Your Favorite Traveler’s Greatest Travel Tips and Tricks
Introduction
The supporters of my platform have been incredibly patient, and I am genuinely grateful for that. The time has finally come! I am thrilled to announce the long-awaited launch of the “tips and tricks” blog post!
This topic has been a fan favorite and was requested some time ago, and I apologize for the delay. I’ve spent much time contemplating how to approach it thoroughly without overwhelming the reader.
Finally, I’m happy with what I’ve put together, and I’m sure you will be, too!
As the world continues to change and I gain more experience and expertise, I am committed to updating and relaunching this post. This approach, rather than creating new blog posts with the latest tips, is for your convenience. I understand the value of having all your information in one place and am dedicated to providing that for you!
I will also divide my advice into two categories: solo and general travel tips, providing a comprehensive guide for all travelers.
So, let’s dive into the comprehensive blog post of all my greatest travel tips and tricks. But first, what qualifies me to write this blog post? I’m excited to share my knowledge and experiences with you, and I hope it inspires your future travels!
What Qualifies Me to Write This Post
If this is your first time stumbling upon my posts, I want to extend a warm welcome! I’m truly thrilled to have you here. And to all my returning readers, welcome back!
Thank you for joining me once again on this journey with ericgoingglobal! While this information may be familiar to my long-time followers, I’d like to share what qualifies me as an expert in offering travel tips for those new to my blog.
I’m Your Favorite Traveler and Aviation Enthusiast
I do not make this statement to brag! If you haven’t had the chance to read my Flighty blog post, I’d like to share that I am a passionate traveler.
You can find more about my journey here, but in a nutshell, I have nearly 30 years and six continents of travel experience, much of which is reflected on this site.
So, feel free to explore! I aim to ignite your wanderlust and inspire you to explore our beautiful world. I’ve created this platform to help you travel as cheaply and safely as possible, and I’m confident that these tips will inspire and excite you for your future travels!
Solo Travel Tips & Tricks
Taking Pictures
This should go without saying, but please take pictures! You’ll be so glad you did when you are back home reminiscing!
Have a tripod for your smartphone or camera to capture sharp shots of yourself at your destination of choice, especially if you’re more introverted and would like to refrain from asking strangers to help you. Use the Google Photos app to store and organize your pictures.
For those interested, I use my iPhone camera (iPhone 15 Pro Max) and a Sony A7Siii for my travels!
Meeting Others
Feel free to let your accommodation know that you are traveling solo. The front desk can often help you meet locals and point you to activities designed for solo travelers.
Hostels are an excellent place to meet other solo travelers and backpackers.
Don’t be shy!
You’ll be so glad you enhanced your trip by being open to connecting with others. Couchsurfing is a wonderful app designed to help connect you with other solo travelers. I highly recommend using it, as I’ve met many incredible people on the app.
Staying Safe While Abroad
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to register your trip with the U.S. Embassy.
This free service allows U.S. passport holders to record information about their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy to their destination, receive updates while in-country, and enable both the embassy and loved ones to contact you in the event of an emergency.
If you are not a U.S. passport holder, check with your country’s embassy to see your “STEP” equivalent.
Navigating Your Destination
Try to plan your walking routes and public transportation before leaving your room.
Use the hotel/hostel staff to help you get to your attraction.
Walking around staring at your maps could make you an easy target for pickpocketing. Should you get lost while roaming around, find a restaurant with WiFi to go inside and reorient yourself with the city.
Google Maps is my preferred GPS app. It allows you to download offline areas, so no internet is needed. This is a great place to mention apps like CityMapper and Uber (or the local equivalent)!
General Travel Tips & Tricks
Bring a First Aid Kit
It may seem easy to overlook a first aid kit, but you may need to treat minor injuries and illnesses. You can pack these yourself or get them pre-packaged in the travel section of your favorite department store.
Remember any medications you take!
Entry Requirements
I like to use a couple of websites to help with entry requirements!
The Passport Index allows me to see what countries I can travel to visa-free. I love to use this site for trip planning, even before booking flights.
