I absolutely adore travelling, and I'm very fortunate enough to have been doing it since I was a little bubba. I've travelled many times interstate and around Australia, been to New Zealand once and the USA twice, and am going to Bali in a week (woo!) and am also going on a school trip to France, Italy and Spain next year.
So with this holiday looming ahead, I've decided to put together a list of my ten top tips for travelling!
1. Have a Packing List.
Seriously, this is invaluable and saves you so much time. Having a huge list, perhaps even with subcategories like 'carry on' and 'luggage' means you can keep track of everything you need to bring, and can tick off things once you've packed them. It also ensures you don't forget anything! I even found a website that generates a packing list for you based on the nature of your trip, check it out here.
There are tons of free printables out there too, check out this one:
The safest way to ensure you bring everything you want is to create your own packing list though.
2. Pack well.
Learn how to pack light. Prioritize things that you need, and rolling clothes is also a great way to save space. There are heaps of packing tutorials on YouTube too, like this one here. (Thanks Buzzfeed lol).
3. A Travel Wallet.
We use these every time we travel, and not only is it compact, it's a sure way for all our important bits and bobs like passports, boarding passes and money stay together. They aren't hard to find, but
check out this cute one I found on eBay for $3.55 USD.
4. A good music playlist and earbuds.
Flights are long and boring, and I find a lot of the time that I'll chew through the in-flight entertainment in the first few hours of the flight. Having a good playlist with lots of your favourite songs and comfortable earbuds or headphones are a must have. Alternatively, you can bring along that book you've been dying to read for ages too.
5. A Neck Pillow.
If you want any chance of getting a little shut-eye on your flight, these are a must have. Listen to some relaxing music and recline your seat just before you doze off, and whip out one of these bad boys to ensure you don't get a crick in your neck. You can find them at most stores, with prices ranging from a couple of dollars to the top of the line $12.99 USD Swiss inflatable double comfort pillow.
6. A Sleeping Mask and Earplugs.
While I've never understood the appeal of sleeping masks, as personally they make me feel claustrophobic, but I know my sister loves them and sleeps like a baby when she brings it on a flight. Also, a tip is to make use of the complimentary ear buds that most airlines give out on international flights, just ask a flight attendant for a pair. They help me sleep a lot better.
7. If you're stuck, ask for help.
If you're lost and don't know where your flight gate is in a ginormous airport, can't find your hotel or even need a place to eat, ask someone! The worst they can say is 'I don't know,' and if that's the case, then, ask ask again! Remember to smile and ask politely. If you're staying in a hotel or resort with a concierge, they're also good for advice about what to do, eat and see etc, so I recommend asking them. (Sorry I couldn't resist making a Harry Potter reference).
8. Splurge a little.
There is nothing I hate more than getting home from a holiday and instantly regretting not buying that awesome, one of a kind souvenir. Don't waste your time on cheap items that will break easily and things that you can get at home, but get something that's either unique or practical, or both.
When I went to Harry Potter World in the US, I was such a tight ass that I didn't end up buying anything, but now I really regret not doing that as I have nothing that serves as a reminder of this time other than my own memory.
But don't go to the other extreme either, and buy everything you set eyes on, moderation is key and stay within your spending limit with room to spare.
9. Keep an emergency stash of money.
If you lose your wallet or heaven forbid, it's stolen, you will still need to eat. An empty Chapstick is a fantastic secret hiding spot.
10. Finally, have fun!
If you bring an open minded and positive attitude on your trip, you're almost guaranteed to enjoy yourself and have a lot of fun :)
Let me know your best travel tip in the comments.
Luci :)
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