A list of 42 tips for achieving stress free travel. All tried and true methods I practice on every one of my adventures. Don’t panic about your towel, these are the real questions to ask:
42. Pick Your Priority
Do you want to stay in a really nice hotel? Get the best seat in the audience? How about eat at the highest rated restaurants? Depending on your budget, you might not be able to afford it all. Would you rather have more leg room or get an early admission ticket? You get to pick your priority, but understand that everything else needs to then take a back seat.
41. Budget in Advance
Have an idea of what you plan to spend, but also a realistic idea of what you’ll need to spend. Look up prices in advance so you won’t be surprised by your final bill, or worse. Sometimes looking up prices ahead of time can cause you to stumble across discounts or deals too.
40. Transportation Options
How are you getting there? How are you getting back? Not just home-and-back, but while you’re in the middle. Is there public transportation? Does it reach where you want to go? How often does it depart? Will it stop overnight? Are things within walking distance? Is it walking distance for you? Will you have to rent a car? How much is the local price for gas? Don’t accidentally strand yourself or make plans somewhere you can’t get.
39. Check Elevation
Distances are more than Point A to Point B. Humans can’t travel as the crow flies. If you are planning to walk anywhere of great distance, or if walking is not something you do regularly, do yourself a favor and check the elevation of where you are going. Some cities are literally built into a hill and everywhere you go will either be up or down. Sometimes this means lots of stairs, sometimes steep slopes, but it always means extra time and effort. Google Maps has a toggle for it.
38. Choose Luggage Wisely
Figure out in advance the most helpful way to bring your stuff along. There are so many different varieties: small, large, wheeled, shouldered. There are kinds with many pockets and zippers and ones with none. Are you going somewhere with pavement and stair alternatives, or will you need to carry things? Will you be returning to the same place every night or need to repack often? How you pack your stuff is as important as what stuff you pack.
37. Day Pack
You don’t want to drag all your luggage everywhere you go. A smaller bag for your daily essentials is crucial when you set out for the day. Some people use purses. Others use a small backpack. Whatever works for you, make sure it is comfortable and will survive whatever weather or other conditions you’re likely to encounter.
36. Leave Room
It isn’t just a matter of what you bring with you, but also what you might acquire along the way. Souvenirs, snacks, and extra socks aren’t always items you want to carry in your hands. And if you want to bring those extras home with you, don’t get stuck buying extra luggage just to cart the new stuff. Leave a bit of space in your luggage for whatever the future holds. My favorite technique is to stuff my daypack in my travel bag; then at the end of my trip I not only have the empty space where my daypack was, I have a whole daypack to put things in!
35. Bring Cash
Credit cards are popular but they aren’t accepted everywhere. Especially outside major cities and in very rural areas. Some places don’t take large bills, and some of those places are machines that can’t be reasoned with. Have various denominations of bills and coins in the local currency. I always divide my cash between my person and my stored luggage. That way, if one of those locations is robbed, I still have something to help in a pinch.
34 Sacrifice a Wallet
Certain places in the world can almost guarantee tourist robbery. If you are planning to travel to one of those places, offer up a sacrificial wallet. This is a cheap wallet placed in an obvious outside pocket of your luggage, filled with just enough cash to make the thief stop digging because they’ve found what they wanted. Hopefully they will stop there and move on.
33. Copy Documents
Some countries will advocate leaving your passport in the hotel safe and carry around a photocopy instead. Even if you aren’t going one of these places, always email yourself copies of your passport, credit cards (front and back), itinerary, and anything else that would difficult to replace or cause trouble if lost.
32. Back up your Photos
Photos and travel are a matched set. If you’ve managed to capture that perfect shot, don’t risk not bringing it home. Send it ahead, to yourself or somebody else, via email. Or save it to another device you have access to. If you’re traveling light, there’s always “The Cloud” which can be preprogrammed to automatically back up your entire photography collection and more.
31. Technology
Do you really need that laptop? Some people travel great with just a phone. Others need a bigger screen or keyboard. Or are working while traveling, on a business trip or as a digital nomad. Whatever you pack, make sure it can physically endure whatever you’re planning. I broke my first travel laptop because I squished it and knocked it around too much. The next one I got had a tougher case. Make sure it can survive you, and that you can survive it! Large screens are nice, but can get heavy.
30. Cell Phone Home
Choose a spot for your mobile to live. It should be in that spot or your hand for the entirety of your trip and no place else. Not even for “just a second”. Trust me, with the number of brand new places and cars/trains/buses you’re never going back to, the probability for putting your phone down and forgetting to pick it up again is dangerously high. All it takes is a few seconds for the taxi to drive away, the subway doors to shut, or the restaurant to close for the night.
29. Extra Batteries
One piece of tech no traveler should leave home without is an extra battery pack. I travel with three. Make sure you have at least one and any necessary cables with you at all times. Don’t forget to plug them in to charge overnight.
28. Internet Access
So much of our lives are connected through the internet. Even if you’re traveling to “unplug” you might discover a need for information; anything from, “Is that museum closed now?” to “Firewood stacking technique.” Most major cities have free WiFi access, even if you have to ‘sign up’ to get it (I use a fake email address to do so). Do you need a SIM card? Or prearrange your plan with your provider? Know before you go.
