No matter what your destination, traveling smart requires a lot of thought and preparation to ensure that your journey isn’t hampered with unexpected surprises or hassles. Sure, you’ve packed your bag with the right amount of underwear, essentials for good hygiene, and your favorite shade of lipstick or cologne. What else do you need? The simple answer is, plenty. Here’s a list of top 10 travel tips to keep your ship sailing smoothly while you travel.
Top 10 Important Travel Tips To Keep In Mind
Image courtesy of rockersdelight/flickr.com
Tip 1: Research the Laws in the State, City or Country
If you’re heading out of your home territory, the law of your land doesn’t always travel with you. Make sure you take time to research the existing laws in your destination. For example, there are fines in Singapore for failing to flush toilets, chewing gum and jay-walking. In Thailand, it’s illegal to leave the house without wearing your underwear. (That’s right. You’ve packed it; now, just be sure to wear it.) While Venice is romantic, it’s not romantic to feed the pigeons – doing so can cost you a hefty fine. Traveling is meant to be fun, and it’s no fun emptying your wallet of cash for fines or spending the night in the pokey.
Tip 2: Ditch the Heels
Exploring and discovering all of the gorgeous natural wonders, historic landmarks, parks and main points-of-interest typically entails trekking on foot. Not only are blisters ugly, they hurt. It’s always tough to enjoy any outdoor adventure when your feet are sore and aching. Buying and wearing good walking shoes is the best way to keep those feet comfortable and fancy free.
Tip 3: Cook Up Some Meals or Take a Picnic
Preparing some meals in your hotel’s kitchenette or taking a picnic is an effective way to save cash during the day, which will allow you to dine at some of the best and undoubtedly expensive restaurants in the area you’re traveling to at night. Find out where the farmer’s markets are and pick up some fresh home-baked breads, fresh fruits and regional cheeses for an afternoon delight at a picturesque park. This way, you’ll have enough funds to enjoy a good Cabernet along with authentic cuisine at a fine restaurant.
Tip 4: Secure Your Money and Luggage
With a twist on Murphy’s Law, if something can go wrong, it will happen while you’re on vacation. Keep some money hidden on you or in your hotel room, if you lose your wallet. Better yet, make sure to invest in travel insurance for protection. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re financially protected, if you do lose your luggage or wallet. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure.
Tip 5: Have the Right Equipment for Photographs
Whether you’re traveling overseas for a romantic honeymoon or within your own country for a special family get-together, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right camera to commemorate the festive occasion. Instead of traveling with an expensive camera, a digital camera rental as an alternative is a great idea. They’re affordable, offer quality photos for lifetime memories and renting will allow you to upgrade to the latest technology every 12 months.
Tip 6: Use Public Transport
Public transport offers three benefits. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it will provide you with a better travel experience.
Tip 7: Wash Your Own Clothes
Trying to find a launderette in a new place is always a hassle. Use the hotel soap or a travel-sized bottle of laundry detergent and wash your clothes in the sink, tub or shower. When you’re done, just hang the items on hangers along the shower rail.
Tip 8: Chargers for Laptops and Mobile Phones
While you’re on vacation, it’s likely that you’ll want to keep in contact with friends, family and business associates. Be sure to bring a charger, so you can juice up and stay connected.
Tip 9: Keep Travel Documents Organized
You don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of digging through your travel bags while at the airport check-in. Be sure to organize all of your travel documents and itineraries in one folder.
Tip 10: Talk to the Locals
You may think that you know where all the hot spots, great restaurants and major attractions are, but you can be sure the locals know far more. Spend some time talking to the locals, and learn about the best kept secrets and hidden treasures in your travel destination.
My name is Salika Jay, and I'd like to welcome you to my travel blog! Ever since I was a kid, I loved traveling the world. I started this blog to share my journeys around the world and everything travel.
I’d also add: (11) taking the necessary emergency medical bag.
Excellent suggestion!
I really like the last tip. Talking to the locals is the best way to really connect with your surroundings and figure out where the best adventures are.
Yes, locals know best.
Very useful tips Salika, talking to the locals definitely enriches your travel experience.
Freya recently posted..10 extreme Travel Destinations
It sure does, Freya. They know places beyond what guidebooks offer.
A very practical & informative checklist!
I think tips no. 1 is most important and necessary for every traveler and also tourists should respect the local environment, culture & traditions.
thanks for sharing these great tips
Glad you found it useful, Dave. It sure is important to respect the local way of life when we’re in a foreign country.
Great info Salika! I totally agree with photography equipment, using local transport and talking to locals. There is nothing better than exploring the city/town as a kind of local, not a grumpy tourist :)
Agness recently posted..Yangon, Myanmar For Less Than $25 A Day
So true. Thank you Agness :)
Excellent tips, Salika! Especially about researching the laws. I wonder if there’s a website that compiles this kind of info in one place. Also, I had no idea that you could rent a digital camera. Very cool!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Shakespeare in a Japanese Garden
All sorts of things are on for rent now for travelers, from digital cameras to iPads. There’s a service that even rent cloths for travelers :)
Great tips! I’m always amazed who wear heels when attempting to tour, or even just to walk on cobblestone streets! Put vanity aside, and be safe and comfortable.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted..interview on CBC radio
I guess not all of us can part from our heels :) Thanks Doreen!
Great tips! Esp #2 and #10 – so important =)
Andrea recently posted..Boutique Luxury In Boston: XV Beacon
I love my heels but not when traveling for sure :) Thanks Andrea!
Sound advice although there are some places where I would rather not use public transport.
I guess it’s not the most convenient, fastest or safest mode of traveling in some places.
Great tips, it’s always important to talk to the locals to get a real feel of the place!
It sure is. Thanks Becky!
All great tips to keep in mind here! It still amazes me to see women wearing heels on cobblestones and dirt road. We love talking to the locals. They’re a wealth of information.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..The Passion Play and Painted Houses in Oberammergau Germany
Locals sure are a good source of information when traveling.
Interesting article :)
Muza-chan recently posted..Traditional Japanese house, Tatami and some superstions
Thank you Muza-chan! :)