Are you dreaming about your next trip, while waiting for international travel bans to lift? Good for you.
Studies show that anticipating a vacation, can be just as beneficial as actually embarking on it.
After going without for so long, we’re sure you want to make the most of every minute you get to spend traveling in the future. Now’s your chance to plan ahead with these awesome travel tips for long-distance travelers.
- Buy a Small Backpack
There are several arguments in favor of a small backpack. For starters, you can take it as carry-on luggage during your flight and save on checked baggage fees as well as time spent at the baggage carousel.
A small backpack also encourages you to pack less and thus helps you avoid back strain and inconvenience along the way too.
- Pack Light
Remember, you’re traveling to experience new and exciting things and you don’t need to look your best to achieve these aims. Keep your clothing, makeup, and cosmetics to a minimum.
You can always buy essentials at your destination and leave them in your hotel room while you’re out and about. Unless you’re heading way off the beaten track, you’re bound to find a laundromat somewhere to wash any necessary items.
- Don’t Forget a Towel and Extra Socks
A towel is essential for beach and bath use, so always bring your own along. Not all accommodation providers allow you to remove their towels from the room when you head for the beach.
It also comes in handy for mopping up spills and protecting fragile items while you’re on the go. Although taking extra items along goes against our travel packing tips, you can never have too many socks, period.
- Take Direction
A map and guidebook are essential for travel in a foreign place but don’t discount word-of-mouth directions either. When in doubt, ask for directions from your hotel receptionist, enquire at the local tourism office, or pick the brains of a friendly local.
They’ll have plenty of great information on all the best spots to eat, party, and play.
- Lose Yourself Sometimes
While getting lost in a foreign place can be a traumatizing event, sometimes it’s a good idea to go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to abandon your best-laid plans in favor of an unexpected side trip.
As long as you’re in a safe area, you can discover many unexpected treasures while wandering around aimlessly.
- Keep Yourself Amused
When you’re flying to your destination, chances are you’ll have a choice of movies to enjoy onboard, but what about long bus rides and train trips?
A good set of headphones and a youtube mp3 downloader help ensure you can fill boring moments with all your favorite tunes or clips without having to take your eyes off the view. An e-reader will do for a little bedtime reading.
Be sure to upload all your entertainment long before you leave, so you’ve got a chance to test your tech out beforehand.
- Queue Savvy
If you need to queue at an airport, always pick the line that seems to have a majority of businesspeople. They’re usually in a hurry, they know the drill, and they’re unlikely to have a lot of baggage.
Avoid families, children cause delays and always come with a lot of extra baggage in tow.
- International Travel Tips to Save on Food
Every destination has it’s culinary hit-list of foods you need to try but that doesn’t mean you should blow your budget eating out every night.
Save your money for exciting tours and excursions. Stock up on a few snacks to keep you going, eat at local restaurants in non-touristy areas, and take advantage of lunchtime specials if you can find them.
There’s nothing wrong with popping into a fast-food franchise for cheap and familiar fare either.
- Choose Cheap Accommodation
Likewise, you didn’t travel great distances to sit in your hotel room. Choose a cheap and cheerful hostel or backpackers instead of a high-end hotel.
That said, choosing a slightly more expensive all-inclusive option can sometimes help you save on food costs. So, compare their prices versus the anticipated costs of buying your own food.
You should also consider the added freedom that comes with self-catering.
- Make Friends – Cautiously
One of the great joys of travel is sharing your experiences with fellow travelers and learning more from local folk. Don’t be shy.
Take some time to talk to people you meet along the way. Use your common sense though, the world’s full of scam artists wanting to take advantage of gullible travelers.
Your hotel will fill you in on travel safety tips regarding any areas that are notorious for these types of people.
- Tips for Traveling Cheap
Right now, the tourism industry’s looking for all the business it can get. Spend some time looking for great deals on tours, package deals, and accommodation.
You’ll also be doing the travel industry a favor if you book and pay well in advance. Compare prices on everything before you commit though.
- Weather Warnings
Don’t believe everything you read in travel brochures. Every place on Earth has bad weather every now and again.
Check actual weather forecasts in the area during the time you intend to travel. If you can cope with rainy days or cold weather, you could find some great deals during less attractive seasons.
Remember, people’s experiences of the weather are subjective. A heatwave in Britain’s a totally different thing to a heatwave in Africa. Check the actual average temperatures for the time of year you intend to travel.
- Back-Up Everything
Nothing spoils a vacation faster than losing your bank cards, passport, or other important documents. One of the most important international travel tips is making sure you take extra bank cards and make copies of all your travel documents.
Keep them in a safe place seperate from the originals.
Prepare for Takeoff
Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we’re all jetting off on our long-awaited vacations to distant shores. Now that you’re prepared for the long haul, you can start looking for exciting new destinations and ways to enjoy them.
Keep browsing our website for more travel tips and information about the world’s top travel spots.
Categories: Travel Tips
