Life on the road can be stressful enough, with unexpected things just waiting around the corner, but if you’re smart and can prevent these things from happening in the first place, travelling can only be described as idyllic.
Here are 10 Tips For A Better Travel Life
1. Be Flexible
Flexibility is the key to having a smooth journey to your destination. If you’re a regular traveller, then you’ll know that delays come part in parcel with travelling, flights get cancelled, your first flight gets delayed and therefore your connection leaves without you. Anything can happen when you’re on the road. The key is to always be flexible. Always set aside extra time in case these issues should arise. Always have patience and remember that the staff working around you are only human and in no way can perform miracles. Being flexible is a great way to prevent stress and anxiety during your travel life.
2. Take Photocopies Of All Your Important Documents
When travelling it is always a good idea to take a photocopy of your documents in order to prove who you are and where you come from, if an issue should arise. There are many stories out there about people who have not taken copies of their documents and not been allowed to travel, loosing huge amounts of money and being kept from leaving certain countries until they have gone through the system to reissue a passport from their local embassy. Having a photocopy of your documents can really help speed up the process and in some countries; they might even allow you to travel.
3. Keep Your Essentials e.g., Medication, Electronics, Toothbrush and Extra Underwear In Your Carry-on.
There are only a select few things that you should always keep in your carry-on. If you’re taking a beach vacation, it might also be worth rolling up a swimsuit and putting it in too. This way, it will prevent you from having any extra expense if your bag gets lost. Medication should always go in your carry-on with the prescription or letter from your medical professional. This way, you’ll never lose what you need the most.
4. Find Something Adventurous To Do At Your Destination
Before setting off on your trip, maybe have a look at all the exciting things you could get up to at your destination. If you’re taking a beach vacation, see if there is scuba diving available in your area, if you’re not an avid scuba diver, but enjoy putting your head under the water, then why not check out snorkelling spots in the area?
When travelling, things can get on top of you, so finding time to just ‘be’ for an hour is essential. A great way to meet nice people and get some much needed ‘you’ time, why not try a yoga class? Yoga is great for balancing your mind, body and soul, helping you to chill out, relax and get your holiday started. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals who are all looking for some inner peace in a world full of chaos.
5. Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi
There is nothing worse than finding out mid-holiday that your accounts have been hacked and that someone has accessed your bank account. Using public Wi-Fi is not secure, so make sure that you do not access your bank accounts or use your passwords whilst using public WI-Fi. It’s not so bad if you use a Wi-Fi that has a password, however still be vigilant.
6. Be Open Minded and Show Respect
If you’re a traveller, then it usually means that you enjoy the various different cultures that you come across whilst on your travels. Depending on where you travel to, things will be different and can sometimes create awkward moments. One of the most common cultural differences that you may come across is the speed at which things are done. You may go into a restaurant and unlike where you’re from; it may take an hour or even 2 before you see your food. The best thing to do, in this case is to keep calm and just go with the flow. Learn from your experiences and if you can, change the way you plan your meals, for example, why not go to the restaurant 2 hours before you get really hungry or have a light snack before going out for dinner?
7. Separate Your Sources of Money
Keeping all of your money and bankcards in one place can be a rookie mistake. If you are unfortunate enough to lose or have your wallet stolen, this can make it extremely difficult for you to access money. By separating all of your bankcards and your cash throughout pockets of your clothing, moneybag, backpack and wallet, this will always ensure that you have cash to get you out of any sticky situation.
8. Travel First Aid Kit
Always travel with a first aid kit. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive and largest first aid kit, it can be a super light, tiny one that contains all of the essentials. First aid kits should always have antihistamines, cold meds, sterile bandages, anti septic cream, anti septic wipes, plasters and activated charcoal pills (for an upset tummy). If you’re travelling further afield, it might be a wise idea to take a couple of sterile needles and syringes in case there are no hospitals in the vicinity.
9. Travel Light but Take Essentials
It does sound logical, however it is not as easy as it sounds. Most travellers like to take their essentials plus their ‘just in case’ items and its usually these ‘just in case’ items that lead to excess weight and too much to lug around with you. If you’re a frequent traveller, then make sure that you take note of the clothes and other bits of luggage that you take with you on trips that you end up leaving in your suitcase as this can help you plan for your next trip, making it an easier and lighter journey.
10. Go With The Flow
In a world full of chaos and constant planning, some like to plan their trip down to the very last second. However, having no leeway can cause issues and upset along the way. If you’re planning a trip to a number of destinations within a country, it is always good to plan your first few days, however as life changes, you may end up meeting people along the way, so keep your trip open to change.