27. Be Aware
Not only for safety’s sake, which is the first and foremost reason you should always be paying attention to your surroundings, but for human decency. This may be your vacation dreamland, but other people were here before you and will be here after you leave. You are a guest in somebody else’s home, no matter how much you’re paying for the privilege.
26. Block Your Senses
Once you know you can safely ignore everything and everyone around you, make sure you’re able to. Even without noisy humans around, some sounds and lights will insist you pay attention when all you want to do is sleep. Pack both eyemask and earplugs, and keep them within easy reach. You don’t want to be fumbling around half asleep when that flickering lamp or snoring neighbor just woke you up.
25. Sleeping
Sleep schedules are always disrupted by travel. Too little sleep and you risk being too tired, too cranky, or too sick to fully enjoy yourself. Are you somebody who can push through on four hours and a strong coffee? Does your body need to be in a specific position? Can you sleep while on a bus/train/airplane/car or do you need to be stationary? Make sleep something you plan, not an afterthought.
24. Layers over Bulk
Weather determines the clothes you wear. But if you don’t have access to your full closet, you need to adapt. Rather than bringing multiple options for multiple forecasts, pack to layer. You’ll ultimately be warmer with an undershirt, overshirt, jacket, and coat than your big fluffy parka. And if the temperature changes, you only have to remove or add one layer instead of returning to your room to change.
23. Clothes
There are several thousand different “What to Pack” clothing lists on the internet. Look one up with your specific destination in mind. Where are you going? What time of year? For how long? Will you need formalwear? Clothes you can get dirty in? Or that dry quickly? Should you pack multiples, buy more there, or wash as you go? Is there a washing machine you can access? If you can, pack your bag in advance so you aren’t rushing through a load of laundry the night before or searching your closet when you should have already said goodbye.
22. Shoes
Personally, I adhere to the two-shoes policy. I wear one on my feet and the others are thin sandals I can wear in the shower/on the beach/at night. This will not work for everyone. Do realize that shoes are one of the biggest objects you will pack. If you plan to bring a special pair for fashion reasons, maybe they can be worn with multiple outfits or to multiple locations? Many, many fashion-related places on the internet can help you with this. If you need specific shoes for function reasons, make sure you pack them first to guarantee they fit in your luggage.
21. Holidays
Different places have different special dates on the calendar. What might be a regular Tuesday to you might be a day when all the shops are closed where you’re going. Don’t be caught taking a lengthy or expensive detour because the road you needed to cross is holding an hours-long parade. On the flip side, holidays in new places offer tons of new opportunities you don’t have back home. Foods, games, gatherings, shopping, are all affected by holidays. Plan to take advantage and you won’t be disadvantaged.
20. Check the Weather
Check the forecast early and recheck it again later. That afternoon storm might move to the morning. Know whether to pack gloves, an umbrella, or sunglasses. And maybe consider a rain shell or jacket instead of an umbrella. Both allow for different kinds of flexibility. Have indoor plans alongside your outdoor plans, even if that plan is a good book or tasty food.
19. Wear Sunscreen
If you’re outside, cover any exposed skin. Yes, even on cloudy days. Yes, even if you’ll be swimming. Both still hold great risk for sunburn. Trust me or look it up. Sleeping while traveling can be tricky enough without the discomfort of itching skin. At the very least, don’t ruin all your photos by looking like a lobster.
18. Hair Care
Tiny free bottles of hotel shampoo can be the worst on certain types of hair. And any brain under curly hair knows that’s not enough conditioner. The local water coming out of your shower might cause a mineral buildup that needs more moisture to counteract. Make sure to bring what your curls need to look fabulous. You could go my favorite time-saving route of bandanas and ponytails, or give them extra protection with braids.
17. Menstrual Products
Even if you do not personally own a uterus, somebody else in your party might. Pack supplies no matter where you are in your cycle, the stress and excitement of travel can affect some people. Be aware that your preferred products can’t be easily found some places, and some places make any products difficult to find. Look into the possibility of a menstrual cup.
16. Prescriptions
Some countries will require you to hand over a doctor’s note on request for certain medicines. If you use any prescribed medical device, make sure you bring extra crucial pieces. This includes prescription glasses! I always travel with a backup pair that I’ve never unpacked from my luggage, but always make sure are there before every trip.
15. Getting Sick
Prevention is key to getting sick while traveling (I suggest gum and garlic). Getting plenty of sleep and avoiding sick people are two of the most straightforward ways. The last thing you want when you’re not feeling well is to try to figure out the local cure, then find it, and then buy it. Pack a simple first-aid kit, some places specialize in selling travel med-kits. If you feel yourself starting to fall ill, slow down. You’ll lose more time if your body shuts you down completely. Fluids and rest work wonders, get plenty of both even if you feel great.
14. Vaccinations and Visas
What do you need before you go? Thoroughly read through the requirements on the official website of wherever you’re going. Check the time signature to make sure it isn’t outdated information. Don’t trust your friend or a travel blog. They won’t be the ones stuck at customs.
