Top 15 travel tips from a seasoned traveler
I have spent nearly four years as a digital nomad and here are my top tips for making sure your next trip is a success.
Research
The number one tip I can give any traveler is to do your research! Here is what to look into:
Neighborhood you plan to stay in (e.g., safety, walking distance to restaurants and activities)
Local food
Currency
Language
Things to do and day trips
Transportation
Safety of the drinking water
Weather
Visa requirements
Embassy
Being prepared helps you react accordingly if a bad situation arises, or proactively prevent one. You will also feel more comfortable exploring and trying new things. I visit places assuming I will never return. That mindset pushes me to do as much research as possible so I get the most out of my time there.
Where to research:
Google searches
Social media (Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok)
Travel forums (Rick Steves, Reddit)
Ask friends and family
If you don’t know, ask
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Transportation is my Achilles heel—I can’t count how many times I’ve boarded the wrong bus or train. I’ve learned to ask those around me to confirm I’m on the right one. I learn the phrase “Do you speak English?” in the local language to ask for help. If you are in an area where English isn’t widely spoken, Google Translate or creative gesturtures also works.
Be warned: If you don’t ask, you may find yourself on a bus to Punta Mita instead of your original destination of Puerto Vallarta.
Words to know
Locals will appreciate you try to communicate in the local language. I reccommend learning the following words in advance: hello, thank you, goodbye, check.
How to fight jet lag
Don’t sleep no matter how tired you are! I recommend tackling the boring to-do items as soon as you arrive: check into your hotel/airbnb, grab groceries, plan your week, and then wrap up the day with dinner out. No one wants to cook after a full day of travel. Go to bed at a reasonable hour so you are ready to start the next day energized.
For the first two days, I recommend keeping busy. Wake up early and pack your schedule with walking tours, exploring, and general activity. That way, you will feel naturally tired when it’s time for bed and (hopefully) sleep through the night. If I’m still worried about sleeping through the night, I break a sleeping pill into tiny pieces and take just a sliver. A full sleeping pill turns me into a zombie the next day.
Take time for yourself to recharge
Traveling can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Solo travel especially can be tough because you are constantly learning new places, navigating public transit, evaluating safety, and meeting new people.
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself. Order takeout, sleep in and watch a movie, book a massage, or buy a dessert. Your will feel much better if you give yourself time to recharge your mental and physical batteries.
You don’t owe anyone anything, but don’t “solo” solo / Be aware of surroundings
You’ve probably seen safety advice that encourages you to pretend you’re not traveling solo. Some examples include, “my friends are back at the hotel waiting for me… my boyfriend is on his way to meet me.” If you are in danger—yes, I highly recommend using this tactic. Get yourself to safety as quickly as possible. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
However, if you’ve evaluated the situation and feel comfortable, it’s OK to share that you are traveling alone. You might meet great people and be invited to join activities. In a secure setting, you can make the most of the experience by being open and friendly.
Bring extra of important things
If you have room, pack spares of essential items: chargers, medicine, contacts/glasses. If your originals get damaged, lost, or forgotten, you will be glad you have spares!
Cleanliness
Wherever I go, I always carry hand sanitizer and travel tissues. Public transportation, large crowds, and new environments are full of germs. I wash or sanitizer my hands before eating and when I return to my lodging. Additionally, I like to carry these items on me because there is a chance that the bathrooms may be out of toilet paper and soap - or you have to pay extra for it.
Bar soap 101
Bar soap has a major perk: it’s not a liquid, so it’s TSA-friendly. If you are a bar soap girlie like me, you might wonder how much to bring. I go through a bar of Dove soap every week to week and a half. When it gets too small, I use it as hand soap after that. I also like placing bar soap with my clothes because it keeps them smelling fresh.
Running low on liquid hygiene products
For a two-week trip, I’ll survive on one carry-on sized shampoo and conditioner, washing my hair every two to three days. Toward the end of the trip, when the bottles are half full or less, I add water and shake to dilute the product. Water is one of the top ingredients in both products; all I’m doing is making it last a few days longer, saving me money and time. I do the same with face wash.
Cutting down on liquids
The airport I dread the most is Heathrow in London. They’re strict about liquids in carry-ons. When you don’t want to bring a checked bag, this can be frustrating. Tips on how to reduce liquids:
Use bar soap instead of liquid (works for body soap and shampoo)
Pack laundry strips instead of pods
Separate your liquids into two bags and bins for TSA screening
Good walking shoes
This might sound obvious, but it needs to be emphasized: pack a good pair of walking shoes! A pair of neutral-colored, supportive sneakers match with almost any outfit. Your feet will thank you.
Slippers
Shoes take up space, but slippers are my one indulgence. After a long day exploring, slipping into something soft and cozy can make a world of difference. Trust me, this little taste of home will make any travel worries go away.
Be humble
Every country has something to teach you—if you’re open to it. Open your eyes and heart to the local culture and step out of your comfort zone. I love the food in Europe, the hospitality in Colombia, and reverence of history in Albania. No country is perfect, but each one can help you become a more empathetic, well-rounded individual.
Most important takeaway
Don’t forget your: medicine, phone, wallet, passport, keys. Everything else you can buy locally.