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I learned the importance of top travel tips the hard way—lugging my bags down a few flights of stairs when the elevator broke in my Turin apartment at the end of my first solo trip to Italy. By the time I reached the bottom, I was completely worn out and mentally jotting down a list of “never again” travel lessons.
I’ve been exploring both local gems and international destinations, before and since that trip; first with family and later as a solo adventurer. Along the way, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of travel tips and tricks to make your journeys smoother.
Whether you’re embarking on your first trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, traveling solo or with loved ones, these tried-and-true travel tips will ensure your adventure is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Travelling solo is not for the faint hearted but if you want to give it a go you may want to read The truth about travelling solo as a Muslim woman or 5 Top destinations for Muslim solo female travelers.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – TRIP PLANNING
- Research the destination in advance and determine whether you wish to travel in the peak season when prices are high, or in low season when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. Adjust your travel budget accordingly.
- Research all the different types of travel documents required and ensure that your travel documents are valid for travel. If necessary contact the relevant embassy in your country of residence to determine whether you require a visa for entry. Ensure that you apply for the visa early enough so that there are no delays in travel due to visa processing delays and holidays in the either your country of residence or the destination country.
- Make copies of all your travel documents and keep these in a different location to your passport when travelling. Also email scanned copies to yourself so that you can access it from any internet cafe during the trip, if necessary.
- Check with your doctor whether vaccinations are recommended for the region that you are travelling to. Most vaccinations are recommended for four to six weeks before the date of travel to enable a build up of immunity or because more than one immunisation is required.
- Familiarise yourself with the cultural etiquette of the country that you are visiting. This includes learning a few words of the native language or the correct manner of greeting; dressing appropriately and respectfully in public or when visiting places of worship; or relevant cultural norms when dealing with locals, including tipping etiquette or acceptable table manners. The more you know about the customs and culture of the local population the less likelihood of extreme culture shock and unrealistic expectations.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – ACCOMMODATION
- Book flights and accommodation well in advance if you want to save a few pennies. If you are doing a trip on short notice, you may be able to find last minute deals online, but those are rare nowadays.
- Before choosing a hotel I usually check the TripAdvisor hotel rankings then find the best one for price and location on booking.com or the hotel’s own website, if I belong to their loyalty programme. You can search for accommodation directly on booking.com using the booking.com widget on the right side bar of this page.
- Always lookout for seasonal or flash sales on your favorite hotel loyalty sites for good deals. My favorites are Hilton Honors and Intercontinental. Members of their loyalty programs get even better rates than those available to the general public.
- Sometimes it is a toss up between location and price and bad service is always a turn off.
- I tend to use booking.com for all other bookings and find that there are often good discounts or secret deals available to registered users.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – TRANSPORTATION
- For the past ten years I have travelled exclusively on airlines based in the Gulf as their economy class fares were significantly cheaper and with more inclusions, than most international airlines. To find the cheapest domestic and international flights try using Skyscanner or GoogleFlights.
- If you have any difficulty with mobility or climbing stairs, be sure to request Wheelchair assistance when booking your flights and check whether there are elevators or stairs to access the hotel and guest rooms.
- Search online for the best ways to travel within the destination country and if possible buy flight, train and bus tickets in advance. Also check whether the destination city offers an official travel pass that may be used on buses and trains. Check and ensure that you buy the official city travel pass and not one with a similar name offered by tour companies, as those cost more and often include additional services that you may never use.
- If you are doing a self-drive holiday, check online for cheap car rentals and offers for early bird bookings. These may be offered as an add on when you book your flights. Check the conditions of booking and whether there are charges for changes or cancellation of the entire booking.
- Always wake up earlier than you need to on the day of travel, and get going early in case you get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport or train station, or have to carry your luggage down a few flights of stairs leaving your apartment or hotel.
- Leave enough time between connections to take into account flight, train or bus delays. Booking them too close together, means that you may end up missing one or more connection if there is a delay on your route.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – PACKING
Pack light, very light. Whether you are trekking across the mountain villages of Nepal or the urban jungle of Milan, lugging suitcases or heavy backpacks around is hard, especially if you are using public transport to get around. You also need to keep space for those mementos you are sure to pick up along the way.
