My 50 Best Travel Tips To Make Your Trip A Breeze

Traveling isn’t always child’s play, whether you’re jet-lagged or find yourself in an unfamiliar country, speaking a different language and understanding, well, nothing. Years of traveling have taught me many important and vital things that I can’t even do without today. But here’s the thing: I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I’d known these tips before I even started exploring our wonderful, wide world.

And that’s why I’ve put together this list of my 50 best travel hacks to help all travelers get out of their comfort zone and make their trip a breeze!

Save it for later!

The planning phase

This is actually one of the essential steps of your journey, as there can be no trip without (at least a little) preparation, so here are a few easy tips to implement when preparing for your vacation:

1. Plan as early as possible

I don’t think I can stress this point enough, as it will not only help you save money, which is kind of necessary when traveling on a budget, but also give you peace of mind, which can’t be neglected, especially if you’ve planned a trip before as you surely know how stressful it can be.

So do yourself a favor and think about the destination you’d like to visit at least 2 to 3 months in advance, to give you enough time to make the journey of your dreams come true.

And if you want some insider advices, here are Tracy’s best tips for planning your trip like a travel agent!

2. Do your research

You’ve got your destination in mind, right? Then it’s time to grab your laptop and do some research to determine the activities or sights you absolutely can’t miss. Of course, I don’t recommend planning your days to a T, as this will eventually tire you out and you won’t enjoy them as much as if you leave room for the unexpected.

Be spontaneous, but at the same time, don’t travel somewhere without first finding out the best attractions, activities, customs, do’s and don’ts in a given country. Being respectful is also an important factor in enjoying your holiday, as the locals will treat you better than if you’re just there to sightsee and show off your money without taking people lifestyle into consideration. Please don’t give them a reason to give foreigners a bad name!

3. Check visa requirements and safety issues in the destination country

One important thing you should never forget is to check whether you’ll need a visa to enter the country. I know it’s common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen at the airport asking the staff if they need a visa. So if you don’t want to be denied entry to the country, remember to search and apply for a visa beforehand if necessary.

The same goes for safety issues in the country. Of course, you wouldn’t think of traveling to a country at war, but sometimes, even if there’s nothing but tension, I strongly advise you to think twice before booking your vacation, as situations can quickly escalate and being in a country where war is breaking out is far from what you’d want for your trip, isn’t it?

4. Don’t wait for the perfect deal

I’m sure you’ve heard of Tuesday nights at 1am… when it comes to the best time to book your trip, but let’s be honest, that may have been the case at some point, who knows? Not anymore!

So, as soon as you see a good deal, my advice: click on buy now! Don’t wait in the hope that prices will drop and you’ll save hundreds of dollars, because you know that happens very rarely and I wouldn’t bet my savings on an “if”.

The mistake I made when I first started traveling was to always postpone buying a plane ticket for a few days because I foolishly thought that prices will change for the better in a week’s time, and you know how many times this has proved true: zero.

Stop waiting for the best prices and buy as early as possible, that’s how you’ll save those extra bucks!

> Tuesdays may no longer be the best days, but I’ve found that tickets bought on Sunday are generally cheaper!

5. Use different search engines

Whether you’re familiar with Google Flights, Skyscanner or another flight comparison website, the hack is to use more than one to see how prices vary from one search engine to another. Yes, this requires more work, but if you’re looking to save money, you should give it a try!

And while we’re on the subject of search engines, if you don’t mind a little planning and research, you might consider booking your own connecting flights (if you have one): money-saving tip! Just make sure you leave enough time between flights!

6. Always book with the company

Using a flight comparison search engine is all well and good, but remember to always book with the airline company – definitely more advantageous, believe me! Especially if an issue arises and you have to cancel your trip or if your flight is delayed, for example.

Booking through a third party may seem like a good way to save a few bucks, but more often than not, the customer service isn’t that great and you don’t get any rewards. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard other travelers share their unfortunate stories of losing thousands of dollars because they trusted a third party site.

Plus, by trusting an airline and being a frequent flyer, you’ll earn loyalty points that you can then use to get cheaper flights!

