Clara Bullock
Traveling abroad has become more popular all over the world: almost four times as many international tourists are being recorded this year than in 1996. However, being smart about your travels doesn’t come easy to everyone: missed buses, forgotten chargers and language barriers can make a trip abroad end in disaster. To help you avoid such mistakes, we have compiled a list of top tips for traveling the world to make your next trip go a lot smoother.
Deciding what to bring on a trip is never easy, especially if you haven’t traveled much before. Don’t overthink it: just bring basic necessities such as a wash bag and some clothes. While packing, imagine yourself carrying your bag around train stations and airports: you won’t want to overdo it. Another tip: use a small bag so you won’t be tempted to fill a bigger one.
Having your money stolen during a trip will cut it short, so making sure you always have something to fall back on is a priority. Always pack a second bank card and make sure your bank doesn’t charge high fees for using your card abroad. Also don’t have too much cash on you, most countries take credit cards nowadays, so don’t risk having everything stolen or losing your wallet.
A visit to the local tourism office will always be worth it. They can tell you about the history of their town, where to go and what to do for free. Plus, tourism offices are usually run by locals, so if you are nice, they might give away some local insider tips.
Always bring extra copies of your important documents, like your passport or drivers license. Don’t leave anything up to chance: you might lose your bag, or have it stolen.
Hostels are cheap and offer a lot of free events. Plus, it’s a great place to meet other people who are also interested in exploring the country and will make great travel buddies. Don’t be shy: talk to the hostel staff and guests, they usually make great company. Most hostels have a common room or a kitchen that you can use.
Don’t be afraid to try new food, even if it looks unfamiliar. This is the easiest (and tastiest) way to learn more about a different culture and immerse yourself in their life. Who knows: you might find your new favorite dish this way.
Finally, always learn the language of the country you are visiting, at least the most basic phrases. Being able to communicate with local people will not only be more polite, it shows them that you care about the people and respect their culture. Nothing is more annoying than someone who expects everyone to speak English, but doesn’t bother to learn basic words of a foreign language.