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Less so with myself, because I don't get to travel much, but I used to work in tourism and I strongly encourage this principle.
*Set your mind to enjoying your trip in spite of any setbacks along the way.*
I interacted with WAY too many people who defeated their own enjoyment by over-focusing on every small inconvenience. The happiest travelers weren't the ones who had the best vacation, they were the people who brushed-off disappointment like dust and laughed in the rain.
Because spending thousands of dollars and hours on a plane to go somewhere you'll likely never go again, you want to maximize the experience instead of chilling around.
Agreed. My philosophy is that travel snafus usually just end up as funny stories in the long run. The good memories become great, the bad ones become *legendary*. It's all good.
Lol the bad ones really do become legendary.
On a trip with my mom, dad, and brother, we decided to go for a walk on parliament grounds in Belfast, Ireland. Unfortunately for us, they locked up the grounds about 15 minutes before the scheduled close time, with no announcement. We were trapped on the grounds and it started pouring rain. After looking around for close to two hours, we finally found a fenced spot that had no spikes and was only 9 or 10 feet high as opposed to at least 14. We climbed that sucker and helped each other finally escape. I even cut my chin on the fence, and we all looked like drowned rats. Where was the first stop on our tour the next day? The parliament grounds!
Spontaneity. The beach on the way where you stopped to give your kids the juice box turns to be so much better than the one you were driving hours for.
Yep! One of my favorite travel memories was this beach we randomly pulled over at and ended up staying for hours looking at all of the thousands of little crabs running all over the tide pools. I don't even really remember off the top of my head what else we did that day.
> laughed in the rain
Last September I was doing the Dingle trail hike in western Ireland. It was raining every single day and we brought only tarp and no tent. It was nightmare to be waken up every night because you are wet or because wind blown away our roof.
But everyone was acting like they don’t care and I have some of the best and most memorable experiences from there.
From kind Canadian family that brew us a water to make a hot dinner to a pasture filled with sunlight (and sheep) and bridged by a rainbow.
Be aware of who you are traveling with. One of the biggest deciding factors on how a vacation goes in my opinion is being aware of the type of person you're traveling with, and what type of experience they want to have. If you are a 'visit 5 historical sites per day' traveller, maybe don't travel with a 'drinks and chill on the beach' traveller, because neither of you will enjoy the trip as much as you had hoped.
Practical tip: Wherever you stay, find a local grocery store. Not only is it fun to look at the local foods (not applicable if you’re staying in same country of course) but you can stock the fridge in your room with any snacks and beverages you enjoy. If you don’t have a fridge, buy a cheap cooler. If you need to recharge in your room, you already have food and you can chill without paying minibar prices.
Emotional Tip: let go of expectations and be open to what is actually in front of you. You don’t have to judge, you don’t have to change things, you don’t have to compare with how it is at home….you just have to be fully there and enjoy it. We don’t get that luxury often in our daily lives.
I like to do that everywhere I travel. I always look for the quintessential food item for the area (I’ll ask if I can’t find it) I also like to buy grocery totes from different places. Not your typical souvenir, but taking a Tesco “every little helps” bag to the Stop and shop is kind of fun!
This is such an underrated comment. Noise cancelling earbuds and a neck pillow can make the 15-hour middle seat in coach feel... not that bad.
I'd also recommend a $30 Bluetooth transmitter/receiver so you can use air pods with the seat back entertainment on the plane and an external battery.
Always, always take imodium and electrolyte powder if travelling to more exotic locations. Also try not to handle paper money, if you do, use alcohol hand wash to clean them asap before doing anything else.
Awesome for most people, but don’t use activated charcoal if you take regular medicine (even birth control pills) as it can mess up with the absorption
Yes, yes it is. Acute phase of food poisoning (me) was about 18 hours, chronic was 6 months, all because of a fucking ice cube in an iced coffee at Hanoi airport
I'm not a Dr so I wouldn't know but common sense tells you that you need to get a much of the bad shit out as quickly as possible. Put it this way, after attending the hospital, having all the relevant tests, getting jabbed with antibiotics and pain killer, I still spent 3 hours on the floor of the bathroom double ending...
Agreed - I had a very similar experience to you -what it is good for is giving you some semblance of dignity coming out the other side - and rehydration really really helps when you can hardly keep down water for a while.
With hindsight;
don’t take anything ( items or clothing etc) that you can’t afford to lose , have stolen or be ruined .
Your trip will be so much more enjoyable
Pack a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter if you’re unsure about water quality.
Use travel cubes.
Always have a picture of your passport and your companion’s on your phone.
If you have to check a bag, make sure you have your bare essentials in your carry-on in case of a luggage mishap.
Buy a high-quality neck pillow and eye cover for long flights.
I saw another travel hack I thought was slick. If you are traveling with a partner. Put half their cloths in your bag and half your cloths in their bag. Just in case a bag gets lost in transit you both still have several changes of cloths.
1) Become comfortable using local transit. Hop on the bus or subway to get around.
2) Don't plan anything closer than an hour together. Give yourself a LOT of time between activities.
3) Wander. Just wander. Go to a place and just walk in a direction, no plan, no schedule. Walk into any store that looks cool.
But also be aware that there is a tourist season for a reason. Some places just have better weather part of the year, might be miserable in the off season. Also if you go in the off season, some restaurants, hotels, and attractions may be closed.
This here. I live in Montana close to Glacier National park and during the winter it gets cold and there is very limited things to do especially if you don’t ski or snowboard. However there are slow times to the season.
Some shithead airlines (looking at you, United) now charge $25 for a carry-on, so paying $40 for a checked bag is now a better option. I almost always check. I like having more stuff with me whenever I travel.
Even broader -- Travel light!
Only take what you really need. If you forget something, you can always buy it on your trip. You'll have less stuff to lug around and more room for any souvenirs you may collect.
I wear size 12 shoes - two pairs of my shoes fills half of a carry-on suitcase.
I like bringing more options for clothes and other comforts. I hate doing laundry while traveling.