7. Make a copy of important documents

Well, have you ever traveled to Southeast Asia during the monsoon season? If not, let me tell you that humidity and rain can sometimes be dangerous, especially for your passport (I speak from experience here). What happened was that I didn’t have a cover for my passport – silly, I know – and my precious document ended up getting pretty soaked, so you can imagine how glad I was that I had the wit to make a copy, which makes it easy to replace.

This lesson taught me to always make a copy of the most important documents (passport, visa, insurance…) before going on a trip, just in case something similar happens.

By the way, you should always check the expiration date of your passport before booking your tickets!

8. Keep your vaccinations up to date

First of all, look up the government website for any additional vaccinations you may not have before planning your trip. Not only may you need to take an appointment to get your shot, but you may also have to wait weeks before receiving the last dose (if necessary).

Plus, you may not have noticed that you’re not up to date with a certain vaccine that may be mandatory in a country. Don’t forget to take a look at your vaccination record and plan ahead!

9. Travel off-season

There are so many benefits to traveling off-season that you should at least try it once. First of all, you can escape the tourist crowds and have some places all to yourself (sometimes even the usual touristy sites), you’ll get discounts on hotels and flights, you won’t have to wait to eat at the trendy restaurant, you’ll enjoy better customer service as the staff aren’t as busy as in high season, and much more.

I could list the advantages all night long, but just remember that going on a trip during shoulder season will make you feel like you’re in a little paradise where you don’t have to rush to see everything, wake up at crazy hours so you can breathe when you visit an attraction, save a lot of money and have the chance to feel closer to the locals than if there were 100 of tourists.

10. Make a packing list

Feeling like you’re missing something right before you leave can be a real headache and you probably don’t need to add anything to the stress you’re already under, which is where the packing list comes into play!

From essential documents to your clothes, jot down everything you want to bring with you and tick the boxes as you pack and get ready for your adventure!

Need help knowing where to start? Here’s my essential checklist!

11. Set a budget

Setting a realistic budget will not only help you avoid any unnecessary expenses, but also save you money. I usually set a specific amount for daily expenses (food, accommodation and transport) and stick to it.

You should check the cost of living in the destination you’ll be visiting too, as well as the price of different activities, transport costs…

And another indispensable tip is to always keep an emergency fund in addition to your travel budget, in case something unexpected happens, but also for the gifts you’ll be bringing home for your family and friends!

12. Pack lightly

One of the worst things that can prevent you from fully enjoying your trip? Having to carry around your huge luggage, and finding yourself more tired from the physical exercise than from the sheer fun of exploring the country!

My best advice: take only a carry-on, especially if you’re only leaving for a couple of weeks. Your back will thank you, and you won’t have to pay for extra baggage or worry about losing it because you had to check it in.

So pack only the bare essentials, and remember that you’ll always find what you need at your destination!

13. Download a few apps

With technology evolving at such a rapid pace, it would be a shame not to take advantage of all the applications out there. More particularly the ones designed to make life easier for the traveler.

From offline maps, a personal interpreter or a practical and useful currency converter, a few apps on your phone can sometimes be a lifesaver, believe me!

If you’re wondering which travel apps you can’t do without, check out my post!

Safety first

14. Take out travel insurance

I feel like I can’t say this enough: please buy a travel insurance even if you’re super careful, never have accidents and are on the budget, because you never know how quickly an accident can happen. And in that unfortunate case, how much you’ll have to spend out of your own pocket if you don’t have medical cover.

If only for your own safety and the peace of mind of your loved ones, take out insurance and enjoy a stress-free vacation!

Travel insurance isn’t just important, it’s an essential part of your trip!

15. Always share your location

This is one of my major rules, mainly because I’m a solo female traveler and my parents would probably never have accepted the fact that I was traveling to the ends of the earth without it. I mean, I totally get it, because if we’re being sincere, life isn’t all rainbows and lollipops. So, to protect yourself and travel more freely, remember to always share your location to your family or friends.

