My Best Travel Tips & Tricks

I've documented all of my travel tips in great detail. Out of everything I've learned in 20 years, these are totally the best travel tips and tricks I've ever picked-up:

1. Take more than one bank card or credit card with you.

Sh*t happens. It’s always good to have a backup, even if you're in your own country. What if you lose your card, or it's stolen? What if your bank thinks your transaction's location seems suspicious and puts a freeze on your card? You don’t want to be unable to access your funds, and stuck far from home. I always call my bank before I travel, but sometimes their automated systems still freeze my card. If I have a spare, I can just relax and enjoy the rest of my day then contact them after I get back to my accommodation.

2. Carry spare cash with you.

Like my first travel tip, this can make a big difference if you find yourself in a sticky situation on vacation in your own country or abroad! When abroad, carry some extra local currency plus a currency that is easy to exchange if you need to (e.g. Euro, Pounds, or American Dollars). Don't put it in the same pocket or bag that you hold your cash and cards in. You'll want to have enough to get back to your accommodation, and cover at least two meals with a decent amount to spare.

3. Get a local SIM card. Roaming charges are a total rip-off!

You can buy a pre-paid SIM card from a local brand at the airport or in a store at your destination. I bought one when I shot my Sarajevo travel video in April 2021, and it only cost me about $3 USD including more credit for calls, maps and browsing data than I needed for the entire week I spent exploring! Your phone's apps (e.g. Facebook, Instagram etc) don't care what your carrier and phone number is, so you should be able to connect without problems. Take your passport, because you need to show some form of ID in almost all countries when you buy a SIM (even if you're a tourist!).

4. Pack light.

Seriously, learning how to pack light will change your life! You don't need to go without, just pack smarter. If you can get your luggage all the way down to the size of carry-on bags then you'll be able to zoom through airports and make the most of every minute of your vacation!

5. Tell someone where you're going to be.

Agree to check-in with someone back home. If possible, let them know where you'll be based within the next 24 hours (e.g. address). They'll know to raise the alarm so someone local can check on your welfare if your contact stops. This is good practice, and especially important if you have a medical condition.

6. Don't make it easy for thieves.

Most people in every community around the world are interested in their own lives, and have no interest in you or your stuff. But, there's no need to wave your gear and cash in their faces! If a shiny new mobile worth more than someone earns in 6 months is hanging out of the pocket of your jeans, they're more likely to notice it. You don't need a money belt, just use common sense. Use interior jacket pockets and don't leave valuables on tables, in unzipped bags or dangling from straps.

7. Withdraw money from Bank ATMs, not tourist ATMs.

Do you see that ATM covered in world flags and currency exchange marketing? It's usually a shiny mouse trap, designed to take exorbitant fees out of your account and make extra profits by giving you terrible exchange rates. These traps are set in busy tourist areas. Walk past them and try out a normal boring ATM at the branch of a local major bank. They usually charge fair exchange rates and most don't charge fees for withdrawals made using foreign cards. (Your bank might still charge a fee, but that's another issue!)

8. Don't agree to card transactions that aren't in the local currency.

This is another trap that's designed to make extra profits by giving you terrible exchange rates. When you go to pay, the person behind the desk may ask you if you'd like to pay in the local currency or in your own currency. Don't assume that the two figures are equal. You could end up paying a third more for your item thanks to the way these systems rip you off! The staff member in the shop may not actually understand this, so I recommend you just refuse politely and do the transaction in the local currency. If you do feel inclined to use a different currency, check the exchange rate is fair before you enter your PIN or tap.

9. Check the fine print. You might even hear good news!

It doesn't matter if you're going by rail, bus, hire car, boat, or plane... check the fine print. For example, I find that most airlines allow a carry-on bag. But, if you look at the rules in detail you'll also see that a laptop bag is usually allowed in addition without charge! Now, you don't have to try to fit your laptop into your carry-on. Your laptop bag can hold your chargers, power adapters, and snacks so your carry-on is free to hold clothing, shoes and the rest of your essentials! Bonus! That's how I usually get away with avoiding having the inconvenience and cost of check-in luggage altogether.

10. Relax and treat others as you'd like to be treated.

Most people are just striving to live a good life. In over 20 years across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, America and other places... I've found that the average person is never interested in robbing or cheating you. They're not interested in you at all! We're all just interested in waking up in the morning, having our meals, getting our work or chores completed for the day and hopefully having some time with friends or family. Treat locals with the kindness you'd give the people in your own home community. The world is the same and also different in ways you can’t imagine. You don't need to be scared. Get out there and check it out!

Travel Tips Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you travel as a beginner?

Here are some ideas you can try as a travel beginner or newbie:

• Don't be scared! Having the courage to make that decision is the hardest part.

• Start somewhere easy: Go somewhere you feel comfortable with or where you have relatives or friends close by.

• If you're leaving your own country, always get your visa before you buy your flights.

• Visit the official Visitor Information Centre when you arrive, and take their free walking tour when you get to a new city. You'll meet expert local guides whose job it is to share their great advice.

• Don't live out of someone else's itinerary or blindly follow a tourist map. Follow your curiosity and try to go off the beaten track at least once! Are you interested in stakeboarding? Check out a local skate park! You'll create special memories and an experience that's uniquely yours.

• Travel slow. Don't try to pack too many places and activities in as possible. You'll just stress yourself out.

• Remember you're not alone. Reach out in travel groups on social media if you'd like advice or travel buddies!

Where should a beginner travel?

• Thailand: World-famous for its friendliness and hospitality, Thailand offers incredible experiences for a beginner on a budget.

• Spain: It's beautiful, easy to navigate, and the food is incredible.

• Bali: This is a very tourist-oriented place, with lots of services and activities to enjoy at reasonable prices.

Business travel: How do you make traveling for work easier?

• Consolidate your luggage into carry-on bags: Frequent business travelers don't have time to waste on packing, checking in luggage, and collecting luggage on arrival. Go minimialist and you'll find things much easier!

• Sleep on the plane: You'll feel better, even if you can only manage a short nap!

• Drink water: Hydrate as often as possible. This is important especially if you're traveling by plane.

• Practice your introductions and small talk: You don't need to try to talk to the person next to you. Just read over your notes!

• Find a zen activity to do in transit: Movies and series are ok, but we're talking about things like Sudoku Puzzles and little watercolour packs. Try to avoid screen time when you travel if you want to feel engaged and happy on arrival.

How do I start traveling with no money?

Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Borrow a bicycle and a tent, and pack your food!

• Try WWOOFing - it's about taking up volunteer opportunities on organic farms and other properties in exchange for free accommodation etc!

• Offer to do house sitting or pet sitting in exchange for accommodation. Some opportunities provide food and/or payment too!

• Use a platform like Airbnb to fund your trip, by letting other people use your place as accommodation while you're away.

Share your Travel Tips!

I know there is even more travel know-how out there and I want to hear ideas from you! Comment below or head over to our Travel Fun Music Community Facebook Page , Travel Inspiration Instagram account or join the Our Travel Addict Conversations on Twitter. You can also leave tips in the comments on the Travel Fun Music YouTube Channel . Use the #travelfunmusic hashtag and it’ll show up on our website.