Travel Lessons: What I Learned from My Adventures

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Over the years, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons that have made my trips smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Prioritize Hotel Location Over Amenities

When booking a hotel, location is key. In my early travel days, I used to get excited about fancy amenities like a pool or a gym, but I quickly realized that I barely used them. Instead, I’ve found it’s much more important to stay somewhere that’s convenient, especially after a long day of exploring. For example, staying near the train station in European cities has saved me so much time and hassle, particularly when I’m hopping from one destination to another.

Travel Light with One Bag

I can’t emphasize this enough—traveling with just one bag is a game changer. Not only does it make moving around easier, but it also reduces the stress of keeping track of multiple bags. I once found myself dragging a suitcase and a duffel through the crowded streets of Bangkok, and trust me, it wasn’t fun. Now, I stick to a single backpack, and I make sure to learn key phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the toilet?” in the local language or have them saved in an offline translator app. It’s made navigating new places so much easier.

Download Offline Maps Before You Go

One of the most useful things I’ve started doing is downloading Google Maps for my destination before leaving. This has saved me so many times, especially in areas with spotty internet. On a road trip through Patagonia, I lost signal for hours, but thanks to my offline maps, I never lost my way. Plus, it’s reassuring to know you have navigation in your pocket, even in the middle of nowhere.

Print Important Documents

While I love the convenience of having everything on my phone, I’ve learned the hard way that technology can fail. Some airports have unreliable WiFi, and you don’t want to be stuck without access to your boarding pass or hotel reservations. I now print out all my important documents before I leave. It’s a small hassle for a big peace of mind.

Keep Photocopies of Important Documents

I always carry photocopies of my passport and other important IDs in a separate location from the originals. This has come in handy more than once, especially when I’ve misplaced my passport or needed to provide identification for some reason. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble.

Avoid Spirit Airlines (And Similar Budget Carriers)

I once had a nightmare experience with Spirit Airlines—they canceled my connecting flight while I was in the air, and the next available flight wasn’t for four days. Since then, I’ve been more selective with budget airlines. While it’s tempting to save money, sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra for reliability.

Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On

Always pack anything you can’t live without in your carry-on, not your checked bag. On one trip, my checked bag got delayed, and I was without my essentials for two days. Since then, I always keep important items—like a change of clothes, toiletries, and medications—in my carry-on, just in case.

Don’t Overexert Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and try to see and do everything, but I’ve learned the importance of pacing myself. Traveling can be exhausting, and it’s crucial to make time for rest. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll through a park or enjoying a long lunch at a café, give yourself time to recharge. Your body and mind will thank you.

Opt for Direct Flights When Possible

If you can afford it, always go for direct flights. Layovers add stress and increase the chances of something going wrong. I’ve learned that paying a bit more for a direct flight is worth it for the peace of mind and extra time you get at your destination.

Carry a High-Capacity Battery Pack

In today’s world, staying connected is crucial, and nothing is worse than a dead phone when you need it most. I always travel with a 20,000mAh battery pack. It has multiple ports, so I can charge my devices and even help out fellow travelers who find themselves low on power.

Join Loyalty Programs

Even if you don’t travel frequently, it’s worth signing up for hotel and airline loyalty programs. Over time, the points and perks add up. I’ve enjoyed free nights, upgrades, and even avoided cancellation fees thanks to my loyalty program memberships.

Compare Booking Sites Before Finalizing

I always start by using aggregator sites like KAYAK or Booking.com to get an idea of prices and reviews, but before booking, I check the hotel’s own website. Sometimes, they offer better rates or special deals. It’s also worth calling the hotel directly—you might be able to negotiate a better rate.

Use Ride-Sharing Apps for Local Transportation

I’ve found that ride-sharing apps like Uber are often safer and more affordable than local taxis, especially in unfamiliar cities. They also give you a clear idea of the fare beforehand, which helps avoid being overcharged.

Never Travel Without Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Travel insurance is essential for covering unexpected events, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. I’ve been caught without insurance before, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Now, I make sure I’m always covered before I leave home.

Pre-Book Attractions When Necessary

For popular attractions, especially post-COVID, it’s wise to check if you need to pre-book tickets. I’ve missed out on seeing some iconic sights because I didn’t plan ahead. It’s better to book in advance than to be disappointed.

Be Aware of Common Scams

Before I visit a new place, I always research common scams in the area. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid getting caught in a tricky situation. In touristy areas, be especially cautious of overly friendly individuals offering unsolicited help.

Keep Embassy or Consulate Contacts Handy

In case of emergencies or if you lose your important documents, it’s crucial to have the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate. I keep these details saved in my phone and on a piece of paper in my wallet, just in case.

Respect Local Rules and Customs

Each place has its own rules and customs, and it’s important to respect them. Ignoring local regulations can lead to fines or other issues. For example, I once got fined in Berlin for using an expired transit pass because I didn’t pay attention to the rules. It was a costly mistake that could have been easily avoided.

Learn Basic Local Phrases

Even if you’re not fluent, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can make a big difference. It shows respect and can make interactions smoother. I’ve found that even a simple “thank you” in the local language can go a long way in making connections with people.

Create a Flexible Itinerary

While it’s good to have a plan, I’ve learned the value of staying flexible. I make a list of must-see places, but I don’t lock myself into a rigid schedule. This way, I can take advantage of unexpected opportunities and explore at my own pace.

Be Wary of Airport Scams

Airports can be breeding grounds for scams, from false claims about hotel closures to fraudulent baggage handling. I’ve learned to stay alert, handle my own luggage, and avoid engaging with overly aggressive individuals offering help.

Adapt to Local Norms

Things might not work the way they do back home, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to go with the flow and adapt to local customs. In some places, it might seem chaotic at first, but remember, locals manage it daily. If you’re unsure, just observe or ask someone. One time in Buenos Aires, I was completely lost in the subway system, but after watching how the locals bought tickets and navigated the platforms, I managed to get to my destination without any issues.

Be Prepared for Mosquitoes

In some places, mosquitoes can be relentless. I once underestimated them in Southeast Asia and regretted it deeply. Now, I never travel without insect repellent, and I always take precautions like wearing long sleeves in mosquito-prone areas. It’s better to be safe than scratching and uncomfortable.

Plan Your Return Wisely

Don’t schedule anything important the day after you return from a trip. I’ve made the mistake of booking a work meeting the day after a long-haul flight, and it didn’t go well. Give yourself time to recover and adjust before jumping back into your routine.