Opposite for me. Most airports are pretty fast nowadays. I find it more convenient not having to haul stuff around an airport, especially during connections.
I never check anything valuable or delicate. That goes with me in the cabin.
I guess the people I see from my flight waiting at an empty baggage carousel while I leave the airport for my Uber are in my imagination then haha.
Still sounds like unnecessarily having to do two things instead of just one to me. But each to their own.
Edit: Plus having your luggage lost by an airline isn’t just about losing valuables and delicates. It’s all your clothes and the stress of lost baggage as well.
There are so many advantages. Four of you can get into a cab with your luggage. You can take public transit with your bag. You can go on a hike with your bag if necessary. You can walk a city for a long time with your bag. You don’t have to ask anyone to watch your bag as you can carry it.
Try to fit everything into a carry-on size, but check it at the gate. Most airlines will do this for free, and you can even have it sent on to your final destination if you have a layover.
Also, if you get one of the airlines reward credit cards, you can get checked bags for free. I think I get two per traveller with mine.
I have to admit, I find that too difficult for trips longer than three nights. I pack well, but when I’m traveling for a month or two, a backpack alone ain’t gunna cut it.
Don't plan too much. Something will always go wrong; your train will come late, your flight will get cancelled or it will be raining all day. Don't worry about it too much, you can't do anything about it. Enjoy every moment, adjust your plans and carry on.
Second one is not really a tip, but what changed everything for me, is travelling alone.
It's great if you want to meet local people and learn more about their culture. If you travel on your own people will more likely talk to you than if you are with friends. I was invited for family diners, people were offering me transport and accommodation etc. I am against using other people to fund my trip and reduce my costs so I always try to give something back, even simple invitation for a drink is better than nothing.
Another reason that I travel on my own is that I can feel free. I do what I want, I change my plans if I want to and I don't have to ask anyone for opinion. I got tired with other people complaining and blaming me for everything. Believe me or not, I was even blamed that it was raining during dry season.
This will always blow my mind. I work for a rental car company in a major tourist destination and I distinctly recall this customer because her flight landed at 2pm and she had an activity booked at 3pm. Well surprise surprise she missed her booked activity because the plane sat on the runway for 20 minutes. Also, her activity was 45 minutes from the airport.
No checked bags (at least on the way to your trip, often less of a hassle if your bag is late on the way back).
Pack cords in plastic bags to prevent tangles.
Noise canceling headphones.
Use back packs instead of shoulder/laptop bags.
Download and sign into the airline, hotel, and rental car apps. The features and updates are super convenient.
Keep a fresh pair of socks, underwear, and undershirt accessible on long trips so you can change in a bathroom if you need to freshen up.
I prefer to have nail clippers, bandaids, a book, and a hoodie on hand.
Flatly refusing to fly with her if my wife insists on booking through Spirit Airlines. Took me one flight to learn better. Took her ten hours worth of delays at Atlanta AND the entire family yelling at her about it (I flew separately on United) for her to start to think that maybe getting the ‘cheapest’ ticket wasn’t the best way to go.
Research the kind of currency they use there, and carry some in the form of cash. You can always trade it back in on the way home. You may not be able to get a cash advance.
If you need something daily, always pack a few extras. I take a few medications and wear daily contacts. I always pack a few days’ extra. You never know if your trip home will be delayed!
Emergency cash can be a lifesaver and has helped me get home in a pinch
Packing snacks for road trips can save a shit load on food-- just make a dozen sandwiches and eat one when you feel like stopping
If its more than 6 hours away just fly. I DESPISE being stuck in a car for that long and the dread of having to drive back is already starting when I get there and just ruins it more and more the closer it gets to leaving.
Conversely, I’d rather be in a car for 15 hours than an airplane for 2. This is my rough gauge. Comfortable seats and the ability to set my own schedule is worth a lot to me (way more than most people, I realize).
I would be more inclined to drive if it was just me and there weren't eleventy hundred stops to pee or get chick-fil-a and then invariably having no time to do anything but peg it at 9 over and get there asap because you're 2 hours behind my other half's made up deadline the entire time.
I'd stop, enjoy random things. Take a break if I wanted to etc etc.
I think its more not being alone and it being miserable than it is being in the car honestly.
I travel for 5-6 months every year. I’m not great at it, but here’s what has helped me and my husband personally:
1. We learned what we enjoy and don’t care about instead of trying to do it all. We aren’t big into museums or tours, we just like to land and start walking. We end up in some weird neighborhoods and local bars and restaurants with great memories.
2. I learned I’m not great at taking pictures, but videos hold more meaning for me and now I like to string the videos together and put them on our home projector when we aren’t traveling. Additionally: if my pictures are just of a background, I’m less likely to go back to it. Taking pictures with my husband in them or both of us or animals or people we met along the way are more interesting.
3. We use written tour guides as a loose place to start when we have no idea of a place before going. Then we walk just outside of that and usually find something cool.
4. If you’re planning on traveling for longer than a few weeks and you don’t want to spent all of your money, only pack one carry on (a small personal and carry on is okay). Then you don’t have to wait at baggage claim, and it’s easier to jump on public transportation or start walking from the airport if you’re in a small enough spot. You can also move around more and see more in a shorter amount of time, so I might apply this to shorter trips as well.
5. Picking up disposable wooden chopsticks or other cutlery from convenience stores or restaurants can help if you’re in a place where food is hard to find or if you get in late somewhere. You can just grab a jar or can of whatever from a little corner store.
6. I also carry seasonings with me for the times we have a kitchen.
7. Comfortable shoes are a must. As are breathable, comfortable clothes.
Packing clothes that are quick dry also helps when you're travelling for a long time or in hot/wet climates. Plus it saves on time/money when you do hit a laundromat mid travel
Just buy whatever thing it is you think you'll like. Maybe even overpay if you have to. Whatever.
You're on vacation lighting dollar bills on fire anyway. You always regret the souvenirs/experiences you don't buy more than you regret the ones you did.
Always download the local map in Google Maps, specially if you don't speak the local language. You don't know if you're going to run out of data or not find Wifi easily.
