My Top Travel Tips
Summer of 2018 I made a leap and booked a summer long trip to Europe with out knowing a soul. While there I lived in France, Italy and Spain while traveling to Amsterdam and other cities as well. I know it sounds just so basic but that trip changed my life. No I did not meet the love of my life, learn 5 languages or take a job and never return home. It changed my life in much smaller ways. I met one of my best friends. I gained confidence. Not confidence in my body or a skill but in myself. I gained confidence to do whatever I want, unapologetically for me. And since that trip I have done just that. Since graduating I have traveled a lot. I have been to Hawaii, London, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina in the past year or so. I now consider myself a knowledgeable traveler and am here to give my top tips that can be applied to all travel from international month long stays to weekend get aways. Traveling is liberating and in my opinion the only way to truly place yourself in such a uncomfortable position that you must get comfortable. So here you go!
MY TOP TIPS
If YOU wanted to YOU would. There will never be a "right time" to make the leap. Be confident and start planning, researching and most of all make time for it. Workouts, dinners with friends and deadlines for work do not happen without effort and planning... neither does travel. You must take calculated, timed actions and cross some things off a to-do list before you are relaxing on a random beach in Hawaii.
This is how I plan. For domestic trips I plan about 2 months out. For international about 4-5 months. The order of booking goes as | (1) Flights... if you do not have a way to get to your destination there is no point in booking anything else. Book the flight. I will post a separate post on how to find cheap flights and hacks to find best deals. (2) Accommodations, I always recommend AirBnB and Vrbo before resorts and hotels. My best tip for this is always book with private people and families before corporate companies and reach out prior and ask for a deal. Often times they will take off money such as fees and such if you just ask. (3) Excursions. Now is the time you start forming your itinerary for the trip... take time to consider locations and jet lag etc. when booking excursions. If it is a huge tourist must do chances are it will sell out fast. Book as soon as possible. If it is something like waterfall hikes in Costa Rica book when you are there! Local companies offer cheap prices in their currency for cash. (4) Lastly, dinner reservations.. I know it sound mundane but the most popular restaurants you find... others found it too. Most places offer reservations about 6 weeks out. Do not fret if you don't get it though... people cancel and things fall through chances are you can still snag one the night of if you look hard. |
Budget. If you do not budget monthly for travel you will not randomly one month come upon $2,000 extra dollars to jet off. Budget what you can safely every month so that way there is no excuse when a great deal pops up and you "have no money to go". If you have money to go out and party weekly, you have money to make your dreams come true. I personally plan out where I want to go months and based that I save a certain amount every month. I also use ONLY my credit card when buying ANYTHING. Utilize points and cash back to pay for flights and travel expenses. Credit cards that offer great travel points include: Capital One QuickSilver, Chase Freedom, Citi Custom Cash, Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards, Chase Freedom Flex, Discover Cash Back Card. Use every avenue you have and prioritize saving and investing your money.
Do not pack like an asshole. This is so difficult but seriously do not pay for a bag... like ever. I try to do carryon only when I travel abroad ( I will do a full post on luggage I love the most). And if I am traveling domestically I try to do only carryon but if I need bags SouthWest offers 2 free checked bags ALWAYS. Perfect for big trips and moving.
Be realistic. You can plan everything to a perfect hour by hour detail but something WILL and I mean will go wrong. I have never once planned and gone on a trip where everything has gone seamlessly. Take the hits and make the most of every situation. You are in uncharted territory, you are an outsider and it shows. Be comfortable being uncomfortable.. thats the beauty in travel.
TAKE A MILLION PICTURES AND VIDEOS. I do not care what anyone says. These memories are priceless and I do not regret ever having a picture of a great moment in my life.
With that being said, most importantly always respect and be considerate of where you are, the land, the people, the culture, the language barriers and the attire that is deemed respectful.
Be safe. I will also create an entire post but always be aware of your surroundings, carry portable phone chargers, have your location on at all times, tell people where you are and be mindful of drug and alcohol consumption.
These are my top tips for any trips or adventure one is planning to embark on. I truly hope this helps anyone planning on traveling soon and serves as a guide to traveling affordably in a safe manner.
