Useful tips for travelling

Trip planning

There are two extremes among travelers when it comes to planning. Some meticulously plan every detail of their journey. Others do not plan at all and decide on their itinerary spontaneously from the moment they arrive until they depart.

If we over-plan our trip, it can become too rigid. Anything can happen and disrupt the rest of the schedule.

If we don’t plan anything, we have to come up with a list on the spot. This almost guarantees that the visit won’t follow the most optimal schedule.

I find myself somewhere in between these two extremes and believe it’s the best approach. I make a list of sights to see and how to approach them. I schedule these for the given number of days, trying to fit everything in.

Don’t plan an overly busy schedule!

While you might see more this way, it’s not the best idea to cram the trip with too many activities.

We can’t truly enjoy what we see. After all, it’s not certain whether we will ever visit the place again.

If the program gets delayed for any reason, there’s less time for other activities, or they might even be skipped due to lack of time.

Honestly, I tend to pack more into the schedule than ideal, but I don’t stretch it too thin to ensure that nothing gets left out.

Give a copy of your itinerary to a family member or friend!

Anything can happen on our journey. It’s good to have at least one person back home who knows where we are at any given moment.

Don’t leave without insurance!

There are still many who go abroad without insurance. But you can get a basic package for cheap! Essentially, for the price of a coffee at a better place, we can be safe.

Don’t think that nothing will happen to you because you’re very careful! It’s not worth the risk for just a few hundred forints a day!

Insurance protects against many things: medical care due to illness, lost items, luggage damage, flight delays or cancellations, etc.

Don’t carry all your money in cash or on one bank card!

An ATM might not work, or card payments might not be accepted. Unfortunately, your bank card or cash might get stolen or lost.

If all or a significant part of our money is in cash or on one card, we could end up in trouble in case of an issue!

If traveling with others, keep money in at least two different places! This way, we can avoid such problems.

Using a ‘travel-friendly’ bank card

Paying with a bank card abroad can incur several percent in fees (usually around 3%). This can result in a noticeable loss.

Choose a card where this fee is minimal. Revolut is a good example of this, I’ve been using it for years for currency exchange and payments.

Do everything for the safety of your bank card!

Be careful with this even at home! Sadly, I often see people giving away their bank cards (e.g., when paying) in a way that the data on them is not hidden.

For me, it’s standard to cover the CVV code (the three-digit security number) on the back of the card. I also keep it in my wallet in a way that I don’t need to take it out for contactless payments.

Don’t store the PIN code in the same place as the bank card! That’s like giving away our address along with our house key.

Notify your bank about your travel!

It’s a good idea to inform your bank about your trip beforehand, about where you’re going.

If the system detects that we’re trying to make a payment with our bank card from a distant location overnight, it might interpret it as a theft attempt. In this case, it could deny the transaction and block the card.

Know what your bank requires for overseas travel!

Preparing for the journey

We also need to prepare for the often long hours of travel. Some handle it easily, but unfortunately, many struggle with long journeys.

For comfortable rest, the best option is a neck pillow. The inflatable version is the most effective, saving space in our luggage.

Additionally, reading and listening to music can also be great ways to spend time well.

Budget sightseeing programs

Unfortunately, such programs are quite expensive when offered online and at information points.

However, on the internet platform named GuruWalk, we can find many city tours. Each of these is free, only requiring an online registration.

It must be clarified that they are not entirely free! At the end of the tour, it is customary to give a tip to the guide, as they do show us the advertised sights. The recommended minimum is 5 euros or the equivalent in local currency.

Visit local markets and bargain!

There’s no place more authentic than a market. Here you can buy good things, souvenirs, eat great food at cheap prices, and bargain.

I always visit the local markets, especially true in Asia, where you really can get everything. For example, in Kuala Lumpur, I bought a pendrive for 2 dollars. 🙂

Sometimes a tourist pass is worth it!

In big cities, you can buy a tourist pass, which, besides public transport, offers free or discounted entry to local attractions.

If we want to visit several sights included in the tourist pass, it’s worth considering buying one. We need to decide how many attractions we want to visit and calculate whether it’s worth it based on that.

Public transport passes

If a tourist pass is not necessary, a daily or weekly ticket is definitely worth it!

If you’re going to use public transport a lot, buy daily tickets! In most cities, a daily pass is cheaper than a casual lunch.

