Here are my top 35 travel tips that will save you time, money, and sanity! These tips will help to make every stage of your journey easier. From planning to stepping back into your house after your break, your travel process will be streamlined and seamless.
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Practical Travel Tips
Here are 35 of the best practical travel tips to ensure that your vacation runs smoothly from planning to your return. Check out the top planning hacks, the essentials you don’t want to leave behind, budget tips to save you $$$, and what you need to prepare before you head to the airport to save you a headache when you return home. Plus many more!
Travel Planning Tips
Travel planning is one of my favourite hobbies. I spent my time planning far more trips than I’ve ever taken! But researching destinations and prepping for travel can take a lot of time. Here are a few of my top travel planning tips to help you get the most out of your planning and your trip.
Don’t Over Plan
Resist the urge to over-plan when you’re traveling. I love a thorough itinerary as much as anyone, but leave some space for the destination to surprise you. You never know what you’ll discover while you’re there!
Learn the Local Language
Before any trip, learn a few keywords in the local language. You don’t need to be fluent, but a few words when asking for help or placing an order will go a long way! I use Duolingo to brush up before a trip!
Book The First Entry Slot
When pre-booking attractions, always book the first entry slot of the day and arrive early to be first in line. This means you’ll be one of only a handful inside. This made our visit to La Sagrada Família in Barcelona unforgettable.
It’s always worthwhile booking the first entry slot at popular tourist attractions. It’s the only opportunity you’ll get to experience it with limited crowds before the constant flow starts!
Copy Important Documents
If you misplace your passport, insurance documents, or driver’s license, you’ll have a spare copy to hand to help. Make copies of your important documents in case of emergencies! Bonus tip: always keep a copy of your insurance policy on hand too! You’ll be REALLY glad to have that if you ever need it!
Join Local Facebook Groups
Before you visit a new city, join some Facebook groups dedicated to the place. You’ll find great tips, helpful resources, and maybe even a travel buddy!
Get Instagram Inspiration
Instagram is a great source of travel inspiration. You can find some of the most beautiful hidden spots this way. But be warned, not everything is as it seems on Insta so double check your locations for other reviews!
Download Google Maps Offline
Using your data abroad is expensive. Plus, being dependent on finding reliable wi-fi when you are out and about is a gamble. Ensure you’re not going to get lost in your destination by downloading Google Maps before your trip.
Downloading Google Maps before you leave means that you can use the local maps offline, without using wifi or data. You’ll never need to ask for directions again! Want to know how to use Google Maps offline? Check out our guide here.
Have A Meal In The Freezer
When you get home from the airport after hours on a cramped flight, jetlagged and starving, this is a lifesaver. Trust me.
Download Your Pre-Travel Checklist
If you really want to be prepared for your trip, check out our pre-travel checklist. This guide covers everything you need to do to prepare your home before you depart.
Weigh Your Bags At Home
No one wants to get to the airport and discover their luggage is too heavy. You either have to pay a hefty baggage fee, or do the humiliating rummage through your suitcase on the airport floor and layer up!
The best way to rest assured you are within your limit is to check the luggage allowance before you leave. A set of digital luggage scales like these are perfect for weighing your suitcase with ease. Plus, you can pack them in your case to weigh it again ahead of the return trip.
Travel Tips For Packing
For many of us, packing for vacation is a bit of a chore. However, there are a few things you can do to make packing easier. These are my top packing tips to save you time and effort!
Buy a Unique Suitcase
Buy a unique suitcase! You can spot my vibrant floral one a mile away on the airport carousel and no one ever picks it up by mistake!
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a lifesaver! When you pack your case, you can conveniently pack similar items together in individual cubes. Then, when you get to the hotel, you can easily lift them out and put them straight into drawers, knowing exactly where everything is. No more rummaging for that top you’re sure you packed ever again!
A set like this one with pouches of different sizes is ideal for all of your packing needs!
Roll Your Clothes
If you don’t want to iron your clothes when you arrive at your destination, buy crease-resistant fabrics and roll rather than fold!
Pack Ear Plugs
Earplugs and an eye mask are your best friends when traveling. Not only will they help you sleep on the plane, but they’re handy for those noisy city hotels too!