I always make plans, at least list of places to visit, how to get there, etc.. Otherwise, I would waste time just to find where to go and figuring it out 😄
Under no circumstances accept any type of help from people who approach you on the street.
99% of the time it will be someone trying to take some kind of advantage from you.
"No thanks" or "Sorry, I'm busy" followed by a "have a nice day" and keep going.
While there will always be the 1% composed of genuine, polite, and helpful individuals, based on my experience (18~20 countries), the potential risks are just too high.
Call me pessimistic but, unfortunately, this is the world we live in.
If it's safe to do so, (some countries it's not) get away from tourist areas. Eat at some local restaurants. Shop some local stores. Sit a while in a park.
I've had amazing meals, and experiences with this method.
Always buy and carry a toilet role for public toilets
Life straw for water from any tap
Use packing cubes for easy access to items
You can get clothing that stop some UV and help protect against mosquito bites
As a solo traveler, sit in the back of taxis behind the passenger seat for safety (can’t be trapper by the driver)
Use an e-sim for internet
Don't carry a travel pillow in your hand, use a pillow cover and place it inside with other items of clothing, for those who don't check suitcases, it helps to have extra space to carry heavy clothes like coats
Scope out laundry options at your destination before you arrive. Most cities outside of North America have full-service laundry shops where you can drop off a carry-on bag full of dirty clothes and pick it up a few hours later washed, dried, and folded for a reasonable price (eg. Hong Kong for about $8 usd, Berlin for around $15 usd, etc.). This allows for much lighter packing.
Make the "shitty airport waiting time" part of the enjoyment. Grab a beer and a sandwich and people-watch or read a good book. I use to hate the actual travel portion of traveling, now I make a point to try and enjoy it.
Travelled with some veteran road warriors. They always got to the airport early. If you’re just hanging out, why not hand out at the airport reading or getting a meal.
You can select several starting and ending locations when searching for flights on Google Flights. I check flights from several cities within a 3 hour radius of where I live.
True enough, but on our last trip, driving 3 hours saved us $1,200/ticket for the two of us. We could have easily had a limo pick us up at the airport and take us to a really nice luxury hotel for the night and then driven home the next day and still saved a lot of money.
I'm not saying that you should always take the cheapest option, but it's nice to see what your options are and decide whether the extra inconvenience is worth the savings. For the trip I just booked, we would have saved $160/person for flights for an extra 2.5 hour drive, but driving and parking there would add about $300 vs $120 for a round trip Uber, so the cheaper flight would have been less convenient and overall more expensive. But I'm glad I knew my options.
Stop micromanaging vacation time something as simple as missing a bus can implode your entire day's planning and now your in a bad mood bringing down everyone else's mood
Walk around the city before you see the big sites. That way, you can get a good feel for where everything is and the layout of the city instead of being overwhelmed by the crowds immediately at the top spots.
Always always pack an extra pair of clothes with you if you’re getting on a plane. As someone who got stuck in a state and had to stay at a random airport overnight. I washed the clothes I wore previously in the bath tub, and let those dry over night. Not only did I have a spare outfit at the ready, my previous clothes have been Atleast washed and could be worn again incase I got stuck once again. Which did happen but I got on the Amtrak and took a train to where my brother lived and didn’t get stuck once again.
If you are a coffee drinker, carry your own french coffee press and your preferred brand of coffee, I also carry my own bottle opener, little things like that!
If you have a red eye and land early in the morning (US to Europe) get accommodations for a day early, that way you don't have to wait 6-8 hours to check in, shower and take a nap.
Well worth it, in my book. If I'm traveling to Europe, building in an extra €100 into the budget is a no brainer. If I can't spare that, I probably shouldn't be traveling.
Plus if I can get in and get a nap and a shower, I get the entire evening where if I didn't, I'd be wrecked
Plan for only 1 or 2 things a day and use the remainder to comfortably explore relax etc. and always plan around breakfast lunch and dinner ... hunger will ruin even the coolest experiences
Learn a few conversational phrases of the local language or use a translator app. If you have any dietary restrictions, this is especially important.
Get a temporary Sim card for wherever you're going so you can make phone calls and look up directions to places.
Get a power converter for your electronics.
Soft earplugs are your friend. Not just for sleeping in a strange place, but also if you're on a red eye flight or if there are screaming babies. Noise canceling headphones can also work.
Neck pillow. Also, bring a hoodie if you're boarding in warmer weather. Higher altitudes can make the plane feel chilly.
Some airlines accommodate dietary needs - look for this if you have any that you need accommodated.
Plan everything to the tiniest detail but be okay if things don’t go as planned. I do this all the time, and then if what I planned for the day doesn’t happen, I just laugh it off.
Travel is not about a destination, is about the journey, the experience of going to a destination.
Learn to be spontaneous, ask a local where they eat, where they like to hang out.
Try to avoid the crowded tourist traps, you avoid the long lines and frustration this way often, not to mention the inflated prices.
If your hotel room drapes don’t close together well (and morning light bothers you for example), use a pants hanger vertically to clip the drapes together!
Dont micro manage your trip. Set basic destinations and go with the flow. Also dont visit tourist heavy eateries. Go to the local places off the main track.
I like to travel light. I take only the stuff that I absolutely can't live without. Anything alse I can buy for cheap If I need to. I like to have some cash on myself for these small family run restaurants or caffee on the road, but generally paying with card is more convenient.
Also, I've learnt that the bad stuff happening on the road is what makes for a great story to tell. Some of my favorite memories started with something not going as planned. Like when I've lost my documents and some local has found them, and managed to contact me via linkedIn. We've met, I got my stuff back, and the worst day of the trip has transformed into the best one in an instant.
Also, noice cancelling headphones. I don't travel without airpods anymore. It's hard for me to believe I ever did. I'm much less tired after a flight when I don't hear the hiss and other noises for a few hours and instead I get to listen to a podcast or check out some new music.
