and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Overall, a wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" — Mike D.

Get it from Amazon for $7 .

19. Pack your underwear first because you KNOW that's the most important thing. Just get it outta the way! And if you're on the prowl for minimal-size undies, I can't recommend these whisper-thin New Balance thongs enough.

I bought these in summer 2021 and wore them under all sorts of slinky things on trips to Croatia in July (where it was sweltering), Italy in August (also pretty hot), and on basically every trip since. They've held up super well in the last year and a half after constant wear and have quite a lot of life left in them. If you're going on a trip long enough to where you'll be hand-washing your undies in a hotel room sink, these dry SUPER fast. And I think I *may* have just convinced myself to stock up on them for my underwear drawer. 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $13.58+  (available in sizes S–XL and 10–16 and in six color combos).

20. Pack a set of  laundry soap sheets  to help you get a little more wear out of that perfect black one-piece that just looks oh so glam. Nope, no one whose opinion  matters  is going to say, "Oh, she wore that on her boat day in Capri AND on the beach in Positano?" It is perfectly fine and good to re-wear stuff on a trip!

Two summers ago I took a two-and-a-half-week Europe trip (I stayed in Nice, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Rhodes) and only had in-unit laundry in one of those places. These sheets were a lifesaver for washing underwear, clothes that I sweated SOOOOOO much in, and also swimsuits that were laden with very salty seawater. They got the job done, and I even found that the towel-warming rack in my Nice hotel did a fine job of hang-drying my hand-washed undies much faster! Now, I went through about half of the sheets because my friend and I were having to wash a lot. But it was such a small investment (size- and money-wise) to keep our travel loads significantly lighter. 

Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets, I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." — Katie Fujarski

Get it from Amazon for $11.08  (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).

21. Ride easier thanks to a  memory foam seat cushion with an ergonomic design and gel layer made to cradle your behind while you're in your car seat off to your next adventure. After all, you don't want a sore behind once you get to your destination. 

Lots of reviewers who drive for a living rave about it. 

Promising review: "I drive a truck and suffer from sciatica. After a few days, I began to feel relief. I highly recommend this to anyone who suffers from sciatica." — lou jones

Get it from Amazon for $39.99  (available in three color combos).

22. Catch up on all your stories with a  hands-free (rotating!) phone mount  to help you watch what you want or take advantage of the movies available online for those budget airlines without TVs in the back of the seats. It'll work on the plane, train, or bus, *or* while you wait to board. 

Promising review : "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration . I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table . It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel, too! With work, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer . At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" — Earendil

Get it from Amazon for $12.29 .

23. Or if you're working with some actual in-flight TVs, use an  Airfly wireless transmitter  that'll let you connect your Airpods or any wireless headphones to your airplane seat...even without Bluetooth!

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Chelsea Stuart  can vouch for this genius device: "Last year I splurged on some  AirPods Max  and for the amount of money I threw down on them, I was determined to get as much use out of them as possible and that included on plane rides. With the AirFly Pro, I can connect my headphones via Bluetooth and use the seat-back screen without having to fiddle with the free wired headphones they hand out that 1.) have horrible sound quality and 2.) don't fit my ears in the slightest. (I swear my ear canals are tiny or something??)" 

Promising review: "I was a little nervous that they wouldn’t connect but once I got on the plane ✈️ plugged it in and pressed AirFly (four seconds) then pressed and held AirPods Pro back button. Voila, connected YAY 😀! Now I can get caught up on a couple of movies 🎥 I missed. LOVE IT 💚. Volume is loud and clear." — Nicole J

Get it from Amazon for $54.99 .

24. Or consider a set of compression bags if you're not beholden to carry-on weight limits (v much more of a thing for European flying these days) and tend to overpack. Here's your sweet spot ;). And in the event that security has to go through your bag (it happens!), this'll make it a bit easier for them to sort through your stuff. 

And they come with a hand pump for travel! I invested in this very set of compression bags. I found success in packing a down coat in one for a wintry 2022 trip to Vienna and Prague (lucky me, I was there the week during a major cold front!) and was able to pack plenty of other things in my carry-on roller suitcase. Then, for a February 2023 trip to Iceland, I used one of these bags to pack all my stuff for a trip into a backpack so I wouldn't have to pay $110 to check a bag. It worked so well! Yes my backpack was heavy, but it did what I needed it to do. And I was able to easily fit all my dirty clothes into said compression bag at the end of the trip and repack. The pump is smaller than the size of a water bottle so I was able to easily make room for it in my backpack.  

Promising review : "This is a great product. I have a memory foam pillow that I try to take on trips, due to neck issues, so I purchased this product and put it to the test to see if it could flatten the pillow so I can also carry my clothes and the pillow in the same bag, a carry-on size travel bag. The pillow's been sitting in the vacuum pack for the last three days now and hasn't let any air into the package at all. The pump removed so much air that the foam is as solid as a rock with less that an 1/8 of an inch of give when I press on it firmly with my thumb." — 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor

Get a pack of five from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in four sizes).

25. Invest in just one  universal travel adapter  that'll also charge multiple devices at once so you don't have to worry about whether you brought the right converter for your specific country...and it covers 160 countries! (So yes, you can use this domestically.) 

But remember that this is not a voltage converter !

Promising review: " If you travel a lot, buy one; just do it!  Fantastic travel plug — to be able to plug something in and have four USBs, anywhere in the world. It's awesome! Couldn't be happier!" — Maggie A.

"Worked perfectly in Iceland. Love all the USB ports, plus the option to plug in via socket. We’re going to Australia and New Zealand next, and I love that everything we need is contained in one cube. Would definitely buy again!" — Chrissy

Get it from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in two colors).

26. Embrace rewearing clothing items. It's perfectly fine and fun to repeat outfits!

That's it. That's the tip. 

27. If you're traveling internationally, double (no, TRIPLE) check that your passport still has plenty of time left on it for your plans.

The government recommends renewing it at least nine months before it expires. You can pay to get a renewal expedited. But, that's not ideal for any party involved. 

28. Planning on renting a car abroad? You might want to consider the smallest car your party can fit into to deal with smaller parking spaces and streets.

This is a street in the Old Town of Mallorca, Spain, where my friend and I drove around. (Mallorca is GORGEOUS, btw.) Most of the streets were like this, and parallel parking was ROUGH. So, mentally prepare yourself. That goes double if you'll be driving somewhere where you'll have to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. 

Don't forget to check out AAA to get an international driving permit .

