Useful travel tips

Traveling can be quite a hassle. To make everything run smoother and minimise stress during your travels, I’ve compiled my top travel tips and hacks below. Hopefully, they can provide assistance and help you, as well as others.

Packing tips

Packing… Some people love it and can pack their suitcase in 10 minutes, others spend hours on it, and that’s me! Over the years, I’ve discovered some life hacks when it comes to packing that have helped me, and I’m happy to share them with you.

Jewellery

The first tip is for those who like to take jewellery on vacation. Earrings are usually not a problem; you can put them in a small pouch, and they stay together nicely. However, necklaces and bracelets are a pain in the a**. (Excuse my words, but it’s true.) They always get tangled when I put them together, and I really don’t enjoy untangling delicate jewellery during my holiday.

So here’s the ultimate tip.
Put your bracelets or necklaces in a straw and close it again. This prevents the chain from tangling itself or getting intertwined with others. If you’re having trouble threading the necklace through the straw, make a small cut in the straw, and it should work.

Roll your clothes

Rolling your clothes, I always thought it was a myth. But it does save a lot of space in your suitcase, and not only that, it also reduces wrinkles in your clothes. Moreover, neatly folding clothes is more time-consuming, at least in my case. Ever since I had to pack my own bags, I’ve become a true clothes roller. 😅

Pick an outfit for each day

Try to plan in advance what you want to wear and assemble your outfits ahead of time. Firstly, this saves a lot of time during your vacation and it provides a better overview of what you actually need to bring along. If you’re anything like me, you tend to overpack, but with this hack, it helps reduce that tendency at least a little bit.

Create structure in packing

Additionally, creating a schedule or checklist can assist in ticking off the contents of your suitcase, reducing the chances of forgetting items and making the packing process a bit more structured. If you’re unsure how to start making a list, try going through your day and systematically pack all the essential items you can’t do without. Things that I tend to overlook less often include moisturisers, daily medications, a charger, perhaps a water bottle, and other items that don’t usually come to mind immediately.

General tips

These tips are useful both on-site and on the way. Discover below how you can avoid costs and ensure a smooth experience at the airport. Do you have any additional tips and tricks? Feel free to share them in the comments below; that way, you can help and inspire others.

Download offline maps

Something everyone uses daily on vacation is Google Maps, whether it’s for checking public transportation or finding your way around. But did you know that you can use Maps offline as well? It might have fewer features, but it prevents you from getting lost in a new city and saves on mobile data costs.

Stay charged

Always carry a charger with you, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a power bank, but make sure you always have the ability to charge your electronics, especially your phone. You never know where you’ll end up. Why not a power bank? Nowadays, there are various places where you can charge your phone. Think of USB ports in public transportation, sockets in cafes, and more. Also, always check if you need a universal adapter; these are often forgotten and can be expensive at the airport.

Get informed about visas and other travel requirements

There’s nothing more frustrating than being refused at customs because you don’t have the right documents or vaccinations. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly check in advance if you need to arrange anything for the destination you’re planning to visit. And, equally important, keep an eye on the validity of your passport.
Not interested in all that research? Then contact a travel agency; they’ll help you promptly.

Also, getting travel insurance isn’t a bad idea; your flight might unexpectedly get canceled, and you’d want a chance at reimbursement for any additional expenses.

Let go

Preparing and planning your trip can never hurt. A good preparation is indeed half the battle won. However, don’t forget that you also need to be willing to let go, as plans can inevitably change.

Prior to New York, we had mapped out an entire week’s schedule, but once there, you might discover new things, or you might not have mastered public transportation yet. Don’t get frustrated by this; instead, enjoy traveling and discovering new things. Ending up somewhere unexpected can be just as enjoyable as meticulously following your plan. Sometimes, the most beautiful experiences happen when you don’t stick to your original plan; go with the flow.