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In each industry, there are so-called “Best Practices” – proven rules and standards that guide this industry. In tourism, there are also such rules. There are many tricks that help us navigate in an unfamiliar world for us, making fewer mistakes and paying less money for them. They help us quickly get into the rhythm of a new place, make our trip much easier, more enjoyable and reduce possible stress to a minimum. While you’re listening to music on your Shure SE846 headphones, preparing to go on your trip, consider these things before starting your travel.

It is about these golden tricks that will be discussed today. Following them, you can become a chosen traveler and an expert in saving money for the brightest moments, instead of gray and excessive expenses.

So, let’s start with the technical part regarding money.  First of all, open a free card at the bank, or one that is specially adapted for traveling in different countries. This will save you on expenses in foreign countries. 

Keep spare cash

Always have a spare bank card or cash with you. Do not let circumstances disarm yourself. Always have a backup plan. 

Become a loyal member of an Airline

Next, become a member of all kinds of loyalty programs in airlines, international hotel chains, accommodation booking sites and so on. Over time, significant discounts and bonuses will grow from this.

Be adventurous  

It is during traveling that it is most appropriate to do what you have not done before. After all, we all live once. Do not restrain yourself, try new things that you can try only where you are. Do not put it off until later, justifying your laziness by the fact that you can do it the next time you come here. The world is too big and you can simply never come back here again. At home, there will be either regret about what could happen, but you did not dare, or a delightful story and vivid memories.

Travel alone

Try to travel alone at least once. This will teach you to be truly independent, independence allows you to better know yourself and makes you finally overcome your fear of communicating with strangers. You will be surprised how easy it will be to find yourself on the road and meet new friends.

Learn the language

Learn basic phrases in the language of the country where you are going.  No one expects you to be fluent in the language, but simple phrases in the local language will make you a much more attractive tourist. People will smile at you and try to help you in every way because you have shown respect for them.

Share a room with other tourists 

Stay in there a couple of times to meet other tourists, exchange experiences and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of unbiased tourism. Hostels are not dirty shelters, as many believe. These are clean rooms, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi and friendly people who are often very well oriented in local attractions and are always ready to suggest a great place that will be interesting to visit. Plus, the shared rooms are significantly cheaper.

Be open for information

Read reviews of tourists, study directories and bulletin boards, brochures, flyers, tourist maps. You never know where the information about a new place or event in a foreign city comes to you from. Do not behave at home – do not sit in a hotel in front of a computer. Are you not at home? You paid money to be here now!

Try new cuisines

Most often, the easiest and most effective way to get to know a new culture is to try the local cuisine. Get out of your comfort zone and experiment! You will surely like the oil-fried caterpillars in Zambia. They are wonderful!

Be flexible in your plans.  

A good trip is always a series of successful matches. Do not refuse to travel to another city with your new friends just because you have a boring shopping trip planned. Be open to random and unplanned offers, otherwise, miracles simply will not work out for you.

Pack light

Pile all the things you wanted to take with you, divide this pile into two parts, and just leave one of these parts at home (any). The lighter your luggage, the longer, happier and more comfortable your trip will be.

Always say yes to new opportunities.  

Do not limit yourself because usually, you don’t do that, because it wasn’t in your plans, because you are already very tired and hungry, or because usually, you don’t like chamber concerts. When traveling, you must say yes to any interesting opportunity. Occasionally, call home and tell your family that you are doing well.

Get lost

Go to a new city without a map and try to get lost in it. In fact, you will not be able to get lost – it will only be new impressions, emotions, and experiences.

Do not use a taxi

They will only spend your money. Try to look for other means of transportation, and use a taxi only in extreme cases.

Take your time

Traveling is not a race. Its main goal is to absorb as many impressions, experiences, places, smells, tastes, sounds, people as possible. Become wiser, get to know yourself better and get answers to many questions. Remember, sometimes you can see more by seeing less. Do not try to be on time everywhere, otherwise, your trip will be remembered only by stations, trains and airports. 

Keep yourself hydrated

Always bring a bottle of drinking water from your home or room. In addition, banal dehydration can easily ruin your day and buying a new bottle of water every month can cost about $50.

Have insurance.  Do not be an idiot.

Always bring along a maximum of different medicines.  Most often, medications are very expensive everywhere, but minor troubles can always happen. Bruises, cuts, indigestion or poisoning, headache or other pain, colds, etc. First-aid kit should always be with you when traveling

Do not follow the beaten track

Try to separate from the zombie crowd of attractions and pave your own route. When you wander around a city in an attempt to get out onto hiking trails again (rejoicing that you have wandered here), do not forget to take photos to tell and tell your friends what the city really looks like from the inside.

Conclusion

Ignore all the tips and rules! This is your journey! Go wherever you want! Do not worry, make mistakes and learn. Have fun, find out new places and people, create your list of traveler’s golden rules, and at the same time become a real master. Good luck