16 Travel Tips to Make Travel Easier
Traveling can be immensely stressful. You have to pack the right clothing, bring important documents, have to get to the airport on time, etc. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why Avondale Travel is here! We’ve compiled a list of travel tips and tricks useful for all travelers. Here are 16 travel tips to make travel easier.
Make Extra Copies of Important Documents
You never know when you’ll need your passport or documentation when traveling. Be sure to make copies and bring them with you so you don’t have to worry about potentially losing the original. If your passport is stolen, having a copy will come in handy. Don’t forget to also send an email copy to yourself too!
Learn Basic Phrases in the Native Language of Your Destination
You don’t have to be an expert, but learning basic terms (hello, goodbye, etc.) in the native language of your destination will make the trip much smoother. Your interactions with the locals will be much more positive as well. They’ll appreciate that you tried!
Take a Picture of Your Bag
Should your luggage get lost, having a picture of the outside of your bag will help the airport staff find it faster.
Wear a Carbon Fiber Belt
When going through airport security, wear a carbon fiber belt instead of one with a metal buckle. It won’t set off the metal detector, and you don’t have to waste precious time being stopped by security and removing your belt.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are great. Whether you’re on a plane for a long time or are walking around, compression socks decrease lactic acid, increase oxygen delivery, prevent cramps and minimize muscle fatigue. They’ll also help your tired legs recover faster. When you’re not used to being on your feet all day, these are lifesavers!
Don’t let that passport expire!
If your passport is set to expire in the next seven months or less, get it renewed now! Yes, we said SEVEN months. Don’t wait!
Wear the Sunscreen.
Getting burnt can quickly derail a great trip. Wear sunscreen everyday even if it’s cloudy.
Traveling near the equator or high altitudes? Be extra careful to ensure you wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
Travel By Yourself Occasionally!
Traveling with friends is great, but you really should make a solo trip a priority if you haven’t already.
Solo travel gives you the extra time to really learn about yourself, meet new people, and explore what you want when you want.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle!
It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling. The cost of water can get expensive and disposable water bottles aren’t great for the environment. We recommend packing a filtered water bottle on all your travels. This way you can re-use the same bottle thousands of times, and never pay for expensive, wasteful bottled water again!
Quick Grab Items!
If your journey involves an overnight (or even a long) flight, pack a small bag of things you’ll need during your flight or upon landing. We use small zipper pouches that tuck neatly into the seatback pocket. I use these to store a pen, my phone, earbuds, a small pad, book or e-reader, tissues, eye drops, some aspirin and anything else I might need so I don’t have to dig into my bag in the middle of the flight.
Plastic bags are your friend.
Plastic bags – the ones that seal – are your best friends! You’ll need one quart bag for any liquids or gels that you’ll be taking through security but they can be used for so much more. Putting your hair care and other beauty products safely in a bag will prevent any disasters mid-flight. On your trip home they are great storage for a still damp swimsuit or those shells you picked up on the beach! Everything in your luggage has multiple jobs! PS – if you buy any wine and want to bring it home in your suitcase, wrap it carefully in a couple of shopping bags and your dirty clothes… or ship it!
Freshen up!
Living out of a suitcase can be exciting but by the end of a 10-day trip that bag may be a little bit less than fresh! A dryer sheet tucked into a pocket or even into one of your shoes will help keep the air in your bag just a little bit sweeter!
Start with the shoes!
If you think about it, your footwear is the largest and heaviest single item in your suitcase. Decide which shoes to bring – a pair of dress shoes, a pair of shoes and a pair of sneakers. Ideally these items are all in the same color family. One packing rule - it MUST match with more than one thing. Every item in your bag coordinates allowing for a smaller and lighter bag!
Make a list! Make several lists!
When a trip is around the corner, I’ll pick up a small notebook and it becomes my handbook for that trip. It will hold my packing list, my list of things to do, sights to see, shops to visit, restaurants and food venues not to miss, etc. That book also became my journal for the trip! I make notes of special experiences, interesting sights, and anything I want to remember. I love technology as much as the next guy but it’s fun to find old notebooks and look back through past trips.
Volunteer Your Time!
Volunteering some of your time while traveling is a very rewarding experience. Plus, you’ll learn more about the country while making new local friends.
Not sure where to start? Grassroots Volunteering is a resource empowering travelers to connect to causes and communities in the places they travel.
Use caution with voluntourism and do your research as there are, unfortunately, potential for scams along the way too.
Slow Down To Enjoy Your Trip
30-40% is the recommended amount of time you want unplanned on your trip. This allows you flexibility while traveling for relaxation or to explore something you just now discovered after you arrived.
In addition to a packed daily schedule, be aware of how busy your day-to-day schedule is. Give yourself the opportunity to really take the time to explore each city. Don’t try to cram 6 countries into 2 weeks of travel.
Spend more time in fewer places for more enjoyment. You will have a much better time!
The Last and Best Tip
Traveling takes planning, time, and patience. We hope these tips and tricks make things just a little bit easier. Don’t want to stress while traveling? When you book with Avondale Travel, we’ll handle the planning for you! With over 47 years of travel knowledge and personal connections, you can sit back and enjoy your vacation while we create your perfect travel experiences.