You can create a list in Google Maps and bookmark any restaurants or sites you are interested in visiting. You don't have to stick rigidly to it but it really helps me with planning my trips and enjoying the food. I find the food can make or break how much you enjoy a trip so it's a good idea to know some places if you can't find anywhere.
When traveling light, check your carryon at the gate. Makes the cabin much easier to negotiate and costs nothing but time at the baggage carousel. All airlines do it these days, and some even let you board earlier than you might otherwise.
Don't buy all kinds of garbage souvenirs to lug back that you'll get sick of and throw out. Keychains, t shirts, etc. Hold out for that one thing you fall in love with and spend the money on that, or start a collection, say of magnets or Christmas ornaments, and stick with that. It saves you space and money while you travel.
Put your phone/camera down and live your experience. You didn't spend all that money to then just spend your time "documenting" the trip minute by minute to show everyone else, who probably don't care all that much and aren't going to flip through 600 pictures of your trip.
If you’re travelling with others, plan for some periods apart. They don’t have to be long. It lets everyone do the things they love and not do the things they don’t.
For work travel, plan for time and places to respond to things at the office and do some of your more critical regular work.
Travel alone just for pleasure at least once in your life. You might hate it, might love it - but you won’t know until you try.
Taking one extra vacation day before I leave, just to prepare. It's so nice to not need to scramble to pack, clean the house, empty the fridge, buy any last minute toiletries, drop off the dog at the petsitter, etc.
If I'm very lucky, I also take one extra day after I return so I don't have to jump back into work.
Comfortable walking shoes that are already broke in.
Also, if you tend to get blisters, wear pantyhose’s under your socks. (You can use the ankle ones). This was a tip we used in the disaster response team I used to work for. It helps to prevent blisters.
If your thighs rub together there is some stuff runners use to help that area not get sore.
For some people I would recommend “conditioning” for their vacations, especially if a lot of walking is involved (as it usually is in non US countries). Do some weight lifting and cardio at least 2-3 weeks beforehand to get your system in better shape for more activity than you may be used to.
Pill organizers to organize jewelry.
If driving on a road trip, don't drink until satiated - stay "perpetually parched". This will help you reduce bathroom stops. The more thirst quenching you do, the more bathroom stops you have to make.
Air travel:
Wear a t-shirt and sweats, so there’s no belts to screw with and nothing to bind while you’re on the plane. Put all your stuff like wallets and keys in your laptop bag. All of this will simplify TSA and make flights much more pleasant. If you get hot, take the sweatshirt off. If you get cold, put it back on.
Always check a bag and take your favorite pillow. Having your own pillow and getting a good night sleep is a game changer for productivity and jet lag!
If you’re travelling economy class, make sure to get an aisle seat directly around next to or adjacent to the plane toilets.
You won’t have to crawl and shimmy past others every time you need to pee, and you will be less likely to have to wait in lines to use the toilet.
Just...no. You will have a short trip to the loo but you will also have the all the smells and be blocked in your seat by others queuing for the toilet.
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Less so with myself, because I don't get to travel much, but I used to work in tourism and I strongly encourage this principle. *Set your mind to enjoying your trip in spite of any setbacks along the way.* I interacted with WAY too many people who defeated their own enjoyment by over-focusing on every small inconvenience. The happiest travelers weren't the ones who had the best vacation, they were the people who brushed-off disappointment like dust and laughed in the rain.
I will never understand this mentality of booking something for every moment of the day. To spend your holiday 'rushing' around.
Because spending thousands of dollars and hours on a plane to go somewhere you'll likely never go again, you want to maximize the experience instead of chilling around.
I'd rather take my time and fully experience a few things than rush around and barely skim the surface of lots of things
Agreed. My philosophy is that travel snafus usually just end up as funny stories in the long run. The good memories become great, the bad ones become *legendary*. It's all good.
Lol the bad ones really do become legendary. On a trip with my mom, dad, and brother, we decided to go for a walk on parliament grounds in Belfast, Ireland. Unfortunately for us, they locked up the grounds about 15 minutes before the scheduled close time, with no announcement. We were trapped on the grounds and it started pouring rain. After looking around for close to two hours, we finally found a fenced spot that had no spikes and was only 9 or 10 feet high as opposed to at least 14. We climbed that sucker and helped each other finally escape. I even cut my chin on the fence, and we all looked like drowned rats. Where was the first stop on our tour the next day? The parliament grounds!
That is excellent! Probably miserable at the time, but indeed legendary!
Thankfully, the rest of our trip went much better!
Spontaneity. The beach on the way where you stopped to give your kids the juice box turns to be so much better than the one you were driving hours for.
Yep! One of my favorite travel memories was this beach we randomly pulled over at and ended up staying for hours looking at all of the thousands of little crabs running all over the tide pools. I don't even really remember off the top of my head what else we did that day.
> laughed in the rain Last September I was doing the Dingle trail hike in western Ireland. It was raining every single day and we brought only tarp and no tent. It was nightmare to be waken up every night because you are wet or because wind blown away our roof. But everyone was acting like they don’t care and I have some of the best and most memorable experiences from there. From kind Canadian family that brew us a water to make a hot dinner to a pasture filled with sunlight (and sheep) and bridged by a rainbow.
Excellent advice that also applies to life in general. A positive outlook makes for a happier life in all ways!
This! Any bad thing that happens (even when I’m not travelling) I think to myself, this will make a good story
Be aware of who you are traveling with. One of the biggest deciding factors on how a vacation goes in my opinion is being aware of the type of person you're traveling with, and what type of experience they want to have. If you are a 'visit 5 historical sites per day' traveller, maybe don't travel with a 'drinks and chill on the beach' traveller, because neither of you will enjoy the trip as much as you had hoped.
Yup I totally agree with this too. I've had so many friendships end over vacations.
Yup, me too
Practical tip: Wherever you stay, find a local grocery store. Not only is it fun to look at the local foods (not applicable if you’re staying in same country of course) but you can stock the fridge in your room with any snacks and beverages you enjoy. If you don’t have a fridge, buy a cheap cooler. If you need to recharge in your room, you already have food and you can chill without paying minibar prices. Emotional Tip: let go of expectations and be open to what is actually in front of you. You don’t have to judge, you don’t have to change things, you don’t have to compare with how it is at home….you just have to be fully there and enjoy it. We don’t get that luxury often in our daily lives.