I almost always buy such type of tickets everywhere. No need to calculate and just queue once. I make full use of them, liking to travel with the locals, thus better understanding the local culture.

Checking accommodation

Needless to say, proper accommodation is worth its weight in gold. If we can’t sleep well, it’s not pleasant to walk miles in the city tired.

I have four very important criteria for choosing accommodation. And so far, they haven’t let me down!

Of course, the first is safety! Both the area and the accommodation itself should be safe.

Second, it should meet our expected standards (meals, room equipment, etc.).

These two things can be well researched on major review sites. TripAdvisor, Google reviews, and Booking provide a good picture of the quality of accommodations.

The remaining two criteria relate to the location of the accommodation. We can check these on Google Maps.

When we are on a city visit, it is advisable to book accommodation near the city center to avoid excessive travel. On a beach holiday, obviously, we would like to be near the beach.

The last consideration is public transportation. Easy access to the accommodation by bus, tram, metro, etc., is also an important factor that saves time.

Don’t exchange currency at the airport!

the worst exchange rates are always found at airports. If necessary, only exchange enough money to reach a good exchange office.

No need to exchange money at home

Except for major currencies (euro, US dollar, British pound, Japanese yen, Swiss franc), avoid exchanging money at home!

The exchange costs for less commonly used currencies are high domestically. Euros and dollars can be exchanged at good rates in almost every country in the world.

Prepare from your destination!

It’s important to know the most important characteristics and information about your destination!

Safety first! In many places and cities, there are areas where we should avoid wandering around too much. Carefully research where the safe places are!

Check the weather, as it can greatly affect our trip. Don’t plan a peaceful holiday in an exotic tropical location in the middle of the monsoon season!

Culture and religion are also important factors! If we’re going to a country with a different culture, be aware of the expected behavior and customs!

A good example is the Arab world. If we go during Ramadan, we should be mindful that the locals cannot eat during the day. So, we should preferably not do so publicly either!

Precautions against pickpockets and robberies

Where there are tourists, there are pickpockets! Therefore, take every precaution against theft!

Unfortunately, many people keep their wallets and mobiles in their back pockets. A skilled thief can easily steal from there, especially in a crowd.

I like to wear jeans, in which case I keep my mobile in the side pocket (if I don’t have a bag, then the wallet in the other). Never in the back pockets!

It’s safest to keep our valuables in our bag, preferably in the main part. If we put them in the front, small compartment, we give a greater chance for theft.

Don’t leave valuables unattended at our accommodation! If there is a safe in our room or one can be rented at reception, then use it! If neither is possible, take the main valuables with us!

Is a carry-on enough or do you need a checked bag?

Even at traditional airlines, we find cheaper tourist class tickets that only include carry-on luggage. Therefore, we need to assess whether checked baggage is necessary.

Some people start off almost anywhere with just a backpack. However, most prefer to pack more items for comfort, especially for longer trips, when it’s good to have our main things at hand.

I like to travel with just a backpack. I have been on two-week trips to America and Asia this way, which is not a particular problem for me. But again, this varies from person to person.

Be aware of baggage rules when flying!

Many people make the mistake of not complying with the current baggage regulations, especially regarding baggage dimensions. This can lead to monetary penalties.

Also, we should know what we can put in carry-on bags and what goes in checked luggage. You can read all about this in an article!

Don’t forget to do online check-in at home and print your boarding pass!

A boarding pass is necessary for air travel. It allows us to go through security checks!

Except for better traditional airlines, there is a fee for check-in at the airport! For budget airlines, this can be quite expensive.

The online check-in process is very simple. Make sure to enter the data correctly (names of passengers, ID numbers, etc.), as mistakes can lead to problems!

Nowadays, almost all airlines offer QR-coded boarding passes. However, there are still some airports where this is not usable, so make sure to check whether you need to print it or not.

Use ride-sharing services instead of taxis!

Instead of official taxis, it’s worth using local online taxi services. In our country, Uber was the market leader for a while.

These can be ordered through mobile apps, transporting passengers for a fraction of the taxi fare. I also use these services.

In Southeast Asia, I recommend Grab. In most major cities, Uber is available. They also offer very cheap travel.

Essential medications

Even if we don’t take medication regularly, it’s good to be prepared with a few pills!

The most important ones are: painkillers, medication for vomiting and diarrhea, and fever reducers. These can be useful at any time.

Is the tap water drinkable?