29. Check out SeatGuru for info on plane seats by carrier, date, and flight number so you find your perfect spot that suits your flying comfort level.

And big FYI: Sit by the wing for less turbulence. 

30. Avoid some tech meltdowns with an  electronics organizer  with a place for just about every one of *your* and every member of your family's devices and corresponding cables. 

Promising review: "This case has been amazing for storing my earbuds, various loose cable connectors, chargers, etc . I am using it right now on a trip and it has been fantastic for keeping these items in one convenient, organized place . It is lightweight and fits easily into my one carry on item when boarding the many flights I am taking. I’m pretty sure I will still be using it to keep all these items together and more easy to locate when I return home! I am so glad I bought this !" — V. Elia

Get it from Amazon for $9.85+ (available in 11 styles). 

31. Finding a great hotel deal doesn't have to feel like work (for real). Try Hotwire Hot Rates (which show up in red while you search the travel booking site) to help you score some solid discounts on your next vacation. Just note that they're often nonrefundable so make sure that you're REALLY going before booking.

As you can see from the above screenshot, a Hot Rate omits the name of the hotel but (with some basic ingenuity and a few minutes of your time), you can match up the number of Expedia ratings with the hotel name and location on other sites. But WHY are these hotel listings cheaper? Hotwire works with top-rated hotels that have excess availability . So it's preferable for these hotels' to fill up rooms — albeit at a discount — than for them to remain empty. But like I said up there, make sure your plans are solid before booking because while searching some deals for an upcoming trip, I noticed all the available ones were non-refundable. 

Check out my colleague's full Hotwire Hot Deals explainer . She used it to find a deal for the Hilton Orlando-Bonnet Creek Resort for a trip to Disney World, only paying $159 instead of $229 per night, and saving a total of $210 for three nights.

32. Also check out the Hopper app (a personal fave). It lets you sift through all sorts of travel deals for hotels, flights, car rentals, and home rentals. You can also set watch alerts for flights and get push alerts when the prices change.

As you can see from my app screen grab, I have a list of flights set to watch and the Hopper app sends me push notifications about a route/date's current price and whether or not it predicts that the price will fall more .

I successfully found and booked a gorgeous 4-star hotel in Hội An, Vietnam for a March 2023 trip, and was able to easily cross-reference reviews on other travel websites to make sure it would be perfect for my purposes. When you book items on the app, you also receive Carrot Cash rewards that you can apply to future bookings. For this booking, I applied $23.20 in Carrot Cash to my 2-night booking of $80.98. Once the app added taxes and fees ($10.37), a Cancel for Any Reason guarantee ($11) and a tip to the app ($5), my total came out to $84.15. So the rewards cash basically paid for all the hotel's fees and taxes that get lobbed on to any hotel booking.

I previously booked a 2-star hotel in Rhodes, Greece, through the app for a six-night stay and it was just what my friend and I needed (basically a clean dorm room with housekeeping) and the dirt-cheap price meant that we could afford to stretch out our trip in Greece!

33. Abandon the days of someone ALWAYS guarding the beach or pool chair thanks to a  portable safe  you'll securely attach to said chair to keep your valuables safe or to keep your passport in your hotel room in case there's no safe or the safe isn't working. (Raise your hand if you've stayed in a small hotel without a safe. ::raises hand::)

After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. Just make sure to have it set to unlocked for when you go through TSA so they can easily check inside. 

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" — KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in three colors).

34. Look up the COVID testing and masking rules and restrictions for your origin point, destination, and any places you'll transit or visit during your vacation. And! Be respectful of them.

YUP, just because you can walk into your hometown's grocery store without a mask or showing proof of vaccination doesn't mean that you'll be able to walk into an art museum in Europe in the same manner. Rules tend to change frequently and you should look them up a few times during your trip-planning process to make sure you have what you need. In August 2021, I had to wear my mask inside the Roman Colosseum...which is a completely open building. But! My word, it is ONE of the seventh wonders of the world and I'm so fortunate to be able to travel. Wearing a piece of fabric on my face is NBD given the context.

35. When you have to get tested, opt for a telehealth at-home COVID test instead of standing in line for one.

As a vaccinated US citizen, I still had to get a negative COVID test within 72 hours of flying back to the US from Croatia and Italy in 2021. For Croatia I stood in line at the airport for an hour for one but for Italy I spent 25 min in my Airbnb with an at-home kit that works with QR codes and an app. Once the results process you get an email with a PDF attached (mine is above) that you show at the airport. You can buy them in bulk, and I've packed them in my carry-on bags. I was especially glad I did this last year when I saw the two-hour-long Italian Red Cross line for a free rapid test at Venice's train station. For a trip to France last year where I met up with a tour group ( FTLO ), using one of these tests made it super easy to get my group-required negative test before meeting up with everyone.

You can also luck out with walking into a local drugstore to buy an at-home test at home, but just double-check that it's approved for international travel. You can also get reimbursed for your at-home tests by your health insurance, depending on your plan.

Get a six-pack of the test from eMed for $150 .

36. If your traveling involves bodies or water or amusement park rides, invest in a  waterproof pouch  to help you capture all kinds of impressive memories, making people pause at your IG videos and wonder if you have a social media assistant capturing all this stuff. I bring these on all my beach vacations and have taken some really cool underwater videos.

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain. 

Promising review: "I bought this because I do a lot of water sports when I travel and it was amazing!!! I had no problems with it the actual pouch detaching from the lanyard when I went snorkeling and my phone stayed completely dry. The touch capability is also great." — TJ

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 .

37. Even if you're strictly a hotel person, check out Airbnb Experiences for tours and activities to try out in your locale. Planning excursions this way can also help you get around renting a car to go places. Just make sure you pay attention to if there's hotel pickup or if you're meeting *at* the destination.

I've had an incredible amount of success with Airbnb Experiences , both virtual during lockdown and IRL on trips. There are lots and LOTS of reviews on these bookable experiences and you can only review them once you've been on the tour...unlike other review-gathering sites that don't confirm that you visited the attraction or went on the tour. (I still love those sites, but I trust these reviews more.) 

I'm a total dad on vacation, as in I love to study Google Maps beforehand and plot out what I'm going to see. Yet I realize not everyone is that intense about planning. And! No matter how much planning I do beforehand, a self-guided walking tour can never live up to one led by a local . Last year while in Italy my friend and I booked a Rome ghost tour and we had a fantastic tour guide (s/o to Yash!) who was able to answer our questions about certain things while still telling us all sorts of spooky, macabre stuff. We also had an amazing  Venice walking tour  with Claudia, a native Venetian. 

