Whether you’re a lifelong globetrotter or someone who’s relatively new to world travel, it always pays to plan ahead when it comes to your trips. Even very experienced travelers can unexpectedly run into trouble or otherwise meet with a mishap that can instantly make them feel glad they took a few precautions. Keep the following tips in mind to travel as smartly and safely as possible.
#1. Share Your Plans With Loved Ones
Anytime you’re going anywhere new or unusual, it’s always a good idea to make someone you’re close to aware of your plans just in case. This is a good idea whether you’re traveling solo, with a few friends, or with your entire family in tow. Pick someone you trust, fill them in on your itinerary, and then check in periodically while you’re away so they know you’re safe and having a great time. Do the same with fellow travellers or a concierge if you decide to strike out on your own for a few hours once you’ve reached your destination as well.
#2. Be Safe When It Comes to Money
The last thing you want to deal with when traveling abroad is a money issue, so it definitely pays to plan ahead in this regard. Let your bank know you’ll be traveling ahead of time to avoid having essential payment cards blocked for potentially suspicious activity. You’ll also want to avoid carrying too much cash around, as well as safeguard your money with a secure international transfer service like Share Money. Such services make it safe and easy to transfer funds to countries like Colombia, Mexico, or anywhere else you may be traveling to.
#3. Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language
No matter where in the world you happen to find yourself, being able to communicate efficiently is a must. No, you don’t need to be completely fluent in the local language, but you’ll definitely find it helpful to know some essentials. Focus on learning words, phrases, and questions you’re most likely to need in travel-related situations.
Think basic greetings, requests for directions or pricing information, social courtesies like “please” or “thank you”, and so forth. Even in the event the person you’re talking to speaks English, many locals appreciate it when visitors are clearly making an effort to speak the language. Handy apps like Google Translate can be helpful in a pinch as well.
#4. Keep Devices Charged
Have you ever noticed that your phone and other mobile devices have a way of running out of battery power at the most inopportune times? Don’t run the risk of having that happen while you’re traveling. Carry your charging cords with you wherever you go so that you can treat your devices to some extra juice whenever you have the chance. It’s also not a bad idea to invest in extra batteries, as well as portable power banks. You never know when you might badly need a charge but not have access to an outlet for a while.
#5. Do Your Research
Whether you’re looking to stretch a tight travel budget to the max or see a given place at its absolute best, it’s always a smart idea to know when the on-seasons and off-seasons are. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, definitely plan your trip for the off-season. However, if experiencing perfect temperatures and hitting key seasonal cultural festivals are more your thing, you’d be better off keeping to the peak months instead.
At the end of the day, a perfect trip is all about perfect planning and plenty of research. Where will your travels take you next, and how are you planning to make the absolute most of your trip?
