1. When packing, roll your clothes. Rolling allows you to pack more items than if you had to fold them. Rolling also allows you to save space by rolling underwear and socks inside your clothes.
2. Send your passport, ID card, and itinerary to yourself by scanning them. In the event of theft or loss, you will have an additional copy. Smartphone users can email documents to themselves and then open them on their Phones. You can also save them in the cloud to give you an offline record.
3. To ensure your card is authorized for travel to foreign destinations, it’s important that you call your debit or credit card company before you leave. This will prevent them from suspecting any suspicious activity.
4. Mark your baggage as fragile. It is a great way of ensuring that your baggage is properly handled. This will also ensure that your luggage is stored at the top, making it the first bag to be released.
5. Take your own water bottle. The airline may limit the number of times that you are offered water, depending on their policies. Your own water bottle will ensure that you always have access to water. You can top up your water bottle with whatever they give you when they come around. Make sure to only get bottled water on the plane as the water tanks on the planes and not cleaned and sanitized that often.
6. Don’t underestimate the importance of a fanny bag. Although they may seem dated and embarrassing, they are just as useful in domestic travel. Now if those are not your style find something new and updated as it can keep your valuables safe and it can speed up security checks.
7. Enjoy Internet Service on flights longer than six and a half hours. It will be a pleasure, if it is impossible to share a conversation with your seatmate next to you, or if you are not the talking type. You can also finish work before you reach your destination or keep up to date with what is happening in the world.
8. Make sure you bring a pen to complete customs forms. You should fill out the forms when you receive them. Make sure that your family members also have theirs. A pen is rare among flight attendants, and everyone will want yours.
9. Get to the bathroom about 20 minutes before your plane lands. You usually have 15 minutes before you have to sit down once the fasten seatbelt sign comes on. You can use this time to get up to relieve yourself and avoid fighting for the airport restrooms once you land.
10. Head directly to baggage claim. You can save your time and avoid any disputes with fellow travelers and be in a good position to grab your bags.
11. You can use ATMs to obtain local currency. The exchange rates and fees for using money exchanges at airports are often outrageous. ATMs will always dispense local currency. Use your debit or credit card to get your money there.
12. Make sure you have Yelp installed before traveling in the US. This city guide is great for both locals and travelers. It is the best way to discover the best places to eat or sightsee.
13. Get groceries on the way to the hotel. Although you don’t need to buy a meal, it is worth shopping for basic necessities like water and snacks at local stores rather than buying them at the hotel. It will save quite some money.
14. Depending on how long you stay only take the essentials out of your bag when you are in your room. If you try to make yourself at home it may make it difficult to repack and increase your chances of forgetting something.
15. Use guidebooks sparingly. Yelp or any app tailored to the location is a great way to find hidden gems. Guidebooks are limited to tourist spots. Even those that claim to be off the beaten track, usually only present you with tourist spots.
16. Try to use the local language whenever possible. This reflects well on you and whatever your nationality is. It shows that you are willing to make an effort, which can be a positive thing in certain situations.
17. If you want souvenirs, make a list and stick with it. This will help you save money and keep you from buying something you “will give to someone else”.
18. Local only. If you must eat McDonald’s save it for when you are at home. You will save money and get to try new, delicious dishes and have new experiences.
19. Well, Do as the Romans when in Rome. Basically, get out of your comfort zone and do as the locals. For example, if a country suggests modest clothing, you should follow the advice. You can still be safe as a foreigner by following these guidelines.
20. If you travel frequently keep your toiletry bag packed. This will make packing a lot easier and save you money on toiletries if you forget something.
21. When you get back home and through the door, unpack immediately. Although you may feel exhausted, you will be happy that you did it before you go to bed.
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