Tour guides are also amazing at directing you how to get back to your hotel, and rec other things to do and places to eat.

38. But also poke around on Viator and Get Your Guide a bit because they have amazing trips and experiences that you can't always find on other sites. Embrace the bookable day excursion!

Like Airbnb Experiences, there are lots and lots of reviews on Viator to help you vet possible bookings. 

While in Rhodes, Greece this summer, I scrolled through Viator on my phone while lounging in a beach chair , and easily booked two boat excursions. The first was a cruise to picturesque Symi Island  (shown here). And the second was easily the highlight of our six days on the new-to-me Greek island. The full-day all-inclusive cruise entailed unlimited wine, beer, and water, and had snacks and a Mediterranean buffet chockfull of delicious food. We stopped at three popular beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling, and did a lot of dancing with our new friends on the way back to the port. What an exhausting but amazing day! And on a more recent trip to Iceland, I booked nearly every tour through  Get Your Guide  to great success.

39. And look for free walking tours in your destinations. These tend to book up a bit earlier than paid tours, though, so it's worth googling them as soon as your trip is booked.

I've been on two Strawberry Tours , both in London on separate trips (the Jack The Ripper tour and ghost tour ). The tour guides for each were top-tier and I didn't feel as if I were missing out on quality by not paying for the tour from the jump. Though, you MUST tip the tour guides (you should be doing that anyway). But they're literally working for tips. So the tour does cost you in that regard. Just google "[destination] free walking tour" and you'll come upon all sorts of options!

(I took this eerie pic of Buckingham Palace in St. James Park while on the said ghost tour. Spooky!)

40. And check out hop-on, hop-off bus and trolley tours because they'll save your old dogs from an obscene amount of walking and they'll hit most of the must-see attractions in one area.

When you've got a lot of ground to cover, this is an easy bet. I've taken Big Bus Tours in London and Vienna to a lot of success! I like them in particular because of an easy-to-use app where you can track buses in real-time, and there's narration in multiple languages on board. 

41. Provide a little breeze where you need it with a  stroller fan with bendable foam legs that'll wrap around a stroller, car seat, or pretty much anything to keep your li'l munchkin cool as a cucumber, even when it's a gazillion degrees outside.

Promising review: "We love our stroller fan. We were going on a family trip to Florida in the summer with our 10-month-old who runs hot. This was nice to have on the beach, and walking around the boardwalk or in shops. It easily worked around the arm/leg of the beach chair and the handles of his stroller to keep him cool. Now it’s good to have if we got to the park or somewhere where we are outside a lot in the sun. The quality is nice. And it has a built-in light." — Lindsey C.

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).

42. You can sometimes buy a combo city pass that covers many attractions for a discount. Look up passes by the locale for everything from transportation to parks and historic sites.

But! Actually compare the pricing and make sure that it's worth your time/money depending on the length of your stay and what you actually wanna spend your time doing. For example, if you're planning a trip to New York City and are weighing the $138/per adult cityPASS but out of the available list you'd really just like to hit up the museums on the list, this probably isn't quite the deal. 

43. If you travel internationally, snag a  five-year Global Entry membership that'll *also* include TSA PreCheck for when you're getting out of Dodge. It'll seriously shorten your security line times and end up being a great value if you get out of the country at least once a year and fly domestically a few times annually. (This combo is $22 more than five years of PreCheck alone.) Cheers to your full breakfast spread you'll be eating post-security while others are in the regular line, taking off their shoes (ick). 

I put off getting TSA PreCheck and even Global Entry for YEARS despite flying ~10x a year because I'm a person who likes to get to the airport early and have getting through security down to an efficient routine. However, my breaking point was last July when I had to wait soooo long at the airport when coming back to the country from Croatia (I had Mobile Passport at the time, but the machines were broken so I had to wait in line with everyone else). I went to Italy about a month later after signing up for Global Entry and coming back into the country was a breeze. I just had to let a machine take my picture, print out a receipt with said picture, and then place it in a nearby TSA agent's open palm. Then onto baggage claim! I've only used the Global Entry portion for that Italy trip so far, but have a France trip planned later this year when it'll come in handy. I've used the TSA PreCheck 4x since getting it. So I feel as if I've already gotten my money's worth after less than a year. 

Apply with the Department of Homeland Security for $100 . Once you're approved, you have to do an in-person interview and if approved on the spot, you can have your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry privileges available immediately. I just so happened to find a date for my interview the day before I flew to Italy and was able to update my boarding passes and flight reservations with my info to reap the benefits ASAP.  

BTW, check out my tips for travel during the pandemic.  

44. Don't assume that everywhere has the frigid AC you enjoy at home.

It might be best to ~mentally~ and physically prepare for that. In some hotels, you might even have to pay extra for AC in your hotel room . Sometimes before going on a trip, I'll try to sleep with the AC unit either off (depending on the local weather) or up by about 5 degrees for a week before my trip so it isn't as much of a shock to the system. 

45. And remember that the same temp can feel VERY different in two different locales. So pack accordingly!

I learned this the hard way when I was spending a week in Paris in January, and took a Eurostar  train day trip to London at the end of my trip where it was the SAME temperature. But it felt about 20 degrees colder in London and I froze while taking a double a double-decker bus tour and being out and about all day. My teeth were chattering and tbh, you can tell I'm miserable in the majority of my London pics. 

46. Prepare for roadtrip emergencies (even if kids are used to riding in a car often!) with a pack of  vomit bags  with a twist-and-seal structure. It'll be easier for your little ones to use these than the family car trash can. 

Promising review: " I purchased this item originally for my 4-year-old because he gets car sick a lot. This product has saved my and my husband’s car seats many times. I work in hospitals and I think the quality of these bags are more durable than the ones at the hospital. We have used them first hand in our family and there have never been any leaks or problems with them. I like about they are stackable and you can store them in small places. We keep some in our night stands, in our car arm rests and in our couch arm rests. You never know when you might need them. This is a great product and I will continue to purchase these for our family." — BoyMom💙

Get a pack of 45 from Amazon for $19.99 .

47. Plus, a  travel urinal  with reviews that show the proof is in the pudding will be worth your dollars because there are lots of reviewers who were former skeptics 'til they experienced some pee emergencies that this helped solve. 

