Traveling is one of the best ways to learn next to reading. I have traveled far and wide and have realized the importance of being prepared for everything and anything.
Below are my own personal tips for those who want to travel without fuzz:
Plan your trip
Check the internet / magazines / newspapers for
- Accommodations
- How you can get there fast and cheap - by land, air, sea
- Sites to see
- Where to eat
When traveling, it is best if you have a map of the place so that you will not miss any of the tourist spots along the way. Be prepared to do a lot of walking.
Book ahead of time
You get big discounts by booking ahead of time if you are to take public transportation.
Pack lightly ahead of time but bring the necessities
Other than the basic toiletries, it is wise to remember the following:
Start packing at least a week before your planned trip
If you pack ahead of time, you will be able to check if you have everything you need. This saves you a lot of money when you are already traveling and you won't be stressed out before you leave. Also, you will not forget anything.Make a checklist of what you want to bring
Put your checklist in a place where you would see it everyday. You can get what you need as you go along your daily routine without having to go out of your way to get them. You can update your list daily until the day you have completed them and have packed them.Bring enough change of clothes for the duration
Since you are just a traveler, you do not need to bring plenty of clothing. You can just have a few and wash daily. If you hate washing when traveling, you can find a laundry service in almost any hotel but this would entail additional cost. Or better, yet, buy a shirt from each place you go to which will already serve as your souvenir.
As for your footwear, remember to bring soft soled shoes with good traction. It should be good for long walking and difficult trails and can be worn for both wet and dry environment. Do not wear new shoes; they usually cause blisters.Bring the basic medicines
These include medicines for pain, fever, diarrhea, heartburn, stomachache, allergies and your own personal maintenance medicines if any. Likewise, it is advisable to bring hot/cold packs. Remember to bring a first aid kit. It is very difficult to get sick in a foreign country. They have different laws in the procurement of medicines. So, it is wise to bring your own supply just in case they may be needed.
Bring enough cash and your credit card
In foreign countries, change to local currencies the moment you arrive. Do not change more than what you have budgeted for that area because when you convert it back to your currency, the value has depreciated already.
Do not keep all your money in one bag. Try to put money in different places in case your luggage or your bag gets lost or gets left behind.
Large amount of money in big bills is not advisable. It is difficult to get change for big bills. Also, when you get money from your wallet, you are an easy prey for robbers and snatchers. Prepare small bills all the time for the things that you need to pay for. It is best to bring a credit card but make sure you take good care of them. Most places now accept credit cards.
Bring a foldable bag
It is advisable to always have extra bag/s with you when you travel. For those who love to shop, they end up having to buy another bag or luggage for the items that they bought. If you bring an extra bag with you, then, you will not have to spend for a bag that you really do not need after this trip.
Bring the basic necessities
In your research, try to find out what the weather and climate in the place you are going to. Depending on the weather, you might need to bring a jacket, hat, raincoat or umbrella.
You may choose to wear the jacket and hat on your trip so that you will not have to pack them.
Bring some food
It is advisable to bring food with you. Sometimes the trip takes longer than expected and food on airports, ports and bus stations cost more. So, if you have biscuits, something to drink, candies and even cup noodles with you, then, you won't have to worry of being hungry during the trip. Also, some do not like to eat the food that is locally sold in that place so if you have your own supplies with you, you will not go hungry.
Everything small
When bring the above items, some of them should be removed in their original packing so that they will not be very bulky and consume so much space. Transfer your toiletries in small bottles or bring those that are in sachets so that as you travel you are making more room for the things that you might want to buy.
When you know that the hotel has towels and the basic toiletries, you may choose not to bring your own so as to save space.
A small towel is preferable since it is easier to dry - this is advisable for those who travel daily from one place to the other.
Be environment friendly
Do not leave behind the plastic packaging of the items that you bought. You may use them to pack your things or bring them home with you to re-use. They do not occupy too much space anyway.
In the end, I am hoping that your trip would be something you can always look forward to because you will enjoy your trip knowing you have everything with you. Have a safe trip always.
