Joanna Marie O. Santos
May 17, 2023

There are quite a lot of things to think about when traveling, and it’s fairly easy to forget what to remember, especially when you’re doing most of the work! Planning can be overwhelming, but it’s times like these when you need a little of reminding of what needs to be done, and what things you should consider when planning and experiencing the vacation of your dreams. With that being said, here are a few top travel tips to help you make your vacation one that is as hassle-free as it can be, and one that will give you memories to last a lifetime!

Do Your Research

The most basic and probably the most important tip for traveling is to do! Your! Research! Take the time to dig deeper into what your destination has in store for you. Read a little more about its history, its local culture, and its must-see attractions–these could all possibly help you plan your itinerary according to what you want to do, and make your trip one for the books. 

Moreover, doing your research will also help you make more informed decisions that fit your budget and your preferences. Large-scale decisions such as which accommodations to choose from and when to travel require research, as well as many other small-scale daily decisions like which restaurants to try during your visit, what to wear, and what souvenirs to take home!

Consider Your Budget

Let’s be real–traveling can be a bit heavy on the wallet, and is most probably the reason why a lot of people are hesitant to jump in headfirst. Overspending can be quite the issue when traveling, leaving you in a financial funk for months. However, it is possible to be responsible for your finances and still have a good time! By considering your budget, you can pick destinations, attractions, restaurants, and other things in your itinerary that you can work around and adjust.

It’s also always wise to leave a little wiggle room for unexpected surprises and emergencies. You never know when you might need a little safety net to handle those random curveballs life throws at you during your adventure. By striking a balance between your wanderlust and your wallet, you’ll still be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience, soaking up every moment without fretting too much about your finances!

Be Flexible

Speaking of random curveballs, life certainly does give you lemons that aren’t always the freshest, even despite having a solid, pretty much foolproof plan. But as the saying goes: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade (but feel free to add a little of sugar!). And you gotta admit, sometimes the best adventures happen when we roll with the punches and remain flexible in our plans. 

The important thing is to stay calm! Adapt to the situation, and prioritize the activities that matter most to you. Unexpected rains that made you miss that tour? No problem! Have a snack at a cute little restaurant while waiting for the next plan, or check out another hidden gem in the meantime! It’s really all about finding the silver lining and making the most of the hand you’re dealt and letting the magic unfold!

And if you’re feeling a little more spontaneous, why not explore? Embrace the unexpected changes and open yourself up to new experiences. You might just stumble upon something great that you never knew existed and create memories that will stay with you forever!

Have Backups

You’re in the middle of what could be the best vacation of your life. You’re exploring something different, capturing priceless memories, all of a sudden disaster strikes–your phone runs out of battery, your camera mysteriously malfunctions, and worst of all, your important travel documents, cards, and money all go missing. It’s a nightmare scenario no traveler wants to face, but there is a solution: backups.

Having backups for everything is just one among the many holy grails of travel tips. Whether it's digital copies of your passport, travel documents, or your trust money-holding fanny pack, backups are your safety net in the face of unexpected mishaps. Backup your files regularly! Make photocopies of your passport, IDs, and other documents! Carry a power bank! 

It’s also smart to have backup plans for travel arrangements. Have other alternative flight options, hotel reservations, and contact information readily available. That way, if unforeseen circumstances arise, you’re prepared to navigate the twists and turns with relative ease.

Pack Light

Bringing around overstuffed backpacks and dragging around suitcase upon suitcase can quickly turn your dream vacation into a workout. After all, the point is to relax! That’s why packing light is the best way to go about your travels.

Think about what you really need versus what you think you might need. Is packing five pairs of shoes really necessary? Pick the essentials and your most versatile pieces of clothing and pack things that you can easily mix and match! This way, you can still serve really cute OOTDs without having to haul around a massive wardrobe. 

More importantly, packing light gives you more of an opportunity to bring home a piece of your adventures and other souvenirs. But remember not to go overboard! You wouldn’t want to stress over weight limits at the airport.

Indulge in Different Cuisines

When are you ever going to try authentic dishes from these places ever again? Now is the time to indulge in different cuisines and immerse yourself in the food culture of your destination! Try out popular restaurants, cafes, and perhaps even street food! 

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, a useful tip might be to avoid the places with bilingual menus! It might be a little intimidating at first, not knowing exactly what you’re ordering, but hole-in-the-wall eateries with menus only in the local language might just be the ones where you’ll find the most delectable, most authentic dishes in your entire trip. Embrace the unknown, and ask the locals what they’d recommend!

Traveling is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but can also be overwhelming and easy to overlook important reminders and details. From initial planning stages to the actual adventure itself, we’ve covered all the bases to ensure a seamless vacation for you! So embrace the tips, pack them along with your sense of adventure, and get ready for the trip of your life!