Are you ready for an adventure? There are so many different forms of travel: backpacking, cruises, long-term travel, etc. No two trips are the same, and each trip will provide you with unique memories and exciting adventures that you can share with your friends and family back home. Whether you are taking a trip to see family and friends for the holidays, or want to explore new countries across the world, traveling can be an enriching and memorable experience.
We have all spent hours looking at pictures of gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, and cool road trips. Before you book, know that travel isn’t always Instagram-worthy. Flights may be delayed, you might run into scams, and you may dip into your budget more than you had originally planned. A battle with food poisoning or lost luggage can certainly put a damper on your trip. Luckily, travelers before you have gone through similar experiences and know how to avoid snafus while traveling. Do not worry; with proper planning, and the following travel tips from travel experts, you can make the most out of your travels and experience the vacation or trip of a lifetime.
Enjoy the next 50 tips for traveling, including flying, taking a road trip, traveling with children, and traveling overseas.
Tips for Planning Your Trip and Booking Accommodation
- Get the Best Deals on Hotel Rooms
In order to score a great deal on a hotel room, you may have to be patient, be flexible, and do your research. Travelers have many different strategies and tricks for getting the best hotel room for the lowest price. For example, booking 24-48 hours may get you a lower rate, as you’re booking during the hotel’s cancellation time frame. If you sign up ahead of time on websites that alert you of price drops, you will get an instant notification when the hotel is available at the best price. Checking in at the end of the day, and discreetly asking for a corner room, will also give you the best chance of getting an upgrade for the same price.
- Make Friends (And Save Money) By Staying in a Hostel
If you are a young solo traveler, staying in a hotel can get lonely. Meet fellow travelers at youth hostels, which offer cheap accommodation in private or dorm rooms. The quality of the rooms or amenities may not match a 5-star resort, but many hostels have communal areas or activities where travelers can mingle and enjoy a drink.
Hostels are (usually) not available for travelers over the age of 50, but solo travelers can meet people through a variety of websites or apps.
- Consider Housesitting for Free Accommodation
If you are flexible with travel dates and where you would like to stay, consider house sitting or pet sitting. There are a handful of websites that offer a subscription program in order to search and apply for house sitting jobs. Most of these jobs are in the suburbs, but if you own a car or do not mind taking public transportation, you can get a nice house or apartment with little to no cost.
- Check The Dates Of Your Trip For Public Holidays
Different countries have different religions and holidays that may affect your travel plans. In some cases, the rates for accommodation may be higher, or hotels will book up fast. Other holidays may affect the hours of popular tourist sites or local businesses. In some countries, religious holidays may affect the sale of alcohol. On the other hand, visiting a country or city while they celebrate a big holiday can be very enriching and make your trip more special. Plan your trip accordingly, and know what to expect when you arrive during a holiday season.
- Read Blogs or Visit Social Media For Inspiration
If you pop your destination into Google, you may find a handful of the same restaurants, sites, and hotels in the first page of results. Dig a little deeper and get recommendations from Bloglovin or other blogging platforms. Bloggers, especially bloggers with smaller followings, are more likely to give accurate and authentic information about what it is like to travel; if they are paid by a tour or company to promote their product, they should disclose that information throughout their blog posts.
You can also use social media to find local gems and hidden spots. Searching through Instagram by specific locations or hashtags will show you pretty sites and great restaurants that you might not find on big travel websites.
Tips for Packing
- Know the Weather and Culture of Your Destination Before Packing
In order to properly pack for your destination, do some research about your destination and your itinerary. Check how hot, and also how humid, the weather will be during your trip. If you are traveling during a “rainy season,” you will want to pack more breathable clothes and waterproof shoes. If you are packing for colder weather, you will have to pack layers.
Also consider the culture and dress codes of the area you are visiting. In a country like Thailand or Cambodia, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees in order to visit a temple. Sandals or shorts may also be prohibited if you want to go to a nice restaurant or bar.
- Choose Luggage That You Recognize
A square black suitcase can be hard to find at baggage claim, and harder to identify if your luggage gets lost. Bring a unique suitcase or backpack with bright colors or patterns. Take a picture of your suitcase before you check it, just in case it gets lost. If you do need to pack a more common suitcase, add a bright luggage tag or tie a ribbon around the handle to easily identify the bag.
- Pack Solid Cosmetics When You Can
If you want to limit your luggage to a carry-on, you will have to limit the amount of liquids you bring with you, including shampoos and shower gels. Purchase solid cosmetics to get through airport security without throwing anything away. If you need to pack smaller liquids, make sure they will comply with the 3-1-1 rule. These liquids should be kept in a Ziploc bag just in case they spill or burst in transit.
Article courtesy of Your RV Lifestyle.
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