💡 Travel Tips & Advice

Before you leave home, download several apps which can help you. *Whats App will allow you to use WI-FI to stay connected with family and friends. It’s also commonly used by hotels/tours to communicate. *Transportation Apps like Uber and Grab can get you anything from a scooter ride to an airport pickup. *Apps for coaches, trains. buses, and other public transportation track schedules and can be your portal to purchase tickets. *XE Currency Converter will give you fast financial information. *Google Translate will help you connect with locals if there's a language barrier.

Consider booking an 'Around the World' plane ticket which allows you to get to faraway expensive locations for cheaper. Also one way tickets can offer a better bargain to visit multiple places in the same region, and overland trips can be an inexpensive, fascinating way to get from one country to another. Use airline and hotel points. Staying at hostels or budget hotels can save money, but always check online reviews before you book and be suspicious if there are none. Inexpensive local transportation like trains, subways, and buses are easy to navigate using the map app on your phone but take a screenshot of your route in case you lose WIFI. Avoid data overcharges by turning off cellular data when not needed and by using only WIFI at your accommodation. Before you leave home check your bank cards because some offer no fees on international ATM or purchases. If time is not an issue, book tours at your destination because you will likely find better deals.

You'll need a portable cell phone charger or two, headphones, and an international power adapter. Go to your bank about a week before you leave and order currency for your destination, that way you'll arrive with some money in your pocket. Take your debit card with you but protect it carefully and only use it to get cash from a real bank ATM. Take credit cards with you, including American Express if you can, because it's easier to replace in the event of theft. Apple Pay can be helpful too. Most countries want your medication in their original bottles with your name and prescription. A mini first aid kit & sewing kit come in handy especially when traveling to remote locations. A small umbrella is helpful in tropical and wet locations.

Take photos of all your important documents before you leave home, including the barcodes on passport and driver's license. Keep a copy on your phone, email a copy to yourself, and send another copy to a loved one. While traveling, don't keep all your cash and credit cards in one place. Keep some in your room safe if it seems secure, keep some with you preferably in a zipped pocket. Cash is important to have but keep smaller bills easily accessible, larger bills hidden away. Don't take your nice jewelry - instead wear your spare stuff, which could even be traded if need be. Be prepared financially for an exit plan if needed, so if you feel at risk, go to the closest name brand hotel.

Don't be afraid to travel alone! You'll meet new people and you will always have your cell phone with you so you’re not truly alone. You'll need to be more diligent about your valuables, since you don't have a buddy to help you in case of loss or theft. You will also need to be more mindful of personal safety - maybe there's a street you don't walk down! Consider AIRBNBs in which you stay with locals, or hostels with a common area to socialize, I've met many fascinating people that way. Book local group tours and day trips to mingle with other travelers. Some expeditions allow solo bookings and they will match you with a roommate if you want - I did that for Antarctica, Tibet, and African Safaris.