Travel tips & tricks are one of my favorite things to read from other travelers, so I decided to create my own list! After packing quite a few times and traveling different types of locations, I must say I already learned a lot about traveling from experience. I never forget the time I saw someone walking away from the baggage carousel with my suitcase (because it looked exactly the same, except for a small colored strap, I thought would be noticed) or the pain walking around with serious blisters. So here are quite some travel tips and tricks that will make your travels a little easier!

Travel tips for packing

1. Tag your suitcase with stickers

My hard suitcase is tagged with stickers with my first name on it. Simply so every one can see it’s mine, not theirs. Even though I have a red suitcase (which is less common than black or blue ones), and I had put a small colored strap around the handle, it has occured that someone took my suitcase from the baggage carousel. So mark your suitcase with obvious things such as big stickers and choose a less common color, so you can be sure no one will take yours.

2. Take a picture of your suitcase

Before checking in your suitcase, take a picture of it. In case your luggage gets lost, it’s easier for airport staff to find your suitcase.

3. Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage

Always pack a pair of undies, socks, pants and shirt in your carry on. Just in case your luggage gets delayed or even worse… gets lost! If you’re going on a beach holiday I advise to pack a swimsuit in your hand Luggage as well.

4. Pack the essentials in your carry on

A toothbrush and toothpaste, birth control pills,… these are just a few things that come to my mind when thinking of important things I can’t go without. Also my photography gear and chargers are packed in my hand luggage, because to me these are the most important items when I travel.

5. Keep small empty packages

Throughout the year I collect small empty bottles and packages so I can refill them with the necessary toiletries for traveling. This way I don’t need to take a big half full shampoo bottle or a big jar of day cream. I measure what I need and put it in the smaller packages.

6. Create your own entertainment package

Waiting at the airport or long distance flying can get pretty boring, so make sure you take a good book (read a few pages first to make sure you’ll like it), a few magazines, a tablet or laptop with some movies, your favorite music and snacks to kill time!

7. Take an empty water bottle

An empty water bottle can be filled after security check, so you don’t need to pay for overpriced water in the departure hall. It’s also handy to refill later during your trip.

8. Weigh your luggage before going to the airport

Always weigh your luggage so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises. I even weigh every single item. A stack of shirts, my pair of jeans, my shoes,… Even my toiletries because I don’t return with them and this is extra weight to replace with a fun souvenir or something new to wear.

Travel tips for the right attitude

9. Seize the day

Always set the clock and don’t waste time sleeping in. There is so much to explore! Get the most out of every moment/day!

10. Walk on the right side

Don’t irritate people by walking in their way, especially in cities. Do they drive on the right side? Then walk on the right side of the sidewalk. Do they drive left? Then the most polite thing to do is to walk on the left side of the sidewalk. Are you with a partner, a group? Walk behind each other on the sidewalk, if it gets too narrow. Don’t go walking left and right (or on the street), because it will only make things worse and everyone will start walking through each other creating a mess, a blockage and a lot of irritation. In cities like Venice it is prohibited to walk left, because you can start blocking streets. (you can get a fine for that!) In Taiwan they even have arrows painted on the sidewalks. It’s an unwritten rule but in some countries it’s even codified in law! On escalators you’re obliged to stand on the right side so people can pass you on the left side (it’s the same as driving a car basicly). So do the polite thing.

11. Always keep calm, be friendly and smile

By keeping calm and being friendly you’ll win more than by acting rude. Don’t scream at people when something goes wrong. Be polite and understanding and explain why this isn’t a pleasant situation for you. Don’t look mad, get sad! It worked perfectly for me last year when I got stuck on an Azorean island.
A smile also always works! It resulted in not paying more for extra luggage weight in New York and in obtaining free stuff such as drinks (Istanbul) or CDs (Dominican Republic). It’s also easier to make new friends when you have a happy face on in stead of a serious face.

12. Don’t let anyone stop you

When you’re traveling solo or with companions; don’t ever let anyone stop you from doing something you would really like to do (unless it is really really dangerous :-)). If locals tell you not to go somewhere, or if your travel companions aren’t interested in the same stuff or maybe not capable of doing the same things; do what YOU want to do. You can split up for a while and do each what you like and then continue together, but don’t let anyone take your dreams away. You’ll regret not doing it anyway. Maybe you’ll never return to this place again. You better regret what you DID than regret what you DIDN’T DO. After all it’s your happiness, your life and no one should dictate what you should or shouldn’t.

13. Spend money on experiences not things

I don’t buy a lot of souvenirs since my pictures and videos are the best souvenirs I can get. But I’m convinced now and then you have to treat yourself to something more expensive. I’m not writing about things, but experiences; like a gondola ride in Venice or a helicopter flight. It can be less adventurous as well; a day trip to a fantastic location or renting a car to get somewhere. After all it will be those things you’ll remember later.

