57 Best Travel Tips and Tricks Travelers Need to Know
Are you looking for unique travel tips, the best travel tricks, and smart travel hacks for your next trip?
I’ve done a lot of traveling — alone, as a couple, and with my kids. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a lot of travel tips and tricks to make traveling easier, more efficient, and more fun!
These travel tips cover planning your travel, how to pack, preparing for your flights, and how to have a great time at your destination. You’ll also find money tips and safety tips for when you’re traveling.
All these travel tips are helpful for first time travelers going abroad, occasional travelers looking for new ideas, and seasoned business travelers.
Learn from my experience and take this travel advice to heart for your next trip! Here are my best travel tips for your next trip!
Essential Travel Tips and Tricks
These are the travel tips you need, whether you’re planning your next vacation or an epic trip around the world!
Travel Planning Tips
1. Choose your travel partner carefully
You’ll have a better travel experience if your travel partner is good-natured, able to adapt to various situations, and won’t complain when your destination country isn’t at all like your home country.
Also, be sure your idea of a good time aligns with that of your fellow traveler or travel group .
If one of you prefers to get up early and browse local markets, and the other wants to go clubbing until the wee hours, chances are neither of you will have a good time.
If one of you thinks the only way to vacation is at a luxury hotel, and the other prefers hostels, you need to know that before you plan to travel together.
Obviously, if you’re traveling solo, this won’t be an issue. But if you’re traveling with an individual or a group, be sure to discuss everyone’s expectations and non-negotiables before the trip!
2. Get familiar with your destination before you go
Research your destination before you arrive. (And I mean months or weeks before, not on the plane.) Read guidebooks and local papers, check out online forums, and listen to podcasts.
Find out if tipping is expected, what special events are happening, and if there are common scams to watch out for.
Know what must-see event or sites you want to prioritize before you go. (And book your tickets, especially if you’re traveling at a busy time of year.)
For more context, read or listen to a guidebook, fiction or non-fiction books about your destination before you go.
3. Travel in the off-season
Travel in the shoulder season, rather than peak tourist season, lets you avoid hordes of tourists and get better prices on accommodations and car rentals. You might also benefit from more moderate weather.
4. Make some reservations
For long-term travel, while you might want to have enough flexibility in your plans to be spontaneous and change your itinerary, I recommend booking at least your first two nights and your final night.
And, if you’re on a shorter trip with a pretty set itinerary, go ahead and book all your reservations. You’ll be happy not to waste time looking for a hotel or hostel with availability and a decent price, instead of actually seeing the sights.
Also, if you’re traveling to popular destinations at peak holiday season, be sure to make important reservations in advance.
Packing Tips
5. Start your packing list early
Write down all the important things you’ll need for your trip weeks before you start packing. If you need to buy anything, this will give you plenty of time to go shopping or place your order.
6. Pack light
To be honest, it’s taken me a long time to overcome my overpacking tendencies! Please learn from my mistakes!
No matter how long you’re traveling for, you can get by with three or four outfits, a couple pairs of shoes, and some basic toiletries.
In fact, many people would argue you could pack only half that and be fine.
Packing light will allow you to navigate train stations more quickly, travel by public transportation, and easily carry your bags up stairs, when you realize your hotel doesn’t have an elevator.
Trust me, the odds are higher that you will regret overpacking more than you will regret under packing.
7. Take a backpack
I like using a backpack as my personal item. At my destination, I can use it as a daypack or a camera bag.
Pack your most important items in your backpack, as well as any essentials you’ll need in the first 24 hours at your destination (in case your checked bag gets lost).
8. Use packing cubes
If you already use packing cubes, you know how great they are.
If not, well, you’re missing out! Packing cubes keep your clothes organized and compress so you can fit more things in your suitcase than you could without them. Packing magic!
9. Save room for souvenirs
Don’t stuff your suitcase too full. Allow a little extra space in your suitcase or backpack for souvenirs!
10. Bring Ziplocs
Ziplock bags are perfect for containing spills, protecting electronics, or separating really dirty clothing from everything else in your bag.
11. Use a luggage scale
If you already know you won’t pack light? Be sure to use a luggage scale to check the weight of your bag before you get to the airport.
If your bag is over the weight limit, you’ll have to pay hefty fees. Pack the baggage scale so you can weigh your bag again for the trip home, when it’s bursting with souvenirs.
(Why, yes, that was me in Charles de Gaulle Airport frantically unpacking and repacking our suitcases when we were waaaay over the weight limit, because we didn’t bring the luggage scale with us.)
12. Pack adaptors and portable chargers
Take all the cables (phone, camera, laptop, tablet, Kindle, etc.) you need to charge your tech, plus a universal adaptor and portable chargers. You’ll be glad you did if you’re on long-haul flights or find yourself stuck in the airport with cancelled flights.
