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After a couple of years of a universal pause on travel, it sure is good to be back on the road. Traveling is one of the best presents you can give yourself, so anytime you can afford to go on a trip, do it. One thing I have never heard anyone say is “I wish I traveled less in my lifetime.”

But whether you are a seasoned traveler or just planning your first journey, before we go roaming the planet again, visiting old favorite places and discovering new ones, there are a couple of things we should never forget. Traveling in general, but especially traveling abroad, is a pleasure, and like any other pleasure, it should be taken seriously and with a certain share of responsibility to make sure you get the most out of it.

First and foremost, take care of your safety, especially if you are traveling alone. Don’t be afraid to go on adventures, but assess them critically. Safe travel is a guarantee that you will want to do it again next time, so don’t neglect basic common sense.

Another very important thing is comfort. It consists of a lot of aspects, but one of them that people often fail to realize is learning how to travel light. You will always – always! – end up using fewer things than you thought you would when you were packing. Remember this and don’t make your life harder by having to drag a heavy suitcase around.

Below we have collected some travel tips from experienced travelers that you should know before getting ready to check a new destination off your travel checklist. If you have any other useful recommendations, share them with fellow travelers in the comments below. Wishing you safe travels and a lot of fun on the road!  

#1

Try new food.

It's always nice to try local food and experience a new taste.

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Headless Roach
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can never understand travellers who fly half way across the world just to end up eating at McDonalds. I understand allergies / medical conditions that would make you hesitate, but otherwise go and try what the locals offer!

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    #2

    Use a flight comparison tool.

    You can use Skyscanner. It offers you every flight combination applicable to your desired departure and arrival destination.

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    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any recommendations for anything other than Skyscanner, fellows? I have nothing against, just curious if you have your fav sites.

    #3

    Download offline maps for your chosen country.

    When you are not sure if there will be an internet connection, it is better to be prepared. Or if you don't want to drain your battery.

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    #4

    Make extra copies of your passport and important documents.

    It is good to have a copy of your passport, you can mail a copy to yourself.

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    #5

    Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you.

    Go grocery shopping. It will save you a lot of money.

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    #6

    Get good shoes.

    You walk a lot when you travel, so take good care of your feet.

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    #7

    Respect local culture.

    Make research about local traditions and culture. Try to get to know people better and respect their laws.

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    #8

    Don’t go into debt.

    Don't go beyond your means, because you will regret it once you return to your normal life.

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    AffenpinscherMom
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah so, took out a loan to take family to see Machu Picchu/sacred valley in Peru back in 2018. Just paid off the loan. Don't regret it at all.

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    #9

    Let someone else know your travel plans.

    Let your friends or family know where are you heading, so they could help you in case something goes wrong.

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    #10

    Pack light.

    You won’t need as much as you think. It is better to create a list of the essentials and cut it in half.

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    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you suggesting that taking my wedding dress along is a tad bit much?

    #11

    Travel by yourself at least once.

    You will become more independent and learn how to be comfortable with yourself.

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    Aisling Raye
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hell no. I'm a woman and I've traveled more than enough to know that traveling alone is a terrible idea. (Of course I'm not saying to not take a flight alone - I mean going somewhere that you don't know the area and/or don't know anyone there) It sucks but that's the reality of the world we live in.

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    #12

    Get vaccinated.

    Many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. take care of your health, because it is not fun to get sick in a foreign country.

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    beeker
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Yellow Fever vax kicked my butt. But still better than Yellow Fever.

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    #13

    Learn to haggle.

    Learn this art of negotiating and do not get charged the foreigner price.

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    #14

    Don’t compete with other travelers.

    Some people may brag about where they’ve been, and what they’ve done. But you have to remember that traveling is for you and don't let anyone pressure you.

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    #15

    Use local transport to save money.

    It’s always fun to use local transport and the cheapest way to get around.

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    #16

    Get travel insurance.

    Travel insurance is the most important thing you get. In case something goes wrong you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills.

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    #17

    Be patient.

    There is no need to rush, you will get everywhere at the right time. Just enjoy your journey.

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    #18

    Be respectful.

    When something doesn’t go your way just stay calm, locals will try to help you but they might not understand you due to the language barrier.

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    #19

    Save the address of your accommodation on your phone.

    If you get lost, you can show someone on Google Maps where are you staying.

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    #20

    Book flights 2-3 months in advance to get the best price.

    Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare.

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