>> Want to know which eye mask I never travel without? Check out my favorite eye masks here! <<
Pack A Change Of Clothes In Your Carry On
If you’re packing hold luggage, make sure you have a change of clothes in carry on. Just in case your suitcase takes a detour…
Don’t Invest In A Travel Wardrobe
Did you know that the fashion industry is the 2nd largest polluter in the world? It’s tempting to buy new outfits every time we travel, but how often do you wear those outfits again? Pack clothes you own rather than buying new. You’ll probably be more comfy in them anyway!
Pack A Laundry Sack
I refuse to travel without a laundry sack, even if I’m only away for one night! It’s a great way to collect your dirty clothes together. Simply throw the clothes into the sack when you’re done with them, stick the sack into your suitcase, then empty the sack into your washing machine when you get home. Easy!
This world map laundry sack is the perfect travel companion!
Don’t Forget Your Camera…
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love to capture your trip with your camera so you can relive the experience later. Photos make great mementos from your travels and are ideal to capture those precious memories.
…But Don’t Live Your Trip Through it
But I do want to caveat the last tip. While capturing memories of beautiful destinations through your camera is a great way to relive your trip, don’t miss out on your experience by living the trip through your screen. After you’ve captured your photos, take some time to put the camera down and immerse yourself in the destination.
Carry A Pen
Make sure you have a pen with you at all times. Maybe even two! When it comes to completing customs forms, making a note of the attraction your waiter just recommended, or journalling your activities at the end of the day, you’ll be glad to have a pen handy more often than you would think!
Tips For During Your Vacation
We all want to maximize our vacation time. Here are some top tips so you can get the most out of your destination.
Wake up early
When you’re traveling, the early bird really does catch the worm! If you wake up with the sunrise, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the sights without the crowds!
Ask Hotel Staff for Recommendations
Always ask your hotel reception for recommendations! They know where to find the best food, the cheapest tickets and the top hidden attractions!
Don’t Eat At Tourist Attractions
The food is overpriced and is rarely an authentic taste of the place. Find a local restaurant in a less touristy district. It’s a great way to support local businesses too!
Hire A Local Guide
Local guides can show you all of the best places that you wouldn’t find in a guide book. They’re also a great font of knowledge. Ask them for ideas of day trips, attractions and where to eat!
Hold Housekeeping
Do you change your bedding every day at home? Then why should you on holiday? Cut down the energy and chemicals used during your stay by putting a hold on housekeeping.
Sync Your Sleep Pattern
Jetlag is a killer but the sooner you can sync your body clock to the local time, the better. So try stay awake until your usual bedtime and set an alarm to wake you up!
Budget Travel Tips
Travel is an expensive hobby. But there are plenty of hacks and tips you can use to get your next trip cheaper. Here are a few of my favourite budget travel tips.
Get Breakfast From Your Local Supermarket
Hotel breakfasts are expensive! Often there will be a supplementary charge per person, per day, which adds a significant cost to your trip. You can save money by purchasing some items from the local supermarket or bakery instead. It’s an added bonus if there is a fridge in your hotel room to store them!
Check Deals Sites For Bargains
Many of the deals websites you’re familiar with such as Groupon will often have international offers too. Before your trip, have a scout around popular deals sites to see if you can find any bargains for attractions you want to visit. Just make sure you are purchasing from names that you trust, some discounted tickets sounds like a steal but are actually a scam.
Earn Air Miles
Earn air miles wherever you can! Whether it is through an airline loyalty programme or your credit card, they can quickly add up and save you some money on future travels. Hotels will often reward loyalty too, so sign up and cash in those credits for upgrades or free stays!
Travel Out Of Season
There are a lot of benefits to avoiding peak travel season. You’ll avoid the crowds, it is more sustainable for the destination, and it is cheaper. Everything from your flights and accommodation to your food will be priced cheaper out of season so the savings will quickly add up!
Check Museum Free Or Reduced Hours
Did you know that many museums do reduced or even free entry on some days? If you have a list of museums on your list to visit, do some research to find out if you can time your visit for a cheaper trip!
Tips For Returning Home
Your journey doesn’t end when you reach the arrivals gate! Here are some tips to wrap up your vacation and head home with ease.
