Perfect Travel Tips
Are you all set for your first trip/backpacking? I believe yes! But there are still a few things that you might miss if you haven’t read this blog for some great travel tips. You may have already received advice from your family members and friends, the one remains universal i.e., stay-safe. Undoubtedly, this must be taken into consideration whenever you are planning a journey to your dream destination but there is a lot more that first time travelers can follow to avoid or lessen any mishap and make one’s trip a fun-filled and memorable experience. So, here we present simple but effective advice that can be helpful before you kick-start your trip.
Have A Rough Budget Estimate
Having a rough idea of how much you can afford to spend is always helpful but strictly sticking to a rigid budget can suck all the fun out of your trip. As all the spontaneous trips, thrill-seeking adventures, entry to famous museums, traditional dining, and late-night parties all cost money. The last thing you want is to miss out on a lifelong memory or life-changing experience just to save money. Those are priceless and exactly what you’ve been saving your hard-earned money for. By all means, know what you’d like to spend, but rather than feel guilty when you go over budget you should embrace it. Like I went on my first business trip and after the job was done, I had secured 1 week additional leaves to explore San Francisco as I never knew when would I return so didn’t want to miss out.
Check The Weather Before You Go
This may seem like a simple one, but it’s the simple ones we often forget. The importance of knowing the weather ahead of time when preparing for travel can’t be underestimated. It influences what you’ll wear, what you’ll eat and what activities you can and can’t do. You don’t want to be stuck wearing layers of clothing in 35-degree heat or going for a scenic hike in the pouring rain. Unless certain parts of your body can tell that there’s a 30% chance it’s already raining, it will serve you well to look at the weather and plan accordingly.
Get All Of Your Medication
Travelling can give you the feeling of invincibility. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but you are far from it. You’ll get sick and, when you do, being able to reach into your bag and take whatever medication you need will be much easier than trying to locate the nearest pharmacy, dragging yourself out of bed and somehow learning and correctly pronouncing the Spanish word for ‘throat lozenge’. Bring a variety of basic medicine that you trust to tackle any sickness. Even if you don’t use it, it’s way better to be safe than sick.
Download Offline Maps
As soon as you open Google Maps for the city you’re in, the data is stored in the app. Even as you lose that precious WiFi connection, the app will be able to show you the city roads and remember any recent searches. As a traveler, this is incredibly valuable as you can go forth with your life-changing adventures and get lost in a city. Now you can do this with the peace of mind that Maps will know where you are and how to get you home. If that doesn’t make Offline Maps the real guide, nothing will. You’ll quickly learn Offline Maps are your new travel essential.
Jot Down A Few Things You Like In Each City
Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a free-spirited wanderer, it’s always good to have some knowledge of the best things a city has to offer. Lists can be found online, but the only person that can make a list perfectly suited to you and your interests is you. Whether it’s visiting a museum or gallery, going for a hike or attending a sports game, you can create a list of fun exciting things that you’re guaranteed to love. A little planning can make sure you leave every city with wonderful memories and zero regrets.
Knowing The Cultural Basics Of The Places You’re Visiting
Brush up on the cultural basics of the places you’re visiting. Cultural customs can be unfamiliar to many travelers and when you’re a guest in another country it’s important to be respectful of their culture. Doing a little research into what to expect could help you avoid accidentally offending someone. Things like tipping in the United States, or how the Spanish siesta impacts business trading hours, or not being able to litter, smoke or spit in public in Singapore can all be tricky customs for those not used to or aware of it.
Don’t Pack Your Whole Wardrobe
Everyone would love to have the choice between their nice casual, semi-nice half-casual, super nice not very casual and not nice but kind of casual shoes, but when you’re travelling, carrying all of these is a nightmare. Less is more and simplicity is best when it comes to packing your wardrobe. Bring versatile clothing that can go with anything. Basic tops, jeans and anything black will be your best friends. You’ll have limited space, so don’t bring anything you might only wear once. Try to bring clothes you can wear multiple times that suit a variety of occasions and you will achieve that ever-elusive balance of fashionable and functional.
Roll Up Your Clothes When Packing
Many minimalists have tried and failed to stop accumulating random things in your travels. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll pick up more clothes, souvenirs and keepsakes that will take up space in your luggage. One of the best space-saving backpacking tips is to roll up your clothes so they’re more compact and they’ll look wrinkle-free and fabulous. They can also be wrapped around your valuables for protection, like souvenir shot glasses or that precious bottle of vodka you’ve been nursing along the way. You can never be too careful when it comes to protection.
Carry Some Plastic Bags With You
There’s nothing worse than having a wet towel or wet clothes lying around in your suitcase (or, you know, if you’re looking for underwear and you put on a pair that may have already been used. Yeah, gross right?). If only there was a way to separate and store your wet or dirty clothes to keep them away from your lovely clean ones whilst you’re travelling? Hello, plastic bags to the rescue. Having a couple of plastic bags takes up minimal space, has multiple uses and is always a handy addition to any suitcase.
Don’t Look Like A Tourist Too Much
Unfortunately, some people like to pick on travellers because we are easy targets, especially for thieves. These people can spot a tourist from a mile away, so it’s always a good idea to try and fit in with the locals. That means you should use Maps on your phone and not a giant paper map. No visible belt bag/fanny packs/bum bags; if you really must wear one, hide it under your clothes. Don’t carry a backpack that looks packed to survive an apocalypse just to walk through the city for a day. Ultimately, you’re a tourist and should always embrace that, but not making it so obvious could keep you out of trouble.
Don’t Be Shy In Clicking Photos
You may feel ridiculous taking selfie after selfie (whilst secretly loving it) but you’ll thank yourself for it one day. Nothing brings a smile to your face more than looking through your memories and remembering all the great times you had. Your photos are the most unique souvenirs you can have and will be a timeless keepsake of some of the best moments of your life. Of course, making all your Instagram followers jealous too is always a bonus, but this one’s really for you.
Ask Locals But Right Ones For Suggestions
Nothing is better than asking locals for any suggestions as you not only get the information but with authentication. If you run out of your idea bank of what to do, where to eat or find your preferred cuisine, what different to do than the standard tourist stuff, where to shop for basic necessities etc. then your best bet may be to find a local and ask them. Now, sometimes it may be tricky depending the region you are in, and that’s why I personally believe that asking right local individuals is necessary. Generally, everywhere you go people are quite friendly and always happy to show off their city, give tips about the area you are visiting, and offer help to everyone in need. The locals generally know some hidden gems of their place which can add more fun and memories to your travel.
Keep Your Banks’ Contact Details Handy And Inform Your Bank/Credit Card About Your Travel