If you’ve ever felt like the world is too big, too confusing or just downright overwhelming to tackle on your own, then this blog post is for you.
I know what it feels like when it seems like there are so many things in front of us that we can’t do anything about because they’re just too big. It’s not true though!
Finding ways to be more savvy and less overwhelmed by our lives is actually really easy with these tips that will make you a savvier traveler and give you some peace of mind at home.
Read on if travel has been on your mind lately but maybe you don’t have the time or money to take a break from life right now – this post is perfect for all types of travelers!
Travelling like a local” often involves immersing yourself in the culture, customs, and daily life of the destination you’re visiting, rather than just sticking to tourist hotspots. Here are some tips to help you experience a place like a local:
Stay in local accommodations:
Instead of big chain hotels, opt for guesthouses, homestays, or boutique hotels in residential neighbourhoods. This allows you to interact with locals and experience their way of life.
Use public transportation:
Skip the taxis and rental cars, and use public transportation like buses, trams, or subway systems. This not only saves money but also gives you a glimpse into the everyday commute of locals.
Explore neighbourhoods off the beaten path:
Wander through residential areas, markets, and local parks. You’ll often find hidden gems like cozy cafes, authentic restaurants, and community events.
Eat local cuisine:
Skip the familiar fast-food chains and try the local cuisine. Visit street food stalls, family-run eateries, and markets to taste authentic flavours and dishes unique to the region.
Learn basic phrases in the local language:
Even just a few words or phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; most people appreciate the effort.
Attend cultural events and festivals:
Check out local calendars for events like music festivals, art exhibitions, or religious celebrations. Participating in these activities can provide insight into the local traditions and way of life.
Strike up conversations with locals:
Whether it’s chatting with shop owners, asking for recommendations, or joining a group activity, interacting with locals can lead to memorable experiences and insider tips.
Respect local customs and etiquette:
Take the time to learn about any cultural norms or customs, such as dress codes, tipping practices, or greetings. Showing respect for local traditions goes a long way in fostering positive interactions.
Travel slowly and soak it all in:
Instead of rushing from one tourist attraction to another, take your time to explore at a leisurely pace. Sit in a local park, people-watch at a café, or simply stroll through the streets to absorb the atmosphere.
Be open-minded and adaptable:
Embrace the differences you encounter and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. By embracing these tips, you’ll not only have a richer and more authentic travel experience but also forge meaningful connections with the people and culture of your destination.
A few other tips that will help make your travels worry free
Be prepared with a travel kit that includes necessities such as medications
Make sure to carry a travel kit with you when going on vacation. This will make it easy for you to stay healthy while away from home by including things like medicine and other items that are essential for your health.
Whether you’re going for a week or two on vacation, or on a business trip, make sure to travel prepared. My travel kit always includes medicines. I don’t want to get caught out on the road, so I’m prepared!
It’s also a good idea to include emergency contact information into your travel kit.
Keep your passport handy at all times – don’t put it in a safe or locker
Don’t leave your passport in a safe.
Keep it with you at all times because if it’s stolen then that could cause problems when going through security or leaving the country and replacing it whilst overseas can be an absolute pain.
Always keep your passport in a place you can easily access it in case you need to make an emergency exit.
Update apps to your destination’s currency to track your spending
You can track your spending more easily if you update the apps on your phone to the destination’s currency. That way, it will be easier for you to check how much money you have left so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay.
If you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to set your phone to the local currency so that all of your transactions are automatically labeled with their correct prices.
Fiddling around with exchange rates all the time is not worth it!
Book flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to get the cheapest fares
The best time to book a flight is on Tuesday or Wednesday. That’s because most people are looking for flights over the weekend, so you can find some great deals if you have patience!
I first learned this trick from my flight attendant friends – and I can now confirm it works amazingly well! I’ve saved thousands of dollars by simply following this one travel hack.
Use Google Maps offline so you can still navigate even without a connection
If you’re driving or walking between places and don’t have a data connection, use Google Maps’ offline mode. It’ll still give you directions and useful information like the distance to your destination, what streets to take, and how long it’ll take to get there.
You can download a map of your places of interest ahead of time, and then you get to use it anywhere.
Carry a credit card from home country as well as one from destination country
If you are traveling to another country, it’s always a good idea to bring your credit card and bank debit cards to separate accounts. Carry these cards separately, one with you and the other, in a secure and safe place in your luggage. That way, if the one your wallet is lost or stolen, then you can have the card lost, blocked, and then you’ll have your second card as a backup.
What are your own best travel hacks?
Traveling can be a stressful and terrifying experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
By following these simple tips, you will always know what to expect, where your passport is at all times, how much money you’re spending on flights and accommodations (and when), and most importantly, that you are ready in case of emergency.
What are some of your own best traveling hacks? Share them with us below!