The 115 Best Travel Tips for All Travelers in 2025

Planning your next adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, knowing the right travel tips can make a world of difference. From saving money on flights to packing smart and staying safe, a few simple tricks can transform your journey into a smooth, unforgettable experience.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the essential travel tips for 2025 that every traveler should know to make the most of their time on the road. So, buckle up and get ready to travel smarter, safer, and more efficiently with these expert-approved insights designed to help you explore the world like a pro.

Best 115 Travel Tips and Tricks to Save Your Time, Money & Stress!

1. Annual Travel Insurance 

It is important to ALWAYS have travel insurance when you go somewhere. If you don’t have insurance, it’s a stupid risk to take, and you’ll soon find that paying for your own health care is very, very expensive.

If you travel more than once a year, it’s often better to get an annual policy. Or one that automatically renews every month but lets you put it on hold when you don’t need it (which is what SafetyWing offers)

You should also make sure it covers COVID-19, which some limited travel policies still do.

SafetyWing has both of these things, which is good. We’ve used them, and we think their policies are great for most travelers. Check them out and get a quote. Their prices and policies are very easy to understand.

3. Be Patient When You Travel Around the World

Traveling around the world is a dream for many, offering a wealth of unforgettable experiences, cultural insights, and incredible landscapes. However, patience is one of the most valuable qualities to embrace on such a journey. The world of travel is full of unpredictable twists and turns, from flight delays and language barriers to cultural differences and missed connections. Developing patience can transform these potential frustrations into moments of growth, making your travel experience richer and more fulfilling.

4. Start Preparing Your Trip At Least 6 Weeks Before You Go

We love last-minute trips, but if you’re going somewhere that requires a specific visa, keep in mind that some visa applications can take up to 6 weeks.

There are a lot of great online services, like Natvisa, that make getting a visa easier and show you exactly what you need to do and how far in advance.

5. Get Vaccinated

Some countries have strict rules about traveling and won’t let you in unless you’ve had the right shots. The reason for this is easy to understand: they don’t want diseases to spread from one country to another.

Even if the country’s travel rules don’t require it, it’s always a good idea to get vaccinated before flying to another country. Why take the chance of giving an infection or disease to another country if you can easily avoid it?

6. Make a List of Travels

About a week before each trip, I make a mental list of things I don’t want to forget, which I WILL forget if I don’t write them down. I’ve learned that I need to write things down when I think of them. Plus, if you need to book group charters, or helicopters for a certain trip, book them beforehand from this website.

7. Find Photogenic Places & Spots Using Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps you can use to find out about the best places to visit in your area.

Before you plan a trip to any place, make sure to check Instagram to see what the most beautiful places are that you must see there.

Every country city has tourist spots you must see, like places of worship, museums, or even beautiful natural landscapes. Instagram can be a good place to start figuring out which places you should definitely add to your travel plans.

8. Save Money by Going on a Travel

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, don’t stop for lunch at a restaurant. Instead, go to a grocery store and buy food for a picnic. Make some sandwiches, boil some eggs, and put some fruit in your bag. Not only will you pay less, but you’ll also save time because you won’t have to wait for a menu, place your order, and wait for your food. For a picnic, all you have to do is find a good spot, sit down, and eat a cheap fast food meal of your choice.

9. Carry emergency cash

Because emergencies happen. Like when I was in Romania and couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to my hostel but couldn’t find one. I usually try to keep around $200 in cash in case of an emergency.

10. Separate Your Sources Of Money

Don’t keep your cash and cards all in one place. I usually hide some cash and an extra credit or bank card in a bag that isn’t my wallet.

11. Debit Card And Credit Cards

Tell your bank and credit card company that you are going to be away before you leave. If they find out you bought something overseas out of the blue, they may lock your credit cards. Also, make sure to carry a variety of cards. Even though we told our banks where we were going, our debit card was blocked in Cuba, it was stolen from an ATM in Istanbul, and it was blocked in Sudan. Before we could finally get money out of an ATM in Sri Lanka, we tried three different bank and credit cards. To be ready for all of the above, it’s good to have a few different cards from different banks on hand.

12. Use Banks to Split Down Money

Getting money out of an ATM abroad is annoying because you want to take out bigger amounts to avoid fees, but when you do, you often get big bills.

Cambodia was the worst place for us to deal with this. Cambodia is cheap to travel to compared to most Western countries, but they still use the US Dollar most of the time. The Riel is only used for very small transactions. But all of the ATMs seem to be full of $100 bills, and they don’t charge a percentage fee—they charge per transaction! This means that it makes sense to take out larger amounts at once so that you don’t have to pay fees more than once.

There are a few ways to deal with this, and most of them involve spending money in places like restaurants and grocery stores.

But a simple trick is to go to the local bank and ask to change the money into smaller amounts. Most people are happy to do this, and I’ve never been asked to pay, but a few have said no. If you’ve used their ATM, they’re more likely to agree, so get a receipt even if you don’t need one and bring it inside to show the vendor.

It might seem like a simple tip, but I’m surprised by how many people don’t follow it!

13. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you

Disasters happen. If you lose a card or get robbed, it’s always good to have a backup. You don’t want to be in a new place where you can’t get to your money. I once had a card made twice and put on hold. The rest of my trip, I couldn’t use it. I was glad I had more money than my friend, who didn’t have any extra and had to borrow money from me all the time.

14. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards

Don’t give banks the money you’ve worked hard for. Keep that for yourself and use it to pay for your trips. Get a credit card and a debit card that don’t charge fees when you use them in a foreign country or at an ATM. On a long trip, the few dollars they take each time will add up to a lot of money.

15. Cash in Small Bills

We are Canadian, but we always have a couple hundred US dollars in small bills for tipping when we get to our hotel or for the ride from the airport. You can use US dollars everywhere, whether you are in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, or Europe. Also, you should always have some cash on hand in case of an emergency. The US dollar is the most widely accepted currency around the world.

16. Make free phone calls over the internet

You can use Gmail on your computer (click the phone icon in the bottom left corner) and the Google Hangouts app on your phone to make free phone calls to US and Canadian phone numbers (just dial).

In many other countries, everyone, including local businesses, uses WhatsApp, so you can call them for free over the internet using the app.

17. Use Google Translate

If you put the Google Translate app on your phone, you’ll be able to talk to locals and read signs and menus in their language.

18. Alert Your Bank And Credit Card Company of Your Travel Plans

This is a good habit to get into if you don’t want your credit card company or bank to put a hold on your card while you are overseas.

19. If You’re Still A Student – Don’t Forget Your Student Card For Discounts

We aren’t students anymore, but when I went to South America, I still had a valid student card and was able to get some great discounts, especially at Rio de Janeiro’s famous sights. You’ll also get a lot of discounts all over Europe, so it’s a good idea to bring your student card with you.

20. Use Local Transport to Save Money

Local transportation is always cheaper because locals use it. It’s true that in some countries, local transportation is overcrowded, not very safe, and very chaotic, but if you like a challenge, it’s always fun and the cheapest way to get around. It’s best to ask a local for advice on how to use local transportation.

Tell them where you want to go, and they will point you to the right train or bus.

21. Toughen up by learning to sleep on the floor

Like fasting, this one takes some time to get used to, but once you do, it can be helpful. Getting used to sleeping on the floor will make you stronger and better able to handle any sleep situation you might face on your travels.

22. Only Carry What You Need When Sightseeing 

When you go sightseeing, don’t bring more than you need. If you have a lot of important papers and items with you, you’ll spend most of your time worrying that something has been stolen or lost.

If you only bring what you need, it will be much less stressful. Don’t show off your money or expensive jewelry, either. Doing so will only make thieves more likely to target you.

23. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents

Don’t forget to send yourself a copy by email as well. You never know when you might need some kind of paperwork and not want to carry the original with you. Having a copy will also help you file a police report if your passport gets stolen.

24. Download Offline Maps

You can’t always count on being able to use wifi. This is important for all kinds of travel, but especially for road trips.

25. Observe Daily Life Around You

One of my favorite travel tips is to spend a few hours alone in a park or on a busy street corner just watching people go about their daily lives.

Slow down and pay close attention to the little things around you. The smells, colors, sounds, and how people interact with each other. It’s like meditating, and you’ll notice things you’ve never seen before. This will help you really get to know the place, and you’ll remember these moments long after you leave.

26. Get to Know Local Customs Before You Go

When you’re in a new place, the biggest mistake you should try to avoid is offending or not understanding the local culture.

You are likely to make this mistake if you don’t know much about their culture. This is why it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about the traditions and customs of a place before you go there. This will help you understand them better and keep you from doing something rude.

27. Learn Common Phrases Of The Local Language

A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language can go a long way. Beer is another word I like to learn, but that’s just me.

28. Try The Local Food

When you go to a foreign country, one of the best things to do is try the local food. When we’re in India and Morocco, we love to eat with our hands. We love using spoons to eat in Thailand and chopsticks to pick up rice in Asia. Plus, you save money when you eat at home. In tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and other places to eat cost more. You’ll save a lot of money and get a more authentic meal if you eat at a local restaurant.

Some of the best parts of our trips have been trying the local food, like a Sichuan Hot Pot in China that made our tongues numb or a three-hour meal with 20 beautifully designed courses in Japan. Look for places where locals hang out and go in. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice about what to order.

29. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there

Every day, all day, hostel workers deal with budget travelers. They know where to go to eat and see things for cheap. They are also often from the city, so they know it well. Ask them about all kinds of things. Even if you aren’t staying there, you can just walk in and ask for help. Most of the time, they’ll do it.

31. Read a History Book About the Place You Are Visiting

The more you know, the better. It’s natural to be interested in a place before you go there. Try to get a history book about the place you want to visit, both to satisfy your curiosity and to help you get around.

32. Have An Open Mind

People often have ideas about a place before they go there. Especially when going to another country. When you travel, you can learn about and understand other cultures and religions. Most people are like you and me. They smile, they cry, and they love their families. You’ll find that you have more in common than you thought with people from all over the world.

33. Laugh At Yourself Sometimes

When you go to new places, you will look like a fool a lot of the time. Instead of being ashamed, laugh at yourself. Don’t worry about making mistakes, and don’t take life so seriously. Relax!

When I needed to pee badly on the side of the road, I once made the bus driver stop so that all the Guatemalans on board could laugh. When I got back on the bus and made them laugh, I made new friends for the rest of the trip.

34. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone

You should push yourself to do things that make you nervous. The more you do this, the less worried you’ll be. You don’t hike? Take more walks. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to all of them. Afraid of strange foods? Find the strangest thing you can and eat it.

