Some Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Travelling

Travelling can be the most fun you'll ever have or difficult and expensive, and it's often down to preparation! Here are some tips to make your next trip easier.

• Print out your itinerary and flight tickets. You don’t want to rely on e tickets. Wi-fi fails!
• Keep a copy of your passport and DON’T keep all of your ID cards or credit/debit cards in the same place. You want a back up plan if you get robbed.
• Check in with friends and family so they know you’re safe. Tell them where you are and how long you plan to be there.
• Be patient and polite to airline agents. Call the agency if you’re having trouble in line at the airport.
• Travel in the low season to keep things cheap.
• I recommend using the Share-a-bill iPhone app when traveling with friends. It can be confusing to keep track of who owes what and this app simplifies that.
• Track your spending! Don’t be clueless about where your money has gone.
• Potentially set up a new account to use only when you’re traveling.
• Check with your bank account before you leave. Inform them that you will be traveling and discuss withdrawal fees. If may be worth it to upgrade to a premium account.
• Know the exchange rate!
• If possible have a small amount of the local money when you arrive.
• Don’t go to currency exchange places. The rate is always terrible and it’ll save you money to go to the ATM and get out local currency that way.
• Buy food and alcohol at local grocery stores instead of bars and restaurants.
• Do you research and find a cheap, safe hostel before you arrive. Other options include AirBnB, VRBO, Craigslist, HomeAway, and Couchsurfing.
• Book international flights ahead of time, wait a few weeks, and then book domestic flights.
• Be flexible and understand that you don’t have to see EVERYTHING.
• Get out and about as much as possible. Orient yourself to the culture and the language of the new country.
• Ask the hotel/hostel desk for advice.
• Learn local names for foods.
• Have snacks (e.g. nuts, fruit, cliff bars) at hand so that you aren’t starving between meals.
• Be careful about fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled or cooked in developing countries.
• Pay attention to how people get around, like how people get a ticket for the train.
• If you have a car and you’re driving in an unsafe place, make sure your windows are up and your doors are locked.
• Always negotiate cab price BEFORE you go.
• Carry a dummy wallet. Don’t keep all of your cards together.
• Be alert and aware.
• Don’t get too drunk.
• Don’t wear jewellery or carry an expensive camera. Things like that practically scream “Rob me!”
• Drink lots of water, it’ll help with jet lag and it’ll help you stay healthy.
• And finally, smile! It makes an amazing difference!