Lightweight luggage
Luggage Sets: Durable, lightweight luggage that fits both checked and carry-on requirements. Focus on options with smooth-rolling wheels, hard and soft-shell cases, and expandable compartments. My favorite is this lightweight set from National Geographic.
Carry-On Bags: Compact and lightweight, fitting overhead compartments. Include options for organized packing, electronics storage, and built-in chargers. This lightweight carry-on with laptop compartment or this small hard shell carry-on are perfect for short trips or those who can travel very light.
Comfortable walking shoes
When exploring new destinations, having the right pair of comfortable walking shoes can make all the difference. Whether you’re wandering through city streets, hiking scenic trails, or strolling through local markets, your feet deserve support and comfort every step of the way. Brands like Asics and Ecco are known for combining style, cushioning, and durability, making them ideal for long days on your feet. Our selection of the best travel walking shoes to keep you moving with ease, no matter where your adventures take you.
Mini umbrella
Always pack a small umbrella even during summer, especially in the northern hemisphere where the weather changes in the blink of an eye and it can rain at any time.
Sunhats and sunglasses
If you are prone to sunburn then a sunhat and sunglasses are invaluable during summer, along with adequate supplies of sunblock. Here are my favorites for city or beach vacations:
Anti-theft bags
Pickpockets are rife in many of the tourist areas and since losing my wallet to quick fingers in a London market many years ago, I always use anti-theft cross-body bags, backpacks and totes. I love the fabric of these Travelon Addison bags and the fact that it can match with most outfits.
- Anti-Theft Small Crossbody Bag
- Anti-Theft Crossbody / Convertible belt bag
- Anti-Theft Bucket Bag
- Multi-compartment travel totes
Wireless headphones and earbuds
A great pair of headphones or ear buds can be a game-changer, whether you’re blocking out noise on a long flight, enjoying your favorite playlists during a scenic train ride, or catching up on podcasts by the pool. Look for headphones that are comfortable, have excellent sound quality, and offer features like noise cancellation to make your journey even more enjoyable. Here are some top picks to keep you entertained and immersed, no matter where your travels take you.
- JBL Tune Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- JBL Wave Buds
- Sony Wireless Noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res audio
- Sony Wireless Noise cancelling headphones
- Sony Noise cancelling ear buds
Skincare and sun protection
Travelling can be tough on your skin, with changing climates, long flights, and exposure to different environments. That’s why packing the right skincare essentials is key to keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing wherever you go. From travel-sized moisturizers to SPF and gentle cleansers, these must-haves ensure your skin stays fresh and healthy on the road. Here’s a roundup of top travel skincare essentials to keep you looking and feeling your best, no matter the destination.
- Embryolisse – Foaming Cream Milk Face and Body Cleanser
- Embryolisse Eau De Beaute Rosamelis Cream
- Embryolisse Miracle Cream Primer Moisturizer
- Eucerin Gel sunscreen SPF 50
Perfume
A signature scent can be the perfect travel companion, adding a touch of luxury to your adventures and helping you feel refreshed no matter where you are. Compact and portable, travel perfumes are designed to fit effortlessly into your bag, allowing you to carry your favourite fragrance wherever you go. Whether you’re exploring new cities or relaxing on the beach, a quick spritz can instantly elevate your mood and create lasting memories of your journey. Here are some top travel perfumes that blend convenience with captivating scents, perfect for every adventure.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – HEALTH AND WELFARE
- Check whether any travel insurance is required for your visa application or entry to the destination country, and apply early to avoid disappointment or delays in travel. I have used World Nomads for travel insurance in the past. Alternatively, check whether your medical insurance plan covers foreign travel and obtain a certificate before travel (PS: this may also be required for visa applications to certain countries).
- If you are purchasing flight tickets online, check whether your bank offers free or reduced cost travel insurance for the duration of the travel.
- If you suffer from any chronic diseases that require medication, ensure that the medication is not prohibited in the destination country, and keep a copy of the prescription with you at all times. This will come in handy at customs checks as well as if you require emergency medication during the trip.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS – MONEY
- Always ensure that you have access to more cash in the local currency than you think you need. Prior to leaving on the trip, contact your bank to ensure that your travel plans are recorded and that you will be able to use your ATM or credit cards in a foreign country. Some banks may automatically block foreign transactions or those done at certain financial institutions abroad.