Add a power strip extension cord to your tech kit. Your hostel, hotel, or the airport might have limited outlets, and a power strip will let you charge all your devices (and maybe someone else’s too).
13. Buy it there
And if you do realize you should have packed something, you can almost certainly buy a version of it wherever you go.
Whether you need a new shirt, a rain jacket, a hat, or toiletries, you can buy it at your destinations.
14. Pack medications
Take a small first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers.
And be sure you have enough prescription medicine to last for a few days beyond the expected length of your trip, just in case. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
Flying Tips
15. Find cheap flights
Save money on flights by traveling in the shoulder season. Either book your flights well in advance, or be open to finding cheap flights at the last minute. Use points for free travel when possible.
Search for flights on in an incognito browser, so cached cookies don’t automatically raise flight prices. Track prices on Google flights so you know when fares drop.
And while cheap flights are great, I recommend paying a little more for direct flights, to limit your risk of delays and cancellations.
16. Allow enough time
Be sure you leave home with plenty of time to get to the airport. Allow extra time for delays due to traffic, accidents, or road work, especially if you live far away from the airport.
Book flights with plenty of time between connecting flights so you have a buffer in case your first flight gets delayed.
Having enough time will allow you to start your vacation feeling relaxed instead of stressed.
17. Fly smart
Dress comfortably for the plane, wear compression socks, and bring an extra layer in case you get cold.
Bring plenty of snacks for the plane. If you’re traveling with young children, be ready to keep them entertained.
18. Download before you go
Before you leave home, download the apps for your airlines so you stay up-to-date on flight delays or gate changes.
Also download maps of your destination, so you don’t have to rely on spotty WiFi or your international data plan.
Add books to your Kindle and download movies to your tablet.
Travel Destination Tips
19. Expect things to be different
Don’t travel go a foreign country (or elsewhere in the United States) and expect everything to be like it is at home!
Expect to find differences in what people eat, when they eat, and how meals are served.
Anticipate that people will queue up and form lines (or mass surges) differently than they do back home.
Expectations around personal space and accepted manners will also be different.
You may find yourself in the wrong, at least in the eyes of locals, so be prepared to learn about the culture in ways that might be a little uncomfortable.
20. Be gracious
Remember that you’re a guest in the country you’re visiting. If things don’t go your way, take it in stride and try to have a good time anyway.
Please don’t be another “ugly American” complaining about the lack of air-conditioning in Paris or the crowds in Amsterdam.
Instead, be patient, pleasant, and have a good sense of humor.
21. Take tours
Taking a guided tour when you arrive in a city can give you a good start on finding your way around or learning more about the culture.
I love taking walking and cycling tours because they’re a great way to get a lot of information about a place really quickly.
I particularly love them when traveling with kids and teens because (at least my) kids pay more attention to a tour guide telling them interesting facts than they do when I tell them.
Many cities offer free walking tours (do give the guide a tip!), as well as paid private and group tours.
22. Take classes
Learn how to cook the local specialty, make a regional craft, or create an incredible piece of jewelry by taking classes in your destination city.
Learning something new might end up being your favorite travel experience!
23. Be good to your feet
When traveling, you’re going to getting some serious steps. Pack your favorite walking shoes or hiking boots and wear them proudly.
Good shoes will save your feet from gross street germs, protect your feet if they get stepped on in a crowd, and prevent injury to your muscles and tendons.
Leave the flip-flops and sandals for walking to the hotel pool.
Wear good shoes on the plane, and pack an extra pair so you can switch off. Pack shoes you already know are comfortable. Never bring new shoes when you travel.
Also, don’t forget great socks!
At the end of the day, reward your feet with a quick massage with this fantastic peppermint foot lotion.
24. Expect things to go wrong
Flights get canceled. You might miss a train. Your AirBNB might not be as advertised.
Allow space in your itinerary planning for travel mishaps. Try to see make the most of your misadventures and turn the event into a good story to tell once you return home.
25. Travel slow
Don’t be afraid to spend more time in fewer places.
Instead of spending most of your time traveling between cities, immerse yourself in fewer destinations.
26. Skip the most popular tourist destinations
Instead, venture off the beaten path to explore less-visited countries, smaller cities and villages, and rural areas.
If you’re in a main tourist spot, give crowds the slip and visit less well-known museums and sites.
27. Use toilets whenever they’re available
Unlike in the US, in many parts of the world, public toilets aren’t readily available. So take advantage of them when you find them.
28. Bring a water bottle
Take an empty water bottle through security, then fill it up to stay hydrated on the plane.
Refill it at your hotel to avoid buying bottled water. If you’re traveling to a dry climate, this is particularly important!
29. Wear hats and sunscreen
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a great hat. Getting a nasty sunburn can ruin your vacation (plus there’s the long-term damage, of course.)