This works well when traveling because everything is already different, so what’s one more new or uncomfortable experience? Out here, no one knows who you are, so you can completely change who you are.

35. Be Flexible and Don’t over Plan

To travel anywhere, you need to be able to change your plans. Everything is more fun when you don’t plan it down to the last detail.

Even though it’s important to be responsible and organized when you visit a new place, you should always be up for something new.

Don’t be too upset if things don’t go exactly as planned, because this will probably ruin the rest of your trip.

36. Visit UNESCO Sites

If you’re looking for the best list of places to visit in the world, I think it’s easy to find. It’s called the UNESCO World Heritage Sites website.

Places are only on this list if they are culturally or naturally important and need to be protected for the future or for all people. In other words, they are pretty important!

I have been to UNESCO Heritage Sites all over the world, and I have never been disappointed by any of them. They are the best things that people have made and the best things that nature has to offer.

37. Download Safety Apps

bSafe, ICE, Shake2Safety, Kitestring, Smart24x7, and many others are popular safety apps. These apps have features like 24/7 monitoring, emergency alerts, location-based services, and the ability to send messages right away or after a certain amount of time. Many of these apps also worked when the phone screen was locked and when the phone couldn’t connect to the internet.

38. Always Bring A Lock For Your Bags/Items 

A lock is a good way to keep your things safe. I don’t think they’re foolproof, though, because if someone really wants to steal your things, a lock won’t stop them.

But it can stop people from doing it. Locks are inexpensive, but don’t lose the keys!

39. Join Local Facebook Groups

There are a lot of websites that can help you plan your trips, but the best way to get up-to-date information is to talk to people who live there.

You can find people who are willing to help in hostels, bars, and taxis. For a modern twist, join the local Facebook group before you go.

Most towns and cities have groups that focus on the area. These groups usually have names like “Siem Reap Expats” or “We Love Phnom Penh.” Just type the name of the place you’re going to into Facebook search, click on the “groups” tab, and see what you find.

40. Bring A GoPro If You’re Going Somewhere Water-Based

Trust me, you’ll want to bring a GoPro if you’re going somewhere known for its water. We didn’t bring a GoPro to The Philippines, and it’s one of the biggest travel mistakes we’ve made!

Bring your GoPro if you want to take great pictures and videos underwater, while snorkeling, etc. Or a high-quality alternative to GoPro that can take just as detailed pictures of amazing places. We now have the GoPro Hero 9, and the quality is just great.

41. Never Carry Your Wallet in Your Back Pocket

You don’t want your things to get stolen if you go to a town or city where theft or pickpocketing is common. So, you must take all the safety measures you need to.

Thieves can easily steal your wallet if you keep it in your back pocket, so try to avoid doing this as much as possible.

42. Ask Locals For Advice On The Local Safety 

Ask the staff at your hotel or the guy at the coffee shop if the area is safe. No one knows the safety of a city or country better than the people who live there.

Ask if you need to take any extra precautions, if you can walk alone at night, if you can trust the taxi drivers, etc.

Most locals will be open and honest with you because they want to keep you safe so that you will tell other people to visit. This is what we’ve always found.

43. Pack Smartly for Travels

When you are planning a trip, just thinking about packing can be stressful. The best thing to do is pack the bare minimum because you can always buy more when you get there.

My best advice for packing for a trip is to choose clothes that can be worn in different ways, are comfortable, and don’t fit too tightly. Neutral colors that can be worn with different things are also a good idea.

If you’re traveling with kids, let them choose and pack their own clothes. This will cut down on complaints and teach them how to plan a trip. Packing cells have been a lifesaver for us. In each cell, we roll up each item and put clothes in order by type and season. You can even put your underwear in your shoes to save space.

44. Buy a small backpack/suitcase

If you buy a small backpack (I like something between 35 and 40 liters), you will have to pack light and not bring too much stuff with you. People have a natural desire to fill space, so if you pack light but have a lot of extra room in your bag, you’ll think, “Well, I guess I can take more,” and then regret it.

45. Consider Your Clothing for Travels

You don’t have to dress well, but you should probably stick to a few simple rules. The most important thing is to never think about fanny packs or bum bags. Not under any circumstances. They are easy to steal from, show that you are a tourist, and worst of all, they are very ugly.

46. Always pack a towel

It’s the key to successful hitchhiking in space, and it just makes sense. You never know when you’ll need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off. Even though many hostels provide towels, you never know, and carrying a small towel won’t make your bag that much heavier.

47. Bring A Light Jacket

A light, water-resistant jacket is great for rain and wind that you don’t expect or that you know is coming.

48. Take extra socks

You’ll lose a lot of clothes to laundry mishaps, normal wear and tear, and hiking, so bring more than you think you’ll need. I don’t take more than what I need. There’s nothing better than a new pair of socks.

49. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses

“Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen),” says an old song.

If I could only give you one piece of advice for the future, it would be to use sunscreen. Scientists have shown that sunscreen is good for you in the long run. You can choose to buy sunscreen products when you get there. Dfranklincreation gives free shipping on the best sunglasses and other items. It’s the right choice.

50. Pack a Good Camera

It’s a good idea. Your photos and memories are the only things that will last forever, and in five years, you’ll wish you had taken better ones (I sure do).

