Most people only dream of traveling to exotic locations, but for some, travel is a way of life. These travelers have learned a few tricks along the way that make their journeys easier and more enjoyable. From communicating with locals to avoiding scams, the following tips from frequent travelers will help make your trip a breeze. Here are six tips from pro travelers that will help you when you hit the road.
1) Use Credit Cards
Credit cards are not only good for emergency situations, but they can get you great discounts. Not all countries accept American Express (Amex) or Diners Club; however, Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. The best way to save money is by finding a card that offers free foreign transactions and no foreign transaction fees. Also, when using a credit card, you’ll be able to collect some travel rewards, such as points towards your next flight or hotel stay. So, do your research and choose a travel credit card that supports your type of traveling.
2) Get Out and Meet People
Many travelers stay hidden away at their resort or hotel, never venturing out into the local community. It’s important to get out of your comfort zone and meet people from other cultures. This will help you learn more about the place you’re visiting and make your trip a richer experience. There are several ways to meet people in a foreign country. You can try talking to locals, going to social events, or even signing up for group tours. The more connected you make yourself with the community, the better your visit will be. And you never know, maybe you will find a friend that way.
3) Try Local Foods
Be adventurous when it comes to food. Instead of sticking with the same tuna sandwich day after day, try something new. The best way to experience a place is through its local cuisine. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from your hotel staff or bartender where the best places are to eat nearby. They will most likely have great suggestions because after all, the food is what the city is known for!
4) Learn a Few Foreign Phrases
It’s always important to learn the basic phrases in the local language. This may seem like it would be difficult, but with today’s technology, learning these few words can be quick and easy. There are apps for your phone that you can use to learn some important phrases before you go. Also, try watching local news clips on YouTube so that you can familiarize yourself with common words and expressions. Finally, if you have a friend or family member who lives in the country you are visiting, see if they will give you a quick lesson. Even just knowing how to say hello, thank you, and goodbye will get you far.
5) Don’t Forget to Take Some Awesome Photos
When on vacation, most people want to bring home some cool mementos of their trip, such as photos of them swimming with the dolphins or having a drink at an outdoor bar. Depending on where you are traveling, it can be easy to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments. Just make sure you have your camera ready before the action starts! Also, make sure your camera is charged at all times because you don’t want to miss out on “the shot.”
6) Pack Lightly
Traveling with massive luggage is not fun. It can be stressful, overwhelming, and downright annoying. Instead of lugging around your whole house with you on the plane, only pack the necessities for your trip. You don’t need to bring five different outfits in case one gets wet or dirty; instead, opt for clothing that’s easy to wash and quick to dry. Also, pack clothes that are easy to match and comfortable to wear. By bringing less stuff, you’ll be able to fit everything into one suitcase and will be much happier when you arrive at your destination.
7) Take Out Travel Insurance
Last but not least, protect yourself by purchasing travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere, from getting yourself injured or sick to your luggage getting lost. If you have the right insurance coverage, it will cover any expenses you incur while traveling abroad and make sure that you’ve taken care of in case anything goes wrong. So, try researching some affordable policies and make sure you don’t go on another trip without it.
Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful. By following these seven tips, you’ll make your trip easier and more enjoyable. From meeting new people to trying local foods, these suggestions will help you get the most out of your vacation. And don’t forget to take some awesome photos!
