1. Go Early

Traveling can be stressful. There’s nothing worse that having to rush to the airport, find that there are large lines at the desks, followed by a large line at security and you’re getting worked up that you don’t have enough time to do the things you wanted to do, and in some cases, even make the flight.

I get to the airport about 3 hours before my flights (recommended is 2.5 hours for International). The reason being, my airport process is a lot more relaxed. If there are long lines, it has no effect on me as I have plenty of time to do everything. Once through all of the necessities, I sit back, grab a coffee or some food, do some work or just watch the people. It changes the game for airport experience when you do this.

2. Make a List

This one is very important. It’s so easy to forget something when in the midst of packing for a trip. Short trips aren’t so bad, but if you have a few bags and are leaving for a long trip, you tend to need a wider variety of things.

By making a list of all the essentials you need like Passports and travel adapters, you can check them off one-by-one as you put them into your bag. It’s also helpful if you need to shop for things like sunscreen and other travel essentials.

3. Learn a Little Language

Everywhere I go, I learn some basics of the local language. There are many reasons why this is a good idea, but for the most part, it makes your trip so much more enjoyable.

People warm to you if you make an effort, even if it’s just “please”, and “thank you”. When you try, people will want to go the extra bit to make your trip fun. It’s also great fun when you start to see people understand you, I get a real buzz from it when I get things right. So much so that I started to learn Spanish properly about 18 months ago. My recent trips to Cuba and Mexico were much richer experiences because I could communicate many things.

More importantly, while in Los Cabos airport amid the cancelled flights I mentioned in the introduction. Knowing a little Spanish helped me stay updated on the messages being announced. There was a lot of confusion as the airport was effectively closing, so knowing some lingo helped me move quickly to get a hotel room, as Los Cabos isn’t a wash with hotels close to the airport. Many people struggled to find a place to sleep.

4. Always Buy Travel Insurance

Traveling without insurance is a bad idea. Nobody likes paying insurance, but if you get into trouble while on vacation, it can change your life considerably.

I have a friend who went skiing many years ago and found himself with a broken back and leg on the side of a cliff, staring death in the face for 10 hours, much of it in the dark. A helicopter crew found him after hours of searching, he spent time in hospital, and got transported back to the UK.

Without insurance, this would have destroyed him financially, he would have lost everything. He was smart, you need to be too! Our go-to travel insurance company is World Nomads.

5. Make A Passport Copy

I’ve not personally had a negative experience with this but I have heard from others that if you lose your passport while traveling, it can be a major problem.

To make sure you don’t get stopped traveling home, as this can mean you having to spend a lot more money, make sure to take a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from your physical passport. I take photos of my passport to keep on my phone, and also in a Dropbox folder so I can access it from a computer if I just so happen to lose everything.

6. Keep Some Essentials In Your Carry-On

It’s always a good idea to keep some essentials in your carry on. You never know if your bag is going to make it to the other end, it doesn’t happen often but it’s possible. The last thing you want is to be at your destination and not have a toothbrush, clean underwear, a change of clothes, all-in-one travel adapter, or your medication.

I also take my valuables in my carry-on, plus a few heavier items to spread the weight 😉

7. Bring Some Meds

If you’re fortunate like me, you don’t have any on-going medical issues (that I know of). But, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some medication with you. I’m not a person that likes to take pills, I avoid them whenpossible, but if you’re in a foreign land and fall sick, the last thing you want is to be searching the streets for some relief, in a place where you don’t speak the language.

Just the basics are enough. Some paracetamol for pains and headaches, Tums for those experimental foods you try, a mini Pepto-Bismol or activated charcoal pills for upset stomach & diarrhea Relief (handy in countries where the water supply isn’t drinkable). Maybe some cold/flu relief as bugs spread easily on long-haul flights, and it doesn’t hurt to take a bandage, some tape, and some plasters if you like to adventure a little.

8. Separate Your Finance Sources

When traveling, you’ll likely visit a lot of tourist spots, these are often the most active for pick-pockets and other unsavory characters. It is especially dangerous in poor countries. If you get pick-pocketed or are held up by a thief , you are better off not resisting. Your wallet and watch is not worth risking your life for.

With that in mind, you don’t want to be giving them everything. You will have a very difficult time with no money, no bank card, and no credit card. Keep everything separate! I often leave my cards in the hotel safe, and just take enough cash out with me for the day when traveling to poorer countries with less visible security. I sometimes leave one card in the safe, and hide another somewhere else for extra precaution.

9. Book Early For Cheap Flights

Flights are always the first thing I book when planning a trip. For the most part, the earlier you book, the better the price. I’ve had a few occasions in the past when I’ve been waiting on something before I book, and ended up paying alot more for the flight a month or so later. If you know your dates, get your flights booked in as early as you can!

Skyscanner is my go-to to get rough ideas when trip planning, also Expedia.com is another of my favourites.

10. Agree Your Prices

In some countries it’s common place to negotiate prices on a lot of things, especially taxi rides. Before moving off, make sure you agree your price with your driver! If you stand out as a tourist, most drivers will charge a premium anyway, some will abuse this. Don’t take it personally, many people live on very low income, so it’s just about survival for them and getting what they can from each ride. That said, you don’t need to be taken advantage of.

In cases where I’ve had a fair driver, I always like to tip them more than usual to show my appreciation. I like to think this sends them a positive message, and hope this spreads that travelers will reward people who don’t abuse their trust.