Here at the Tep-quarters, we’re all avid travelers. We’ve compiled a list of travel tips that have been accumulated over the many years that we’ve been going abroad, and have narrowed them down to our favorite 45. Let us know what you think – if we’ve missed any and which one is your favorite!
- Bring a power board so you can charge multiple devices with one adapter.
- Don’t be afraid of B&B’s or Hostels – it’s cultural immersion for half the price, and you’ll meet interesting travelers from around the world.
- Know how and when to tip. Each country has a different custom and each is a little different.
- When traveling in groups, synchronize the first meal of the day. There’s nothing worse than having to change plans or split up because half the group is desperately hungry mid-way through the afternoon.
- Divide each person’s things amongst all the luggage so no one is in too much immediate trouble if a bag is lost.
- Bring along baby wipes/small tissue packets. We’ve been to a few places where no showers or toilet paper came as a SURPRISE.
- Let your bank know that you’re traveling abroad. The last thing you want is your bank or credit card to be banned midway through your trip because of “suspicious activity.”
- Avoid Internet cafes. It’s the 21st century – there are cheap & easy ways to stay connected using your own Wi-Fi enabled device without having to waste your precious travel time in a greasy Internet café.
- Eat at the fancy restaurants around lunchtime. The food will be half the price but equally delicious.
- Get off the map – touristy destinations can be okay depending on where you are, but they hail in cultural comparison to the local spots.
- Make a copy of your passport. Don’t get stuck in another country, it will ruin your day (or week, or month, or year).
- Check the local drinking water quality. Ever heard of Montezuma’s revenge?
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Eat where the locals eat. Drink where the locals drink.
Moroccan street food in the heart of Marrakech
- Learn how to say a few key phrases in the local language. Please, thank you, do you speak English, and the numbers 1-20 are a good place to start.
- Bring snacks and store them in your room. You’ll save money and sometimes it’s hard to find a quick bite to eat.
- Check your passport expiration date. If your passport is due to expire in three to six months, some countries may not let you in.
- Bring extra batteries in a zip-lock bag.
- Book your airplane seat the night before – Don’t be that guy or girl who shows up a few hours before takeoff to get stuck in the middle seat, last row.
- Bring earplugs – losing a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be an option.
- Learn how to conquer jetlag. A good rule of thumb is to stay up until at least 10:30PM on the day of arrival, if you can make it.
- Make a packing list a few nights before – there’s always last minute items you will remember, so it really will help take the stress out of packing.
- Keep an emergency cash stash. When abroad, cash is king.
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Learn how to haggle. In many places around the world you aren’t expected to pay the initial asking price.
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a great place to haggle for awesome souvenirs
- Bring a small collapsible bag that you can take with you during the day.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Sunburn = vacation killer.
- Understand the local laws.
- Bring backup adapters, just in case.
- Make a plan – no one says you have to stick to it, but don’t waste time planning out your vacation after you’ve already arrived.
- Generally, buses can be much cheaper than trains…much cheaper. If you’ve got some time to spare, consider it.
- Know the local currency – make sure you hand the cab driver a 10 and not a 20. It sounds silly, but trust us on this one – you can easily get burned.
- Know your hotel’s cancellation policy.
- Wake up early.
- Buy a real souvenir. If you’re looking for something specific, know where to find the real deal and avoid the knock-offs.
- Take a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
- Look for midweek flight deals. Research shows that Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly.
- Bring essential medicines. Ibuprofen and Advil can be lifesavers.
- Bring a wifi enabled device and a pocket wifi. Save on data roaming costs, never get lost, find the best places to eat and visit, save on hotel Wi-Fi fees, etc. etc.
- Leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs/things purchased during your trip.
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Bring a proper guidebook. Yes you’ll look like a tourist, but understanding the history, demographics, geography, best places to eat, etc. will improve your overall experience.
Lonely Planet travel guides are some of the best around
- Step outside of your comfort zone. Do something that scares you and makes you a little nervous – that’s what you’ll remember most and what it’s all about.
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Apps, apps, apps! There are so many great travel apps out there – download them before you leave onto your smartphone or tablet and use them with a pocket wifi, or offline.
12 of our favorite travel apps
- Leave your travel itinerary with a family member or friend so someone back home knows where you’ll be during your trip.
- Roll instead of fold your clothes when packing – less wrinkles and more space in your suitcase.
- Take pictures, lots of pictures. In five years time it will help you remember much more about your trip – especially the small details.
- Smile, be friendly to strangers, and get to know the locals. You may never have an opportunity like this one again.