Promising review: "I purchased this for my son and our long car trips. How many times can we pull over to potty on a three-and-a-half-hour car trip? Ask my 4-year-old. When I saw this, I couldn't resist. We brought it along and when he had to pee, no problem. It's only a little gross when you dump it later. Well designed, definitely recommend." — Evan

Get it from Amazon for $8.88+  (available in seven colors).

48. Make the best use of your personal item (that'll fit under an airplane seat) with a  Beis backpack that zips open like a suitcase without *looking* like one of those backpacks that does that. It's sleek and minimalist on the outside while allowing you to pack a weekend's worth of stuff into it (unless you're an overpacker). OK if you're an overpacker, it's just an overnight bag. 

I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've taken it on two long weekend trips (Amtrak to Newport, RI, for a wedding and regional train to a CT country lake house) with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips I packed MORE than I needed . 

Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit enough wet toilet toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry-on for a plane. In the mesh pocket I put other necessities like cotton swabs, medicine, eye glasses, etc. The main compartment is deceptively deep so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. In fact, I fit all of the stuff in the second picture in that section (a romper, PJs, a bikini, sunscreen, five pairs of undies, a pair of jean shorts, nap dress, three pairs of socks, two pairs of sandals, two T-shirts, a slip skirt, sleep mask, curling iron, mini flat iron, makeup bag, and tote bag). AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure like you'd see in a roller suitcase so when I unzip it, everything stays put.  But before I forget, there's a separate cushioned laptop pocket close to the backpack straps that I found works well for books or a Kindle if your travel leaves you laptop-less. 

I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. In fact, I stuck a flashlight and an umbrella in one side pocket. (You could  always  use a flashlight.)  Plus! It has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens...all sorts of those little extras you need to access quickly. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into overhead storage compartments on the trains. I love the look and construction of it with faux leather and sturdy black canvas, and the trolley passthrough to easily fit on my roller suitcase I'm about to drag through a bunch of airports. At nearly $80, this isn't the cheapest backpack option but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure. 

NOW when it comes to air travel, you won't be able to put your wet toiletries in the waterproof pocket (as I have in the above pic for a train trip). But! Lots of nonliquid toiletries and essentials fit in there just fine. 

Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (available in seven colors). 

49. Be prepared for downpours with a  Hairbrella  that'll easily fold up to stash in your bag. No need to compromise your blowout you're trying to make last because you snagged a cheap flight during rainy season. 

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016. 

Promising review : "If you have natural hair that you wear in a silk press… you need the Hairbrella! If you have natural hair that you wear curly… you need the hairbrella! If you have relaxed hair… you need the hairbrella! Basically after losing my umbrella and resorting to the dreaded grocery bag over my head… I found Hairbrella on Amazon and I bought one for myself and two other relatives. We chose not to chemically straighten our hair, so humid or rainy days can be a choice to return to our beautiful curls if an umbrella is not handy. So imagine our excitement to find a stylish, lined waterproof rainbonnet that won’t have me looking crazy with a grocery bag on my head as I enter buildings.

Buy this…. You won’t be disappointed!" — Sherry

" Would definitely buy again . It worked wonderfully." — Latrice B.

Get it from Amazon for $39  (available in nine colors).

50. And don't forget a  stroller cover  perfect for sudden vacay downpours. I can't wait to see your family poncho pics!

Promising review: "We used this on our recent trip to Disney in Florida, and it was a lifesaver for the sudden rains. Kept our kiddo dry without stopping her from seeing the views. It fit our stroller just fine and packed away pretty easily when we were done with it. :) Definitely recommend!" — Patrice T.

Get it from Amazon for $18.98+  (available in two colors).

51. Pack some under-eye masks for some pampering, depuffing...especially while you're fighting jet lag. They take up VERY little space in your bag and will feel a little luxurious — even if your friend booked a lackluster 2-star hotel and you're googling where to rebook your stay while you wear said masks.

Promising review: "This is the first time I have tried anything like this. I just had cataract surgery that eliminated my need for glasses (which I have worn for 60 years). As one might guess, the absence of glasses uncovered dark circles and bags under my eyes, which are now very pronounced. I purchased this product and used it a few times (so far) and my housemates tell me they can see a marked improvement , as do I! I would certainly buy these again." — Cathi

Get 20 pairs from Amazon for $19.95 .

52. If you want to get the most magical pics, get to popular tourist sites at dawn to beat the crowds. THAT is how your favorite travel IG influencer got that pic of the Trevi Fountain without 50 other tourists in the shot.

I got this gorgeous shot right after sunrise in Venice. 

53. Pack a fashionable  travel scarf   that, yes, can help add that one last accessory your ensemble needs and keep your neck toastier. But! It also has secret pockets so you can stash your valuables inside, away from unsuspecting pickpockets. 

Waypoint Goods is a small biz that specializes in travel accessories. 

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE my travel scarf. This piece is perfect for every occasion. Whether I am traveling on a plane or a road trip, at work, or trying to dress up an outfit to go out, it is perfect and functional. My phone, credit cards and keys fit seamlessly in the pocket without changing the look or fit of my scarf. At times I have put all of that plus a boarding pass and passport in the pocket!!" — Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in six styles).

54. And finally, REALLY weigh your need for souvenirs and focus on smaller things that you can truly only buy at your destination (like magnets)...unless it's something bigger that you can ship home!

Souvenirs can  quickly  hog space in your luggage. I for one love a magnet, which you can almost always squeeze in a suitcase and have a friend I travel with who limits her souvenir shopping to JUST magnets. Sometimes if I see a piece of wall art or a print that speaks to me, I'll store it flat in my carry-on suitcase. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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15 Tips to Make Traveling With Family More Fun & Less Stressful

Posted: July 4, 2023 | Last updated: July 4, 2023

Traveling with your brood is the time to make memories. Sure, you will encounter moments where you start to question why you ever leave the house in the first place, but ideally you should enjoy the experience as much as your children. Smart and useful family travel tips can make all the difference between a grueling and exhaustive excursion and a wonderful, relaxing getaway.

For Expert Family Travel Advice: Go Straight to the Source

For medical advice, you seek out a doctor. For educational advice, you turn to teachers. For family travel advice, head straight for the moms. They are the experts who know what works and what doesn't when it comes to setting out on adventures with kids in tow. They have tried it all, discovered the best family travel hacks, and have zero qualms about sharing their experiences with other moms ready to embark on trips with kiddos.

