This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission at no charge to you if you purchase through my link. I only share products that I have personally used and vetted.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Ensure you pre-book any museum tickets or tours to avoid missing out on popular attractions. We learned the hard way that many hot spots like the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam sell out days or even weeks in advance.
- Health Essentials: Pack activated charcoal pills and some digestive enzymes if you can. Travel can be rough on the digestive system and if you are an adventurous eater (or get food poisoning like I did) your stomach may need some TLC. If you plan to drink, definitely pack this!
- So Fresh and So Clean Clean: Pack a shampoo bar, dry shampoo, and washcloth. These are easy ways to freshen up on the airplane during a long flight or before you land. You’d be amazed how refreshing a warm washcloth can feel when you’re exhausted and dried out from being in the air for many hours.
- First-day Comfort: Book the nicest hotel of your stay for your arrival day. If it’s a long journey, having a comfortable bed where you can crash is a wonderful feeling. We use the Marriott Bonvoy Chase card that rewards you with one free night per calendar year. I tend to save the communal lodging like hostels for the latter part of the trip once I’ve had a little time to adjust to the time zone and the new surroundings.
- Smart Packing: Pack only a week’s worth of clothing and utilize laundry facilities to avoid overpacking and save room for taking gifts home. Prioritize comfort and practicality over fashion.
- Cost-Effective Transport: Avoid taxis unless they’re absolutely necessary. Public transport in most countries is much more affordable. You can also look for local versions of Uber, like Bolt or BlaBlaCar.
- Navigating New Places: Ask for a local map at your accommodation, and make use of offline Google Maps when exploring. You can also join free tours in many major cities.
- Avoiding Crowds: Sometimes you can avoid the need for a reservation and strict dress code by visiting popular or fancy restaurants for lunch or drinks.
- Back-up Plan: Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is lost. Better yet, pack everything in a carry-on and you won’t be stuck waiting at baggage claim. It’s also a good idea to have an RFID-blocking wallet or purse and to scan a copy of your Passport and other important documents to yourself via email in case you lose it.
- Currency Tips: Spend or donate all your coins before leaving a country, as they cannot be exchanged back into your local currency.
What tips have helped you in your travels? Please share them below!
Thanks for reading and happy new year!
Emily
The Planking Traveler 