By traveling, I’ve learned many lessons. These lessons have made me a better and smarter traveler. Here are some important and helpful lessons I’ve learned while traveling.
1. A budget and expense log keeps you on track
Yes, you’re on vacation and want to do everything that your heart desires. But you don’t want to spend all of your money spontaneously and go back home broke or in debt. That’s what’s great about having an itinerary; you already have a layout of what you’re going to be doing, so you have an idea of what you’re going to be spending. The great thing about planning is that you will see if you have the funds for some spontaneity.
I always keep a log of all of my expenses. From hotel/airbnb, flights, activities, shows, restaurants, grocery shopping, etc.
2. Get to the airport 3 hours before your boarding time
It’s always good to get to the airport earlier enough for you to not only catch your flight but also not have to rush trying to catch your flight. You never know what that destination security and protocol consists of and it may take longer to go through.
I’ve missed a couple flights when I was younger but I didn’t take it seriously. I was happy that I had another couple of days to enjoy my trip. But a few months ago I traveled to Bermuda, and my friend and I were very close to missing our flight. Bermuda had an extra line we had to get on that we weren’t expecting. We were on that line anxious and hoping it moved faster. But… it didn’t. We asked the woman at the front of the line if we can go before her because our flight was about to leave. Luckily for us, she was fine with us going ahead of her. After we were done, we ran to our gate and got there just in time.
So to save yourself the hassle and the anxiety, it’s best to give yourself some time.
3. Grocery shopping is great
Grocery shopping is a great way to save money while traveling. Instead of dining out your entire trip, you can balance it with home-cooked meals. Not only is it cost-efficient but it’s also healthier. It’s great to find a supermarket close to your hotel/airbnb so it will be convenient to get there and back.
4. Having an itinerary makes traveling easier
Having an itinerary keeps you organized while traveling. It lets you know exactly what you’re going to be doing every day, with times, dates, locations, dress codes, cost, and any other important information you may need.
I would suggest that you be realistic about how much you can do in a day. If you’re scheduling activities back to back make sure you have a good amount of time to enjoy each activity, and time to get from one place to the next.
5. If possible, buy a SIM card for that destination so you can have service or better service
It’s always safer to be able to use your phone in any destination when traveling. You never know when you will get into an emergency and need to contact someone or need GPS. You can purchase a SIM card in the airport or see if there’s any shops that sell them in your destination.
There are some countries where you will be fine with no SIM card, but it’s good to be safe. When I went to Nassau, Bahamas I had no service. I couldn’t make any phone calls, browse the internet or use gps. While looking for a specific destination, my sister and I were given a map because we didn’t have any service. Trying to follow the map, we ended up getting lost and going in the opposite direction of our destination. That was a lesson learned for us.
6. Learn how to say and understand a couple of things in the primary language of the destination
You can’t expect that everyone from another country can understand English (unless it’s an English-speaking country). If you’re in an Asian country and need help, it will be easier to get help if you can communicate in that country’s primary language. Even if it’s a few words or sentences, you will get further.
7. Research the destination’s culture and transportation before going there
When traveling, you will experience many different cultures. I’ve learned that researching that destination’s culture before my trip, is ideal. By doing research prior, you will know what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Such as clothes, taking photos and greetings.
Transportation is very important, it’s good to know how you’re going to be traveling from place to place. You’ll usually have the option to take trains, buses, cabs, bicycles, or walk. Some places even have mopeds, tuk tuks, scooters and twizys. You can research your destination to see what the ideal transportation is and even try to find schedules. Knowing train and bus schedules will make it easier to stick to your itinerary.
8. You can’t travel with everyone
Just because you’re friends or get along well with someone, doesn’t mean you will be great travel buddies. The purpose of traveling is usually to go away to have a great time and make amazing memories. The last thing you want is to bring any drama with you. If you travel with someone and realize that person is bringing negativity on your trip, maybe you need to reconsider who your travel buddies are.
I hope the lessons I’ve learned while traveling, can help others become better travelers.
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