Before we start, please note that I am not affiliated in any way with any of the companies that I may recommend on this website, and that this information is purely from my personal experience.
1. Make sure to check the entry requirements before you travel.
. This may include visa applications, passenger locator forms, vaccination requirements etc. If you are a British citizen, this is compiled extremely concisely on the FCDO website where you can simply search for individual countries to obtain the relevant information.
2. Always use a debit or credit card with no commission on exchange rates.
. I personally recommend Starling Bank, but there are plenty of other banks offering this service. There’s nothing worse than paying for a £20 meal only to see you have been charged an additional £2.73 just because you’re abroad (cough cough… Nationwide)!
3. Buy bus or train tickets at least one day before you plan to travel.
Many routes that might seem rogue to Western travellers are often packed with local commuters so thorough planning is always best to avoid any unwelcome delays or news. If you are purchasing tickets online – quickly search if there are available vouchers. Sometimes you can find 10-20% off using just a few clicks! (For example: VCUK10 gives 10% off on all TripAdvisor bookings).
4. If you are a frequent traveller, try to make hostel/hotel bookings on the same platform to accumulate loyalty points.
. Booking.com is fantastic for this, as you can take advantage of exclusive rates and free upgrades if you have an account at “Reward Level 3”.
5. Track any potential flights using Google Flights "tracking" feature.
. I have found that using Google Flights is the best resource for finding some of the best deals on flight prices and availability. The website enables you to monitor multiple different flights and routes at the same time, with updated flight prices being sent straight to your inbox. This ensures that you get the best value for your money!
. Try searching for your flights on the airline’s original website or other sister websites. For example, I saved hundreds of pounds using the Chilean and Peruvian websites for LATAM compared to the British and American.
6. Keep your luggage on your person as much as possible.
. Luggage theft is common all over the world, particularly on long train or bus journeys. If possible, keep as much of your luggage (or at least your valuables) with you at all times. Also ensure that all of your luggage is labelled or has tags with your contact information or the details of an emergency contact for a worst case scenario.
7. Properly research your itinerary and potential public transport options.
. My favourite website for planning adventures using public transport is undoubtedly Rome2Rio. The wealth of information on this website is unparalleled and is a fantastic starting point for establishing potential itineraries and whether a journey is easily possible.
8. Download the map of the city or region that you are visiting using Google Maps before you venture out for the day.
. This allows you to access the map of the city efficiently in offline mode, helping you navigate without Wi-Fi. You can edit and remove previously downloaded maps easily using the Google Maps app. (CityMapper is another fantastic app for navigating foreign cities and their public transportation networks.)
9. Ensure you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before undergoing your journey.
. Although you might not want to think about what could go wrong, it is important to be prepared for all eventualities.
10. Research the laws and cultures of the place you planning on visiting and be prepared to potentially adapt your behaviour accordingly.
. Respecting the local culture and their differences is an essential part of travelling, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and clothing restrictions in certain regions.