Take some time to learn about the basics of photography as well. If you know a little about exposure and shutter speed, you can make the most of the great memories you want to capture in photos.

Don’t be worried that the camera is too big. Technology saves the day! Today’s cameras can be both strong and small.

Some phone cameras have great quality now, or you can travel with a mirrorless camera to take your photos to the next level and save space in your bag.

51. Pack Light

The best travel tip we can give you is to pack as little as possible. We’ve overpacked before, and it’s terrible. We once had to carry diving equipment through Central America, and it ruined our trip. Every day of the week doesn’t require a new outfit. You won’t always see the same people, and no one will notice if you wear the same T-shirt as the day before. Bring clothes that are light and easy to wash.

52. Pack Hand Sanitizer

When there’s no bathroom nearby, travel-size hand sanitizer bottles are great.

53. Pack Extra Deodorant

Some countries don’t have the one you want to buy. Nothing is worse than getting a roll-on or spray instead of a stick when all you want is a stick. You must bring your favorite deodorant with you.

The days of travel can be long and hot. And getting rid of smells is a good thing to do for yourself and everyone else. Even more so on public transportation. Even more so on long flights. Just take my word for it.

54. Pack Extra Underwear

Since underwear is so small, it’s always a good idea to have a few extra pairs on hand. You could also bring underwear that dries quickly so you can wash it while you’re on the road.

55. Pack a Condom!

We’re all grown-ups around here. But I’ve heard some NSFW horror stories about people who didn’t care and got more than they bargained for. I’ve also seen them in the middle of the hostel room floor.

Always, it’s important to take care of your sexual health. Put some condoms in your bag, no matter who you are, what gender you are, or what your relationship status is, because the risk is much greater than the reward.

Get regular checkups, even if you are traveling. Depending on where you are, they are usually cheap or even free. At the end of the day, your health is too important, and you don’t want bad decisions to ruin your experience.

56. Pack a Pair of Sneakers

The most important thing to remember when packing is to put your comfort first. If you aren’t happy with the clothes you brought or the things you brought with you, your whole trip could be ruined.

Most trips involve a lot of walking as you explore new cities and towns. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to bring at least one pair of sneakers with you wherever you go. Sneakers are easy to wear, last a long time, and are great for long walks.

57. Don’t Forget the Plastic Bags

Remember to bring the plastic bags. Plastic bags from the store are useful, easy to carry, and don’t take up much space. Three or four neatly folded bags can fit anywhere in your backpack and can be used for many things. For example, after a few weeks on the road, your shoes might start to smell funny, and you might not have the guts to take them off at someone’s house, where the smell would spread and people would look at you funny.

Use a plastic bag now. A lot of times, laundry ends up in one of these bags. You can also use them to protect your most fragile things from the rain. Not to mention that they were first used to carry groceries. Lastly, they can help you keep your chargers, cables, and books together and in order in your luggage.

58. Put Electronics, Medications, Toothbrush

You should always put a few important things in your carry-on. If you are going to the beach, you might also want to bring a swimsuit. Most of these things can be bought if your bag gets lost, but bringing them with you in your carry-on will save you money and time if your bag gets lost.

59. Bring a Small Travel First Aid Kit

We always bring a small first-aid kit with the most important things.This includes paracetamol, flu pills, pills to help with stomach problems caused by food, bandages, antiseptic cream, and plasters.

You might want to put in more or less, but that’s usually a good place to start and will help you with any small problems.

60. Plan Your Clothing For All The Seasons You’ll Be Experiencing 

If you’re going on an adventure trip but only to warm places, you won’t need a thick jacket, sweater, or hat. Don’t bring these things with you.

But if you plan to go somewhere like South America, where the weather can change from very hot to very cold, you’ll need to be prepared. This is especially true in South America, where warm clothes are expensive.

I remember standing outside the airport in Ushuaia, Argentina, under a blanket and shivering because we didn’t bring any clothes for cold weather.

61. Take Everything Under Advisement

You will get a lot of good advice before and especially during your travels (this article included). Listen to what other people have to say, but always decide for yourself. People will warn you about dangers or tell you that you can’t do something, even though you can. The rules in guidebooks are even stricter.

Your own sense of what makes you feel good is the best guide. Don’t let vague information stop you from going to a place that’s thought to be dangerous. People will tell you what they did that worked for them. You shouldn’t ignore clear warnings, but you don’t have to change your plans just because someone tells you a rumor.

62. Always visit the local tourism office

They know everything that’s happening in town. They can tell you about everything from free things to do to special events happening during your stay. They even offer discounts on things to see and do and on how to get there. It is their job to help you have a better time at the place.

It’s surprising how many travelers skip this when they go somewhere, but you’re a smart traveler and know to use this! This is likely one of the best travel tips that people rarely use. Use the board of tourism! Spend less!

63. Let Your Family and Friends at Home Know Your Plans

This is probably the easiest travel tip, and you probably already know it even if you don’t say it. Unless you don’t have any friends or family to talk to, it’s always a good idea to let your close friends and family know about your travel plans.

This is important because going somewhere new is always risky, and it’s good to know that someone knows where you are in case you need help or have some other kind of emergency.

64. Traveling with a Friend or Partner is always Cheaper 

Traveling with someone else, whether it’s a significant other or a good friend, always seems to be cheaper.