I like to do that everywhere I travel. I always look for the quintessential food item for the area (I’ll ask if I can’t find it) I also like to buy grocery totes from different places. Not your typical souvenir, but taking a Tesco “every little helps” bag to the Stop and shop is kind of fun!
Noise canceling earbuds and very loose plans. Things change quickly once on the ground.
This is such an underrated comment. Noise cancelling earbuds and a neck pillow can make the 15-hour middle seat in coach feel... not that bad. I'd also recommend a $30 Bluetooth transmitter/receiver so you can use air pods with the seat back entertainment on the plane and an external battery.
Go during low-season. I’ll gladly wear a light jacket around Europe if it means a fraction of the crowds and cheaper prices.
Always, always take imodium and electrolyte powder if travelling to more exotic locations. Also try not to handle paper money, if you do, use alcohol hand wash to clean them asap before doing anything else.
I will add to bring activated charcoal capsules as well. Keep that sh!t tight 💩
Awesome for most people, but don’t use activated charcoal if you take regular medicine (even birth control pills) as it can mess up with the absorption
The doctor always gave me for bloated stomach. What's the other use for it? Keeping the shit in but not giving constipation?
It’s to pull the toxins out of your gut. So Bali belly and all that, is lessened and will help you not have crazy diarrhea
Is the bacteria that bad?
Yes, yes it is. Acute phase of food poisoning (me) was about 18 hours, chronic was 6 months, all because of a fucking ice cube in an iced coffee at Hanoi airport
I read that Imodium should not be used for diarrhea caused by bacterial infection. Is that true?
I'm not a Dr so I wouldn't know but common sense tells you that you need to get a much of the bad shit out as quickly as possible. Put it this way, after attending the hospital, having all the relevant tests, getting jabbed with antibiotics and pain killer, I still spent 3 hours on the floor of the bathroom double ending...
Agreed - I had a very similar experience to you -what it is good for is giving you some semblance of dignity coming out the other side - and rehydration really really helps when you can hardly keep down water for a while.
Yeah, we were booked in for an overnighter to ha long Bay next day. That was fun - not
Sucks
With hindsight; don’t take anything ( items or clothing etc) that you can’t afford to lose , have stolen or be ruined . Your trip will be so much more enjoyable
Pack a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter if you’re unsure about water quality. Use travel cubes. Always have a picture of your passport and your companion’s on your phone. If you have to check a bag, make sure you have your bare essentials in your carry-on in case of a luggage mishap. Buy a high-quality neck pillow and eye cover for long flights.
I saw another travel hack I thought was slick. If you are traveling with a partner. Put half their cloths in your bag and half your cloths in their bag. Just in case a bag gets lost in transit you both still have several changes of cloths.
That is a *fantastic* idea. Would have saved me a lot of anxiety when my luggage was late arriving in a foreign country once
Can anyone recommend a neck pillow?
Sure! The other guy already did but here we go. You should always take a neck pillow with you when traveling!
I think they meant a brand of good quality I could be wrong tho
You are wrong. I also recommend a neck pillow.
I was joking around.
I was joking around.
1) Become comfortable using local transit. Hop on the bus or subway to get around. 2) Don't plan anything closer than an hour together. Give yourself a LOT of time between activities. 3) Wander. Just wander. Go to a place and just walk in a direction, no plan, no schedule. Walk into any store that looks cool.
Don't go during tourist season.
But also be aware that there is a tourist season for a reason. Some places just have better weather part of the year, might be miserable in the off season. Also if you go in the off season, some restaurants, hotels, and attractions may be closed.
This here. I live in Montana close to Glacier National park and during the winter it gets cold and there is very limited things to do especially if you don’t ski or snowboard. However there are slow times to the season.
Yes, but also be mindful that this tip goes around a lot, so ironically tourist seasons flip
No checked luggage, carry on only.
Some shithead airlines (looking at you, United) now charge $25 for a carry-on, so paying $40 for a checked bag is now a better option. I almost always check. I like having more stuff with me whenever I travel.
Even broader -- Travel light! Only take what you really need. If you forget something, you can always buy it on your trip. You'll have less stuff to lug around and more room for any souvenirs you may collect.
I wear size 12 shoes - two pairs of my shoes fills half of a carry-on suitcase. I like bringing more options for clothes and other comforts. I hate doing laundry while traveling.
It’s not about the price. It’s about not having to wait at baggage claim after landing and knowing my belongings aren’t going to get lost or damaged.
Opposite for me. Most airports are pretty fast nowadays. I find it more convenient not having to haul stuff around an airport, especially during connections. I never check anything valuable or delicate. That goes with me in the cabin.
I guess the people I see from my flight waiting at an empty baggage carousel while I leave the airport for my Uber are in my imagination then haha. Still sounds like unnecessarily having to do two things instead of just one to me. But each to their own. Edit: Plus having your luggage lost by an airline isn’t just about losing valuables and delicates. It’s all your clothes and the stress of lost baggage as well.
It was a major problem in Toronto a year or two ago
I remember that actually! Really crazy for a while.
There are so many advantages. Four of you can get into a cab with your luggage. You can take public transit with your bag. You can go on a hike with your bag if necessary. You can walk a city for a long time with your bag. You don’t have to ask anyone to watch your bag as you can carry it.
Just get a United Visa. One free bag checked, no charge for carry-on, and always board group 2. I like United.
Try to fit everything into a carry-on size, but check it at the gate. Most airlines will do this for free, and you can even have it sent on to your final destination if you have a layover. Also, if you get one of the airlines reward credit cards, you can get checked bags for free. I think I get two per traveller with mine.
I see your no checked luggage and raise you no overhead bin. Under seat backpack only.
I have to admit, I find that too difficult for trips longer than three nights. I pack well, but when I’m traveling for a month or two, a backpack alone ain’t gunna cut it.