Craft A Checkout Routine
Have you crafted the perfect checkout routine? Following the same routine each time you checkout means you’re less likely to leave anything behind!
Unpack Your Suitcase Straight Away
There’s a good chance you’ll hate me for this one! Unpack your suitcase as soon as you walk through the door. I know, I know, but hear me out!
When we return from a holiday we are tempted to put off emptying the suitcase. Sometimes it sits around for weeks! So to overcome having an oversize doorstop hanging around, dump the contents of your laundry bag into the wash, pile your travel essentials together, throw out those receipts and flyers that made it home with you. Honestly, nothing feels as good as getting it out of the way as soon as you get in!
Don’t Nap For Too Long!
I know it is really tempting to have a long sleep when you eventually get home from your trip. BUT, much like when you arrive at your destination, you want your body clock to adjust as quickly as possible when you return home.
I always set an alarm so I don’t nap any longer than one hour. This is usually long enough for me to feel refreshed, but so it doesn’t impact my ability to get a good sleep that night. Then I’ll typically go to bed an hour earlier than usual, but can guarantee I’ll get a good sleep and my body will adjust to the right timezone quicker!
Place All Of Your Travel Items Back Together
What is a suitcase when it’s not in use? Ideal storage for your travel items! After your trip, place all of your travel essentials into your suitcase so they are all together when you next need them. You’ll have all of your packing cubes, luggage scales, padlock and travel toiletries ready to go!
Get More Travel Tips!
If you found these 35 practical travel tips helpful, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest for even more bonus travel tips and news.
35 Practical Travel Tips
So if you want to breeze your way through every stage of your next trip, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit these tips!
Is there a top tip I’ve missed? If there is, I’d love to hear about it! Let’s connect on Instagram and send me a DM with your number one travel tip!
Until our next adventure,
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If you like these 35 travel tips, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where we’ll be sharing all of our travel tips!
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
There are lots of amazing tips here that I hadn’t considered before. I just came across packing cubes a few months ago and love them.
I’m glad you discovered some handy new tips! I don’t think I could live without packing cubes anymore…they’re a lifesaver!
some nice tips here – a lovely all-rounder post! I definitely unpack the minute i come in, I can’t stand having it around for days on end! Jet lag doesn’t affect me so much, blogging means I am used to being sleep deprived haha!
I’m glad you like the tips! I definitely refuse to do anything when I get home until I’ve emptied the suitcase! I just want to get it done and out of the way! You’re lucky you escape the jetlag! It takes me forever to recover!
Oh yes some of these tips are really lifesavers! I hate coming home from a trip and not having ANYTHING to eat in the fridge 😀 Plus I love the tip of learning the local language! I always try it but sometimes I’m a bit lazy.
Omg coming home to no food is the absolute worst! I get hangry so have to make sure we have food in! I always like to learn a bit of the local languages! Unfortunately I don’t have a natural flair for it so I work really hard at it and think I’m doing well until I get there and the locals start speaking really fast with a strong accent and it all goes out the window! I do always try though! Maybe I’ll get there one day!
These are some great tips! It’s so important to learn a few basic words in the language of the country you are visiting. Making an effort makes all the difference.
It absolutely does! My dream is to be fluent in another language but I find it really hard because I just don’t have a natural flair for it! I always like to learn a few words before a trip though and they definitely come in handy!
so many good tips here! Saved to reference later! Thanks!
I’m so glad you like the tips! I hope they come in handy for your next trip!
This is such an extensive list, I am a regular traveller but I think I only do about half of these. I will definitely remember to join local Facebook groups as I have never done this before and I am sure you could get some insider knowledge – like you have pointed out. I also like the idea of having a meal in the freezer, I usually get back and just get a takeaway, so this is a much better option. Thank you!
I’m so glad you like the tips! It’s amazing how many tips and trick there are out there isn’t it! I think no matter how often you travel there is always something new to learn! Facebook groups are great for getting recommendations from locals or other travelers! And I’m bad for getting hangry so always need a meal in the freezer. I can’t usually wait until the takeaways open! Thanks for reading!
Yay! Thanks for all these tips! I like the one on a frozen meal ready for home — I never want to cook after I get back!