Debbie Dubrow is one of those "traveling moms" who has spent much of her children's lives packing up suitcases, loading up kids, and setting out to see the world. The Seattle-based mother of three shares her personal travel stories and best family travel tips with other parents ready to hit the road on her blog, Delicious Baby .

Beginner Traveler? Start Small

If you are new to the idea of traveling with children, Dubrow suggests you start small. Take your family on a smaller, local day trip and test drive your tips and hacks while being close enough to home to pull the trigger and abort the mission if necessary. Don't become discouraged if your first few local expeditions are a flop. Reflect on what worked and what didn't, make adjustments and try it again! A few trips to nearby locales will help build your confidence so you can easily transition into bigger getaways soon enough. Dubrow offers, "Most parents are pleasantly surprised to find that their worst-case-scenarios don't come true, and that they even enjoy the experience."

Pay Extra Attention to Planning

Once upon a time, you packed a bag, bought a plane ticket on the fly, and ventured out to see the world. Now that you have kids, and kids have needs, and spontaneity is as distant a memory as sleep is, you'll want to spend extra time in the planning stages of the trip . The more work you put in on the front end, the less thinking you will have to do once vacation begins.

Work Within a Budget

Vacationing with kids can get pricey, so work within a previously agreed-upon budget when planning your next getaway. Letting expenses get away from you will instantly create stress, so staying in the anticipated price range will make it easier for you to relax and enjoy. Anticipate and plan for a few unexpected expenses too.

Spend Time Scoring the Right Accommodations

There are plenty of ways to cut corners and save a dollar during travel, but if you are vacationing with several children or young children, your lodging accommodations should not be one of them. Your days will be long and action-packed, so your home base needs to be a space of reprieve, your little temporary sanctuary.

Find a family-friendly hotel or rented home that fits most of your family's needs. If you are traveling somewhere hot, be sure there is air conditioning or working fans in your accommodation. If you will need to do laundry, check and see if those facilities are on property or nearby. Look into whether the room or rental is baby-proofed and whether it has a mini-fridge and microwave for all of those snacking needs.

It is a good idea to make a room "wish list" and then scour the net and read reviews to see which accommodation best suits you (and your budget!). There will undoubtedly be a few accommodation must-haves when traveling with children that you don't want to compromise on. Know what they are and make sure they are available to you before booking.

Adjust Your Travel Pace

Another tip Dubrow emphasizes to parents taking the travel plunge is to adjust the travel pace to best suit their children. Kids find joy in the most minor of details, so allow them to experience these travel days at their leisure. You might be used to packing in eight to ten hours of sights in a big city, but should you try to apply the vacationing pace of yesteryear to travel with kids, you are likely going to fizzle out fast. Dubrow elaborates, "Avoid trying to go at the same pace you did before you had children. Slow down and give your baby or toddler time to enjoy things at their level. They might be looking at the marble floors in the Vatican instead of the arches and artwork, and that is OK."

Decide beforehand what you really want to do with the kids. Think about if it will be of interest to them and if they will be able to make it through whatever it is you are hoping to do on vacation. Build in plenty of snack breaks or a mid-day siesta or rest period, so children don't become overly tired, cranky, and downright miserable. Pack your patience-pants, as this new, slower pace of seeing the world might be a bit of an adjustment for you.

Load Up on Water and Snacks

Throughout her journeys, Dubrow discovered the power of snacks. Snacks can pretty much fix anything at a moment's notice, and you don't want to be without them. Pack items that are easy to eat while on the go and make sure they aren't loaded with sugar. Choose grain or protein-based items to give kids energy without the dreaded sugar crash looming ahead. She also reminds parents that airplanes no longer provide the delectables of days past. Small snacks and beverages are typically offered, but if you have picky eaters or children with specific dietary needs, pack plenty of your own nibbles for a lengthy flight.

Get Travel Paperwork in Order

If you are flying or planning to leave your home country, be sure that all pertinent travel documents are ready and in order. Large families mean lots of passports, boarding passes and more. Sort and organize what you can. Place a small sticky note with family members' initials on the back of all passports and slip boarding passes into them. Place a rubber band around each travel packet, so when a name is called upon, you can quickly grab the documents you need in the moment.

For families needing to get passports , be sure that you do so well ahead of time to receive them before you leave for your trip. Obtaining passports can be tedious, and nothing will ruin a family vacation faster than one family member being left without proper travel documentation.

Make Emergency Plans

When it comes to vacation, you want to think about lounging around a pool or hiking through breathtaking forests... not about losing track of your kid! Not being able to locate your child is every parent's worst nightmare, and while it is something you don't even want to contemplate, it is best to have a plan in place for this type of emergency. Sit your kids down and discuss the plan for if someone becomes lost or strays from the group during travel. Older kids should have the means to contact parents, or at the very least know their parents' phone numbers. Write parents' names, kids' names, and contact numbers inside a shoe for little children. Be sure everyone understands how to get help in the event that they find themselves alone in a foreign space.

Be Prepared for Every Eventuality When Flying With Kids

Imagine being stuffed in a small airplane with a crying child who is bored to tears or covered head to toe in apple juice (or worse) and still having several hours of air travel to go. That's the stuff nightmares are made of, and a bit of thought and preparation in this department can make all the difference. Aside from packing drinks and snacks on a flight, be sure to pack several entertainment options for kids. Great ideas are:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Electronic devices
• Games galore - both word games and paper games
• Downloaded movies and shows
• Comfort toys

Aside from entertainment options, you will want to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. The only thing worse than having a kid get sick or have an accident while flying the friendly skies is having nothing to change them into. Toss the following into your carry-on so you are never left high and dry (or rather high and soaking wet).

• Extra undies, pants, and shirt
• Lots of disinfectant wipes and a small towel
• Pajamas if you are traveling long distances through the night
• A plastic, sealable bag for soiled clothing
• Remember to pack a first aid kit and a car seat for plane and car travel

Be a Perfect Packer

Packing for a fun family trip comes with a bit of a learning curve unless you know how to do it properly right out of the gate! Parents tend to pack in one of two ways: overpacking and underpacking. They either take along everything they can think of and then curse themselves throughout the entire trip for spending more time acting as a family pack mule than enjoying a well-deserved vacation, or they bring next to nothing and spend more time scouring the earth for those forgotten necessities than they do relaxing.