- Ensure that you are able to access funds while abroad, in the event that you run out of cash and are unable to use your ATM debit or credit cards. This may require a friend or relative remitting funds via a service like Western Union or Moneygram.
- If you want to do any VAT refunds for big ticket items ensure that you familiarize yourself with the applicable rules and regulations BEFORE your journey begins. More often than not there are forms to be filled in and submitted by the vendor from whom you bought the items, and should be done on the day of purchase.
- Always use an RFID blocking wallet or purse to protect your valuable information from security infiltration.
ACTIVITIES AND SIGHTSEEING
- I always book at least one guided food tour in a city as it gives me a snapshot of the life and culture of the people through their food. It also allows me to meet like minded people and make friends with complete strangers. I have booked Culinary Backstreets food tours in Istanbul and Eating Europe Food Tours in the UK (London East End food tour) and Italy. If you want to save money, there are also free walking tours in many cities, that may or may not require prior booking and a tip at the conclusion of the tour.
- Take it easy, it’s a vacation not a marathon and unless you have a pre-booked tour or museum visit you have no one’s timetable to keep, except your own. Try to enjoy exploring the city, observing the locals in their daily lives and most importantly, smile and be flexible.
- With this in mind, take time to discover places on your own, take photos and make copious notes to which you can refer to later, if necessary. Be sure to pick up a city map at the airport or train station or ask for one at your hotel or use Google maps or Waze to navigate around the city. Often hosts at Airbnb’s will leave one with the welcome pack.
- Avoid lines and crowds at museums, places of worship and ancient sites and monuments by buying entrance tickets from their official websites. It is usually cheaper than buying on the day, and you can select your preferred date and time in advance.
- Be respectful when visiting places of worship and prepare in advance to abide by the dress code and cover shoulders / arms and legs. At mosques women will be required to cover their hair and wear clothing that covers arms and legs. A pair of lightweight trousers and a shawl / pashmina / sarong should suffice.
- If the water is unsafe to drink ensure that you buy drinking water from a reputable shop or supplier and take a collapsible leafproof water bottle with you when you go out for the day. If there are public drinking water fountains for the public, use this to fill your water bottles while you are out during the day.
This was first published in March 2017 and has since been updated.
If you liked the travel tips above please consider leaving a comment below. Also keep in touch on Facebook, Pinterest , TikTok and Instagram for more updates. Don’t forget to share our travel tips with your family and friends and #tantalisemytastebuds if you share any of our tips on TikTok or Instagram!
I ordered this luggage with laptop compartment on Amazon for a last minute travel through this website link, it has arrived in a good packaging, the luggage is lightweight but the quality is top notch. Especially the front opening is very convenient and practical, so it was easy to reach my stuff. You don’t need to carry an hand bag when you have this, so definitely recommend for everyone.
Thanks for the valuable feedback!
We’ve always wanted to go on a trip together, so my sister and I are interested in planning one for this year. We loved that you talked about fun activities and sightseeing when traveling, so we’ll read this carefully to help us know what to do during our adventure. We appreciate your intake about booking a guided food tour to show us more about the life and culture of the place.
It is definitely easier to travel with family than friends or strangers. I hope you and your sister have a great trip together.
How are you connected to the Cajun food tours owners?
Omg how cool! I want to travel and explore more in my future. Saving this blog for when i do:)
I’ve grown and learned more about myself since I have been travelling solo than I could have imagined. I hope these tips help you on your travel explorations.
These are GREAT tips for traveling, especially for me as I’m still new at it.
Thanks Crystal. It certainly becomes easier the more one does it, but I find that even now it’s possible for me to forget something important, so it serves as a good reference.
These are all great tips. I find that the more I travel, the more of an expert I become at it. It is hard to deal with flights, connecting flights, baggage concerns, packing, transportation, and everything. I appreciate your info!
That is true me too. Now some things are second nature, although I must confess on my recent trip to Istanbul I actually had to turn back to get my arthritis meds that I had left on the dresser. The more organized we are, the less likelihood of anything going awry.
These are all great tips for traveling. Thank you for sharing them, I plan on traveling really soon and this helps.
You are most welcome Luci. Have a wonderful time on your travels.
Great tips. We are travelling to Europe in the summer. I need to work on packing light.
The one thing I learned from travelling solo the past few years is that carrying heavy suitcases up and down flights of stairs is not something I enjoy. More often than not when I have travelled with more than a carry on bag, I found that I ended up not wearing many of the items I took along.
