Whether you’re just getting started on your travel bucket list or you’re a seasoned tourist, there is no shortage of travel tips to help the trip go as smoothly as possible for all levels of experience. From the moment you start planning to the final day of your vacation, this guide is here to help you avoid many common travel mistakes and make the most of your time away from home.
Use Online Comparison Tools
Though it may seem like you’re getting the best deal on that transatlantic flight when you compare it between airlines or different times in the day, other sites may have seats on the same flight at a discounted rate. Rather than plug the same travel data into multiple websites, use an online travel comparison tool that pulls data from various sites and compares them in one central location, so you can be certain that you’re getting the best flight for that Mediterranean cruise you’ve always dreamed of.
Pack Light
Travel can be stressful for a number of reasons, but the night before you depart it’s common to panic and worry whether you’ve brought everything you will need for your time away–which often leads to overstuffing your suitcase. Make a list of the essentials and bring what you know you’ll need for certain, focusing on layerable outfits and mix and match separates so you can maximize the space in your luggage, and even save room for a few souvenirs.
Bring Important Extras
Travel emergencies happen, and it’s important to come prepared. Tuck a few extras in your bad, including:
- copies of vital documents,
- extra bank cards,
- extra doses of important medicines,
- emergency skincare (sunscreen, spot treatments, etc),
- extra socks,
- and a travel towel.
Book in Advance
Flights, rental cars and hotels often raise their prices for last-minute travelers, so you’re better off making reservations for the big purchase items involved in your trip well in advance. As a rule, travel deals are best acquired anywhere from three to six weeks before your date of departure, but they’re likely to skyrocket in price from there. If you spot a good deal, jump on it.
Plan Ahead
One of the best parts of travel is the opportunity to explore all there is to see of a new area. Do yourself a favor ahead of time and research popular tourist attractions, sites that may be off the beaten path and the general layout of your destination. Look into travel options, highly-rated restaurants and the hours and locations of some of the sites and galleries you’re dying to see to make sure you get the chance to do it all.
Educate Yourself
Every destination has been shaped by its history, and knowing the notable events that formed the area can add an enriching layer to your travel experience. Take the time before you go to read a book, watch a few videos, peruse travel guides or do your own research into the past stories and circumstances that made the region what it is today.
Bring a Camera
It may seem unnecessary, especially because most smartphones have impressive cameras nowadays, but a camera can help you to remember to stop and snap frame-worthy photos that you’ll want to head home and print out.
Bringing your nicer camera along makes the trip feel a little more special, and can also save you a bit of money, too, if you plan to capture beautiful shots of your trip instead of purchasing overpriced souvenirs.
Look on Social Media
For local-driven information about what to see, do, eat and wear when you finally land, look no further than social media. In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to locate the hot spots of any destination thanks to these platforms.
Type in your destination and look for photo-worthy backdrops, exquisite restaurants, lesser-known sites of interest and any other intriguing information about the area. Be sure to bookmark each interesting post so you know what to look for when you’re on the road.