Traveling can be exciting, but it can also take some time to get used to if you’re new to it. Here are the 5 Travel Tips/Hacks Every Traveler Needs to Know in order to make their travels go smoothly as possible.
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1) Become a Good Listener
I’ve met people that went on vacation for a week and came back with ten new friends. I’ve also met those who stayed home and became great friends with their family. The difference? Good listeners. Remember, listening is more than just hearing what someone is saying. It’s about actively paying attention to what they are trying to tell you, how they feel, how they say it—all of it.
So, make an effort to listen harder next time you talk with someone (anyone) new—you might be surprised at how much closer you become in a short amount of time!
2) Pack Light
It can be tempting to cram as much stuff into your suitcase as possible when traveling, but you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t pack light. For starters, it will save you money on checked bags—most airlines charge a flat fee per bag. The weight of your luggage can also impact how much it costs you in fuel, depending on whether or not you need extra fuel for overweight bags.
If your airline charges by weight, heavier bags will cost more than lighter ones so don’t go overboard. Taking less luggage means being able to move more freely throughout your trip and potentially saving more money along the way since it makes getting around easier and cheaper.
3) Have an Efficient Checklist
Travel can be stressful, and when we’re already stressed, everything is more stressful. Having a checklist of everything you need to do before leaving on your trip will help keep things organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Having a list also helps reduce anxiety and makes travel easier. Use whatever method works best for you—post-it notes or a plain old piece of paper—but definitely make sure it gets written down!
Checklists are an easy way to get organized, so if you want some inspiration about what should go on yours, check out my guide on making a packing list. If you are going anywhere outside of your own country, I strongly recommend getting travel insurance!
4) Stay Flexible
Traveling is fun and exciting, but it’s also stressful. Make your life easier by planning as much of your trip as possible in advance. But leave some flexibility in your plans—just in case! Get all details settled as far out as you can, but don’t book every single hotel and flight until you absolutely have to.
If you find a better deal or have time for a detour on a road trip, you’ll be glad you left yourself some wiggle room.
5) Remember Where You Come From
One of my favorite travel hacks is simple: Before you leave home, make a physical copy of your passport and carry it with you. It can really come in handy if your passport disappears while traveling—or if you lose it en route and need a replacement.
Either way, I’ve never been in trouble without it. This trick is especially important for American travelers, who require a U.S.