You want to strike a packing balance. Try making a list of things you need several weeks before you depart. Next, revisit your list and remove items you think you can live without. Add a few new items that you skipped over the first time around. Consider what items your accommodations might have readily available. Many rental spaces have cribs, cots, and even high chairs for families to borrow, meaning you don't have to lug that stuff with you. If your accommodations have easily accessible laundry facilities, then pack half the clothes you originally planned on taking and spend a few hours mid-vacation doing laundry (maybe while the tots take an afternoon nap).

Know When to Schedule Flight Times

If you are flying with little ones, you might want to schedule your flight during nap time or during the evening hours. This is particularly important if you have a long journey ahead of you. A few hours of snooze time can make all the difference to a family stuck in the air for several hours. Furthermore, pay attention to your layover times. It is much harder to rush through a busy airport to catch a connecting flight with three kids, two strollers, and several carry-on bags in hand.

Be Flexible and Realistic

Planning is a beautiful thing, but so is flexibility. Again, balance is the key to travel happiness, especially when kids are involved. Yes, you want the major details hammered out before you take off for fun and adventure, but you also need to remember that things happen, plans unravel, and you need to be able to pivot, recover and carry on. Expect some bumps in the road, know when to make alterations in vacation plans to suit everyone's needs, and let go of any preconceived notions that every minute of the trip will be downright magical.

Don't Forego Routine

Sure, this is vacation, and routines will vary simply due to the nature of the beast, but travel doesn't have to mean nixing all routines and structure. Kids thrive on the routines you have created for them. They help keep them safe and healthy. While plenty of routine aspects will shift during travel, keep the ones you can in place. Try to eat and sleep near the times you would typically eat and sleep at home. If you do a daily rest or nap time, see if you can swing that same routine while vacationing. If you throw the kids completely out of whack, you will soon learn that a no-rules vacation is a no-fun vacation for parents.

Establish Spending Rules Pre-Vacation

Rules. Kids don't love them, but they are necessary on so many levels. Traveling with kids means taking the littles past countless souvenir and trinket stations and stores. Get ready for your children to beg you for every little, shiny piece of whatever catches their eye. They will cry and whine for everything they see; you will stress and maybe cry a little too as you attempt to stay calm while explaining that no, they cannot have another Beanie Boo.

Set rules for souvenirs ahead of time. Maybe they get one small thing at the airport and one thing at your vacation destination. Maybe you give each kid an allotted amount of spending money and how and where they spend it is up to them. Make rules that work for your children and your budget, and be sure everyone understands those rules ahead of vacation to minimize the stress that comes along with kids begging for everything.

Don't Put Off Travel Plans

Lastly, don't put off your travel plans because you are afraid of failure. Yes, everyone will be older and wiser in a few years, but life happens, circumstances constantly change, and you never know if this travel opportunity will circle back around. Take those vacations with the little kids or the angsty teens. Make the memories, spend the money, and know that the kids won't be kids forever. Remember, parts of your vacation may flop, but other parts will be amazing. In the end, you will likely be so glad you went for it and traveled with your kids.

Family Vacation Memories to Cherish

Travel is all about the adventure of life and being together in a wonderful new time and space. Use tips to reduce stress, but know that the greatest advice you can receive is to be in the moment and try to enjoy your family vacation no matter what. Kids won't remember every detail of every vacation they took during their childhood, but they'll treasure the memories of how they felt spending time together as a family in a fun-filled environment.

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Lesbos Island: The Ultimate 2024 Travel Guide

Lesbos Island , also known as Lesvos, is a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. As one of the largest Greek islands, Lesbos has something for every type of traveler. From picturesque fishing villages to ancient ruins and stunning beaches, this island is a must-visit destination for your 2024 vacation.

Traveling from overseas to Lesbos Island? Click on the following link to find the best esim card for traveling in Greece in 2024 as I compared all the options out there for you. Don’t waste money on expensive roaming costs or slow overseas data roaming! Just visiting Lesbos? Don’t get stuck with high roaming costs. I recommend buying a sim card in Lesbos in 2024 to stay connected and make the most of your trip.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do, places to stay, and insider tips for making the most of your trip to  Lesbos Island .

Getting to Lesbos Island

The most convenient way to reach Lesbos is by air. The island’s main airport, Mytilene International Airport (MJT), is located just 8 km from the capital city of Mytilene. Several airlines offer direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as seasonal flights from other European cities.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port. The journey takes around 9-12 hours, depending on the ferry type. Ferries also connect Lesbos with other nearby Greek islands, such as Chios and Lemnos.

Top Things to Do on Lesbos Island

1. Explore Mytilene

Mytilene, the capital of  Lesbos Island in Greece , is a charming port city with a rich history. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the ancient Roman theater, and explore the impressive Mytilene Castle, which dates back to the 6th century AD. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Mytilene, which houses a collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era.

2. Visit the Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest of Lesbos is a unique geological wonder and a UNESCO Global Geopark. This rare site features fossilized tree trunks, some up to 20 meters tall, that were petrified by volcanic ash around 20 million years ago. Visit the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest to learn more about this fascinating phenomenon.

3. Discover Molyvos (Mithymna)

Molyvos, also known as Mithymna, is a picture-perfect medieval village on the northern coast of Lesbos. Wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, admire the traditional stone houses, and visit the impressive Molyvos Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t forget to enjoy a meal at one of the charming tavernas in the village.

4. Relax on Stunning Beaches

Lesbos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Some top choices include:

• Skala Eressos: A long, sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, popular with families and windsurfers.
• Vatera Beach: The longest beach on the island, stretching for 7 km, with golden sand and shallow waters.
• Agios Isidoros: A secluded, pebble beach with turquoise waters, perfect for a peaceful swim.

5. Visit the Hot Springs of Eftalou

The village of Eftalou, near Molyvos, is famous for its natural hot springs. These thermal waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and are a perfect spot to relax and unwind. The springs are located right by the sea, offering a unique experience of soaking in warm waters while enjoying the beautiful Aegean views.

6. Explore the Traditional Villages

Lesbos is dotted with charming, traditional villages that showcase the island’s authentic character. Some must-visit villages include:

• Agiassos: A picturesque mountain village known for its pottery workshops and the impressive Church of Panagia Agiasos.
• Plomari: The “ouzo capital” of Lesbos, famous for its production of the anise-flavored aperitif. Visit the Barbayannis Ouzo Museum to learn about the history and production of this iconic Greek drink.
• Sikaminea: A tiny, colorful fishing village with a beautiful pebble beach and charming seafood tavernas.