I’m so glad you like the tips! That frozen meal is a lifesaver!
You have some awesome tips! A meal in the freezer when you return-brilliant! I’m pinning so I don’t forget something when I hopefully travel in May! I may be overly optimistic but it’s keeping me going-hope!
I’m so glad you like the tips Denise! That meal in the freezer is life changing! I’m keeping my fingers crossed you get to take your trip in May! I can’t wait to hear about your travels!
I loved reading all your travel tips! I already practice many of them myself but it’s good to discover some smart new ones. For example I liked your idea of having a meal in the freezer at home for when you come back after the trip!
The freezer meal is proving a popular tip! Maybe I’m the only one who thinks about my stomach before anything else! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out soon!
These are amazing tips!! I really love the one about having a frozen meal at home – how genius! I hate grocery shopping as soon as we get back. I can’t agree enough with asking hotel staff for recommendations and buying groceries from the supermarket – it’s such a great way to experience what life is like as a local!
I’m so glad you like the tips Sarah! The freezer tip is proving popular! I’m surprised more people don’t do it already but maybe I’m the only one who thinks about my stomach before my travels! I love finding ways to experience the area from a local’s perspective! It makes the experience so much more authentic!
Such great tips. My favorite is packing an extra outfit in your carry on and taking a pen. I haven’t weighed my bags at home and I think I should start. Great post and super helpful!
I’m so glad you like the tips! It is surprising what a difference travelling with a pen makes! I hope you have a chance to try the tips out soon!
Oh my goodness downloading Google Maps offline is a LIFE SAVER! The amount of times I’ve been lost, without data, and trying desperately to figure out where I am on maps… :’)
Yes!! I couldn’t survive without offline maps! I’d be getting lost all over the place! It’s well worth spending a little bit of time setting it up to save the stress of aimlessly wandering in a foreign city wondering where you left your hotel!
Great tips. I’m not so sure about the unpacking when you walk in the door. LOL, but otherwise I’m with you.
Haha it’s such a marmite thing unpacking as you get in! I’m one of those people who does an epic clean before going away so I think I mainly feel possessed to do it in an attempt to retain the tidiness for a little while longer! I hate having the case hanging around!!
Great tips! I especially liked the one about freezing a meal for when you get home.i never thought to do that and it’s a great idea!
The freezer meal has been a lifesaver on many occasions! I’m glad you like the tips!
These are so practical and useful! I love the freezer meal idea… something I would have NEVER thought of but is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you like the tips! I couldn’t deal with coming home to no food in the house! I’ve always got to make sure there is something stashed in the freezer for when we get home from our travels!
This is great, I’ve been locked down from travel but will bookmark this when I can start traveling again!
I can sympathize, we’re stuck in lockdown too! I wrote this post as much as a refresher to myself on how to travel as for everyone else!
Wonderful advice! I always end up forgetting to pack a pen 🙂
I’m so glad you like the tips! Packing a pen is something so small but it makes a huge difference!
So many amazing tips you shared!! Thank you!! I definitely relate to the “carry a pen” tip. There have been SO many times where I have found myself needing to fill out a form or document on my travels and I don’t have a pen! It’s especially embarrassing when you have to then ask around to borrow one 😂
I also love the idea of hiring a local guide! They always know the best spots and definitely make the trip ten times more unique. Plus you’re supporting local!
Thank you for sharing these awesome travel tips! 🙂
It is always surprising how many times you need a pen when travelling isn’t it? I hardly ever use a pen when I’m out and about most days but it feels like as soon as I travel I need one at every stage of the journey! It’s definitely a lot easier when you have one to hand! Thanks for reading my post!
Yes to downloading Google Maps offline! Most people don’t know how much of a gem that is. Also yes to learning the language. Great post!
Thanks Sojourner! I’m so glad you like the tips! Offline maps is a lifesaver! Especially when you have a sense of direction as bad as mine! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing those practical and useful tips. Bookmarking your page for sure!
I’m so glad you like the tips! I hope you get an opportunity to test them out soon!
The tip about having a frozen meal ready for when you get back home is such a good idea! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of that before. Great tips!
