As we wrap up Season 05 of the CulturallyOurs Podcast which is all about Travel From A Local’s point of view, we are reminded yet again that travel is such an incredible experience to see the world, meet new people and experience different cultures, food and lifestyles. It is also a way to renew, reset and rewild ourselves from all that we have experienced this past year.

Whether you are ready to travel the world or even just explore your own location area and destination, there are several traveling tips and tricks to take into account to ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable holiday.And remember, in light of the pandemic of 2020, make sure to check country and city specific guidelines for any updated travel restrictions put in place by the local governments.

Travel Planning Tips And Tricks

1. Research in advance & make a list of what you absolutely have to do so you don’t forget it and regret it when you get home.
2. Try to plan travel during the off- season. It tends to be much cheaper and there are often less tourists and crowds to deal with.
3. Make an itinerary and give it to your family or friends! Never can be too safe.
4. Tape your contact number/WhatsApp number to the back of every credit, debit and ID card. If they are lost, this just increases the chances of you getting it back.
5. Plan for the first couple of nights and then just go with the flow.
6. Keep money in a few different locations just in case of lost/stolen luggage.
7. Remember to pack a portable charger along with a voltage converter for any international destinations.
8. When traveling abroad, map out your route on your phone and take screenshots of the various steps because you may have no reception when you are out and about. Then, turn off the Wi-Fi on your stay, you will get much better reception on Google maps. If you hit a café you can always use their local Wi-Fi. Otherwise, leave it off.
9. Learn basic words/phrases of the language for the destination you are going.
10. Plan some days but do keep some unplanned days where you just go and mingle with the locals to get the local experience.
11. Travel long distances by train when you can. It’s a great (cost effective) way to see parts of the countryside you likely wouldn’t otherwise. Headphones for the plane ride.
12. Put travel dates on your account for any cards you will be using before you go on your trip. It’s terrible trying to fix all that once you’ve started your trip and suddenly find out your funds are frozen.
13. Carry some cash. A good rule is to have the local equivalent of $100 USD on hand just in case credit cards don’t work.
14. Research hotels. Pretty much any hotel will have a YouTube video that a vlogger has reviewed. That way you know what you are getting for the price you pay.
15. Do some research on cultural norms so not to stand out, offend any locals. Also make sure you have a list of DOS and DONTS.

Packing Tips And Tricks For Travel

1. Always pack from a packing list. This makes packing organized and easy. Plus ensures that you will not end up with more stuff than needed. And double check that list before you leave home for the airport.
2. Bring a long scarf with you, especially if you are a female traveler. It is so versatile and can keep you warm if it’s chilly. It doesn’t take much space. Plus, in some countries, certain places of worship won’t let you in with bare shoulders.
3. Pack extra masks, glovers and even sanitizing wipes in your luggage and in your carry on bags. You never know when you might need them.
4. Pack a nice reading book for those long-haul flights or long train rides.
5. Pack a small first aid kit and fill it with basic medicines, liquid band aids, antiseptics, wipes, extra mask, disposable gloves.
6. Bring your health/medical insurance card. This is very useful and helps if you fall sick and need to get medical treatment.
7. Send an email to your travelling partner or to yourself with the identity cards and passport. If stolen or lost, having easy access of the scanned documents on an email might help.
8. Pack light. Choose items which all go together so with the same items you’ll have different outfits. Take less than you’ll think you’ll need. Otherwise, you’re just hauling around unnecessary baggage.
9. Always bring wipes for “down there” care, especially on long flights and pack an extra role of toilet paper – just in case.
10. If you’re checking a bag, be sure to save a couple of your key items in your carry-on. Like a change of clothes, toothbrush, phone charger, necessary medications – basically whatever you might need for the next 12-24 hours if your checked bag gets delayed.
11. Always keep your most valuable items with you if you’re able to.
12. Lay everything you think you need/want to pack on the bed before you start filling up your suitcase. In case you miss something, add it to the list and then go back to check things off. This will help with over packing
13. Bring clips to keep the drapes closed. There is always that little bit of sunshine that gets through. This can help in regulating your sleep cycle and can help with overcoming jetlag especially when traveling to international locations.
14. Don’t forget a neck pillow for your travels.
15. Consider bringing a Fanny pack or a cross-body bag to keep important documents on hand at all times.
16. Space bags are a lifesaver when packing especially with for long trips.

Tips And Tricks When You Reach Your Travel Destination

1. If your hotel room has a safe, use it to store your passport and some cash. Keep a copy of the passport with you at all times.
2. If traveling with someone, make sure you guys have the same philosophy on what you want out of the trip.
3. Make friends with your taxi driver on day 1. Tip him/her well and you’ll have a friend that will be available to take you anywhere that most people don’t get to see and teach you about local history.
4. Always be aware of your surroundings.
5. Don’t be afraid to rent a car. You can explore a lot more. You don’t have to fly in and out the same airport.
6. Try and eat where the locals eat. Ask the hotel or concierge or even locals you meet for recommendations on places to see, things to do and resultants to eat at.
7. For a different spin on a touristy location, explore awesome landmarks at night. Not many tourists around and you get a different perspective of the place.
8. Visit local tourism boards or destination offices for latest news, deals and coupons. Sometimes you are even able to score free meals and lodgings because of a new promotion that the tourism office is working on.
9. Download Google Maps of the destination you’re traveling to and Google translate of the language spoken at the destination if you can’t or don’t plan on getting a SIM card.
10. Always try to get directions to your hotel/hostel/Airbnb written out in the native language and carry around the written address. This is a good backup to have in case your phone dies.
11. Always have two wallets each with a couple credit cards and debit cards. In case you lose one or it gets stolen. I keep one on me and one in the room if it’s safe enough.
12. Have plans but also leave time to explore organically. That’s when the best stories happen.
13. If you rely on your phone for directions and communications to others, make sure to have some type of communication planned out, especially in case of international travel. And have a way to charge your phone and don’t skimp on a roaming data plan.
14. Bring a portable internet if you don’t get normal service in that country.
15. Guard your passport, wallet and phone with your life. Always know where they are. Also, long as you have a working, roaming phone, your passport and your wallet you can handle anything that comes up.
16. If you are traveling with friends and have iPhones, share your location with each other just in case you split up.
17. Always be aware of your surroundings and if you see something, say something.
18. Make friends and interact with your fellow travelers. You never know what adventures can come from other people.
19. Interact authentically with locals. They are the best resource on the ground.

Remember planning and preparing for your trip does not mean you cannot go off-the-beaten path or have spontaneity in your adventures. Being organized just means being prepared for anything travel can throw your way – missed flights, lost luggage, illness or even getting lost are all part of the whole experience. But being prepared for any eventuality just means you can have a great time no matter what because you know you are prepared.

What other travel tips, tricks and hacks would you include in this list? We would love to know!

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