7. Go Birdwatching

Lesbos is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded on the island. The Kalloni Salt Pans and the Dipi Larsos wetlands are two prime spots for observing a variety of birds, including flamingos, egrets, and rare species like the Kruper’s nuthatch and the cinereous bunting.

8. Hike the Lesbos Trails

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Lesbos offers a network of well-marked hiking trails that traverse the island’s stunning landscapes. Some popular routes include the Molyvos-Eftalou trail, which follows the coastline and passes by the hot springs, and the Agiassos-Asomatos trail, which winds through olive groves and offers panoramic views of the island.

Where to Stay on Lesbos Island

Lesbos offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some top choices include:

• Aphrodite Hotel (Molyvos): A charming, family-run hotel with stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the Molyvos Castle.
• Heliotrope Boutique Hotel (Mytilene): A stylish, modern hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, located in the heart of Mytilene.
• Elaionas Olive Groves (Agia Paraskevi): A collection of traditional stone houses surrounded by olive groves, offering a peaceful and rustic experience.

Dining on Lesbos Island

Lesbos is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, which features fresh seafood, high-quality olive oil, and unique dishes like sardeles pastes (salted and sun-dried sardines) and ladotyri (a hard, salty cheese preserved in olive oil). Some must-try restaurants include:

• Theofilos (Mytilene): A cozy taverna serving traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist.
• Vafios (Molyvos): A family-run restaurant known for its fresh fish and stunning views of the harbor.
• Neon Cafe (Skala Eressos): A popular spot for breakfast and brunch, offering a variety of healthy and vegetarian options.

Getting Around Lesbos Island

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Lesbos, especially if you plan to visit multiple villages and beaches. The island has a well-maintained road network, and you can rent a car at the airport or in major towns like Mytilene and Molyvos.

Public buses also connect the main towns and villages on the island, but their schedules can be infrequent and may not cover all the popular tourist spots.

Best Time to Visit Lesbos Island

The best time to visit Lesbos is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the busiest months, with higher prices and larger crowds. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting in May, June, September, or October, when the weather is still pleasant, and the island is less crowded.

Insider Tips for Visiting Lesbos Island

• Learn a few Greek words and phrases, as English is not widely spoken in smaller villages.
• Try the local ouzo, but be careful – it’s stronger than you might expect!
• Visit the Agiasos village on August 15th to experience the lively Panagia festival.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, as many villages have cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and monasteries.

Lesbos Island is a destination that offers a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality,  Lesbos Island  is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories. Start planning your 2024 trip to this Aegean gem today!

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Money blog: 10 richest people on Earth revealed - with less familiar name in top spot this year

Bernard Arnault and family are ahead of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg in the Forbes billionaires' list. Read this and more in the Money blog, your place for personal finance news. Leave a comment on stories we've covered, or a question for our experts, in the form below.

Tuesday 2 April 2024 19:54, UK

• 650,000 pensioners warned they're being dragged into paying tax this week
• 'A blip': UK house prices fell last month
• The top 10 richest people in the world
• Eight big price hikes this week - and six boosts to Britons' pockets
• Extended free childcare rollout begins - but there are concerns about whether it's achievable
• More young people are pausing pension contributions - this is how much it's costing them
• All the places kids can eat cheap or free this Easter

Ask a question or make a comment

Each year, some parents decide to offer cash incentives to their children in return for good grades.

With GCSE and A-Level exams coming up, we'd like to know what you think of the practice.

Is it something that works for your family? Or is there a reason you wouldn't consider it?

Let us know by sending us a message via our Whatsapp here.

Google has agreed to delete billions of records containing personal information collected from millions of people using "Incognito" mode.

The action will be taken as part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit in the US, but applies outside the country too.

The lawsuit accused Google of tracking Chrome users' internet activity even when they had switched the browser to "Incognito".

Google disputed the claims as "meritless" and said the agreement was only required to "delete old personal technical data that was never associated with an individual and was never used for any form of personalisation".

Shares in Donald Trump's Truth Social platform have plunged more than 20% - wiping out gains made following its stock market debut last week.

The tumble came after Trump Media & Technology Group reported losses of more than $58m (£46m) in 2023.

The company also warned it would struggle to meet its financial liabilities going forward.

Royal Mail has appointed a senior Heathrow Airport executive as the group's new boss.

Emma Gilthorpe will join the postal service on 1 May, before succeeding Martin Seidenberg as chief executive in the summer, said owner International Distributions Services.

Her appointment comes at a critical juncture, with Ofcom considering options that could see Royal Mail cut its six-days-a-week service or extend how long it takes to deliver letters.

Annual shop price inflation almost halved in March to its lowest since December 2021, according to industry figures.

Food costs and competition between retailers drove the down rate from 2.5% in February to 1.3% in March, the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index found.

Food prices were 3.7% higher than a year ago, down from 5% in February, the slowest rate since April 2022.

Fresh food inflation slowed to 2.6% from 3.4% a month earlier.

Inflation on products other than food fell to 0.2% in March, down from 1.3%.

Promotional offers were to thank in part, with supermarkets trying to draw in customers for Mother's Day and Easter, said Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ.

Deals were also being offered on electricals, clothing and footwear, said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson, adding that dairy prices were falling too.

Forbes has released its annual list of the richest people in the world, as the number of billionaires reaches record highs.

Some 2,781 people are worth a collective $14.2trn - with the top 20 adding $700bn to their wealth since this time last year, according to the news site.

Below are the top 10 of Forbes' 200 richest people in the world , as of 8 March.

1. Bernard Arnault and family: The 75-year-old is the richest person on Earth, with a net worth of $233bn. From France he oversees an empire of 75 fashion and cosmetic brands, including Louis Vuitton and Sephora, under the umbrella LVMH.

2. Elon Musk: Dropping from the top spot, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, 52, is worth $195bn. 

3. Jeff Bezos: Close behind is the 60-year-old founder of Amazon, worth $194bn.

4. Mark Zuckerberg: Another familiar name in the top 10 is the founder of Facebook - now Meta - with a net worth of $177bn at the age of 39.

5. Larry Ellison: The founder of software giant Oracle, used by businesses to store and retrieve information, is worth £141bn.

6. Warren Buffett: The investor and CEO of multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, 93, is worth $133bn.

7. Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft, Gates, 68, has a net worth of $128bn.