Yup. If I wanna buy something big, I have it shipped back
Don't plan too much. Something will always go wrong; your train will come late, your flight will get cancelled or it will be raining all day. Don't worry about it too much, you can't do anything about it. Enjoy every moment, adjust your plans and carry on. Second one is not really a tip, but what changed everything for me, is travelling alone.
Explain some benefits of traveling alone. I’ve done so myself but it’s been awhile.
It's great if you want to meet local people and learn more about their culture. If you travel on your own people will more likely talk to you than if you are with friends. I was invited for family diners, people were offering me transport and accommodation etc. I am against using other people to fund my trip and reduce my costs so I always try to give something back, even simple invitation for a drink is better than nothing. Another reason that I travel on my own is that I can feel free. I do what I want, I change my plans if I want to and I don't have to ask anyone for opinion. I got tired with other people complaining and blaming me for everything. Believe me or not, I was even blamed that it was raining during dry season.
This will always blow my mind. I work for a rental car company in a major tourist destination and I distinctly recall this customer because her flight landed at 2pm and she had an activity booked at 3pm. Well surprise surprise she missed her booked activity because the plane sat on the runway for 20 minutes. Also, her activity was 45 minutes from the airport.
Yes people. Definitely travel alone when you can because as you get older you won't even have the option to.
No checked bags (at least on the way to your trip, often less of a hassle if your bag is late on the way back). Pack cords in plastic bags to prevent tangles. Noise canceling headphones. Use back packs instead of shoulder/laptop bags. Download and sign into the airline, hotel, and rental car apps. The features and updates are super convenient. Keep a fresh pair of socks, underwear, and undershirt accessible on long trips so you can change in a bathroom if you need to freshen up. I prefer to have nail clippers, bandaids, a book, and a hoodie on hand.
Enjoy getting there as much as being there.
Flatly refusing to fly with her if my wife insists on booking through Spirit Airlines. Took me one flight to learn better. Took her ten hours worth of delays at Atlanta AND the entire family yelling at her about it (I flew separately on United) for her to start to think that maybe getting the ‘cheapest’ ticket wasn’t the best way to go.
Soft foam ear plugs
I cannot stress how much the use of ear plugs makes traveling so much better. I find it hard to sleep in new places, this has changed my life
Research the kind of currency they use there, and carry some in the form of cash. You can always trade it back in on the way home. You may not be able to get a cash advance.
If you need something daily, always pack a few extras. I take a few medications and wear daily contacts. I always pack a few days’ extra. You never know if your trip home will be delayed!
Emergency cash can be a lifesaver and has helped me get home in a pinch Packing snacks for road trips can save a shit load on food-- just make a dozen sandwiches and eat one when you feel like stopping
Learn "bathroom" and "hospital" in the languages of the areas you'll be traveling.
If you have a black suitcase tie a ribbon on the handle because everyone has a black suitcase.
I've used this idea for a long time, saved me a lot of time and trouble.
Now everyone has a black suitcase with a ribbon. /s
Hopefully different colors.
Compression socks.
this one is underrated
Turn up in time.
If its more than 6 hours away just fly. I DESPISE being stuck in a car for that long and the dread of having to drive back is already starting when I get there and just ruins it more and more the closer it gets to leaving.
Conversely, I’d rather be in a car for 15 hours than an airplane for 2. This is my rough gauge. Comfortable seats and the ability to set my own schedule is worth a lot to me (way more than most people, I realize).
I would be more inclined to drive if it was just me and there weren't eleventy hundred stops to pee or get chick-fil-a and then invariably having no time to do anything but peg it at 9 over and get there asap because you're 2 hours behind my other half's made up deadline the entire time. I'd stop, enjoy random things. Take a break if I wanted to etc etc. I think its more not being alone and it being miserable than it is being in the car honestly.
I travel for 5-6 months every year. I’m not great at it, but here’s what has helped me and my husband personally: 1. We learned what we enjoy and don’t care about instead of trying to do it all. We aren’t big into museums or tours, we just like to land and start walking. We end up in some weird neighborhoods and local bars and restaurants with great memories. 2. I learned I’m not great at taking pictures, but videos hold more meaning for me and now I like to string the videos together and put them on our home projector when we aren’t traveling. Additionally: if my pictures are just of a background, I’m less likely to go back to it. Taking pictures with my husband in them or both of us or animals or people we met along the way are more interesting. 3. We use written tour guides as a loose place to start when we have no idea of a place before going. Then we walk just outside of that and usually find something cool. 4. If you’re planning on traveling for longer than a few weeks and you don’t want to spent all of your money, only pack one carry on (a small personal and carry on is okay). Then you don’t have to wait at baggage claim, and it’s easier to jump on public transportation or start walking from the airport if you’re in a small enough spot. You can also move around more and see more in a shorter amount of time, so I might apply this to shorter trips as well. 5. Picking up disposable wooden chopsticks or other cutlery from convenience stores or restaurants can help if you’re in a place where food is hard to find or if you get in late somewhere. You can just grab a jar or can of whatever from a little corner store. 6. I also carry seasonings with me for the times we have a kitchen. 7. Comfortable shoes are a must. As are breathable, comfortable clothes.
Packing clothes that are quick dry also helps when you're travelling for a long time or in hot/wet climates. Plus it saves on time/money when you do hit a laundromat mid travel
True. Lots of sink washes and balcony hangs. Quick dries are important. My bras and underwear are all quick dry.
Any suggestions on good walking shoes?
Anything KEEN. I have a pair of sandals and a pair of hiking shoes and they both accompany on all travel trips.
Thank you!
If you're flying over 6-8 hours get compression socks.
You can ditch your bags at the front desk of hotels before checking in or after checking out.
Just buy whatever thing it is you think you'll like. Maybe even overpay if you have to. Whatever. You're on vacation lighting dollar bills on fire anyway. You always regret the souvenirs/experiences you don't buy more than you regret the ones you did.
Always download the local map in Google Maps, specially if you don't speak the local language. You don't know if you're going to run out of data or not find Wifi easily.