When you’re outside walking around all day, you’ll get more sun exposure than you might expect. So put on sunscreen first thing in the morning, and take a small bottle with you to reapply during the day.
30. Be ready for the weather
Before you head out on your vacation, look up the weather forecast for your destination. Then pack the right clothing for the temperature and expected precipitation.
If it’s going to rain, bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Don’t let a little rain ruin your vacation!
31. Allow time to rest
If you’re taking a vacation, you’ll want to make the most of your trip. Of course, you’ll want to see all the museums, historic sites, monuments, and neighborhoods you can. But you’ll also need some rest.
And if you’re taking a sabbatical, gap year, or extended travel, you’re going to get travel fatigue.
Give yourself permission to have a beach day, lounge around the hotel pool, or watch movies in bed. You’ll be rejuvenated and ready to do all the things tomorrow!
32. Let yourself be homesick
If you’re feeling a bit sad and missing the comforts of home, be gentle with yourself.
Give yourself permission to call your family or friends, buy those overpriced imported Oreos, or have dinner at your favorite fast-food restaurant.
Travel and living abroad, traveling during the holidays, or traveling when you’re dealing with emotions related to other life events can be really exhausting. It’s OK to take a mini-break during your vacation.
33. Wake up early
Best the crowds by waking up early and heading out to explore your destination.
You’ll get to see the city come to life, see the sunrise, and get the best photos! This only works if you’ve recovered from jet lag and gotten a good night’s sleep!
34. Be flexible
So often when traveling, things don’t go according to plan! Don’t get caught up in adhering to a set itinerary. Instead, approach your travels with an open mind.
Chances are, by the end of your trip, you’ll have done most things on our bucket list. But the spontaneous events might be your favorites!
35. Don’t eat in tourist areas
You’ll find better, less expensive, more authentic food away from the main tourist attractions. This is true wherever you go!
Nothing says “tourist trap” quite like restaurants with people stopping you on the sidewalk to convince you to go there or menus in 15 different languages.
Walk a few blocks away from the tourist district, choose an unassuming restaurant where locals eat or find some street food, and enjoy a delicious meal of authentic local food.
36. Go to local coffee shops
Avoid American chain coffee shops. (I’m looking at you, Starbucks.) Instead go to local coffee shops or a bar for your daily doses of caffeine.
You’ll learn to love the rhythms of cafe culture in other countries and have a chance to sample local baked goods.
37. Walk
Exploring on foot is often the best way to get to know a city. You might stumble upon little museums and cafes off the beaten path.
38. Use public transportation
In most parts of the world, public transportation is cheap and reliable.
As a tourist, it might take a minute to figure out how to use the bus routes or the subway, but you’ll save so much money by skipping the taxis or Ubers.
39. Beware of jet lag
Even if you manage to sleep on the plane and stay hydrated during your flight, if you’re changing time zones, you’ll probably experience jet lag.
Some people like to take nap when they land. Others prefer to stay active for the whole day, then go to bed at the regular time (in the new time zone).
As a general rule of thumb, you should never drive immediately after your flight lands, especially after a long-haul flight to somewhere like New Zealand.
Safety Tips
40. Know where you’re staying
This sounds so obvious, but by the time you’re in your fifth or sixth hotel, you might not remember the name of today’s hotel.
And if you’re traveling with a group, the people who didn’t check in might not have paid attention to the name of the hotel.
Write down the name and address of the hotel for everyone in your group, in case you get separated.
41. Expect to be a target
Tourists are easy targets for pickpockets and thieves. Expect to be targeted and do your best to avoid being an easy target.
- Keep tabs on your bags. Wrap your leg through your backpack’s straps when on a train or at a restaurant. Wear your purse at all times, even when dining.
- Keep up with your money and credit cards. Put your wallet into the front pocket of your pants. Wear a money belt (unsexy, but safer than a wallet).
- Take a travel purse. I love these purses because they have so many anti-theft features and come in multiple styles.
- Zip it up. Buy pants, shorts, or skirts with zippered pockets.
- Twist-tie zippers closed. Pack a few twist ties, like the ones from a loaf of bread, and foil would-be thieves by securing zippers on backpacks and pockets by tying them closed.
- Separate your funds. Keep some cash in separate locations, and keep your different credit and debit cards separate as well. This way, if one card is stolen, you’ll still have access to the others.
- Leave valuables at home. Expensive jewelry, family heirlooms, designer bags, and other valuables shouldn’t travel with you.
- Be vigilant in crowds, especially in tourist areas, at markets, and on public transportation.
42. Keep your phone safe
If you pull out your phone in public, use it, then put it away in your backpack or bag.
Never set your phone down beside you in a public place.
Don’t tuck your phone into your back pocket or carry your credit cards in the little adhesive phone wallet.
Again, pay attention in crowded areas.
43. Don’t act lost
If you’re in a new destination and have no idea which direction you’re supposed to go, act like you know exactly where you’re heading.