And if, like me, you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love to get off the beaten path or hike alone, it’s all the more important that you do so, as a fall or other problem can quickly happen, so better safe than sorry!

Plus, it will reassure not only your family, but you too!

16. Buy travel safety items

No matter how long you’ve been traveling, take me for example, as even though I’ve been on the road for 10 years, let me tell you the honest truth: I’m still scared of certain situations when I’m abroad. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling, be it solo or sometimes with friends, but ending up in a hotel room by yourself or walking the streets at night can often be pretty frightening.

And that’s why I’ve decided to take along a few accessories that make me feel safer and more at ease.

So, girls, whether you’re going on a trip or just want to feel at peace at home, here are my 7 travel safety items!

17. Look out for yourself

Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, friends, or as a couple, this tip apply to everyone. Being immersed in so many different cultures has actually led me to believe that humans are fundamentally good, but as everywhere you go, you’ll find some ill-intentioned people, so your best bet is to always look out for yourself.

And this is even truer when you’re in unfamiliar environment, so don’t accept drinks from strangers, always keep an eye on your valuables and trust your instincts!

18. Learn emergency numbers

Because the faster you react, the more likely you are to save someone’s life, you should memorize at least the emergency number of the country you’re traveling in. I know this may seem pointless, since everyone now has a phone and you can save everything you want on it. But if you witness an accident or a natural disaster, for example, you’re likely to panic, and by the time you find the number you’ve saved on your phone, you’ll probably have lost precious seconds.

So engrave it in your memory and don’t waste valuable time!

Essential accessories

19. Earplugs, sleep mask and travel pillow are your friends

I’m a light sleeper, so it was obvious to me that I’d need at least some earplugs if I wanted to get a good night’s sleep! And even if you’re not the type to wake up at the slightest noise, wait until you’ve stayed in hostels where people don’t always respect other people’s sleep, or on a camping trip where strange and spooky noises will keep you up at night, or dogs fighting in the streets outside your windows in the Philippines!

Want to get some zzz’s after a full day of catching flights and waiting for connections? Buy a light, soft and comfy travel pillow! Trust me, it will become your true ally in more situations than one!

And for those who are more sensitive, especially to light, a sleep mask is exactly what you need! Say goodbye to sleepless nights when your room has no curtains to keep out the beautiful sunlight or neon lights.

20. Bring a reusable water bottle

Once you’ve bought a small bottle of water for over $5 at the airport at least once, I’m pretty sure you won’t forget yours next time!

Not only will you save a lot of money, but you won’t get dehydrated waiting for free water on the plane, as most airports have fountains where you can fill your water bottle for free. What do you think? Are you already looking for the perfect cute bottle?

21. A first aid kit you will pack

Of course, I don’t mean you have to bring the whole pharmacy with you, but at least a few essentials you’ll be glad to have on you after walking all day and getting huge blisters, for example.

Here’s what I put in mine: tweezers, adhesive tape, a few safety pins, gauze, bandages, antiseptic, medication (for headaches, fever, anti-diarrhea, stomach) and an emergency blanket.

Lightweight, practical and indispensable, every traveler should have a first aid kit in their luggage.

And for my outdoor enthusiast friends, remember to pack yours in your daypack when you go hiking or on any other adventure!

> Don’t forget to find out in advance what types of medication might be prohibited in the country you’re visiting.

22. A sewing kit to mend your clothes

Like the first aid kit, the sewing kit is also one of my must-haves, because you never know when you’ll need to mend that little hole in your socks. It’s perfect for those emergency situations when there’s no store near you! I hope you’re better at sewing than I am, though!

23. Opt for a card with no foreign transaction fees

Withdrawing cash abroad and being charged a fee is one of the most irritating things you’ll ever encounter. I mean, the last thing you want is to go on vacation, and when you get back to see how much you’ve actually spent because of those hidden fees.

That’s why my tip is to check that your card won’t make you spend more than you planned and, if it does, open another bank account dedicated to your travels that will give you the peace of mind to spend internationally at no extra cost!