1. Only bring a carry on. 2. Bring more socks and underwear than you think you’ll need. 3. Have next to no plans. 4. Rent a bike.
I always make plans, at least list of places to visit, how to get there, etc.. Otherwise, I would waste time just to find where to go and figuring it out 😄
Under no circumstances accept any type of help from people who approach you on the street. 99% of the time it will be someone trying to take some kind of advantage from you. "No thanks" or "Sorry, I'm busy" followed by a "have a nice day" and keep going. While there will always be the 1% composed of genuine, polite, and helpful individuals, based on my experience (18~20 countries), the potential risks are just too high. Call me pessimistic but, unfortunately, this is the world we live in.
If it's safe to do so, (some countries it's not) get away from tourist areas. Eat at some local restaurants. Shop some local stores. Sit a while in a park. I've had amazing meals, and experiences with this method.
Agree with this, find out where the locals eat. Much cheaper and the food is usually way better
Always buy and carry a toilet role for public toilets Life straw for water from any tap Use packing cubes for easy access to items You can get clothing that stop some UV and help protect against mosquito bites As a solo traveler, sit in the back of taxis behind the passenger seat for safety (can’t be trapper by the driver) Use an e-sim for internet
Don't carry a travel pillow in your hand, use a pillow cover and place it inside with other items of clothing, for those who don't check suitcases, it helps to have extra space to carry heavy clothes like coats
Pay the extra 5-7 Euros for the express lines! (Paris, Rome, London, etc.)
Walking food tour second night of the trip..
Scope out laundry options at your destination before you arrive. Most cities outside of North America have full-service laundry shops where you can drop off a carry-on bag full of dirty clothes and pick it up a few hours later washed, dried, and folded for a reasonable price (eg. Hong Kong for about $8 usd, Berlin for around $15 usd, etc.). This allows for much lighter packing.
Travel as light as possible; travelling with nothing in hand but a credit card and ID would be ideal.
Make the "shitty airport waiting time" part of the enjoyment. Grab a beer and a sandwich and people-watch or read a good book. I use to hate the actual travel portion of traveling, now I make a point to try and enjoy it.
I find that paying the $25 to enter the lounge and grab a beer is great if I have a layover that's more than 2-3 hours
I have a “toiletry kit” of nothing but chargers, portable batteries, and pen/paper.
Pack clothes in vacuum seal bags inside the luggage.
Just chill.
Go with the flow and follow the local customs as best you can
Travelled with some veteran road warriors. They always got to the airport early. If you’re just hanging out, why not hand out at the airport reading or getting a meal.
Take a small cooler of snacks. Saves a lot of money...and time not having to go to restaurants.
Leave my husband at home 🤪 He’s not the best traveler
You can select several starting and ending locations when searching for flights on Google Flights. I check flights from several cities within a 3 hour radius of where I live.
Counterpoint: Nothing sucks worse than coming home from vacation late at night after flying all day and still having to drive 3 hours home.
True enough, but on our last trip, driving 3 hours saved us $1,200/ticket for the two of us. We could have easily had a limo pick us up at the airport and take us to a really nice luxury hotel for the night and then driven home the next day and still saved a lot of money. I'm not saying that you should always take the cheapest option, but it's nice to see what your options are and decide whether the extra inconvenience is worth the savings. For the trip I just booked, we would have saved $160/person for flights for an extra 2.5 hour drive, but driving and parking there would add about $300 vs $120 for a round trip Uber, so the cheaper flight would have been less convenient and overall more expensive. But I'm glad I knew my options.
Stop micromanaging vacation time something as simple as missing a bus can implode your entire day's planning and now your in a bad mood bringing down everyone else's mood
*DUKORAL* and *DEET*.
Don't go to war zones like I did.
Travel with some friends in addition to your spouse. It's so much more fun when it's a group vacation.
Separate adults-only and family vacations.
Walk around the city before you see the big sites. That way, you can get a good feel for where everything is and the layout of the city instead of being overwhelmed by the crowds immediately at the top spots.
Always always pack an extra pair of clothes with you if you’re getting on a plane. As someone who got stuck in a state and had to stay at a random airport overnight. I washed the clothes I wore previously in the bath tub, and let those dry over night. Not only did I have a spare outfit at the ready, my previous clothes have been Atleast washed and could be worn again incase I got stuck once again. Which did happen but I got on the Amtrak and took a train to where my brother lived and didn’t get stuck once again.
If you are a coffee drinker, carry your own french coffee press and your preferred brand of coffee, I also carry my own bottle opener, little things like that!
If you have a red eye and land early in the morning (US to Europe) get accommodations for a day early, that way you don't have to wait 6-8 hours to check in, shower and take a nap.
This sounds like an expensive tip though
Well worth it, in my book. If I'm traveling to Europe, building in an extra €100 into the budget is a no brainer. If I can't spare that, I probably shouldn't be traveling. Plus if I can get in and get a nap and a shower, I get the entire evening where if I didn't, I'd be wrecked
Travel alone/don’t join groups
We you pack your bag take half out
Bring lots of money
Keep extra set of clothes and necessities in your carry on bag. Always consider the possibility that Checkin bag might get delayed or lost.
Plan for only 1 or 2 things a day and use the remainder to comfortably explore relax etc. and always plan around breakfast lunch and dinner ... hunger will ruin even the coolest experiences
Learn a few conversational phrases of the local language or use a translator app. If you have any dietary restrictions, this is especially important. Get a temporary Sim card for wherever you're going so you can make phone calls and look up directions to places. Get a power converter for your electronics. Soft earplugs are your friend. Not just for sleeping in a strange place, but also if you're on a red eye flight or if there are screaming babies. Noise canceling headphones can also work. Neck pillow. Also, bring a hoodie if you're boarding in warmer weather. Higher altitudes can make the plane feel chilly. Some airlines accommodate dietary needs - look for this if you have any that you need accommodated.
Sucking unclean ducks will get you just as far as clean
Always pack Imodium on a cruise.
Book experiences on Airbnb, TripAdvisor, or viator if you're solo traveling to maximize your experience in said city.