Keep walking purposefully until you can duck into a shop and pull out your phone to check Google maps. Then put your phone away, exit the shop, and head in the right direction.
44. Be careful when you drink alcohol
Drinking on the plane will dehydrate you, keep you from getting sleep on the plane, and make your jet lag worse.
At your destination, drinking too much will make you vulnerable to both bad decisions and criminals.
- Don’t gamble when you drink.
- Know how to get back to your hotel or hostel from the bars.
- Don’t leave your friends behind (or let them leave you behind).
- Don’t leave a bar or club with someone you just met that day or night.
- Be aware of your surroundings and use good common sense.
45. Share your itinerary
Tell a friend or family member back home what your travel itinerary is, and send them a text time to time to let them know you’re OK.
Money Tips
46. Talk to your bank
Before you go, notify your banks and credit card companies that you’ll be traveling so that they don’t cancel your card when you make an international purchase.
Also, find out what international transaction fees your bank and credit cards charge so you aren’t surprised when you return home.
47. Budget for unexpected costs
No matter how carefully you plan your itinerary, you’ll have unexpected travel costs you didn’t anticipate.
Allow some wiggle room in your travel budget for unexpected taxi rides, a more expensive hotel room, or whatever else comes up. Travel almost always costs more than you expect it to.
48. Plan ahead in case of theft
If you know what to do if you’re the victim of theft, you’ll be able to deal with it much more easily.
Before you leave home, it’s a good idea to look up the contact information you’ll need to call to cancel a stolen credit card or freeze your bank accounts.
If you use Apple products, know your AppleID so you can immediately erase a stolen phone or laptop.
Make copies of your passport and other important documents. Save a copy to the cloud, email it to yourself, and/or leave a copy with a friend or family member at home.
49. Get the best exchange rate
First of all, know the current exchange rate before you travel.
You’ll usually get the best exchange rate if you withdraw cash from an ATM with your debit card. If the screen gives you the option of letting the ATM do currency conversion for you, select NO. It’s cheaper to let your own bank do the conversion.
Similarly, if a credit card machine asks you if you want to pay in the local currency or your own currency, choose local currency. Your own bank will do the conversion, and you’ll avoid extra fees.
Don’t bother going to a bank to exchange dollars, and never exchange money at the airport (they almost always have the worst rates).
If you have to take a taxi from the airport before you’ve gotten cash, ask taxi drivers if they take credit cards before starting your trip.
50. Sort out your phone coverage
For a short trip, decide if you need to add an international data pass to your phone plan, or if you’ll keep your phone off and rely on Wi-Fi.
Personally, I strongly recommend adding the international data plan. You won’t be charged if you don’t use it.
For longer trips, plan to purchase a SIM card when you arrive.
51. Get travel insurance
The peace of mind that comes with trip protection is worth the relatively small cost of international travel insurance.
Good insurance will cover medical expenses if you get sick or injured and evacuate you if there’s a natural disaster at your destination.
You should also confirm your regular medical insurance benefits.
52. Keep all receipts
Save all your flight documentation, receipts, and paperwork until you get home, in case you need to dispute any charges or file a claim.
Top travel tips
53. Learn the language
Even just a few key words in the local language will go a long way! “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” and “Where are the toilets” are great phrases to start with!
If you can learn a few other common phrases of the local language or phrases specific to your interests, you’ll be better able to engage with locals.
54. Take the kids
If you have kids, don’t be afraid to travel with them. Sure, it might feel overwhelming, and it might change your travel style. But exploring a new place with your kids will do wonders for them and you.
I’ve got a list of tried and true tips for traveling with kids, the best ride-on suitcases to get through an airport with toddlers, and baby travel essentials to get you started.
If you’re nervous about flying with kids, here are ideas for keeping toddlers and young kids entertained on a flight and yummy airplane snacks for kids.
And here are the best tips if it’s your kids who are anxious about travel.
Whether you travel with teens or young kids, you’ll be glad you did.
55. Talk to the locals
Avid travelers will tell you that their best experiences happened when locals became new friends. You’ll get the best information about a city, insight into local festivals, and a tips on the best street food.
However, be wary of anyone who approaches you and starts asking questions — you’re probably being targeted in a scam! Extricate your self from the situation as quickly and politely as possible.
56. Go beyond your comfort zone
Whether that’s talking to local people or zip lining through the rainforest, don’t be afraid to push yourself to try something new when you’re traveling.
57. Take notes
At the end of the day, the last thing you’ll want to do is write down what you did that day.
But take a few minutes to write about the day in your journal or on the Notes app on your phone.
In a few years, when your memories have faded, you’ll love reading about your adventures.
Final Thoughts: Essential Travel Tips
I hope these travel tips and tricks are helpful when you plan your next trip!
If you have a great tip for travel, let me know!
