Experience travelers have integrated many tips and tricks into their travel routines. From when they book flights to the kind of accommodations they secure, from how they pay for food when traveling to the kinds of shopping they engage in, there are innumerable tips born from that long-standing experience.
We’ve compiled a list of 50 pro travel tips that can save you money and improve your experience, no matter where or when you’re going to travel. These tips are separated into four categories: means of travel, accommodations, logistics, and activities.
Means of Travel Tips
- Fly during the weekdays to save significant amounts of money vs. weekend flights. You should also consider adding a few days to your trip, either at the front or the back, to avoid peak flight fees.
- Use points to travel, which can save you significant amounts of money. You can also use partner airlines, which increase the value of your points.
- Politely ask about upgrade opportunities. Flight staff may be able to offer you an upgrade to first class if there’s availability, and being kind to the team will improve your odds.
- Get train passes when traveling abroad. European Countries and Japan are easily traversable by regular rail routes and offer discounted rail passes that are good for extended periods to travel broad distances.
- Pack snacks before going to the airport to save money vs. buying expensive items at duty-free shops. Remember that you must dispose of any beverages at security, so stick to outside food.
- Rent a car if you’re going to be doing local travel. You can save a lot of money compared to taxis and Uber, but if you only expect to drive once in a while, then rely on public transit or rideshares instead of a private rental.
- Improve your vacation by adding another leg to your flight, giving you several days in a different destination. You can visit Italy, then India, then return via the Pacific, often without paying more than just a single round trip to Italy.
- If you’re very flexible, browse through discount ticket sites. Often the flights are less desirable or have limitations, but you can save a lot of money this way.
- Explore alternate means of travel, such as bicycles or ferries, when planning activities in your target destination. Often you can have a fantastic time exploring sites on foot or getting a unique perspective via boat.
- Speak with airline representatives instead of just using online resources. You may be able to get better prices or find flights that weren’t listed in your search results.
Accommodations Tips
- Consider staying in a hostel if you’re traveling solo, or look for Airbnb rentals if traveling in a group.
- Book longer stays to unlock discounts only available for those staying in one spot for a week or more.
- Research ahead of time to find accommodations near the activities you want to do and the transit options you expect to use.
- Contact friends and family who live nearby for an inside scoop. You may also be able to stay in their guest rooms to save even more money.
- Don’t stay at places with amenities unless you expect to use them. Paying extra for a pool doesn’t make sense if you don’t enjoy swimming.
- Stay somewhere with a kitchen available, as preparing your own food for a few meals can save a lot.
- Make sure that it’s easy to access where you’re staying. It’s not much fun to lug around a giant suitcase up a big hill and then several flights of stairs.
- Go shopping locally and fill the fridge with some simple snacks and beverages.
- Make sure you and your host share a language so that you can get help when you need it.
- Share the address and contact information for your accommodations with friends and family, just in case.
Logistics Tips
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially if you’re traveling in a country closer to the equator.
- Ensure you’re in good health before traveling and have the appropriate vaccinations before heading to countries with specific diseases.
- Select two or three cards to bring with you and alert your banks when and where you’ll be traveling.
- Bring extra cash, as many places worldwide do not accept cards.
- Check-in with friends and family regularly so that someone knows where you are at all times.
- Bring comfortable travel shoes for the plane and good hiking shoes for when you anticipate long walks.
- Research the countries you’re visiting and bring appropriate attire, especially for more conservative governments.
- Rent portable wifi, as your mobile plan may not cover you abroad.
- Bring a backup battery for your phone and other devices.
- Get some form of noise cancellation, such as earplugs. An eye mask will also help you sleep on long flights.
- Learn key phrases that will be helpful in the country, even if you don’t expect to be fluent.
- Watch a travel documentary on the country you’re visiting before going.
- Be prepared for complications and disappointments, as things may not work the same way where you’re visiting as what you’re used to in the United States.
- Pack as light as possible to save room for bringing back souvenirs.
- Take many pictures to make it easy to remember the many things you did on the trip.
Activities Tips
- Visit attractions at off-peak times to limit the crowds you get stuck in.
- Wake up early to explore cities before they get too busy.
- Try different restaurants rather than finding one that you like and revisiting it.
- Visit the local tourist bureau to learn about activities that might not be as easy to find.
- Go on walking tours and cycling tours of the city with experienced guides.
- Take day trips to attractions that are further away.
- Immerse yourself daily at local coffee shops and public squares off the beaten path.
- Make friends with locals who can point out interesting sites and activities only locals know about.
- Do activities that you wouldn’t ordinarily do at home.
- Spend at least one day wandering around without a specific plan in mind.
- Make sure to go out to a high-end restaurant at least once during the trip.
- Visit a local theater or music performance to experience more local culture.
- Spend time visiting museums to learn about the history of the country you’re visiting.
- Look for volunteer opportunities to get unique experiences and meet new people.
- Take a class to learn a little about a local art form, such as pottery or dance.
Ultimately, your trip is your own, but following these tips will help you have the best time while staying safe and enjoying what the world has to offer.