In a world where barriers of cost, language and communication seem to be lessening with each day that passes, there’s no better time than now to go travelling and experience a way of life that is sure to enrich your own. However, travelling comes with its own set of trails and tribulations and as such, there are many tricks that will make your life on the road easier. With this in mind, here are 8 IDEAL tips to help you become an expert traveller.
DO PLENTY OF RESEARCH
Planning, preparation, strategy and foresight; not exactly words which chime with the spontaneous, carefree approach to travelling most of us dream of. But realistically, putting a little energy into an itinerary before you set off truly goes a long way. Indeed, it’s all too easy to miss so many incredible sights and experiences simply because you haven’t planned well enough in advance. Doing research before your trip and creating a travel itinerary means you’re more likely to get the most out of your trip and avoid common travel pitfalls. Moreover, with the proper amount of research, you can skip the tourist traps and avoid dangerous areas.
INCORPORATE TRANSPORTATION INTO YOUR TRAVEL PLANS
For most, getting to the destination should be done as quickly as possible. Doing this, however, means that you miss a huge opportunity. You can have so much fun simply by incorporating the transportation aspect of your trip into your itinerary; after all, life’s great adventures are as much about the journey as the destination. So, see if there is a scenic train ride, or if you can try to go on a road trip and make several stops along the way. If you do want to get from point A to point B, use apps that allow you to compare flights and days so you can choose the best price.
ARRANGE APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATION
Where you stay, both in terms of location and accommodation type, will have a huge impact on your experience as a traveller. Try to arrange somewhere in the thick of things, preferably walking distance from lively spots where you’ll be likely to meet people. Also look into places which are traveller friendly, such as backpacker hostels; these places tend to arrange group events and generally have a really inclusive, friendly vibe.
KNOW HOW TO PACK
Packing is a crucial skill to have if you travel often. Indeed, it’s a skill that you can master and the better you are at it, the lighter you’ll be able to travel. When travelling you want to be super flexible, super flighty and not burdened by loads of ‘stuff’. And once you’re able to survive weeks on the road carrying only a 20-litre backpack with everything you need in it, then you’ll know you’ve become a packing pro.
The specific items you should bring, of course, will vary depending on your destination, which is why you should read up on what other travellers recommend and plan accordingly. However, the basic principles for packing well apply to all trips. Running through a simple checklist can eliminate unnecessary items. Oh and zip lock bags are little lifesavers when packing; they don’t take up much room and can be the perfect way of bringing a bit of order in your suitcase.
Also, don’t forget to pack essentials and multi-functional items that you can use in different situations. A scarf or a sarong is a good example. You can use it to stay warm, to protect yourself from direct sunlight, to use as a beach blanket, to cover certain parts when you visit religious places like a temple and more.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Knowing your rights as a traveller is crucial. Before your next trip, spend some time going through the general terms and conditions of the airline you are travelling with, the security policies of relevant airports and destination countries. Don’t forget to read the terms of your travel insurance closely. By knowing your rights, you can mitigate issues along the trip better. For example, if you are aware of your air passenger rights, you will know that if you have suffered the inconvenience of your flight being cancelled, as long as you are eligible, you can claim for flight cancellation compensation. Furthermore, if you are successful the airline is obliged to pay you up to €600 in compensation. We advise you to use a site like AirHelp to help you to enforce your rights and get you the money you deserve.
LEARN SOME OF THE LINGO
Making friends with fellow explorers is great, and part of the reason to travel, but don’t just cosy up with other travellers for the duration of your trip or you risk missing out on seeing the ‘real’ culture of the country you’ve chosen. Instead, learn a few phrases – some polite, some playful – of the local lingo to help you integrate with the people of the city; people who may well offer to show you around. You don’t need to be fluent; you just have to know the common phrases used by locals in different situations.
STAY CONNECTED
If you’ve ever been stuck in a foreign country with no idea where you are or how you’re going to get somewhere, then you’ll understand how valuable having a mobile phone with data that works can be. Indeed, having a working phone can be the difference between an infuriating trip and an smooth one. Assuming your phone is unlocked, get a pay-as-you-go sim card when you get to the country you’re travelling in. Oh, and avoid purchasing your sim at the airport as they are grossly overpriced. Instead, wait until you get into the local town.
Also consider getting a portable Wi-Fi access point or a Mi-Fi. Instead of paying roaming charges or buying an expensive data plan, you rent a Mi-Fi with free, unlimited internet connectivity for a fixed daily price. With a Mi-Fi in your daypack, you don’t have to roam around looking for cafes and restaurants with free Wi-Fi hotspots which can save you a pretty penny on unnecessary coffees and beers in the long run.
EAT LIKE THE LOCALS
If you see a bunch of locals eating somewhere, chances are it’s good. If you’re travelling somewhere like Asia, don’t discriminate and let places with questionable looking hygiene put you off. Some of the best places to eat in Bangkok, for instance, look the dirtiest. Accept that for the first few days you’re bound to get a bit of a funny tummy. It’s true of any country you’re not used to. It’s bound to be full of different bugs our bellies aren’t accustomed to you, just deal with it and get over it. The food is worth it.
Also, if you’re staying in one place for a while, one of the best ways to integrate and socialise is by becoming a regular somewhere. Eat that bowl of pho at the same Hanoian shop a few days in a row, or drink your pisco sours in the same streetside bar in Lima a few times, and soon you’ll have made friends with the shopkeepers and patrons, both.
TRAVEL LESS OFTEN
There is so much to be said for limiting the amount of sites and cities you see, in favour of really getting to know somewhere, inside out. We here at IDEAL would much prefer to get installed in a city and unearth the best bars, street food joints, coffee shops, gig venues and galleries, than to be on the go constantly, never enjoying a place anymore than superficially.