13. News Reports
Check the local news for up-do-date knowledge on travel-affecting factors such as catastrophic weather, government shutdowns, strikes, and civil unrest. Don’t rely on your tour guide, travel agent, or anyone you are giving money. They want to keep that money. While they might not lie to you, they might not tell the truth. These days, research can be as simple as typing the name of the area into any search engine. Check the surrounding areas too, stuff moves.
12. Know (a few words of) the Language
You don’t have to be fluent, but it sure helps to know the basics. “Help” “Thank You” and “Bathroom” are the ones I use most. Context can usually be conveyed with gestures and expressions. English speakers are spoiled because so many other people have at least a few words of it as a second (or fifth) language. If you’re concerned, there are travel picture books you can buy which let you communicate by pointing to an image. They’re pocket-sized and grouped by category.
11. Water
Can you drink it straight from the tap? Will ice cubes mean days in bed or on the toilet? Wherever you get your water, make sure you’re drinking plenty of it. Dehydration is easy when you’re too busy having fun to remember your H2O.
10. Food
There are all sorts of new options to try, or you can stick with your tried and true favorites. Don’t be pressured, this is your trip, no matter if you’re alone or in a group. Those of you with allergies should make sure you know the local translation. If you’re traveling somewhere remote, make sure you know where you’ll get your next meal.
9. Accommodation
Where is your home base? Will you have one, or many? How will you get from where you are staying to what you’re seeing or doing? How will you get back again? Places in the middle of the action can be expensive and noisy. Places far away can take up hours of travel and require extra attention or costs getting to and from. Are you cool with sharing a space with strangers or need a soundproof solo room? Older places can have unique charm but outdated equipment and poor temperature control. Modern chains can have a 24/7 front desk but offer no opportunities to meet fellow travelers. What works best for you?
8. Location
Are you a town mouse or a country mouse? A summer or a winter? Beaches or forests? There’s plenty of wonderful to be found wherever you go, but there’s extra wonderful if you’ll be surrounded by the kind of atmosphere you already love.
7. Ask Questions
You will have them, you should ask them! If your question is practical (location, opening hours, price) chances are high the person you will ask has answered it before. Don’t feel stupid. If your question is personal or cultural, take a second to think about why you are asking and how it might be interpreted. Cultural exchanges are wonderful and many people genuinely want to talk about themselves or their home. However, you might be curious, but they might be insulted. Don’t push. If someone ignores you or doesn’t answer, move on. Yes, even if you were only asking which way to the bathroom. If it’s a practical question, there’s always someone else you can ask.
6. Go with the Flow
If large groups of people suddenly move in one direction, follow them. Figure out why afterwards. They might know something you don’t and an emergency is no time to be asking questions. There is some reason all these people do not want to be where you are, so you probably don’t want to be there either.
5. Solo, Not Alone
Traveling by yourself can be a wonderful empowering journey. For safety, make sure at least one other human knows roughly where you’ll be and when you’ll be there. If you don’t come down from that mountain, back from that town, or home from that club, the sooner somebody can contact the authorities, the better. Figure out guidelines in advance, so you don’t worry somebody unnecessarily by going on an unplanned overnight adventure.
4. Fear Levels
More commonly referred to as “knowing your limits”. Don’t let fear hold you back from trying new things, but don’t risk injury or worse. Know what your comfort levels are and how much you want to push them. Be smart and don’t push yourself to go on that hike requiring special gear or go to a second location with strangers. If you’re prepared and know how to handle yourself, go for it! But if it’s potentially life or limb threatening, there’s plenty else to do.
3. To Photo or Not to Photo
Are you the kind of person who likes to relive their trip through pictures? Or will you snap them and never see them again? Don’t be afraid to put down the camera and just experience the moment. And don’t be afraid to go somewhere only to take a photo, then leave.
2. Schedule, Don’t Overschedule
People often tell me I overplan. I like to respond that I absolutely overplan, in advance. While I’m at home, it’s fun for me to figure out details of all the things I could do and see, how much they are, and where they are in relation to each other. I like to make an itinerary, one with an at-a-glance breakdown of every day I will be traveling and any essential times I need to do something (checkout before 9:00am, reservations at 17:30, be at train station by 11:15pm). The crucial step of this overplanning is the flexibility. I know instantly where my inflexible ‘hard times’ are, and from there I have my list(s) of things I can do in the area. When I get hungry, I don’t waste time searching for the perfect menu, I’ve already figured out a bunch of places in the area, their hours, and what local foods I want to try. Not for everyone, but it works for me!
1. Be Kind to Yourself
No matter where you go, you’ll be there. Don’t feel pressure about the “right” way to travel. It’s your life: live it! If you’re traveling with others, make sure you’re kind to everyone else as well as yourself. Don’t feel like everybody has to do things together. This goes double for families and triple for families with small children. Being on a trip together can mean 24/7, or just meals, or a only few activities. Talk about expectations in advance (yours and theirs) and give permission to be flexible. Solo travelers, have this conversation with yourself. You’ll thank you later.
Agree? Disagree? Have a golden rule of your own you don’t see here? Let me know in the comments!