24. Get a SIM card

One of the first things you’ll probably see as soon as you land is a shop selling SIM cards, and the reason is simple: for foreigners, it’s way cheaper than data roaming. Never ever activate your data abroad, unless you want your next phone bill to go through the roof, believe me!

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have access to certain apps reserved for local numbers (I’m thinking of Taiwan and its great bike-sharing system, for example).

25. Acquire travel size toiletries

Travel restrictions (100ml) may be inconvenient, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring along your favorite products. Simply opt for travel size toiletries that will fit easily in your luggage and save you space at the same time.

But you may want to choose a waterproof toiletry bag as well as leak-proof travel containers because opening your luggage and discovering that your products have leaked all over your clothes is certainly the last thing you want at the start of your trip.

Don’t forget to pack a laundry bag to separate your fresh clothes from your dirty ones too – trust me, you’ll thank me later!

> And why not choose a solid shampoo: generally more environmentally-friendly and there’s no risk of it leaking!

26. Dry quickly with a microfiber towel

Another travel essential: the versatile microfiber towel! Quick-drying, lightweight and ultra-compact, it’s the perfect item to include in your packing list! Plus, you can take it everywhere, because it’s so small it literally fits in any bag!

27. No more running out of battery thanks to the power bank

Right before I took my first steps into the world of backpacking, I read tons of article, really tons, to find out what was the number #1 item you should always have with you when traveling. And after scrolling through hundreds of posts, I always found one object that came up again and again: the power bank! And how true it is!

Now that I’ve witnessed first hand just how lifesaving this external battery can be, I wouldn’t even consider exploring a place without putting it in my daypack. I can’t tell you how many times having a power bank with me has saved me from getting lost and stranded after hours of hiking, far from any city.

Want a stress-free trip? Buy one now!

28. Always bring a scarf, padlock and adapter

Three accessories that all seasoned travelers will tell you are necessary and don’t take up much space.

Of course, an adapter is essential if you want to charge all your gadgets at some point. But it’s best to choose one that’s not bulky and is only suitable for the country you’re visiting. There’s no need to buy an all-in-one universal travel adapter if you’re not traveling to several countries.

What about the scarf (mind you, l’m talking about a lightweight one here)? I use mine as a blanket on the plane, to cover my shoulders in Asia, as a pareo or towel for lying on the beach… See? Lots of uses, right?

As for the padlock, it’s always useful to have one close at hand, especially when it comes to putting your valuables in the hostel’s locker!

29. Carry wet wipes

Do you have any idea how dirty an airplane actually is? If not, maybe it’s for the best, but I’d still recommend always having wet wipes within reach to at least clean the tray table.

But that’s not all: wet wipes will help you feel refreshed when you don’t have a bathroom nearby after endless hours in the air, or after a nice but muddy trek.

Travel hacks

30. Use compression packing cubes

Want to save some space in your luggage? Well, I’ve got you covered! Compression packing cubes aren’t just practical and sturdy, they’re a real game-changer!

And if you’re like me and love to travel for long periods, your backpack or lugagge can quicly become a mess, but thanks to these cubes, it’s easy to stay organized. No more searching for minutes before finding your favorite floral top!

31. Pack a daypack

If you’re traveling with a backpack, pack a small daypack as well, and if you’re more of a suitcase type, include a bag with your belongings or take one as a carry-on if you’re checking in. Why take a daypack you may ask? Quite simply because it will allow you to explore with ease, while still carrying all your essentials – food, water, first aid kit…

But the other reason I pack a daypack is so I can have it as a backup in case something happens to my check-in baggage (as happened recently when I was in Indonesia). I put all my fundamentals inside and also keep a change of clothes. That way, if my other belongings get lost or I’m on a long train ride, I can at least do without it for a couple of days until things are fixed or I get to my next destination!

32. Walk everywhere

This is one of my favorite money-saving tips! Walking everywhere, or at least where you’re not risking your life (I’m not asking you to walk on the road in the middle of traffic) will not only keep you fit, but is also ideal when you’re on a budget and can’t afford to splurge on taxi rides or public transport tickets that are often expensive in some European cities, for example.

So use your beautiful legs and discover new places!

