These are a few travel tips and suggestions I still benefit from, I hope they help you as well. Be sure to pass them along by saving and re-pinning this article!
Make Your Own Food
If you’ll be staying somewhere 5 days or more, plan out your meals and buy some groceries. You’ll save some money by not eating out all the time or at least to have some food on hand to snack on since you may be hungry at random times due to your body not adjusting fully to the time change. However, since experiencing local cuisine is a large part of traveling I will usually choose 1 or 2 meals a day that I’ll eat out. For example before a tour or excursion I may prepare and eat breakfast and pack some snacks for in between meals but eat out for lunch and dinner. At the end of the day I still saved some money during my trip by not eating out for all 3 meals and snacks.
Meals Meant For Travel
Meal suggestions you can purchase from the local grocery store that can be cooked in a microwave or eaten cold:
- Eggs (pre-hard boiled or can be scrambled and then microwaved, check out this video to see how)
- Fully cooked bacon/sausage
- Oatmeal heated or overnight oats
- Lunch meats and cheeses and veggies for sandwiches/pb&j sandwiches
- Yogurt & milk of choice for cereal and parfaits
- Pot pies
- Instant rice & fully cooked frozen chicken
- Canned tuna/ready made tuna salad & crackers
Schedule Breaks In Your Vacation
It can be so easy to put pressure on yourself to see and do as much as possible while on your trip which is understandable because vacations are not always as frequent as we like, and we may not be able to revisit a particular country or region again for a long time if ever. With that said however, vacationing can be like eating at a buffet. You can’t eat everything that’s available to you at once. If you overeat you’ll leave feeling miserable and sick. Similarly with site seeing and excursions, you don’t want to pile on so many activities with so much area to cover. Then you feel as if you need a vacation from your vacation, and don’t actually enjoy your getaway! Be sure to schedule time for sufficient rest.
Remain Aware Or Your Surroundings
Not sure if you’ve ever noticed but tourists stand out in crowds! Many places in the world are known for their pick pocketing, scams, and haggling to buy souvenirs and goods. Remember this when traveling because as a tourist you will be a prime target. Don’t leave your purses unzipped and easily accessible, don’t keep your wallet or phone in your back pocket, be sure to keep your luggage and bags in front of you where you have a clear line of site when traveling on buses trains and subways. I have SEEN it happen where some poor unsuspecting tourist had her wallet snatched out of her purse (that was open and easily accessible while hanging over her shoulder). Consider purchasing a money belt to wear under your clothes. Store your identification, credit cards, and extra money in just in case your purse or backpack gets stolen!
Also, very important, watch to see if you notice any individuals (outside of your group or larger tour group) that continue to show up where you are or go where you go. I had very scary experience in Paris where a man followed me off of the subway TWICE. The first time, after following me for several blocks he motioned for me to go over to him while he was standing next to a van of all vehicles (after getting off the subway…suspicious) which I fervently declined.
The SECOND time it was apparent that he was trying to figure out what building I was staying in. The hotel had to restrict access by screening everyone that came in- it was a whole big thing. I’m only including this scary ordeal to personally warn you to please be careful and pay attention to your surroundings especially in unfamiliar areas! This article has more in-depth safety tips and suggestions when traveling.
Keep A Journal Or Electronic Log
I have received this advice more than once from fellow globe trotters! Trips and vacations can become a blur after a few years and while having pictures is great, rereading your own handwritten (or typed) experiences can be a very rewarding way to relive exciting moments and can prove comforting especially during times of personal hardships that may prevent you from continuing to travel.
Depending on your writing style a travel journal can prove to be a memorable keep sake you may want to share with others filled with suggestions they should try or places you’ll want to revisit, like the best restaurants, great hotels you stayed at, people you met, and other cultural or local wisdom you gained while visiting another area. I know for myself documenting my trips has proved to be invaluable, in writing helpful travel articles for my blog!
For tips on how to keep a memorable travel journal check out this article by Louisa Rogers https://www.travelawaits.com/2563105/tips-for-keeping-a-memorable-travel-journal/
Map Out Your Travel
Are you traveling solo or with a small group? Do you plan on taking public transportation to explore the area? Then make sure you know how to get back to your hotel or lodging quarters. Cell phones, google maps, and wayz are all useful tools to navigate around unfamiliar territory but it’s important not to put all of your trust in them. Cell phones can break (happened to me in Italy, thankfully it was just the screen that needed to be replaced) batteries die, and Mobil data may not always prove reliable.
With this in mind it’s good to have a backup plan! Look over your day’s itinerary and its stops. From each location you plan on traveling to that day, screen shot AND write out the direction to get back to your hotel. Be sure to take into account which subway or bus routes you may need to take. If you are somewhere where you don’t speak the local language make sure you have written down: the name, address, and the phone number of where you are staying in case of emergencies. Keep that info well tucked away. And if possible always get a physical city map of the area you are visiting. Your hotel may be able to provide this for you or direct you to the nearest tourist information center.
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