The privilege of being able to travel should not be taken for granted and it is an art to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of a trip. Luckily, many have come before you and there are tons of resources to help you avoid any potential pitfalls and missteps that could ruin your travels. Whether you are a well-seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, there is always something you can learn about the trials and tribulations of traveling so reach for your Moleskin and take notes. Here are the top tips to make your next travel fun and unforgettable.
Jetlag
One of the biggest problems facing travelers is inevitable jetlag. Flying laterally causes you to skip over time zones, potentially swapping night and day if you go far enough. Insomnia or grogginess are sure-fire ways to ruin the first few days of a trip but this can be easily managed.
Adjust your timepieces as soon as you get on a plane to reflect your destination time. This will help you to try and follow a new sleeping schedule as you might need to stay awake on a plane or sleep through your flight even though it might not be bedtime quite yet. You can also try to tire yourself out to get a good night’s sleep on your first night, quickly changing into a new rhythm. Taking melatonin will help to get you sleepy and it is important to stay well hydrated to combat travel fatigue.
Budget
Nothing ruins a trip faster than running out of money. Do thorough research into what day-to-day expenses will run you as these add up the fastest and often include many unforeseen costs. It is easy to plan for the flight, transport, and accommodation costs but buying food, souvenirs, and disposable items can be a little harder to calculate.
These days, many travelers have the luxury of working on the road so that is a great way to subsidize your savings while traveling. Teaching online is one of the most popular ways of making money while on the road. Traveling and working at the same time can extend your journey much longer than what was previously possible. Get accredited through the most credible TEFL course provider on their website to earn extra money and make your travels truly unforgettable.
Leave Time for Spontaneity
Some people love to plan their travels down to the very last second, scheduling everything from breakfast to bedtime. This could be a handy tool but trying to stick to a rigorous schedule can be a serious downer too.
Traveling is one of the most spontaneous things you can ever embark on, so leave time for some unplanned fun. Rather draw out a guideline of all the things you want to do and remain flexible to potential new experiences that might arise. Traveling never goes according to plan so leaving room for changes will help you stay stress-free as you don’t have to keep adjusting your militant schedule.
When in Rome…
It is easy to look up a “top 10 things to do” list and hit all the major attractions in a city. But to truly keep your finger on the pulse, do as the locals do. Eat where they eat, drink where they drink, shop where they shop. Speak to local people to hear fascinating stories of neighborhoods you find yourself in and get their recommendations on what to see or potentially skip.
Locals will quickly tell you to skip the “Gate of Heaven” in Bali or Stonehenge in England and rather opt for more underrated stops that often offer a way bigger payoff. After a trip, you want to say “I tried everything”. Be open to new and exciting experiences that might arise as you travel. These are the kinds of experiences that Lonely Planet doesn’t tell you about…
Pack Wisely
Lugging around massive suitcases or finding yourself horribly underprepared is any traveler’s nightmare. Look at all the variables that could influence the weather on your trip and pack sensibly. Any well-seasoned traveler will tell you, less is more. A few staple items will get you way further than a trunk full of impractical Instagram-worthy looks.
Spring in Europe is often met with a surprise bout of snow and summer in Asia always delivers some surprise showers. So, find a good all-weather jacket and shoes that are comfy to avoid any nasty surprises. A pair of jeans, a handful of versatile shirts, a pair of sandals, and a sturdy backpack are the only non-negotiables you need in your suitcase.
Packing cubes are a great help if you have a problem keeping organized while traveling. They will neatly sort all your luggage into compartments and also help you limit how much you pack if you are prone to overpacking.
Beware of Scams
Everyone and their mother will warn you about safety concerns when traveling, but it is lesser-known scams that target tourists that are the real concern. Be aware of scams in specific countries that will put a real damper on your trip.
The first one to encounter is usually airport taxis. They love praying on arriving passengers who might not know the lay of the land and often charge extortionate prices. Rather arrange a transfer through your hotel or download an e-hailing service where prices are fixed.
Another common scam is a friendly local who offers you some flowers or a bracelet as a welcoming gesture. Once you accept it, they will demand money or cause a scene if you do not pay. The same goes for helpful photographers who offer to take your photo at a popular attraction or a friendly bar patron who leaves you with a massive bill at the end of the night.
It’s not all bad news. These tricksters are in the minority and most people you will meet on your travels will go out of their way to help you have a truly unforgettable experience in their country.