14. Remember different doesn’t mean bad

Other habits or customs aren’t bad. Always remember your way isn’t the only (right) way. Everyone looks at things differently and you have to respect other people’s cultures, opinions, lifestyles or habits. Be open-minded.

15. Take a pause

Sometimes you just have to stop at a certain place, realize “I’m actually here!” and take in the moment.

16. Keep notes

Write down funny anekdotes, quotes, experiences. Take note of what you did that day, so you will never forget.

Travel tips for more comfort

17. Always take a scarf

It will warm you on the plane, at the airport, during a night out and you can use it to cover up when visiting churches, mosques…

18. Do your laundry in the sink

When I travel for a longer time I never take clothes for the full period, because I wash them in the sink. I always take some extra concentrated liquid detergent for traveling with me (in a small package) which you can use in cold and hot water. But you can also use regular soap from the hotel. You can hang your clothes on a hanger in the shower to dry, roll them in a towel or use a hair dryer if you don’t have that much time.

19. Always take a small umbrella

Maybe it’s because I’m Belgian and it rains a lot over here, but I always take an umbrella with me. It keeps me dry or it protects me from the burning sun when it gets too hot.

20. Put snacks in your handbag / backpack

I always take some cookies in my handbag or a piece of fruit (depending on what the hotel breakfast offers or what I find at the supermarket) just in case I get hungry before lunch time.

21. Use wet tissues

Another handbag essential: wet tissues or baby wipes! Perfect for cleaning your dirty hands or to refresh/wash your face during the day.

22. Always take your hotel’s details

Make sure to take a print of your hotel’s address and a marked map where to find it. It’s the easiest way to find your hotel when you’re getting lost or to show the taxi driver where to go.

23. Take an international powerplug and a compact power strip

Hotel rooms never have enough sockets. That’s why I always take a compact power strip. So I can be sure all batteries can load. An international powerplug is a must. Always check the kind of socket before you travel.

24. Visit the same place at different times

Experiencing a place in the morning, during the day or at night can be very different!

25. Remember the locals

When you’re not sure where to go or you need some tips, just ask the locals. After all, they know best!

26. Check prices

Always compare prices of restaurants or check prices in advance when it’s not clear how much something costs.

27. Don’t forget supermarkets

When traveling on budget, supermarkets are the place to go! A lot of food options here at very reasonable prices! Who says no to a fun picnic anyway?

28. Pack the right medication

I always pack something against vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever or pain. A nose spray, throat pastilles and Acetylcysteïne come in handy when the airconditioning made its victim yet again.

29. Put blister plasters in your bag

Always! You won’t regret it!

30. Keep mosquitoes away

Pack an insect-repellent product and if the mosquitoes still got to you, use an anti-itch cream.

31. Wear comfortable shoes

Sandals, sneakers, boots … as long as it’s flat and comfy to walk in for hours. Don’t wear new shoes you haven’t worn before. You’ll regret it!

32. Take a plastic bag

You can use it to sit on without getting your clothes dirty or to protect your camera gear when necessary (rain, sand,…).

33. Pack lighter: put on your heaviest clothes & take a microfiber swimming towel

Your heaviest shoes (mostly your sneakers or hiking shoes), your thickest sweater, your jeans, … wear all your heaviest clothes on the plane, so you spare weight in your suitcase! Also a microfiber swimming towel is super compact and light.

Travel tips for photography

34. Back up your pics and videos

I copy my pictures and videos on my laptop at the end of each day. My camera got stolen in Las Vegas and I was very grateful I had put all my pictures and videos from that day on my laptop before going out that night!

35. Take a lot of pictures

You can never take too many pictures as long as your own eyes saw it too (not just through the lense). Don’t postpone taking pictures. In the beginning I made the mistake saying, “I’ll probably pass by later again”. Chances are you won’t return to that place.

36. Learn how your camera works in advance

Trust me, you don’t want to waste time looking for a certain camera function when you need to take that picture NOW! Avoid frustration and a lot of cursing by testing your camera at home first.

37. Think about the right time and light of places you want to visit

When will the sun shine on that building, when can you avoid ugly shadows, what’s the best place to watch the sun rise, when’s the best light, at what time does the sun goes down? All questions that can result in better pictures!

38. Take prints of beautiful places you want to photograph and mark them on a map

Did you see a gorgeous photo on Pinterest, Instagram or Google Images? Print it, find out where it was taken, mark it on a map and off you go!

39. Take enough GigaBytes

I always take a LOT of SD cards for my camera’s. I don’t want to be in the siuation I don’t have any storage memory left at a beautiful place!

40. Don’t forget spare batteries

Same reason as above, I don’t want to be forced to stop taking pictures.

Do you have any travel tips & tricks that I haven’t included and you would like to share? Don’t hesitate to put them in the comments down below! I hope mine are helpful! Keep traveling!