This is a crucial hygiene question. Unfortunately, in many countries, tap water is not suitable for human consumption. This is why many people get sick with the so-called ‘traveler’s diarrhea’.

When planning a trip, find out in advance about the public health and epidemiological situation in the destination country. If it’s not recommended to drink tap water, consume bottled mineral water!

Here’s an article on where tap water is and isn’t safe to drink!

Always have a phone charger with you!

Always carrying a charger prevents disasters. 🙂

Sometimes we forget to charge our phones at night or in the morning, and then realize during the day that the battery won’t last until we get back to our accommodation. It’s handy to have a charger with us in such cases.

There are always sockets or USB chargers in fast-food restaurants or cafés. Just a quarter of an hour of charging is enough to last the phone until the evening.

Be careful with insecure wi-fi connections!

When we connect to a public Wi-Fi network, our data can be easily compromised, especially on networks without a password.

Don’t access sensitive services like online banking or enter passwords or any private data on such networks!

Have photocopies of your documents!

Unfortunately, it can happen that we get robbed or lose our travel-related documents: ID card, passport, travel insurance, etc.

If a problem arises, definitely go to the police and/or the consulate, embassy. If we have a photocopy of the document, the relevant authorities can act more easily.

Using mobile apps

Many mobile apps can aid our travels. It’s worth selecting a few that provide the most information.

Definitely have an offline map downloaded. I usually use Maps.me. You can download regions, cities, and use them without an internet connection.

For public transport, Moovit is one of the best online applications. It shows the timetables and real-time transit of major cities very well.

Even for those who speak well, a translation app is useful. The Google Translate app works great even without an internet connection.

Nowadays, Wi-Fi is a basic necessity. The Wi-Fi Map app shows where nearby Wi-Fi networks are and what the passwords are.

Save your photos at the end of the day!

Isn’t it unpleasant when many great photos disappear from our phone for some reason?

Create a Drive account where you upload the photos at the end of the day. These can then be downloaded and shared in the future.

Do you need a visa?

From the planning stage of the trip, it’s important to know what the entry requirements are for the country.

Many don’t know that it’s not enough for the passport to be valid. Several countries determine how long it must remain valid after returning home. Always check this!

A visa is another thing that must be researched in advance. Find out which countries require an online visa (or permit) to be applied for in advance and which can be purchased at the border/airport.

Vaccinations

There are places where vaccinations are not mandatory, but it’s advised to get vaccinated.

Fortunately, the diseases dangerous to us are limited to a few places. Hepatitis A and malaria pose a greater risk in some areas.

If we’re going to a tropical or African country, definitely visit the local vaccination center or our family doctor!

Feel free to ask locals!

Who could know all the sights of a place better than the people who live there. For example, to find a good restaurant or a snack bar, the best way is to ask the locals!

Additionally, if we can’t find something, also turn to the local residents. Most of the time, they are sure to help!

Always use the restroom when you find one!

We can find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation if we need a restroom and can’t find one. Therefore, if we see a restroom, make sure to use the opportunity!

Carry wet wipes and a small towel!

Isn’t it a bad feeling when our hands get dirty or sticky from an ice cream, and we can’t wash them? For this, it’s perfect to carry wet wipes. They are light and don’t take up much space.

A small towel is also good to have. If we get caught in the rain, we won’t stay wet. Or if we stay in a hostel, it’s possible that we won’t get a towel. In this case, it’s also useful.

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Of course, the definition of a ‘long’ flight varies from person to person. For some, even a 3-hour flight might be too much, while others can handle even longer journeys without trouble. From my own experience, I start to feel restless on a flight after about 5 hours (I’m referring to flight time). A journey lasting 10-12 hours (again, this is subjective) requires a bit more preparation to ensure we don’t arrive utterly exhausted.

What happens to our bodies in the air?

The air pressure inside the airplane is about 25% lower than at sea level (e.g., compared to Paris). This results in a decreased oxygen content in the inhaled air and blood, leading to a mild state of hypoxia. However, this doesn’t cause any problems, but it does contribute to quicker fatigue.

What to do?

Choosing a seat

Consider the seat’s location inside the plane and whether it’s an aisle or window seat.

Most importantly, avoid choosing a seat near the restrooms, as the smell and constant movement and conversations of passengers can be disruptive throughout the flight.

