It’s the first quarter of the new year, you’re probably thinking of traveling somewhere.
Of course, you’d like to travel somewhere nice but with a lower budget, so you don’t burn a hole in your pocket so early in the year.
Here are a few tips and tricks you can consider taking while planning your vacation.
Book your tickets at least 6 weeks ahead
If you have the dates confirmed for your trip, try to book your flight tickets at least 6 weeks in advance for cheaper and affordable rates.
Fun tip: Did you know, checking your ticket on a Tuesday and Wednesday is much cheaper than when you check them on weekends. Also, traveling on Tuesdays through Thursdays are much cheaper too. Don’t forget, go to Incognito Mode whenever you’re checking your tickets.
Packing the essentials
Now that you’re done with the booking, the day of your vacation is drawing near. You’ll have the urge to pack everything you don’t need with you- including clothes you’ve never worn in years (and will never wear), unnecessary makeup, 3 different shoes, 4 different bags, etc. Trust me, you won’t even wear half the stuff you packed.
Before you start packing, think whether you have check-in luggage, and how much space your luggage has. Pre-plan your outfits before you start packing, which means you get to hold a mini private fashion show in your room.
Girls, I know you have tons of skincare and makeup and hair stuff to pack with you, and they are not at all light to carry. Instead of packing the full-size products, if you have smaller bottles or samples from the products, pack those instead. Otherwise, you can always head over to Daiso and buy the travel-size bottles and fill them up.
If you have both carry-on and check-in luggage, pack extra clothes and essentials such as medicines, phone and battery charger, in your carry-on. This is a precaution in case your check-in luggage is delayed or missing.
Fun tip: Pack an extension cord with you. This way, you can charge multiple devices at the same time with one adapter if your hotel does not have a lot of powerpoint.
Learn and respect the culture
Remember, you’re visiting someone else’s country. There’ll definitely be culture shock and different values that are new to you.
Learn a few phrases in their local language such as “Hello”, “Thank you”, “Please”,”Sorry”,”Where’s food”, and whatever you think is useful. The latter is very important to me because… FOOD!
Do up a research of the country’s local tradition and what’s considered to be rude or disrespectful. Remember, whenever visiting someone’s country, do not condescend them. You don’t want to end up like these tourists.
Money, money, money
Exchange your currency ahead, sometimes the money exchange runs out of the currency you’re looking for. Don’t wait until the very last minute. The big question is always “How much should I exchange?”
Ask yourself this:
How long will I be traveling for? A week? 3 days? Does the country accept card conveniently? What is the cost of food there? Do I need to spend a lot on transportation? Will I be doing a lot of shopping?
Let’s say you’ll be traveling for 5 days, and that country accepts card nationwide, the food is moderately priced, you don’t need to access around by taxis, and you don’t intend to do massive shopping. Then you don’t need to exchange A LOT of money for this trip. My rule of thumb is, cash is used for food and transportation. Whatever additional shopping will be paid via credit/debit card.
Which brings us to the next important point. ALWAYS remember to call your bank a day or two before your travel date. Inform them about your traveling overseas and request for permission to use your cards abroad. Also, ask for a limit so you don’t overspend all your life savings in one trip.
Be safe, be vigilant!
You can never be TOO SAFE or TOO CAREFUL, but at least try to make an effort to be wary and alert to your surroundings when traveling. Pickpockets are everywhere in the world and they can definitely sense a tourist from a mile away. Don’t be a target for them.
Gentlemen, it is a habit that most of you place your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans or pants. Please be mindful that this is the easiest way a pickpocket can stealthily steal your wallet without you noticing. Place your wallet somewhere you can easily notice if it’s being touched or better yet, use a fanny-pack. Now, now. We know a fanny-pack isn’t the most stylish accessory to date, however, there are fanny-packs out there that are worn inside of your clothes and you can barely see them. It may be uncomfortable and troublesome but hey, at least you don’t lose all your money and cards and passport in one go.
That goes without saying that you shouldn’t place all your money in one wallet/handbag. Separate your money into a few different places, if you’re traveling with your partner, split the money with them.
We know that you’re excited about your vacation and want to share it with everyone you know, or don’t know, on social media. However, sharing too much can be a bit too dangerous. Do you live alone? Or with your family? Will your house be empty when you’re traveling? Sharing your trip on social media is giving out information to predators who are waiting to seize an opportunity to burglarize your house. Burglars will now know that you won’t be around and your house will be empty for a few days.
It is safer if you post those vacay pics when you return from your trip. Also, when you’re traveling, make sure you inform someone you can entirely trust, a family member or a close friend, about your whereabouts and when you’ll be returning. Let them know your flight information and which hotel you’ll be staying in throughout your vacation. That way, they know where to look for you if anything happens, and they’ll also have a peace of mind.
Let loose and have fun!
What’s traveling after all right? Besides learning about a different country and their culture, traveling should be about relaxing and having fun. So let your worries dissolve into the air of the destination you’re headed to and absorb all the new experience in your life.
Travel all you can while you still can, be it near or far. It doesn’t need to be fancy!
So what are you waiting for, start looking at flight tickets and book your next vacation!