33. Wear comfortable clothes

Spending a few hours on a plane is far from what I’d call comfortable, and that’s for someone who’s short and doesn’t have legroom problems (at least one advantage of being small, I guess), but after a while you’ll start to get antsy and hope that time will fly by so you can finally get to your destination.

That’s why, if you meet me on a trip, I tend to choose comfy pants, a stretchy top, a cozy sweater and sneakers. It may not be the most attractive outfit, but who cares?!?

34. Save space with this hack

Rolling up your clothes may not look like much, but I assure you it works, and if you want another reason to do it, know that it also reduces wrinkles. Pretty nice, isn’t it? Especially when you don’t have an iron on hand!

So now you know why so many people use this method!

35. If you’re tall, the exit rows are for you

If you can reach that candy bar on the top shelf and don’t have to climb on it (lucky you), chances are that the flight journey will be more uncomfortable for you, so if you can, try to buy exit seats as they offer a lot more legroom. A great value for my tall friends, and now you can finally stretch out your long legs and not be so grumpy!

Just remember that the staff will ask you if you can operate the exit doors and help others in an emergency!

36. Fight off jet lag

Long distance trips are often followed by an unappreciated side-effect: jet lag. But even if you’re feeling sleepy, I’d strongly advise against succumbing to temptation, especially if it’s still light out in your final destination.

Here are my tips to fight off jet lag: drink plenty of water, get some sleep during your flight and walk around the city and explore it on landing. Then go to bed after a nice dinner and enjoy some quality sleep!

Once you’ve adjusted to local time, you’ll be as good as new!

37. Withdraw money from ATMs

Exchanging money is pretty much a bad idea in 99% of cases, because the fees are so high that it’s, in fact, the worst deal you can get, and even more so at airports. Avoid all currency exchange counters, and if you really need to exchange money, do so in a bank where you’ll get an honest rate.

But the best you can do is use ATM machines, as even if there is a fee, it will be a “bank rate” and not a “scam rate”, and if you have a nice bank, you may even be exempted from this fee, so check with them in advance!

38. Inform your bank of your departure

While we’re on the topic of banks, don’t forget to inform your bank of your travel plans, because the last think you want is to find yourself without any means of paying for your meal or hotel. Banks tend to be pretty quick to act when they think there’s suspicious activity on your account (we’re fine with that, right?), but to avoid any mishaps, it’s best to let the other party know!

39. Take extra ID photos and memory cards

It’s always useful to have a few extra passport photos! Have you decided to extend your trip and travel to a country where you need to provide a sweet picture of your face, or have you lost your precious passport? Then you’ll understand the importance of having those surplus pictures. Plus, you won’t need to find a place that takes officially approved photos (kind of difficult if you’re in a small town).

Are you more of a photographer, or do you just like to take photos of anything and everything? In that case, it might be smart to pack some extra memory cards for your camera. Backup apps only have so much space, right? At least, with two additional memory cards, you won’t have to worry about losing valuable memories. Say cheese!

Enjoy your vacation

40. Be flexible

Having a plan is good, but you shouldn’t plan everything either. Over-plan will only tire you out, and you won’t enjoy your vacation.
So just keep in mind things like how to get to your hostel/hotel and the activities or sites you absolutely don’t want to miss.

The beauty of travel lies in the hidden gems you discover on a street corner or by listening to the stories of the locals, not in following a precise schedule. Don’t get stuck in a complicated itinerary, and just learn to go with the flow!

41. Learn a few words

Learning a few basic words will not only help you feel more at ease when traveling, whether you’re meeting locals and asking them for directions or hidden gems, but it’s also a great way of showing that you’re genuinely interested in the country’s culture and want to learn more, which locals will appreciate even more.

Communication is the key to understanding people’s feelings and situations, but also to getting them to understand you. By showing locals that you’re making even a slight effort will open doors you never knew existed, as they’ll be more willing to share their stories and lives with you.

Plus, it will make you feel more confident, secure, you’ll make friends all over the world, and your trip will be all the more memorable for it.