8. Steve Ballmer: A former CEO at Microsoft under Gates, Ballmer is worth $121bn.

9. Mukesh Ambani:  His company, Reliance Industries, is the largest private sector corporation in India, with interests in retail, financial services, oil and gas, petrochemicals, telecommunications and financial services, making him worth $116bn.

10. Larry Page: Worth $114bn, the 51-year-old remains a controlling shareholder at Google's parent company, Alphabet, where he stepped down as CEO in 2019.

One notable entry this year is Taylor Swift, with a fortune of $1.1bn.

Campaign group Tax Justice UK said those on the super-rich list should be taxed more by world governments to tackle inequality and climate change.

"We're living through incredibly unequal times, lurching from one crisis to the next," said executive director Robert Palmer.

"World leaders need to ensure the super-rich are paying their fair share, for example through introducing wealth taxes."

The government will commission an independent study into the impact of brighter headlights on road users.

Insurance company RAC has said dazzling headlights are causing "significant problems" on the road.

Approximately nine in 10 drivers told an RAC survey that some car headlights were too bright, while 14% of drivers over the age of 65 said they have stopped their vehicles as a result.

"Brighter headlights, while giving drivers a better view of the road ahead, are clearly causing other road users significant problems," said RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis.

"The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done."

House of Lords member Baroness Dianne Hayter called the study a "victory for all those drivers affected by glare" and anyone who has "sought help from an optometrist – only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes". 

By Tim Baker , political reporter

The prime minister has been unable to guarantee a childcare place to everyone who wants one, as the government rolls out its new scheme.

As of today, eligible parents and carers of two-year-olds are now entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week.

The policy was announced in March last year and is being rolled out as the government lags significantly behind Labour in opinion polls.

But there have been concerns raised about the ability for the sector to absorb the uptick in childcare places that the government wants to offer.

Read on here...

By Katie Williams, Money team

Following our Money Problem last week in which a worker said their boss was making them take holiday when they're sick, we were bombarded with comments from people with similar experiences. So, we decided to make basic employment rights the subject of of this week's Basically... feature.

Basically, most people with jobs have a number of rights laid down in law - but what you're entitled to depends on whether you're an employee or a worker. The former has more protections.

Firstly, though, these basic rights  apply to both groups:

• Be paid the national minimum wage ( £11.44  if you're 21 or over, £8.60 if you're aged 18-20, £6.40 for apprentices)
• Receive a payslip
• Protection against unlawful deductions from wages
• The statutory minimum length of rest breaks (20 minutes if you work for more than six hours a day)
• Not work more than 48 hours on average per week, or to opt out of this right
• Protection against unlawful discrimination
• Protection for whistleblowing
• Not be treated less favourably for working part time
• Be accompanied at a grievance or disciplinary hearing.

What's the difference between an employee and a worker?

An employee is someone who works under a permanent or fixed-term contract of employment - this is a document which sets the terms and conditions of the working relationship between the employer and employee.

The employee will be expected to work a certain number of hours a week in return for an agreed wage.

The arrangement for workers is deemed far more casual - put simply, the employer does not have to provide the individual with work and the individual is not required to do any work.

Workers can include agency or temp staff, short-term or freelance workers.

What rights do employees have over workers?

An employee is entitled to more statutory employment rights than a worker. These extra rights include:

• Statutory sick pay, as well as statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay
• A minimum notice period if your employment is being terminated
• Protection against unfair dismissal
• The right to request flexible working
• Time off for emergencies
• Statutory redundancy pay. 

What if I'm self-employed?

People who are self-employed generally have more control over their work and a more flexible lifestyle - but they also have limited employment rights.

Self-employed people have the right not to be discriminated against by the clients and customers they are doing work for.

They're also entitled to certain rights in respect of trade unions and under the Human Rights Act.

Read other entries in our Basically... series...

Nationalisation would not, as some suggest, be free of pain. 

The government has just changed the law surrounding the special administration regime, which would potentially dump some of Thames's debts on its shareholders rather than leaving taxpayers to take them on. That might sound attractive to a government not wanting, understandably, to take on some £18bn worth of extra borrowings.

But it would serve as a powerful deterrent to any overseas investors entertaining the thought of investing in the UK's utility sector which, at a time when the country is seeking to step up investment not only in water and sewage infrastructure but also in energy generation, is something no-one should want.

Nor would nationalisation serve the public well.

Studies show that the state-owned water companies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are significantly less efficient than their peers in England and Wales, while state-owned Scottish Water's efficiency only improved when in 2001 the Scottish government, then run by Labour, altered regulations to specifically benchmark its performance to the privatised sector south of Hadrian's Wall.

On that basis, it really is in everyone's interest for peace to break out between Ofwat and the Thames shareholders. Or, as seems unlikely at present, for Thames to bring in new equity investors.

Thames Water is expected to enter last-ditch talks to avoid sinking into insolvency.

Its parent company, Kemble, is set to pitch a debt-for-equity swap to lenders, The Times is reporting.

This means creditors would convert debt owed to them by Thames Water into share capital.

Restructuring specialists Alvarez & Marsal will discuss all options with creditors, according to the Financial Times.

Investors had pulled a £500m funding lifeline due to be paid at the end of March.

Thames Water's shareholders include the Universities Superannuation Scheme, China's sovereign wealth fund, the Canadian pension fund Omers, Infinity Investments, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and the BT Pension Scheme.

The utility company, which serves nearly a quarter of the UK's population, is drowning in more than £15bn of debt, plus huge interest payments.

Chief executive Chris Weston has refused to rule out bill increases of up to 40% for customers as the company tries to secure its future.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 was up 0.7% in early trading following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend as it broke the 8,000 barrier - its highest level in more than a year.

The rise, which has since eased back a little, has been driven mostly by gains in the energy and mining sectors.

It comes amid improved demand and tighter supplies of raw materials, which have pushed up the prices of commodities such as copper.

Shares in HSBC are also up 1.7% this Tuesday morning after it completed the sale of its Canadian unit to the Royal Bank of Canada.

The deal, worth almost £8bn, is one of the biggest of its kind in Canada since the 1990s. It had faced opposition from critics who feared the takeover would damage competition in the country.

Meanwhile, there are more woes for struggling fashion chain Superdry after shares plunged more than 50% to a record low of 13.8p. Its chief executive and top shareholder Julian Dunkerton said earlier he would not be making an offer for the company.

On the currency markets, £1 can currently buy you $1.25 US or 1.17 Euros.

The price of a barrel of benchmark crude oil is just over $88 (£70) this morning.

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