I am a person who needs this list. When I plan for a trip I’m so all over the place when it comes to trip planning. I probably shouldn’t be the one to plan it. I am for sure going to implament some of these tips that you have suggested.
Haha then it’s perfect for you and others who may feel a bit at a loss with all of the requirements for a trip. Hope it helps on your next trip.
This was a great overview to ensure an enjoyable and successful trip. I might add- get away from the tourist hotspots, at least for a while. Get lost. Some of my favorite travel memories are from getting lost, seeing places that not everyone gets to, and having to interact with the locals. Most people around the world are good, friendly, and helpful.
I have found that the best way to get away from the tourist hotspots is to take a food tour. They usually take place in lesser known areas and I have learnt so much on them. From the history to the food culture as well as where to find the best produce. I must confess that as a solo traveler I hate feeling lost, so I try to carry my city map with me at all times.
So many great tips here. I know I really need to be better about packing light. It is just so hard for me.
The one time that I packed more than a carry on wheelie bag, I really regretted it and have made sure to travel light with wash and wear clothing if I’m going to be away for longer than 4 days.
Wow! There’s so much useful information here. Thanks for sharing all amazing tips 😊
You are most welcome 🙂
Great post, I always book Travel insurance, as soon as I book my flights and accomodation, that way if anything goes wrong I am covered. I also always make sure I pack a pair of flip flops, Very light easy to carry shoes, for when I want to head down to the beach, a pool.
The flip flops are a great idea for beach lovers. I usually travel with only two pairs of shoes, one that I wear and one a bit fancy for dinner or special events.
I’ve saved this article so I can reread it before my next trip 😀 Thanks!
You are most welcome Vivienne. I hope it is as handy for you as it is for me.
Ooh I love this! It’s super handy, awesome tips. Definitely a must read for newbie travellers, but actually great for experience travellers also.
Thanks Roxanne. I still use it before every trip 🙂
You must be very organised person, very useful tips. 🙂
Haha I mostly travel solo so when something goes wrong I need to be prepared wherever I am 🙂
Great tips & interesting read!
Thanks.
Great tips, I like how you have included a wide array of situations, as well as a wide array of travellers that could be in any of these situations. It must not have been a very simple task to do, as it’s easy to describe what is normal “travel routine” to us, but keeping in mind the needs of other people and the occurrences that can happen in other places is not a simple task. Great job with this!
Thank you for your kinds words. Over the years I have found myself in many of the situations I mentioned, and with experience comes hopefully, wisdom. I finally decided to make a list for myself, as much as for others, so that they would also be in a position to assess all the potential hurdles while planning a trip.
I love the recommendation to do a food tour – I haven’t tried it yet, but can see where it would be a great way to try the local cuisine and, as a solo traveler especially, meet other folks. I’ll definitely try it next time!
I usually book a food tour before anything else for a trip. I have found that the good ones are as much about the food as they are about sharing the food culture, history and I have learned more about the people and the places I’ve visited on the food tours than I would have on a general sightseeing one. With every dish there is a back story, and the backstory usually has some cultural element or history.
Excellent travel tips here – crucial for any traveller!
Indeed. I still refer to them before every trip.
This is a great list of things to be prepared for any upcoming trips. Very well thought out. I especially like the tip about planning ahead to avoid possible problems. When it comes to the moment of travel I always like to give myself enough time for getting to the airport or train station in case something goes wrong. On my last flight I was stuck in so much traffic and then I realized I forgot my passport at home. I, of course, had to turn around or else I wouldn’t be going anywhere. In the end, I made it to the airport in plenty of time. Haha.
Haha I always carry my passport with me so that hasn’t happened recently. I try to prepared for pretty much anything and after a while it becomes second nature.
Such an informative post! Love how you broke it down by category. Just a great reference piece for the occasional travel to the experienced frequent traveller. The umbrella is a great tip! I don’t know how many I’ve bought on vacation after forgetting mine at home!!
I got caught in showers in Via Condotti in Rome, on the one day when I forgot the umbrella in my apartment. At least I had an excuse to get out of the rain and have afternoon tea at the tea room next to the Spanish steps 🙂
This is very informative! I usually come to a place unprepared. Will bookmark this for my next travel. Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome! I hope they are useful for your next trip.
