Are you looking for essential travel tips that will save you money and time and help you enjoy your trip even more? Here you go! We put together 50 tips from over 20 years of traveling the world.
Book Tip:
- Bradford, Keith (Author)
My favorite quote:
“Travel is the bridge between you and everything.”
Ok, let’s dive in:
1. Plan for a Mini Test Trip
Try a short weekend getaway before a longer adventure. This helps you learn what you really need and practice being away from home without stressing.
2. Keep a Digital Folder of Travel Papers
Take pictures or scan passports, tickets, and hotel info. Store them in a safe app or email them to yourself, so you can always find them if you lose the paper copies.
3. Use a Refillable, Filtered Water Bottle
Bring a sturdy bottle with a built-in filter. This way you can drink tap water in most places, which saves money and reduces plastic waste.
4. Try Airport Lounges Without First-Class Tickets
Some lounges let you pay a small fee to enter, even if you’re not flying business class. It’s a comfy place to wait for your flight with free snacks and quiet spaces.
5. Look for Hidden Gems Instead of Tourist Hotspots
Ask locals or check community boards for lesser-known museums, scenic parks, or cool events. You’ll often find more authentic experiences and shorter lines.
Extra tip: Enter your destination + TripAdvisor forum in Google. Then, click on the forum and search the it for the best tips. Often, locals post there and give the best tips you can’t find anywhere else.
6. Pack Travel Essentials
Pack these must-have items for both domestic and international trips. Comfy shoes, phone charger, universal adapter, copies of travel documents, small first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, healthy snacks, face mask, earplugs, mini flashlight, compact power strip, deck of cards (for offline fun), reusable zip-top bags, and a lightweight travel pillow all come in handy no matter where you go.
7. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
If you’re flying across multiple time zones, start going to bed or waking up earlier a few days before you leave. This small change helps your body adapt faster when you land. You’ll be able to explore and enjoy your new destination without feeling super tired.
8. Test Out Different Flight Search Tools
Compare ticket prices on various websites and apps, not just one or two. Each site may have different discounts or deals you can catch.
9. Use Your Phone Camera for More Than Photos
Snap pictures of receipts, parking spots, or even bus schedules. It’s easier than keeping track of small scraps of paper.
10. Ask Hotels About Freebies
Some places offer free toothbrushes, extra pillows, or special local goodies. It never hurts to ask, and you might get a nice surprise.
11. Explore Grocery Stores in New Places
Local supermarkets can be like mini-adventures. You’ll find snacks and drinks that are sometimes cheaper and more unique than touristy restaurants.
12. Check If Your Library Card Gives Travel Perks
Some libraries let you borrow passes for museums or local attractions. It’s a nifty way to enjoy freebies in different cities.
13. Sign Up for Public Transportation Cards
In many cities, a pass for buses or subways can save time and money. You’ll skip long ticket lines and pay less than buying single rides.
14. Carry a Lightweight Day Bag
Use a small backpack or sling bag for daily outings. It’s handy for water, maps, or souvenirs without weighing you down.
15. Research Local Safety Apps
Some cities have official apps or emergency contact tools. Know which ones to use in case you get lost or need help fast.
16. Map Out Free Activities
Look for public concerts, park festivals, or free museum days. This adds fun to your trip without breaking the bank.
17. Email Your Itinerary to Someone You Trust
Send a quick note with your flights and hotel details to a parent, friend, or sibling. This way, someone knows how to reach you if your phone dies.
18. Keep an Eye on Foreign Transaction Fees
If traveling abroad, check which credit cards charge extra for international purchases. This can save you from surprise costs later.
19. Pack Clothes You Can Layer
Weather can change quickly, so bring items you can wear over each other. Layering keeps you comfortable without overstuffing your suitcase.
20. Use Offline Maps
Download maps you can use without the internet. This helps a lot if your data signal is weak or you’re trying to save phone battery.
21. Practice Simple Local Phrases
Learn a few words like “Hello,” “Please,” and “Thank you.” Using local language is a friendly way to show respect and break the ice.
22. Be Open to Different Sleeping Options
Consider house swaps, couch surfing, or home rentals for a unique stay. You might meet interesting people and save money on hotels.