You can often get a twin/double room for less than the price of two dorm beds, you can bargain for better prices on tours, and you can split the cost of food and taxis. It’s one reason why Bradley and I enjoy traveling together.

65. Skip Hotels If On A Budget

We found that renting an apartment with a kitchen was the best way to save money. Even though it costs a little more than a hotel, we save a lot of money on food. One of the most expensive parts of traveling is food. So it’s worth it if you can eat a few meals at home. When we stay in apartments instead of hotels, we like that we can cook for ourselves and save money on food.

VRBO is a great way to save money on lodging. It’s a cheaper alternative to hotels that lets you live like a local and save money. Both TripAdvisor and Booking.com now have options for apartment rentals.

66. Couchsurfing Is A Great Low-Budget Accommodation Option 

We’ve only done couch surfing once, in Chile, but it was great. We ended up staying with a great couple that we’re still in touch with today. Staying with locals is a great way to learn more about a country from a local’s point of view and to meet new people.

Also, Couchsurfing is free. You stay at the host’s house for free, and in exchange, you usually just hang out with them and get to know them. You never know who you might meet!

67. Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle

In many countries, haggling is expected when you go to a market or try to buy something from a street vendor. Of course, there is a fine line between getting a good deal and offending someone.

When locals expect you to haggle, they naturally start with a crazy high price that you would never pay back home. They do this because they expect you to cut the price in half and start from there.

If you’re only trying to save a few dollars, it may not be worth it to haggle, so you may want to pay a little more. But once you get the hang of it, haggling can be a lot of fun and a great way to share a joke with a local!

68. Take Advantage Of Free Walking Tours

One of the best travel tips we like to give is that you can join free walking tours all over the world. We join a free walking tour whenever we go to a new city. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city. This is one of the best travel tips we didn’t know about until we’d been going around the world for a few years.

But these free walking tours are great! Most of the time, free walking tours are better than tours that you book online in advance. They are led by locals, and at the end of the tour, you pay what you think is fair. Most of the time, we suggest $10 per person.

69. Go to the Airport Early

This is probably the most important travel rule you need to get to the airport a long time before your flight.

Being early is always better than being late. So quit being lazy. On the day you have to travel, get up extra early, eat a good breakfast, make sure all your stuff is with you and organized, and then head to the airport!

70. Sign up for flight deals

Your flight(s) are likely to be the most expensive part of your trip. Sign up for sites like Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, and Secret Flying that offer deals on flights and save money. You’ll get great deals on flights sent right to your email, saving you time and money. Sign up for airline newsletters as well, since that’s where sales will be announced first.

71. Pre-book your tickets to attractions

You can skip the line at many big attractions if you book your spot ahead of time. Check online to see if this is a possibility. This will help you skip the hours-long lines and get in right away. I’ve seen people wait for hours to get into the Paris Catacombs, the Louvre, the Churchill War Rooms in London, churches, temples, old forts, and other places. If you make a reservation the day before, you can skip the line and see more during the day.

72. Look For Business Travelers At The Security Line

Don’t ever line up behind a family at security, because they always move slowly. Instead, go to the line of people who are there on business. Even if it takes a little longer, it will go quickly because everyone knows what to do and moves quickly.

73. Apply For A Rewards Travel Credit Card

Even though we told you not to get into debt, we still think credit cards are the best way to travel in style and make your travel budget go further. By using a good credit card that gives you rewards, you can save money for travel. Rewards add up quickly and give you a lot of perks, like free travel, free upgrades, and late checkout.

Also, a lot of travel credit cards come with big bonuses when you sign up. You can use these bonuses to pay for your flight and see more of the world. So, when we tell people how to save money on travel, we tell them to rent a car and make sure to pay it off.

74. Book Early for Cheap Flights

When I plan a trip, I always book my flight first. Sometimes I do this nearly a year in advance. Most of the time, if you book early, you will get a better price. Unless there is a sale, the price of a plane ticket rarely goes down (or an airline pricing error).

When I want to find cheap flights, the first place I look is Skyscanner. It looks at hundreds of sites to find the best price. Both expensive and cheap airlines are included. The “map” or “calendar” shows you the cheapest days to fly in the month you want to go!

I also signed up for Scott’s Cheap Flights alerts, and their secret flight deals have saved me a lot of money.

75. Use Points and Miles for Discounts and Even Free Travel

If you fly a lot, you may get flying points and miles. The more points and miles you collect, the more likely you are to get a discount on your flights. Depending on how many points you have, you might even be able to travel for free if you have enough of them.

76. Allow at Least 1.5 Hours Between Connection Flights

Over the years, Bradley and I have taken a lot of connecting flights, and I’ve learned that there is a perfect amount of time between flights.

You don’t want it to be too long because it’s annoying to wait, but you also don’t want it to be too short because there won’t be any room for mistakes.

We’ve often had 45-minute flight connections, and when our first flight lands 15 minutes late and we still have to go through security, run to a different boarding gate, or get on the next flight, there’s suddenly not a lot of time!

We’ve found that 1.5 hours is a good amount of time to connect. Before your next flight, you’ll have time to use the bathroom and get a cup of coffee.

77. Use a VPN to Potentially Get a Discount on Flights

Travel sites usually keep track of your IP address, and the prices they show you depend on where you are browsing from.

