We’ve all heard how much easier it is to learn from others’ experiences versus waiting for our own adventures. This is especially true when it comes to travel. Whether you’re going away for spring break or thinking ahead for summer fun, there are so many tips & tricks from travel warriors that can be the difference between successful and memory-making travel or horrible, nightmare travel.
Below we’ve gathered ideas from a variety of sources to help your adventures be memory-making!
• When traveling abroad, travel insurance can be your friend. You just never know.
• Never walk past a clean toilet. Use it.
• Unless you absolutely have to, don’t check luggage.
• Bring a reusable cup for water/hot drinks. It saves a lot of money at airports and where you go.
• Bring half the stuff and twice the money.
• Pack binder clips. They can hold draperies closed for a dark room and turn regular hangers into skirt & pant hangers.
• Bring a towel. You just never know when you’re going to really need it.
• If you use a wash cloth, bring it. Some countries don’t have or offer them.
• To combat “no great vacation goes unpunished”, return on a Thursday. That way you only have one day before the weekend.
• Who you go with is way more important than where you go.
• Pack a 3 port, 6ft extension cord. This will turn 1 outlet into 3 and move it to a more convenient location.
• Traveling overseas, bring plugs for the country’s electrical outlets. Amazon can be a real help here.
• Talk to people who have gone where you’re going for cultural advice. For example, in France, always say “Bonjour” to start a conversation and before asking a question. People are much more apt to help you when you do.
• Call your bank and cell phone carrier before you travel internationally. You don’t want to not have credit cards or phone service while you’re gone.
• Look into getting some currency for the places you’ll go. Your banking institution may be much more cost effective than anything else.
• Keep a small toiletry bag in your carry on luggage. You never know when you’ll see your checked luggage again.
• Make sure you carry on at least one pair of clean underwear.
• The best room in a cheaper hotel is often better than a standard room in a more expensive hotel.
• Consider getting an apartment. A whole new experience.
• Make sure your shower gets hot and your toilet works as soon as you check in. You don’t want to find out there’s a problem when there’s no one around to fix it.
• Never keep your wallet in your back pocket.
• Every item of clothing you pack should match 80% of what you’re bringing. Let sleepwear double as nightwear. Beach wear double as day wear. Challenge yourself to one pair of shoes.
• Bring a small bottle of hand wash laundry detergent. Hand wash as you need to. Really in a pinch, shampoo can work too.
• Take lots of pictures – and make sure you’re in them!
• Immerse yourself in the culture and food. Enjoy every moment!
There are as many tips as there are people to share them. Want to see more? We found a great article from Everyday Cheapskate and search 25 Really Fun Tips and Tricks. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, Behind the Curtain — Carla