Actually useful travel tips

So I did the whole travel thing a few years back and I’ve since done a few short solo trips too, over time I’ve amassed a few rules to live by.

1. If you’re near a toilet, pee in it.

Golden rule number one. If you are somewhere with a toilet (no matter how icky) pee in it, even if you don’t have to go. You have no idea how many times I got stuck somewhere, or transport took longer than expected etc etc.

Trust me. Always. Use. Any. Available. Toilet

2. Always have your most important stuff packed in a bag you keep with you.

I call it my ‘go’ bag. Even now, where you’re allowed to pack certain electronics in your hold luggage, I pack my most expensive things in a bag I can have on me at all times. Even when taking transport between locations in country, with a tour company that you trust. I even still do this on family trips, old happens die hard.

Obviously this is high risk if you’re the type to lose track of bags but the fact that all the most important stuff is in there is very motivational to make sure you have it at all times.

3. Download apps that use GPS, not data.

Even if you have a local sim or bought a package that gets you data abroad, there is nothing worse than getting stranded because of signal issues. Gets a maps app at the least that doesn’t need data.

For my mums peace of mind I also downloaded a gps location app, so if I didn’t reply for a bit she could see where I was (this is worth bearing in mind for safety too).

4. Be aware of people trying to distract you.

Everywhere I have gone, there are people doing scams, like tieing bracelets on your wrist and then demanding you pay, or distracting you by asking for directions or questions while a partner picks your pocket. Don’t be wholly distrusting but exercise caution and make sure to have a hand on your valuables if you’re approached unexpectedly.

5. Learn the words for hello, good bye, please, thank you, yes, no, excuse me and sorry each place.

If you’re English speaking, you have the privilege of being able to travel almost anywhere and speak your own language. Plus, when you are hopping countries a lot it is hard to learn all of those languages but this list is enough not to seem like an ignorant foreigner (this is another reason sorry is a really useful one to have, tourists are dickheads to locals, even if you aren’t like that, being able to apologise for errors is important).

6. Travelling solo? Get spray bottle sun cream!

You know what’s a really difficult thing to do on your own? Put sun cream on your own back (unless you’re very flexible). Buy the spray kind, even if it costs more.

7. Flying long haul? Have at least one whole extra outfit with you.

This is not just about the comfort of being able to change during a long journey, this is about having two full sets of outfits (the one on your person and the one you packed) in case your bag gets lost, or you get delayed.

On that note, bring toothpaste and baby wipes.

Trust me.

8. Have a good pair of shoes you can walk 8-10 hours in.

Your feet will go through it when you are sightseeing, in Paris I walked 36,000 steps in a day.

9. Walking tours are usually free, or, in exchange for tip

These tours are better than bus tours, or private tours. You will be with a group of people, the guides are usually very knowledgeable and you will really get to see the place properly.

10. Don’t hold back, try new experiences

Try food you wouldn’t otherwise, try new experiences, explore as much as you can (safely of course).

11. You are a guest. Act like it.

We tend to have a very English centric/ American centric approach to tourism. You have to remember the world does not revolve around you. What you consider rude, might not be and vice versa. Do your research. Be respectful. Be there to learn and observe. Do not be a rude, ignorant foreigner. If you try your best to behave this way you will experience more, learn more and have a more authentic experience.

12. Put your phone down.

I was seeing once in a life time sights and I would see people rock up, take a selfie and walk away. Yes, capturing the memories is important but so is actually experiencing that moment.

There you go, I probably have a ton more of these, so let me know if you want more.

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