Sure, you could visit one of the top ten cities in the world, or you could buy one of those all-inclusive vacation packages you see advertised on TV or online. These usually include luxury stays at five-star hotels, all meals, and sightseeing excursions with a tour guide. But when you choose the traditional vacation getaway, you lose the opportunity to step outside your own comfort zone and benefit from serendipity. No matter where you are thinking of traveling next, it is advisable to collect travel tips to make your next escape that much more interesting. The following infographic highlights some great hacks to make your next vacation amazing:
In the graphic above, there are 21 recommended travel hacks. The following are some of the most recommended and noteworthy hacks for your next trip:
Pack less Eat healthier Bring a hoodie Use a dummy wallet Eat local food Use a cheap, prepaid phone Travel with multi-cultural friends
Not to disregard the importance of the other hacks listed, but these seven tips are stress-free essentials that will increase your enjoyment. When you are packing, pack light. There are strict weight limits and restrictions when you fly these days, so do not burden yourself with a million things in your suitcase. Don’t take your health for granted while traveling. One of the most common problems while traveling abroad is getting a stomach-related bug. Keeping your body happy and your immune system supported will make your memories colorful and joyful rather than grim visions of white porcelain. While it’s always fun to try exotic new foods, keep eating enough fruits and vegetables. The food you eat where you live may be very different from the food you will find in the location you will be visiting. This does not mean that you should refrain from dining in local restaurants, but exercise a degree of caution. Find out whether the country you are visiting has its own version of Montezuma’s revenge. Bringing a hoodie is another great hack. If you run into cooler weather conditions, the hoodie will keep you warm. In addition, if you happen to be stranded or if you experience a long layover or a cancellation of a flight, it can be turned into a pillow. Using a dummy wallet instead of your regular one is a life-saving piece of advice. Why? In other countries, if you pull out a passport holder every time you need to make a small purchase, you will be perceived as a tourist. So, purchase an inexpensive wallet and put a small amount of cash in it. That way your real wallet, with most of your cash and your documents, won’t be stolen even if the dummy wallet is. Plus, you will avoid having to call credit card companies or the bank to cancel your cards. It is absolutely pointless to take your phone and pay outrageously expensive roaming charges. Buy a prepaid phone and use it to call locally. Your wallet is not the only thing thieves are interested in. Smartphones are a favorite device to snatch away from foreign visitors, so keep yours within reach at all times. Visiting a place when you know someone from that country is a benefit. When you travel with a friend or a group of friends that are fluent in the local language, things become easier during your travels. This can eliminate the stresses of trying to speak a language you do not know or trying to ask for basic information in another language.
Additional travel tips or insights
Now that we’ve discussed some of the essential travel hacks, let us cover some additional tips. There are probably around 10 to maximum 20 tips we can all agree upon. Exceptional travel experiences, or in this case adventure travel, are about taking an “off the beaten path” approach — something or somewhere that is out of the usual way, or out of a popular and touristy area. You want to have more than a generic tour guide. You want someone to connect you to unique experiences that are filled with mystery and wonder. Plan the trip in advance, and do not leave things for the very last minute. There is nothing worse than running on a few hours of sleep before a long trip. An analysis on The Everywhereist reviews site includes a complete list of travel tips. This article discusses everything from camera chargers for travelers to packing clothes that require no ironing. What could make your trip truly unforgettable? For starters, try not to plan too many things to do during your entire vacation. The whole idea is to disconnect from your busy work-life, step outside your usual surroundings, and experience something different. Over-planning eliminates all spontaneity. What separates an average vacation from an out-of-the-ordinary experience is the opportunity to exchange meaningful conversations or moments with engaging strangers.
Takeaways and conclusions
When you are planning a vacation, plan to turn it into an adventure. These days most people are buried in paperwork and constantly multi-tasking. So, we owe ourselves the time to recharge during these short vacation periods. Applying these hacks and tips will definitely allow you to come back from your trip as a rejuvenated person. Finally, make sure your work email is on auto-reply, and inform your superiors well in advance that you will be out of the office. The whole purpose of traveling is to dedicate time to yourself and to rediscover the wonders of the world. Infographic credit: Visually Featured photo credit: By DeeAshley via Flickr via flickr.com