If you use a VPN to travel, you can hide your IP address, which could lead to cheaper flight prices. For example, if you were to set your IP address to a lower-income country, you may be able to book a flight at a lower price.

Similarly, you may be able to set your IP address to the country from which that particular airline operates, and thereby save on flight costs.

78. Use a Good Selection of Travel Apps on Your Phone

Everyone has their favorite travel apps, but there are some that everyone uses. Prices in a new currency can be hard to understand, especially when the exchange rate is 0.37 instead of 0.50. When you’re in a new country every three days, it’s important to have an app that lets you change money quickly. Google Translate is also a useful tool, especially now that we can use it without an internet connection.

To do this, choose the languages you want to use ahead of time and download the files with the dictionaries. Not to mention how helpful phone maps are, especially the ones we can use without an Internet connection. Then there are apps like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Airbnb, and Skyscanner, as well as free and paid travel guides. Every traveler should think about what they need and turn their phone into a powerful tool that can be used in many ways.

79. Leave to the Airport as Early as Possible

To get to the airport on time, it’s not hard to leave as early as possible. Even more so when you think about how much it will cost you to miss that flight back from New Zealand. If we’re talking about a local connection or a flight within Europe, there are fewer consequences, and I suggest you weigh the effects of being early against the effects of being late. Keep in mind that things can happen to us that we can’t plan for. Our bus could have a problem. If there is an accident, the traffic could get worse. The airport TSA lines could be very long.

80. Shoulder Season Is The BEST Time To Travel 

Shoulder season is great for many reasons. For one, there are fewer people and the weather is usually still great. But the best reason is that it’s always cheaper.

Shoulder season is the best time to travel if you want to save money. You can get cheaper flights, cheaper lodging, and even cheaper entrance fees.

81. Get Up Early

Rise early. There are two good things about getting up early. First of all, if you like taking pictures, sunrise light is one of the most interesting lights because it stays the same until the sun is high in the sky. Second, and most importantly, because the light will be the same at sunset, you’ll be able to see the sights without a lot of other people around. This is very important in some places that are both beautiful and popular with tourists, like the old parts of Prague and Antigua, Guatemala. What a difference it makes to go to those beautiful streets and take pictures of them when there aren’t many people around.

82. Meet The Locals

Traveling makes it easier to meet people with similar interests, whether you’re staying in a fancy hotel or a hostel (check out our guide to staying in a hostel for more information). This is one of the best parts of going places.

But getting off the beaten path is always a good idea, especially if your trip will last longer than a month. There might be a language barrier, but you’d be surprised at how much can be said with grunts and gestures. Meeting local people will only make your trip better. You can do this by using a site like couchsurfing.org or by going to places that aren’t for tourists and just looking around.

Learning a new language before you go on a trip is a great idea for so many reasons. Not only does it make getting around much easier, but it also lets you meet more locals, which makes your trip more interesting. With online resources like Ling App, learning Cantonese and several other languages has never been more accessible, even if you have a packed travel schedule. Imagine confidently ordering delicious dim sum or asking directions from friendly locals – Ling App can help you make the most of your adventure!

83. Get Friendly With Locals 

When we travel, making friends with people there is one of our favorite things to do.

We’ve met a lot of interesting people over the years, and talking to people who live in the country you’re visiting is a great way to find out what it’s really like, not just what the guidebooks say.

Some of my favorite memories are sitting around a fire with locals in Nagarkot, Nepal, talking about life and learning about Nepalese pop music, and meeting awesome locals in El Salvador who took us surfing and showed us a great time.

84. Keep Your Phone Charged

We use our phones so much these days that keeping them charged is important. Think about buying a portable charger with a power bank. These are so small that you can put them in your pocket or purse. They can hold a lot of charge and are great for when you are out exploring and don’t have access to a regular charger.

85. Buy a Local SIM Card (Here’s How)

You can save a lot of money by buying a local SIM card, but that’s not a new tip. The new tip is to use this great prepaid SIM Wiki, which has everything you need to know about SIM cards in every country.

Some modern phones let you use an eSIM, which basically means that you can link the SIM card from your home country to the phone electronically. This makes room for a second SIM card in the SIM card slot.

This lets you use two SIM cards in one phone, so anyone who calls or texts you on your old number will still be able to reach you. Very helpful!

86. Carry a Mini-Pharmacy with You

Bring along a small pharmacy. Choose a few medicines to bring along. Don’t worry too much about variety and quantity, unless you have a long-term health problem. It’s amazing how something so small can provide us with the relief we need at times. Each person has different worries and is more likely to be affected by certain changes. For a travel-size pharmacy, I would suggest painkillers like Ibuprofen 600 for toothaches, headaches, and mild colds.

For bug bites or sudden allergic reactions, you can take an antihistamine. To keep from getting sick on a 15-hour train ride, you should take diarrhea pills. You should always bring tablets to help with motion sickness on a ferry trip because you never know when you might need one. People who are easily stressed may want to carry a mild sedative with them.

87. Take Plenty of Photos at Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrises and sunsets are two of the most amazing things that happen in nature. Some of the most beautiful pictures you can take care of the sky as the sun comes up or goes down when the sky is orange and pink in beautiful ways. So make sure to get as many of these as you can!

88. Respect Local Culture

One of the best travel tips we can give is to learn about the culture and customs of a new place before going there. Before you go somewhere, do some research to find out how people there dress and what is expected of them in public. You’ll feel more at ease and save yourself some embarrassment if you act like everyone else.

89. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Your Kids with You

Some parents are afraid to travel with their kids, especially if they are very young. Even though traveling with babies or toddlers can be tiring and even scary at times, this isn’t a reason to never do it.

In fact, traveling helps people learn more, and if a child starts traveling at a young age, they learn about other cultures right away. This helps them grow up to be knowledgeable, educated, and sensitive adults.

90. Slow Down To Enjoy Your Trip

Please don’t try to visit six countries in just six weeks. When you really take the time to look around, all the good things happen. You’ll find out about things that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show you around.

I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened in the first few days after I got somewhere. To have the most fun, spend more time in fewer places. I promise that you’ll have a lot more fun!

I also think it’s a great idea to rent a car when you go to a foreign country. Even though it can be scary to drive somewhere new, it’s a great way to find new adventures. It’s also very fun.

91. Hire Local Guides

Hiring a local guide is one of our best travel tips. By hiring local guides, you help the local economy in a direct way. It gets rid of the middleman and helps families in the area. Also, hiring people from the area will save you money. When you book a tour overseas or online, you pay the tour operator, who acts as a middleman, and the rent for an expensive office.

When you book something locally, the money goes straight to that person. Also, it’s a great way to meet new people and learn about the culture of the area. They have often let us stay at their homes, which has made our trips more interesting.

92. Research For Informational Purposes Only

The excitement of getting ready for a trip is one of the best parts. Read every blog you can find (there will be a lot, no matter where you go), and buy or borrow travel guides. Look at forums. Look for videos of some of the places you want to visit on YouTube.

Soon, you’ll feel like you know a lot about a place you’ve never been. But don’t start making plans, making an agenda, or thinking you know what’s going on. Everything will go out the window as soon as you get there.

There’s no way to be ready for reality, and none of the online or printed information is as good or up-to-date as what you’ll learn on the traveler’s circuit. Because of this, it’s a good idea to stay at a hostel at least a couple of times to hear stories and tips from people doing the same things you are.

93. Be Careful

Are you sure this is what you want to do? The biggest risks of traveling are not drinking bad water, getting sick, being hassled by salespeople, getting bedbugs, or being robbed. It’s a bad habit. If you don’t know how to swim, don’t put your foot in this water.

Getting the travel bug means, at the very least, staying up too late reading travel blogs from people you’ve never met, searching airfares out of habit rather than because you’re planning a trip, and bothering your friends by constantly talking about how much better the Pad Thai was in Chiang Mai.

In its more serious stages, this illness can lead to quitting a good job, leaving behind an otherwise great partner, selling your house, or spending your life savings in a matter of months. Here are your travel tips for beginners. You are on notice.

94. Don’t Travel Without Insurance

“You can’t afford to travel if you can’t pay for travel insurance.”

It’s easy. Especially if it’s a trip to another country! I would rather spend an extra $100 or so on my trip and probably never use the insurance than lose all of my money if something went wrong.

95. Don’t be afraid to use a map

Getting lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood is worse than looking like a tourist. Don’t be afraid to look like a tourist and use a map or ask for directions. You are one, after all! When I go somewhere, I always use a map. It gets you where you want to go!

96. Get the answers you want by getting more specific in your Google searches

When you search for something boring, like “best restaurants in Cape Town,” you’ll get boring results (except ours, of course).

Instead, search for “foods that are only found in Cape Town,” look through the results until you find something you like, like the Gatsby, and then search for “best Gatsby in Cape Town.”

97. Don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost

A good way to get to know a new city and get away from tourists is to just walk around without a plan. You might be surprised by the hidden treasures you find. I like to get lost and try to figure out where I am without using Google Maps.

98. When you go out, take only what you need

Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you so that you can get back on your feet quickly if something goes wrong. Don’t carry around more than one credit card or ATM card.

99. Use GPS

GPS is built into most cell phones these days. Use it. Not just to get you to your hotel. Let’s say you’re taking a bus from the airport to the city center and, before you get there, you see a beautiful building or something else you’d like to see.

How do you look for it again? You can try to remember street names and landmarks, but it’s not easy. Unless you have a GPS and know exactly where you are. Use it to plan your trip and make a list of places you want to see, bus and train stops you’ll use, museums you want to see, and where you’ll stay. Some may already be on Google Maps, but others might not be.

Maps. I is the best app I’ve found for getting free maps when you’re not connected to the Internet.

100. Take Lots Of Epic Travel Photos

Pay attention to this travel tip. You may only see these places & meet these people once in your lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos! Don’t worry about looking like a “tourist”. Great pictures are the best keepsakes.

They don’t cost anything, are easy to share, and don’t take up any room in your luggage. Take a lot of pictures of yourself with other people, too. In the long run, these will be more important than the postcard pictures you take. Just remember that once you have your picture, you should get out from behind the camera and enjoy the view.

101. Use a notebook, really!

Really, use a notepad! Even though Moleskine is famous, you don’t have to spend so much on a notebook. There are other products that serve the same purpose and are similar to this one. A notebook is a great way to keep track of all the information you need for your trip. It’s also a good place to write down things you think you’ll remember but won’t.

It’s important if you have a travel blog, but I bet you’ll be sorry if you don’t write down your travel experiences in a notebook anyway. It’s possible to do it on a computer, but it’s not the same. The laptop isn’t always on, and it feels different when it isn’t.