Loved reading your post. It includes really useful and informative tips ! I fully agree with you: planning ahead is key ! I’m also doing a lot of research to know what’s available in terms of outdoor activities, historical or artistic activities 🙂
I start planning my editorial calendar and trips at least 6-12 months in advance so that I can take advantage of lower airfares and accommodation rates. Depending on the local transportation available I usually start buying train tickets online as soon as they are open for booking to ensure I get the lowest cost ticket for my class preference. Same with museums etc.
Those are really great & detailled tips, you pretty much have everything covered to plan a perfect trip with this and avoid any potential issue !
Many of these were learned the hard way over the years and only once did I make the same mistake twice. Now I have a list to ensure I never overlook anything.
Traveler’s insurance is a big one for me. I used to never purchase it, but recently I have been smarter about my travel and started buying it 🙂
I make sure to travel with only my most essential items and nothing that cannot be easily replaced. For me the most important thing is having medical insurance when I travel because that can eat a big chunk of a travel budget.
These are some amazing tips, I loved how you had some in every category! So much great information I had never thought about. Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome. I hope they come in handy on your next trip.
This is a great round up of tips! I like how you covered all different aspects. I just had a friend ask for advice on their first international trip and your article reminded me of a couple more things to tell him! I so agree with packing light! It is so crucial.
In the whirlwind between planning the trip and starting the journey it is so easy to overlook things that later become a routine. It is especially true for travelers setting out on their first trip. I find it easier to keep track of everything as I go along.
Spot on! If only every traveler would read this before they embark on their journey, some will void the embarrassment at the airport! Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome. I actually make a point of reading the post a few weeks before I travel to make sure I haven’t overlooked anything.
this is awesome great info! actually i read the highlights here! it was awesome!! thanks for sharing!! nice thread!
Thank you for the enthusiastic response.
I honestly would not have thought of some of these things. I obviously haven’t travelled abroad a lot. I wish to someday.
Travelling abroad allows me to test the my own limits… of endurance, pain, how long I can go without eating meat. It has also taught me to appreciate my sustenance as well as the hospitality of strangers.
That post is very impressive! Great message. Love all pictures. Thanks for sharing with us that valuable information.
You are most welcome 🙂
These are awesome tips for people who are planning to travel. It’s not just for those who travel often, but also for those who are going to travel for the first time. Research is very important.
I find that it’s better to be prepared for every eventuality especially when travelling solo.
Great tips, and I can agree with so many of them. I always use Skyscanner and Booking.com for help with my trip planning and I’m always so well organized when it comes to location and transport x
I liked to arrange as much as possible before I travel so that I don’t have to worry about it when I’m in country.
These are some great tips for any traveler, totally agree. I think it’s the most important to make sure you have travel insurance though, you never know what might happen on your travels and it really is nice to have.
Indeed, one should never travel without insurance because anything can happen abroad. I covered the eventualities I have encountered under Health and Welfare 🙂
I love how this list is so in depth, I am definitely going to follow these my first time travelling! Thank you for sharing this 🙂
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You are most welcome! I hope they are useful when you are planning your trip.
As someone who has also traveled frequently, both locally and internationally, these tips are spot on! Planning ahead is key and doing your research will help you so much when you’re looking for cool stuff to see and do. I also shy away from exclusively doing touristy things, and tours and such really helps you experience the destination as a local, not just a tourist!
I have found that even though I may not actually have time to do all the things I plan to do on a trip, its always good to know exactly what is available in terms of artistic, historical or adventurous outdoor type activities so that you can be flexible.
Amazing tips, thank you for this! My boyfriend and I just booked the trip of my dreams, Santorini Greece. Seems like you travel a lot- have you been there?
Many of these tips are things I never thought of like checking about the drinking water and buying your entry tickets online to save time on lines. Will def keep this in mind!!
Santorini has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. I hope to read all about your adventures! Buying the entry tickets online is the biggest time and money saver 🙂
these are such great tips! They totally make me want to book a trip now! Thanks for this!
You are most welcome. I hope they are helpful when you go on your trip.
Great tips here…I don’t research much , but need to in the future..I love traveling so much!
Valerie
Thanks Val. I like to be prepared for every eventuality and have found over the years that the key to getting the most out of short stays in any place is effective planning and adequate research.