Traveling can be a fulfilling and stress-free experience or a wholly chaotic and traumatic disaster. After all, different places have different sets of rules, cultures, backgrounds, and dangers. It's best to prepare for them all.
Right from the beginning to the end of a trip, there are specific steps experienced travelers will take to ensure their journey runs smoothly. Here are seven tips you can learn right now to travel like a pro.
1. Research beforehand
Of course, every excited traveler will research the place they're visiting. Tourist spots, the best places to eat, and popular activities to do are some of the more common research topics when it comes to traveling. Yet, that's only the start.
Remember to research crime rates and local warnings. It will also be helpful to figure out how much to pay for local transportation. It would help if you also googled the rates on popular attractions. Unfortunately, locals taking advantage of foreigners is quite common. It's best to be prepared.
2. Show Up Way Earlier
Transportation that involves long distances can be pricey. When flights are concerned, there is no room for delay. It is advisable to show up way earlier. Several things that are out of hand may happen.
For example, you might suddenly get stuck in traffic. Or whoever is bringing you might get a flat tire. There may even be an extra long line for check-ins. Many things can and have gone wrong for travelers. It is best to leave early and be on the lookout for any disruptions.
3. Dazzle Your Suitcase
Your suitcase is probably one-colored with a basic placement of holders and zippers. It would've been fine if hundreds of other travelers weren't carrying one-colored luggage with the same arrangement of holders and zippers.
Dazzling your suitcase is personalizing it, so it stands out more. It will help you in three ways: avoid luggage theft, prevent suitcase swapping, and quickly locate your suitcase.
4. Get an International Driver's Permit
Being able to drive wherever you're going is super useful if you're a veteran traveler. Cab fares and Ubers can be expensive. In an emergency, it's always handy to be able to drive legally.
It is even more helpful when visiting a friend or a family member. You can easily borrow their car to do errands. The alternative would be burdening them to drive you around or burning a hole in your pockets for cab fares or Uber payments.
Plus, the process is shockingly simple and fast. You can visit the International Driver's Association and get your license within minutes.
5. Wash Your Clothes
If you're in a hotel, their extra fees for laundry can get crazy expensive. Washing your clothes in a sink or bathtub is way more budget-friendly. All you'll need to do is bring some detergent. You can even buy some wherever you're traveling.
Although hanging them out by the balcony is usually not permitted, another alternative could be placing the wet clothes where the AC hits. They'll usually be dry in a day and ready to wear. With the proper planning, you could save hundreds just on laundry!
6. Screenshot or Download From Google Maps
When you've already booked places you need to be and spots you want to visit, it's handy to take a screenshot of the mapped locations or download them on Google. This way, you won't have to worry about having good service whenever you need to use Google Maps.
Knowing a way back to your hotel is essential in an unfamiliar place. Having maps saved on your phone decreases your chances of getting lost.
7. Organize Your Papers
Do you have tickets to a show? Did you place your passport in a secure place? Perhaps you're on a business trip and have some papers to review. Whichever circumstance, getting organized is vital.
You cannot afford to be disorganized with your papers when you're in a place where not everything is familiar and accessible to you. A simple folder to segregate and organize your documents, tickets, and passport will do a load of good.
General Rule: Take Notes
After the trip, there will always be something you could've done to make it better. There could've been something to bring to make traveling a little easier. Perhaps you've figured out that baby wipes are the holy grail of travel. It may be that you've decided you need your favorite plushie every time you sleep.
Take notes of these things. This way, every trip will become less hectic and more pleasurable.
Be Prepared, Be Relaxed
Being prepared is a prized trait on all occasions, especially when traveling. When you take the time to prepare for your trip adequately, you are carrying out the necessary steps to ensure a relaxed, anxiety-free journey.