Many people prefer window seats, but they come with disadvantages too. If you need to use the restroom or just stretch your legs, it can be uncomfortable to disturb two passengers seated next to you, especially if they are sleeping. Aisle seats allow you to stand up as often as you wish and stretch your legs a bit (but don’t trip up the passersby!). Plus, you can easily access your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment!

The middle seat can be problematic, as you may be disturbed from both sides.

Plane seat layouts vary, so there are other ‘good’ and ‘bad’ seats too. You can check this on seatguru.com by entering your airplane type to see a seating chart. Bad seats are marked in red, with reasons provided!

Before the flight

Don’t go through security on an empty stomach, as travel is always more stressful (even for the experienced), and you’ll need energy during the flight! A light meal with plenty of fluids (preferably water) is the best choice.

Packing your bag

Definitely bring food and drink with you! This is especially true for budget airlines, where food is not included and buying on board can be quite expensive. Think sandwiches or other longer-digesting foods.

Also pack an empty plastic bottle, which you can fill up after security at a restroom or drinking fountain.

If you need to collect your luggage during a layover (if it’s not transferred to the next plane), consider packing a more substantial meal to avoid buying expensive food at the airport.

Clothing

We’re not going to a fashion show, so don’t board in your tightest, fanciest clothes. A comfortable tracksuit is fine!

However, be prepared for the often chilly temperatures on board, and bring a sweater.

It’s helpful to pack a pair of spare socks and change into them after removing your shoes (to avoid offending your neighbors with any odors).

Hydration is crucial!

The cabin’s extremely low humidity (10-20%) increases dehydration. Therefore, you should drink more fluids than usual, preferably water.

However, try to avoid alcohol as its diuretic effect can lead to dehydration. The same applies to excessive coffee consumption (though 1-2 small cups aren’t the end of the world).

Movement – don’t just sit there!

Sitting in one place for hours isn’t good for your legs and can cause swelling even in healthy people. Don’t be embarrassed to stand up occasionally and walk around a bit, and where there’s space and you won’t disturb anyone, some light stretching can be beneficial. (I do this myself; during one 10-hour flight, I did a bit of stretching twice.)

Sleeping – if you can…

Well, yes. Even if you can recline your seat a bit, trying to sleep in a space less than a square meter is challenging. Some can manage a good nap, but let’s face it, most can’t. Still, try to rest a bit so you feel fresher. Traditional airlines usually provide a pillow and blanket.

Useful items

Since the headrest is often quite far back, it’s not the most comfortable for the neck. This can disrupt prolonged sleep. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to bring a neck pillow on board.

Not all airlines provide eye masks, so if light disturbs your sleep, consider getting one.

The low humidity mentioned earlier can dry out your skin, so it’s a good idea for those prone to dry skin to pack a hydrating cream.

Prepare for the time you’re not sleeping: bring a book, mobile phone (for music, games, etc.), headphones.

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What is the psychological background?

According to a study, most people cite turbulence, engine failure, and collision as the reasons for their fear of flying. These are factors about which we generally know very little (we can safely say that the fear of the unknown dominates).

Clearly, with proper preparation, this sense of fear can be reduced. Let’s do something about it; otherwise, this discomfort will always remain. The following advice is for this purpose!

Advice against the fear of flying

Get to know the process of flying!

Many people start to stress when they are still traveling to the airport.

If we are already aware of what happens from the days before the flight until arriving at the destination, we remove an unnecessary burden from our shoulders.

Learn how an airplane works!

I know physics doesn’t solve the dissolution of fear, but it’s worth mentioning this aspect too.

Did you know, for example, that an airplane can stay in the air for more than 100 km (glide) if the engine fails? This is already a point that, in the case of a minor problem, does not mean the worst scenario.

It’s good to have a companion for your first flight

Needless to say, it’s much easier if we have help during the journey.

And if we travel with someone who has already flown, we are halfway there! Feel free to share your feelings with them, it’s good to express our fear!

Be positive even in the days before the flight!

Preparation is always important, in this case, it’s worth filling ourselves with positive thoughts days before the flight.

Of course, this happens differently for everyone. It may be enough to think about how nice it will be to sunbathe on the beach after arriving or to explore our favorite city.

Whatever it is, just focus on good things!

Trust the pilots!

The training of pilots is one of the toughest professional trainings in the world, where strict requirements must be met. And this is constantly checked, even for the most experienced pilots.