For a more detailed layout of a country’s entry requirements, I prefer to use Sherpa!
You can enter your travel dates, departure country, arrival country, and any connections, and it will clearly state what is needed for a successful journey!
Please consider this when planning and preparing for the trip!
WhatsApp is Your Friend
Leave your expensive international phone plans behind and save money by using WhatsApp to message while abroad.
Flighty
I will link my blog post here, but you need the best flight-tracking app for your travels!
Google Flights
If you don’t have points and miles for flights, use Google Flights to purchase your airfare at a reasonable price.
You can also track prices for your route for the dates you plan to go and book at a price you can afford. Be sure to search often to ensure you are getting a great deal.
Make sure you subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. They track deals for you! All you need to do is subscribe using your email!
Passport Copies
By bringing a folder that includes important documents, such as photocopies of your passport, you can save yourself a lot of time and prevent stress.
Doing so will make replacing the original document easier should you misplace it abroad.
Other helpful things to have in this folder:
Contact numbers at your destination (hotel, local tourism office, etc.)
COVID-19 vaccine card and/or negative test results (if applicable)
Travel insurance plan details
It’s not just about protecting your passport but also about convenience. I recommend carrying your passport in a cover with slots for cards and cash.
This way, you can keep all your essential documents and money in one place, making it easier to manage while on the go.
I’ve added the link here for those needing to apply for a passport or renew one.
Manage Travel Notifications
Make sure to let your bank know when and where you’ll be traveling and which cards you’ll be bringing so they can allow you to use your card without blocking it while still tracking for fraudulent charges and activity.
International Travel Adapters & Portable Chargers
Make sure to put your international travel adapter in your backpack to ensure you can charge your devices while in the country! Including a portable charger may be a great idea, especially if you plan on having long and eventful days!
Water Bottle
Please stay hydrated on your trip!
I prefer to bring a water bottle with me.
You will help the environment by reducing plastic pollution, and a water bottle can save you money while traveling since you won’t have to purchase bottles! I recommend a reusable filtered water bottle that fits in the designated holder of your backpack.
The question about safe tap water comes up a lot! There is a lot of information on this that you can Google, but I believe this is the most reputable site providing this information!
Try Not to Overplan
A daily itinerary is essential for a successful trip. Try to avoid overplanning, however.
Things can happen which can alter your plans. A good trip includes some level of flexibility and freedom, especially if you are traveling solo.
Use free time to relax, practice self-care, or go with the flow and do spontaneous activities! If you are trying to figure out what to do at your destination, Viator and Airbnb experiences are the best places to look!
TSA PreCheck & Global Entry
One of the most beneficial tips I can provide is enrolling in these trusted traveler programs to expedite security screening!
TSA Precheck expedites security screening for domestic departures through designated lanes, and Global Entry expedites passport control on international arrivals.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so obviously, that one is more bang for your buck. That’s what I recommend you register for!
I have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. I have linked the enrollment information and other details above.
Conclusion
I saved my best travel tip for last!
Ask!
Always feel free to ask questions, whether to me or any of your travel partners (airlines, hotels, etc.)! No question is dumb.
As mentioned above, I want this post to serve as a one-stop shop for you to get all the resources you need!
So, I will update this post as things change, but please do not wait for updates! If you have questions or need something reflected here, use the contact form so I can update it as soon as possible!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope to see you on a trip soon! Happy traveling, friends!
Safety is always a concern thank you so much for the tips about registering with an embassy and making copies of important documents.
I really appreciated the tip: WHATSAPP IS YOUR FRIEND: Leave your expensive international phone plans behind and save money by using WhatsApp to message while abroad.
Also bringing the a reusable water bottle and first aid kit, most definitely excellent ideas.
Finally, not looking like a tourist when you get lost. Love the idea of going into a restaurant and get reoriented and then continuing on.
Really enjoyed the read. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you for your comment! I greatly appreciate it! I think others will benefit from your comment, as it summarizes the key tips I would advise for any traveler, seasoned or not! Let me know what else you would like to see on the site, and as always, thank you for your unwavering support!