102. Get Your Phone Unlocked Before You Leave

Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave for any trip. You don’t want to face any complications accessing your phone when in a completely foreign land.

103. Travel In Your Own Backyard

If you can’t afford to travel overseas or out of state if you don’t have the time to go away for more than a few days or if the thought of traveling makes you nervous, start off by traveling in your own backyard.

You don’t have to be rich to travel and it doesn’t have to involve long flights. A great way to bring more travel into your life is simply by exploring new areas in your home city or state. Start by taking a day trip to a nearby town or a weekend getaway to the coast or mountains. Or simply explore your town with new eyes.

104. Visit The Local Tourism Office

The office for tourism in the area has so much information. You can get maps of the area, they can tell you about free things to do or special events going on during your stay, and they may even be able to give you discounts on things to do and how to get there.

105. Look for Free Activities

Do some research on the Internet before you go somewhere. We used to do this for places that were usually expensive, but as tourism has grown in places like Iran and Sri Lanka, you sometimes have to pay more to see the most popular tourist spots. If you need to stick to a budget, you can still do fun things that don’t cost money.

Even at places that charge a fee to get in, there are times, schedules, and seasons when tickets are free or cost less. This is the case at the Louver Museum, where tickets are sold at a discount at the end of the day. But there are cases like this in every city. You should look into things and find out more.

106. Read A Book About The Country

Before you go to a new country, you might want to read a good book about it to find out more about its history and culture. This could be something as simple as a Lonely Planet guidebook or a popular book by a local author.

When you get there, you’ll have a much better time if you already know some things about the place you’re visiting. Don’t worry, you’ll still learn a lot of new things, but at least you’ll have a place to start.

107. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch

Most expensive restaurants have half-price lunch specials with the same food they serve at dinner. When you travel, that’s the best time to eat out.

108. Pick the right restaurants and attractions by not reading all the reviews

Don’t pay much attention to average reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, or whatever system you use. They can be misleading and are sometimes made up.

Look for the right reviews. First, pay attention to the ones with three stars. These usually show the pros and cons most fairly.

Then, if you’re still not sure, sort the reviews by date and read the ones that were written most recently. Most review aggregators put the reviews with the most votes first. People want to see those things, but they don’t need to.

109. Get a Window Seat So You Can Lean Against the Wall when You Sleep

Even though it’s not required, always choose the window seat on a bus or plane. Not only is it more comfortable because you can lean against the window and fall asleep, but it also gives you the best view, especially from an airplane.

110. Bring Your Water Bottle With You 

This is a great tip for the eco-friendly world we live in or want to live in. Bringing your own water bottle will help you use less plastic and save you money on buying a lot of bottles of water.

Many cities have water fountains, and most hostels, hotels, and cafes will fill your water bottle if you ask. If you’re worried about the quality of the water you drink, you can also buy water purifiers.

111. Save The Address of Your Accommodation On Your Phone 

Always save your hotel or hostel on Google Maps. This way, if you get lost or need to show someone where you’re staying, you can show them on Google Maps instead of trying to explain it in a language you probably don’t speak. Locals can often work out where your hotel is once you show them a map, or if not, you can direct the taxi driver yourself to ensure you get back okay.

This is another reason why we love Booking.com; their mobile app syncs up to Google Maps; so once you’ve made a booking, you can quickly click through from the app to the exact location of the property on maps.

112. Don’t Put All Your Money / Bank Cards In One Bag 

I’ve told you before that you should bring more than one bank card when you travel, but it’s also a good idea not to put them all in one place.

You should separate your cards into different bags so that if one bag goes missing, you’ve still got another.

113. Always Check Under The Bed when Leaving A Hotel Room 

As you travel more, you’ll start to develop your routine for checking out of hotels. But if you want my advice, always look under the bed!

Things always fall under or even in between the bed, and it’s easy to lose them. Bradley will agree, but before we leave a hotel room, we always find one sock under the bed. Which brings me to my next tip.

114. Be Careful With Who You Trust 

Unfortunately, not everyone you meet will have your best interests at heart. You need to find a balance between trusting people and keeping your guard up.

It’s hard to find the right balance, especially when locals approach you on the street. You just have to use your common sense.

If you ask for directions and the person tells you to go the other way when you know it’s to the left, likely, they’re not trying to help. This happens a lot in Marrakech. Some people are honest, but you should always be careful.

115. Take Care of Your Body

If you take care of your body often, you’ll feel better. And if you feel better, you will have a better time on your trip. If you have a toothache, eating a chocolate bar could make the difference between a week of misery and days well spent. A long bus ride on a winding road is better after a good night’s sleep than with a hangover.

Why suffer through sunburn after a walk in the desert if you could have worn a hat and sunscreen? Take good care of your body, follow the general advice and be mindful of your choices, and benefit from feeling good about yourself.

Conclusion

When planning your next getaway it’s imperative that you prioritize safety above all else. Next, to ensure you get value for every dollar spent, you want to curate the most memorable experience by being fully immersed in the culture of your chosen destination.

In these uncertain times, when freedom of travel is no longer a foregone conclusion, it’s best to make the most of every opportunity to truly enjoy your vacation to the max.

Bear these tips in mind for your upcoming trip and you’ll be guaranteed an amazing time.