Therefore, trust the pilots confidently, they have been prepared for even the worst situations!

Turbulence is a harmless part of flying

There will surely be a flight during your travels when the plane will „jolt” you. This is caused by sudden changes in flow around the plane.

Of course, it can be quite strong, but don’t be scared, it’s a common and natural phenomenon.

According to a BA captain, „all turbulence is absolutely safe because the airplane is built to withstand even the harshest turbulence”.

I’ve only had one serious „turbulent” flight, when I flew from Miami to London. There were quite severe shakes near the British coasts, but after a few minutes, it was as if nothing had happened. So the point is: no worries, it’s natural! 😊

Talk to someone who has already traveled!

Everyone has someone in their environment who has flown several times or is considered an experienced „flier”. Well, feel free to reach out to them, I think every such traveler likes to talk about flying. (Yes, me too!)

Ask about their experience, opinion, the positive thoughts will have a good effect on us too!

Comfortable clothing suitable for flying can also help

Perhaps the most important thing is that it’s quite cool on the plane. Therefore, prepare with at least one sweater even in the summer heat. It’s an unpleasant feeling when you sit in the cold for hours, it only increases anxiety.

There’s no fashion competition on board! Dress casually, as if you were at home, this will also make the flight more pleasant.

Bring comfort items with you that help you relax. Such as a neck pillow, which makes it easy to fall asleep. (Especially on low-cost airlines, the seats are not exactly „sleep-friendly”.)

Don’t sit by the window!

When I first got on a plane and it took off, sitting by the window made me feel a bit queasy.

Therefore, don’t choose a seat by the window, as looking out the window can easily bring on an anxious feeling. Plus, it’s easier to move around in aisle seats.

Keep yourself occupied on board!

Bring a book, music, study material, anything that occupies your attention. This helps us not to focus on the flight and to switch off a bit during the trip.

Preferably don’t take sedatives or drink alcohol!

Don’t immediately resort to medication or alcohol!

First, try to follow the above advice. If, sitting on the plane, we still feel uncomfortable, we can take a mild sedative.

However, alcohol is not recommended in any case! Because the humidity is very low on board, proper fluid intake is very important (preferably water). However, alcohol has a diuretic effect, so we just „dry out” our bodies even more.

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Believe me, it’s not „your fault”; unfortunately, many people experience this. Post-holiday depression is a natural phenomenon, and I’m going to provide some „antidotes” against it.

Why does post-holiday depression occur?

It even has an official name: post-vacation blues.

Although a trouble-free holiday triggers positive things in everyone, the thoughts of heading home and returning to „normal” life lurk in the last days. Therefore, it’s common to feel a bit melancholic towards the end of the holiday.

After returning home, the „symptoms” of post-holiday depression may surface: sadness, gloom, lack of motivation, listlessness. Of course, these are just short, temporary feelings, especially if we take steps to make the readjustment to our everyday life easier.

Advice against depression

Incorporating positive experiences into everyday life

Especially if we had an active vacation, we enrich ourselves with numerous experiences: different cultures, conversations with people, experiences, etc. These should not disappear without a trace but rather be „integrated into our consciousness”.

Just having a conversation with someone from another culture makes us richer!

Gradual transition

After returning home, don’t dive straight back into work, sports, etc. Instead, return to „life” gradually.

If possible, prepare for your tasks before the holiday, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Rest if you’ve traveled across several time zones

Those who have returned home from the USA might have experienced jet lag. The time difference of several hours can make readjusting difficult for a few days after arriving back from the west.

Avoid strenuous activities for a few days, and try to get back to the local rhythm as soon as possible!

Be active in the first few days!

Doing nothing is the worst. You’ll have more time to think and reminisce about the great moments of the holiday, which will naturally make you feel down.

Light sports, going to the beach, or meeting up with friends are all good ways to readjust to everyday life.

Cleaning

It’s not a conventional piece of advice, but experts recommend it.

Cleaning your home helps return to the daily rhythm by being active in your own environment. And you’ll also find the right place for the souvenirs you brought home. 🙂

Sharing experiences with friends

Who doesn’t like talking about their holiday while friends listen to their stories?!

This helps relive the positive experiences, and you can also provide useful tips to others, which can be fulfilling.

Plan your next holiday!

It might sound surprising to think about the next holiday as soon as you get home, but it really helps! Exploring a new destination and planning the trip provides new motivation for the times ahead.

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