Travelling can be a truly life-changing experience. It helps shape the way we view the world, building tolerance, and acceptance. Although traveling has plenty of benefits, it can still be quite scary getting stuck in a strange land without proper preparation and resources.

While you travel, you will pick up many tips and tricks which are going to be immensely useful in your future trips. Meanwhile, let me get you started with 50 of my best travel hacks, acquired over years of roaming this beautiful planet.

1. Take an Extra Bank Card

There are always chances of your card getting lost, stolen, or even just not working. To make sure you’re never left without access to money, carry a backup card set up to a different bank account.

2. Make Several Copies of Your Passport

Just in case you lose it and need to prove your identity at an embassy to get a replacement made

3. Invest in Travel Insurance

You never know when you may lose your luggage or require medical attention. Certain airlines have even made it a necessity.

4. Make a Rough Itinerary

Its always best to plan out your travels, with some flexibility in case of any changes.

5.Travel with Friends

If you’re a travelling rookie, take a few trips with your friends first to get a better idea of the how-tos before you set off on that solo journey.

6. Pack Like a Pro

Nobody wants to drag around suitcases full of stuff. Pack wrinkle-free clothing and roll it up for optimal use of your limited space.

7. Pair of Sneakers is a Must

Versatile and comfortable, sneakers will soon become your best friends as you travel.

8. Keep an Extra Set of Clothes and Toiletries in Your Carry-On

You never know when your luggage can get delayed, lost, or even stolen.

9. Be Patient

This is an expert level tip; always practice patience and don’t get worked up over slight inconveniences. Busses will be missed, bookings cancelled and plans delayed – you have to keep your cool though.

10. Research Before Setting Off

You don’t want to be caught off-guard in a strange land. Always research the place thoroughly, including the best, budget-friendly places to stay and eat at.

11. Learn Basic Phrases

If you’re visiting a foreign country, it’s always helpful to learn what a few common words and phrases mean so you can communicate for help.

12.Memory Card

You’d be surprised at how quickly your phone’s seemingly endless storage capacity will get used up. Have a memory card to make sure you don’t lose out on any pictures of the memories you make.

13.Discover Tricks to Get Over Jet Lag ASAP

Keeping yourself hydrated, taking in the fresh air, and avoiding caffeine are key to getting over that horrible jet lag.

14. Get Up Early

A key trick to avoid those massive tourist crowds. Also, nothing compared to the pictures you will get in daylight hours.

15. Try Out the Local Food

Trying out different cuisines is one of the biggest joys of travelling, don’t miss out!

16. Carry Some Cash

Not all the places you visit will accept card, always carry some local money to make your transactions smooth and hassle-free.

17. Take in the Surroundings

The best way to get a feel of the city is to just sit back and observe the everyday hustle-bustle.

18. Visit Some lesser Known Spots

While popular attractions are always a treat to visit, most cities tend to have some spectacular, lesser-known spots. Try to find them.

19. Slow Down Sometimes

Don’t overwhelm your first few trips trying to cover many destinations within a few weeks. Take your time with each place and don’t worry, you’ll get more chances to explore other spots.

20. Stay Alert at Night

Tourists are often considered easy targets so be extremely vigilant when exploring the nightlife and stay in a group.

21. Be Careful on the Streets

Most travel destinations are hubs for pickpockets. Take care when out on the streets.

22. Carry your Own Locks

Be it for your hostel room or your luggage, always lock everything up for maximum safety.

23. Save your Address

If I started counting how many times I’ve thought I knew my hotel’s location, only to end up lost and confused, we’d be here all day.

24. Volunteer

Most destinations have some form of volunteering experience available for visitors. Not only are they spiritually rewarding; they also help you meet new people and get to know the place better.

25. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Tissues

You won’t always restrooms to wash your hands and face.

26. Buy City Cards

The cards come with a range of benefits like free entry to various attractions and discounted use of public transport – very useful when traveling on a budget.

27. Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

To truly make the most of your trip, you will need to leave your comfort zone back at home and be prepared to try out new things.

28. Try Out Different Local Activities

This is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and befriend the locals. Who knows, they might even let you in on a city secret or two.

29. Take a Walking Tour

While most big landmarks will be accessible through public transport, a walking tour (quite often free of charge) will show you the real charm of the city.

30. Carry Bottled Water

A true godsend during long hikes! You will also save up by filling a reusable water bottle instead of buying a new one every time.

There you have it, everything you need to know before getting on that plane to see the world. Remember to be polite, patient, and mingle with the locals – you won’t regret it. If you’d like some more detailed guidance before your first trip, reach out to us anytime.

 Happy and safe travels!