42. Wake up earlier

I’m more of a night owl than an early riser, but the only exceptions I make are when I’m traveling, because I like to discover places and enjoy them for myself, which can be rather difficult if you’re in a country where there are already a few tourists.

So your best bet is to wake up early and explore the most famous attractions at their opening time, as the experience will definitely be more enjoyable than if you’re surrounded by hundreds of tourists, believe me!

Or you can also choose to travel in the off-season!

43. Don’t neglect sunscreen or mosquito repellent

You know how you can spot tourists from kilometers away? By their burnt, red and most likely painful skin! So do yourself a favor and don’t look like a lobster during your vacation and when you get back. Use sunscreen and take care of your health. It’s the last step in your skincare routine, and you should’t forget to put some on even if you’re on the plane, as windows don’t block all the rays, especially if you’re sitting in the window seat.

What about mosquito repellent? Nobody likes to scratch all day, do they? If it sounds like you, I’d advise you to buy mosquito repellent, especially if you’re planning to visit an Asian country, where insects are real greedy little vampires.

44. Socialize

I know, I know, it’s a bit rich coming from an introvert like me, but since you’re already out of your comfort zone, you might as well meet new people. Besides, sharing experiences and laughter makes traveling even more unforgettable!

Sometimes, a simple “hello” is a great way to start a conversation and embark on a unique adventure full of memories.

And for the more shy among us, don’t forget that you can also join Facebook groups, free walking tours and guided tours to further immerse yourself in the culture and meet other travelers like you. Remember to mingle with the locals for a more authentic experience too!

45. Respect customs

What I’ve had the displeasure to observe so often is that some tourists expect locals to adapt to them, to speak their language or react in the same way as they do…, when in fact they should be adapting to the country they’re visiting.

So always be respectul of the locals, and find out before you arrive what the do’s and don’ts of a country are, so as to not offend or come across as rude to the people who so kindly welcome you into their homes.

46. Eat local

I mean, you’ve probably traveled thousands of kilometers to get to your dream destination. So it would be a shame to not sample the local food, wouldn’t it? But it can be rather difficult to find you way around the many restaurants when the only tool you can rely on are the mixed reviews of people with different taste…

You know who has the best addresses and tips? The locals, of course! So if you’re looking for a good restaurant, your best bet is to check out which places have the most locals inside before you sit down at the table.

And give street food stalls a chance, as they’re actually the best way to try local food and find culinary gems!

47. Get lost (safely)

Be spontaneous, open-minded, walk with no precise destination in mind and you’ll see just how wonderful getting lost can actually turn out to be, because the most beautiful moments of an adventure are often the ones you don’t expect.

But always look out for yourself and remember that your safety comes first!

48. Be more patient

Because travel doesn’t always go according to plan, you’ll need not only to be flexible, but also to embrace the little mishaps that may happen during your vacation. Bear in mind that there’s a solution to every problem and that being upset won’t take you anywhere.

So take a breath and think about what you can do to solve your issue. Whether you’ve missed your train, have a booking problem or something else, travel sure teaches you to be patient and take a step back. And remember, if you can’t find a solution on your own, there’s always someone ready to lend a hand!

49. Find hidden gems

I have nothing against famous attractions, I even have a few on my bucket list and like visiting some of them, but the best spots are and always will be the less popular ones. Firstly, because there’s no hype around these places and so there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy them without the crowds, but also because you won’t feel like an ordinary tourist there and the atmosphere is one of authenticity and unspoilt beauty.

Yes, they can be difficult to find, but if you’re looking for true immersion, the only thing to do is to ask a local, as there’s no one more knowledgeable than they to provide you with the best hidden gems and off the beaten path beauties! Get ready to have your breath taken away!

50. Enjoy

What better way to end this post than to share with you my most important tip: have fun and enjoy your adventure!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

🧳Compression packing Cubes

🧴Travel Toiletry Set

🥤 Reusable water bottle

🛁 Microfiber towel

Do you have any other tips for your fellow travelers? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

Want to save space when traveling? Here are my 15 tips!

Love it? Feel free to share it!