These top 10 travel tips will help to keep you safe, sane and in possession of all your credit cards while you focus on having fun.
1. Take only what you need
When going out for the day, take only what you need. Don’t carry all of your credit cards, cash or expensive equipment on you. In fact, it’s best if you stash credit cards or cash in several different places – one with you, one locked up in your accommodation and perhaps some emergency money tucked into the lining of your suitcase. That way you’ll always have access to funds, no matter what unfortunate incidents may occur.
2. If you travel more than twice a year, consider taking out an annual travel insurance policy, rather than purchasing an individual one for each trip. This could save you money in the long run.
3. Finding a good cup of coffee during a stopover at an airport can be tricky, to say the least. If in doubt, look for where the airline staff are congregating – chances are they’ve done the hard yards for you.
4. If something does go wrong, document the whole process. Whether your hotel room isn’t up to standard or the airline loses your bag, write down exactly what has gone wrong and take pictures. Make sure to include full names of those you speak to. If you need to apply for compensation from your insurance company, this will make the process much smoother.
5. If a buffet breakfast is included in your stay, make the most of it. Go prepared with napkins and plastic bags and take enough pastries with you to cover morning tea as well. If it isn’t included, step outside and find a local café – the food will be cheaper and you will be able to soak up the local culture.
6. Are you travelling with multiple electronic devices? Pack a double adaptor, as well as an adaptor plug for the country you’re visiting – that way you can be sure you’ll be able to charge all your devices at once.
7. A GPS is necessary when driving in a foreign country, but hiring can be expensive. If you know you will be driving for more than a few days, consider taking your own with you (ensuring it is loaded with the correct maps first) or download a GPS system to your smartphone or tablet.
8. Earplugs are a must if you are a light sleeper. They can be a lifesaver on the plane and can help you to drift off in a city full of unfamiliar noises.
9. The best way to dry clothes in a hotel room is to first wring them out, then to lay them out flat on a dry towel. Roll the towel up and then walk all over it – this will squeeze the water out of your clothes and into the towel, ensuring you’ll have something to wear the next day.
10. If you don’t want to take gym gear while travelling, but still wish to maintain your fitness, throw in a skipping rope and a stretch band. These two items can give both your muscles and your aerobic fitness a workout – weights can also be made out of a plastic drink-bottle full of water. A full 500mL bottle should weigh about 500 grams, so it’s easy to work out how much you’re lifting.
Do you have a great travel tip? Share it in the comments below.
