TRAVEL TIPS
Photo: Napier Bay, Napier New Zealand
Through my travels, over the past decade, I've learned a thing or two and I'd love to share them here with you guys! If you have a travel tip you'd love to share or even have featured on the site, submit it via email and I'll be happy to share it!
LEARN A BIT OF THE LANGUAGE/ CUSTOMS
Sometimes travelling to a place where you don't speak the language, or know about local customs, especially when you're alone, can be a scary thing for travellers. I've found it's extremely useful to learn some of the most important words one would need to know while travelling and be able to communicate to the local people you don't speak the language and would need a translator. Nobody expects the worse to happen when you're on holiday, but it's always better to be prepared! Familiarise yourself with sayings such as, "I need a doctor?. or "Can you help me, I'm lost?" Chances are people will be friendly and assisting in times of need. I've found that people will be more welcoming and accepting of tourists if they make an effort with the language of the country and are respectful of the cultural norms. I've seen so many tourists from other places act like complete tossers because they're on holiday; they seem to forget that where they're relaxing is a place some people call home. You'd not want a bunch of loud, drunk morons running through your town urinating in the flowers or destroying property.
ASK ABOUT EVENTS!
This is one that I sometimes have to push myself to do. You've spent time travelling and not to mention quite a bit of money to get to where you are and then you sit and wonder what you're going to do with all your time once you've finished all your planned activities for the day or you're looking for a bit of spice to your travel itinerary or just really want to get out there. Don't be afraid to ask staff at your hotel/hostel for events going on in the city or surrounding area. Most times if they're unsure they can easily find out for you! Many hostels or lodging aimed at youth travellers will have a sort of notice board with bands playing, local pub special nights or events at historical/cultural places. It can be tricky, but you';l have a better experience of the city and culture if you put yourself out there. I struggle with social anxiety, so sometimes it's damn near impossible and I end up going to places on my own, but it's worth giving it a go. It's also great to try and improve social anxiety; getting out there and reassuring yourself that you CAN do these sorts of things.
DITCH THE FANNY PACK
It's not the late 80's early 90's anymore. Nobody should be using a fanny pack. Okay? Just no. It also paints you as a target for pickpockets and those who want to make trouble for visitors. Just carry your normal wallet or purse. Blend in. Don't walk around with your nose inside of a guidebook or map, either. Getting lost can make adventures great. ((though not too lost, you don't want to end up 20 miles from civilization out where the cows are running loose)) Before travelling use maps or learn about the areas that you're going to be visiting. Get a general idea of where you want to go or where you plan to go. Try and map our your day geographically. I like to go the closest in and work my way outwards. Generally the day after travelling to a place, I'm not in a mood to take on the entire city. Start small. Stay close to where you're staying and branch out.
CHECK OUT PUBLIC TRANSIT PROMOS!
So many cities in Europe offer travel cards within the major cities. any of them offer 24, 48, 72 hour or 1-week travel cards/passes at discounts when purchased online. Check those out before you go! In most cities, you can purchase your travel card upon arrival at major public transit hubs such as airports, main train and bus stations. On many of the cards, they offer not only discounts on the transit, but at many museums, galleries, tours or other attractions. Some even offer free admissions to certain places. Always make sure to read all of the fine print before you purchase your pass. Get the little booklet that comes with it or downloads a pdf onto your phone or tablet. It can be so helpful to have one of these things. Sometimes they open up new doors for places you'd never think of visiting otherwise! Always ask about attraction discounts or promos when you purchase you pass. It can save you a fortune on fees of all kinds!
IS IT OPEN?
It also does you well to learn the hours of the places you're wanting to see. Some places have summer/winter hours that change or rotate. In some countires mueusms and galleries are closed on Mondays and are open on Sundays. Avoid any disappointment by checking out things before hand! You can also do this before you book any travel if there's a show or event that you really want to see. I've botched this one a few times and ended up missing out on things that I really wanted to see.
München/ Munich Germany's easy.
Vaksdal, Norway
MONEY MONEY
No one wants to run out of money when they're travelling. I try to budget each day out, sometimes estimating a bit on the higher end of things to allow for some wiggle room if I get into pinch or want to treat myself.
Never bring all your cash with you out at once. If your hotel has a safe, use it. If you're room doesn't, there are plenty of other places in your luggage that you can stash a bit cash. Put your money in places where you'd not think to look; the most unlikely of places can be the traveller's friend. Do note, most people desperate and rooting through your stuff for cash won't be detoured by dirty socks and underpants. It's actually kind of gross...now I'm thinking about all the bank notes I've touched that have been setting stewing in some pensioner's knickers while she's been on holiday in Scotland visiting her sister. Great.
It will do you good to learn where reputable currency exchanges are in the area you're visiting. Sometimes you run short and need to exchange or you arrived at the airport before the exchanges there have opened. Always try to exchange at least a day's money before adventuring off. Expect the unexpected. By looking up exchanges with good ratings and reputations you can get a better rate and protect yourself from scam artists. Always ask for a receipt in case of problems with any currency.
It's also a great idea to learn where cash points are throughout the city where the fees for withdrawing cash via bank/credit cards are lowest. You can also ask your bank/card company before you travel what the limits are on your card before you leave. Also, inform them that you are going to be travelling in certain areas so they can mark it on your account and not freeze your account for suspected suspicious activity. Some banks will not even allow the card to be used in certain regions so always check before you go!
Keep a small reserve of your currency either in the back of your wallet or with your passport for emergencies. I like to keep at least £100 just in case.
Have tonnes of change when you're ready to return home from a trip abroad? Simple. Many shops in airports or train stations will be happy to exchange your coins to bank notes, which you can exchange back into your currency upon returning home. A lot of people tend to forget this one.
WHAT'S IN A DISH?
This can also tie back to the learning a bit of language topic. Learn some of the words for certain foods before you go, especially if you have dietary needs/allergies or medical restrictions. If you're going to be eating out, which I imagine most people do, that kind of information such as salt content, vegan or nuts won't be on a menu and you'll need to ask. Many places do speak English, but if you get stuck in a place where they might not speak good English or you don't, it's important to know. There's no shame in asking questions, so don't be shy!
Learning the names for foods and certain keywords on food packages when grocery shopping abroad can also be a great help. Things such as fruit, veg, meat and breads will be obvious, but some things can stump you. If you have trouble remembering, write down key things on your phone or tablet so you won't have to use data if wifi is not available.