Don’t worry Olivia, you don’t appear to be alone! Everyone is loving that tip! I must just be the kind of person who thinks about my stomach before anything else! Thanks for reading!
Great tips! I’m a big believer in rolling clothes. I manage to fit a lot more in that way and I never travel light so it’s a big help haha.
Haha I’m not a light traveler either! I’m going to make the most of all of the space and weight allowance I have! Rolling definitely helps to fit plenty in and it saves ironing when I arrive – it’s win-win!
These are all actually fabulous suggestions! I found myself nodding along with your whole list, Hannah! Especially things like carrying a pen, and making sure you have a meal in the freezer for when you return, yes!
I’m so glad you agree Daphna! Making sure all of these things are packed and prepped definitely makes travelling much easier! Thanks for reading!
YES to booking the first spot! I made a mistake and booked a tour 1 hour after they opened and the difference in experience is night and day. Love getting the tour guides fresh in the morning and having less people!
It is crazy what a different experience you get by booking the first slot! It feels like a private tour by comparison doesn’t it! Early starts are well worth it when travelling! Thanks for reading!
Fantastic tips Hannah, I use many myself. I love to get to touristy attractions as early as possible, and always check out what’s free or have deals on. (I managed to visit both the Colosseum and the Louvre for free this way!)
Wow, it sounds like you’re onto a winner getting these big attractions for free! An early start definitely pays off when travelling! I’m usually exhausted and ready for bed by 6pm on my travels!
This is a fantastic list! I’m a huge fan of booking the first entry slot at famous locations. The peace that comes with being one of the first to visit can turn visiting an amazing landmark into an unforgettable experience. And it goes hand in hand with waking up early – there’s nothing quite like seeing a city in the quiet of an early morning.
I agree! To get the most out of a destination, you need an early start! The experience is so much more enjoyable when you’re in there first and have the place almost to yourself!
Hi Hannah! Excellent tips. I actually do a lot of these. I agree with hiring a local guide. I didn’t use to do that in the past but with more recent trips I have. It has absolutely changed my trips. I have learned so much more everywhere I go. I have been introduced to great foods to try or restaurants. it is a great investment.
Hi Ildiko! It always amazes me what a different experience you get by hiring a local guide! It is a much more authentic experience and you get such fascinating insights from them! It is absolutely worthwhile to seek a local guide out!
Hahaha I really need to nail that ‘getting up early’ thing. I’ve definitely missed out on too much!
Haha! Luckily I’m an early bird anyway o I don’t usually have too much trouble with the early start! After a busy day exploring a destination I’m normally ready for bed by about 6pm mind you!
Wow love these tips from start to finish of any trip . I’m guilty of waiting to unpack but I will try to unpack sooner .
I’m so glad you love the tips! I always find that the longer you leave it to unpack a suitcase, the harder it is to bring yourself to unpacking it! I find getting it out of the way as soon as I get in kind of ‘wraps up’ the trip and means it isn’t hanging around for ages!
Packing cubes have been such a game changer for me!! Only started using them last year though. Wish I would have had the sense to use them sooner!
I know what you mean! Who would have thought that something so simple would make such as huge difference! I can’t get enough of them!
Packing cubes- brilliant
Google maps download good suggestion. Local guide/cab saves time money, and chose wisely.
Keep the tips coming.
Packing cubes are life-changing, aren’t they? I couldn’t imagine travelling without them now! I’m so glad you like the tips! I’ll be sure to keep sharing my top suggestions!
Over planning is such a thing that often impacts the itinerary. And I kind of avoid doing so.
Nice tips. These will surely save time and resources.
I’m so glad you like these tips! I was always guilty of over planning a trip and feeling anxious if things didn’t go completely to plan but I’m getting much better of going with the flow. We discover the best attractions when we throw the itinerary out the window!
Thank you for giving such useful information on practical tips on travel. Thanks for a wonderful article.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the tips useful!
Many Many thanks for your excellent article. There are many tips, ideas and information in your article which help any one for traveling.
I’m so glad you like these travel tips! Thanks for reading!
I am really impressed that you put together good and useful information on 35 Pratical tips. Thanks, Keep sharing.
I’m so glad you like the guide! Thanks for reading!