23. Find a Good Travel Rewards Program
Many airlines and credit cards offer points or miles. Over time, you can use these rewards to get cheaper flights or hotel rooms.
24. Pack a Compact Power Strip
Hotels often have limited outlets, especially if you have multiple gadgets. A small power strip helps you charge everything in one spot.
25. Bring a Folding Laundry Bag
Keep your dirty clothes separate and avoid mixing them with clean ones. It also helps if you need to do laundry mid-trip.
26. Check for Local City Passes
Many big cities have passes that give free or cheaper entry to several attractions. It can be a real budget helper if you plan to see a lot.
27. Save Space for Souvenirs
Leave a little extra room in your suitcase. This way, you won’t have to choose between tossing out clothes or leaving behind that cool magnet you found.
28. Use Secure Wi-Fi or a VPN
Public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports isn’t always safe. A VPN or secure network keeps your personal info hidden from snoopers.
29. Label Your Bags with Something Unique
Tie a bright ribbon or attach a funny keychain. This helps you spot your luggage quickly on the carousel and avoids mix-ups with similar bags.
30. Investigate Local Customs
In some countries, tipping or certain gestures might mean different things. Knowing local manners helps you fit in and avoid awkward moments.
31. Try Free Walking Tours
Some cities offer tours at no cost, though you can tip the guide if you enjoy it. This is a friendly way to learn about the city’s history and hidden corners.
32. Always Carry a Small Backup of Cash
Some shops or food stalls might not accept cards. Having emergency cash prevents awkward situations and makes small purchases easier.
33. Use Chat Groups for Local Advice
Join local travel forums or social media groups. You can get current tips on events, restaurant deals, or helpful taxi services.
34. Pack a Roll of Duct Tape
It can fix a broken suitcase handle, patch a small tear, or even seal a snack bag. Duct tape is a tiny travel superhero.
35. Bring a Lightweight Scarf
A scarf can be a blanket on a chilly plane, a pillow in a pinch, or a wrap if you visit a modest place. It takes up very little space in your bag.
36. Schedule Time to Relax
Don’t plan every minute of your trip. Leave room for spontaneous discoveries or rest, so you don’t feel rushed or tired.
37. Try Local Transportation Apps
If you’re visiting a new state or country, check for local ride-share or taxi apps. They often show real-time info about routes and costs.
38. Practice Street Smarts
Keep your bag in front of you in busy areas. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t flash lots of cash or valuables in public.
39. Collect Memories in a Travel Journal
Write or draw about funny moments, favorite meals, and new friends. You’ll love looking back on these stories when you’re home.
40. Ask Locals for Food Recommendations
Skip the touristy spots and find hidden food gems. Locals often know the best places for tasty meals at fair prices.
41. Set Your Watch or Phone to Local Time Sooner
Switch your device to the time zone of your destination while you’re flying. This helps your body adjust faster and can reduce jet lag.
42. Be Careful with Currency Exchange at Airports
Exchange rates at airports can be higher. Compare options or use a trusted ATM to get local money at a better rate.
43. Check for Free Museum Hours
Many museums have certain days or hours with no entry fee. This is great for budget travelers and families.
44. Download a Translation App
This can help you read signs, menus, and even talk to people in their language. Just remember to download the offline language pack in case you don’t have internet.
45. Bring a Small Gift for a Host
If you’re staying with relatives or friends, bring something special from home. It shows gratitude and is a fun way to share your hometown culture.
46. Explore Local Parks and Playgrounds
Parks can be a peaceful spot to relax or people-watch. Some even have free cultural events or live music on weekends.
47. Avoid Overplanning Your Meals
Try to be flexible so you can try random street stalls or local diners you discover on the go. You never know what tasty surprises await.
48. Split Up Your Cash
Keep some money in your wallet, some in a hidden pouch, and maybe a bit in your shoe. This way, you’re safer if you lose your wallet or a bag.
49. Pack an Empty Bag for Laundry or New Items
Having a simple fold-up tote or drawstring bag lets you bring back extra goodies without squeezing everything into one suitcase.
50. Celebrate Small Victories
Maybe you navigated a tricky bus system or ordered a meal in another language. Recognize these wins—they make traveling more fun and boost your confidence!