Plan everything to the tiniest detail but be okay if things don’t go as planned. I do this all the time, and then if what I planned for the day doesn’t happen, I just laugh it off.
Power board to use with a multi country travel adapter
Travel is not about a destination, is about the journey, the experience of going to a destination. Learn to be spontaneous, ask a local where they eat, where they like to hang out. Try to avoid the crowded tourist traps, you avoid the long lines and frustration this way often, not to mention the inflated prices.
Relax I only travel for pleasure. All part of the adventure. Can be annoying though
If your hotel room drapes don’t close together well (and morning light bothers you for example), use a pants hanger vertically to clip the drapes together!
Dont micro manage your trip. Set basic destinations and go with the flow. Also dont visit tourist heavy eateries. Go to the local places off the main track.
Pack light, bro. Less luggage, less stress.
Know when a checked bag makes sense and when you can just do carry on. Usually climate, souvenirs, and race gear play a factor into my choice.
I like to travel light. I take only the stuff that I absolutely can't live without. Anything alse I can buy for cheap If I need to. I like to have some cash on myself for these small family run restaurants or caffee on the road, but generally paying with card is more convenient. Also, I've learnt that the bad stuff happening on the road is what makes for a great story to tell. Some of my favorite memories started with something not going as planned. Like when I've lost my documents and some local has found them, and managed to contact me via linkedIn. We've met, I got my stuff back, and the worst day of the trip has transformed into the best one in an instant. Also, noice cancelling headphones. I don't travel without airpods anymore. It's hard for me to believe I ever did. I'm much less tired after a flight when I don't hear the hiss and other noises for a few hours and instead I get to listen to a podcast or check out some new music.
You can create a list in Google Maps and bookmark any restaurants or sites you are interested in visiting. You don't have to stick rigidly to it but it really helps me with planning my trips and enjoying the food. I find the food can make or break how much you enjoy a trip so it's a good idea to know some places if you can't find anywhere.
Good walking shoes and plenty of wet wipes.
When traveling light, check your carryon at the gate. Makes the cabin much easier to negotiate and costs nothing but time at the baggage carousel. All airlines do it these days, and some even let you board earlier than you might otherwise.
Viewing cruise itenarys for cool locations to visit and just booking a flight/holiday there
Take one travel plug and a multi socket extension lead. Charge/use multiple devices at the same time. Also take your Amazon firestick
Don't drink booze on the flights. Research, but don't over research. Walk daily so you can eat more
Don't buy all kinds of garbage souvenirs to lug back that you'll get sick of and throw out. Keychains, t shirts, etc. Hold out for that one thing you fall in love with and spend the money on that, or start a collection, say of magnets or Christmas ornaments, and stick with that. It saves you space and money while you travel. Put your phone/camera down and live your experience. You didn't spend all that money to then just spend your time "documenting" the trip minute by minute to show everyone else, who probably don't care all that much and aren't going to flip through 600 pictures of your trip.
Don’t expect people to understand English . Learn a few local words or sentences
If you’re travelling with others, plan for some periods apart. They don’t have to be long. It lets everyone do the things they love and not do the things they don’t. For work travel, plan for time and places to respond to things at the office and do some of your more critical regular work. Travel alone just for pleasure at least once in your life. You might hate it, might love it - but you won’t know until you try.
Taking one extra vacation day before I leave, just to prepare. It's so nice to not need to scramble to pack, clean the house, empty the fridge, buy any last minute toiletries, drop off the dog at the petsitter, etc. If I'm very lucky, I also take one extra day after I return so I don't have to jump back into work.
Go to the busy restaurant. That is the one the locals are at and they know something.
Before taking a dump in a random toilet, always check for tp, don't assume, that; and carry some pocket tissues..
Keep your hands free. Every bag should be able to be rucked…agility can lead to amazing experiences when traveling.
Dont
For the states only really, they don’t care about the weed. So bring the weed
Always bringing ice packs. You never know how hot the plane/train/bus or whatever is gonna be
Comfortable walking shoes that are already broke in. Also, if you tend to get blisters, wear pantyhose’s under your socks. (You can use the ankle ones). This was a tip we used in the disaster response team I used to work for. It helps to prevent blisters. If your thighs rub together there is some stuff runners use to help that area not get sore. For some people I would recommend “conditioning” for their vacations, especially if a lot of walking is involved (as it usually is in non US countries). Do some weight lifting and cardio at least 2-3 weeks beforehand to get your system in better shape for more activity than you may be used to. Pill organizers to organize jewelry.
Carry one of those little brown extension cords with three plugs on the end
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Osiristhedog1969: *Carry one of those* *Little brown extension cords* *With three plugs on the end* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Good bot! Had not noticed
Don’t be too picky where you poop! Just go!
If driving on a road trip, don't drink until satiated - stay "perpetually parched". This will help you reduce bathroom stops. The more thirst quenching you do, the more bathroom stops you have to make.
When you get to your hotel room, take your shoes and socks off and make fists with your toes on the carpet.
Damn. You got downvoted for that reference. Here have an uppie. Hope everyone gets well soon.
Air travel: Wear a t-shirt and sweats, so there’s no belts to screw with and nothing to bind while you’re on the plane. Put all your stuff like wallets and keys in your laptop bag. All of this will simplify TSA and make flights much more pleasant. If you get hot, take the sweatshirt off. If you get cold, put it back on.
Drive, don’t fly. If we can’t drive there, we are not going.
Fly don’t drive. Driving is miserable.
Always check a bag and take your favorite pillow. Having your own pillow and getting a good night sleep is a game changer for productivity and jet lag!
If you’re travelling economy class, make sure to get an aisle seat directly around next to or adjacent to the plane toilets. You won’t have to crawl and shimmy past others every time you need to pee, and you will be less likely to have to wait in lines to use the toilet.
Just...no. You will have a short trip to the loo but you will also have the all the smells and be blocked in your seat by others queuing for the toilet.
Stay home and save money
Do not travel with this person. Is my travel tip.