10 International Travel Tips I Live By

1. Pack in a carry-on!

While this has recently become a popular tip, I speak from experience — seriously. When I studied abroad in 2018, I packed THREE full size suitcases, and I can admit that was one of my stupidest travel mistakes. I didn’t use more than half of what I packed and trying to maneuver them all around by myself was a nightmare. I can proudly say I’ve gotten a lot better at packing and prioritizing since then! Packing in a carry-on means the airline can’t lose your luggage on the way and I find myself much less stressed (which you need on a travel day!) Even if you forget something, or buy too much, you can always check your bag on the way home, but you have room to grow without overweighing!

 2. Use an Anti-Theft Travel Purse!

I know you’ve heard the pickpocketing stories, especially in Europe, and everyone thinks “It couldn’t be me!” Spoiler Alert: It usually happens to the people who don’t believe it will. This is something I don’t regret from 2018, I bought this anti-theft travel purse from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46tR9fK and I’ve used it on every single international trip I’ve taken since! It is made of slash-proof material, and has lots of pockets for convenience, but each zipper has a lock on it to make it difficult for someone else to just slip a hand inside. Not only that, but I can fit my 32 oz Hydroflask + all my essentials inside, which I think is just downright impressive.

3. Prep for the Plane!

Now if I could afford one of those fancy lay-down-bed-seats for every flight I would buy it, but for now, we’re making the most of economy! My necessities: Silk eye mask, warm fuzzy socks, over-ear headphones with a jack for the plane, travel pillow, and foot hammock (my latest life-changing discovery) Yes, I am that person with a whole plane routine, and while I’m not as brave as the full on face mask wearing, hair curling girlies, I support doing whatever you can to make yourself comfortable on that 8+ hour flight!

4. Use a Travel Credit Card!

I have the American Advantage Aviator Mastercard, which has NO foreign transaction fees – one less thing to worry about while abroad. While this doesn’t completely eliminate the need for cash, I definitely don’t carry as much on me as I felt like I needed to before I had this card. You know you’re going to be spending anyway, so you may as well be earning miles doing it, so you turn around and use them for your next trip!

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes!

It’s 2023, they make comfortable shoes that are also cute — wear them! You may think you’re fine, until you wear sandals on day 1 of a 10 day trip, walk 25,000 steps and get 5 different blisters, and still have to make it through 9 more days of the same thing. Nothing puts a damper on a trip like missing out on something because your feet hurt too much. I personally believe a Converse platform high-top goes with any outfit, pair them with my Good Feet insoles and I can conquer the world!

6. Be Flexible!

No vacation is ever just the picture-perfect post that makes the ‘Gram. They’re made up of late nights and early mornings and long bus rides and lots. of. walking. and more. Living the good, the bad, and the ugly yourself is part of what makes travel so special, so be prepared for things to sometimes not go exactly the way you planned, because inevitably, they won’t. If you can embrace it with a smile and a positive attitude, it’s always easier to make it through!

7. Have a Must-Do List!

Going a little off the last point, I think it’s important to have a Must-Do List — and as much as you really do want to do everything, you can’t put everything on it. Narrow down your top 1 or 2 destinations or activities that you want to make sure happen, and focus on those, then everything else is just a fun bonus! This way if plans do go awry, you know what you’re not willing to give up to accommodate changes. I have a constantly running list of things to do in different places I’ve already been to / want to visit and if do I miss something, then it’s just a reason to go back and those things will become my must-do’s for the next trip!

8. Rest!

Sure, you’ll sleep when you’re dead, but you’re going to feel dead if you try to cram a thousand activities into three days with no sleep! It’s exciting to want to do it all, but remember you’re on vacation, it should feel like one! I’m not telling you when to rest, or that you have to plan a whole day into your trip to do nothing, but just listen to your body and take a break if you need it, whether it’s napping the day your plane lands or cutting plans short and heading in early one night. You’ll feel better and be more alert, which is better for safety as well.

9. Don’t Cheap Out!

Listen, I love a good budget, but I do try to be lenient on myself when it comes to spending while traveling. I’m not talking about going crazy at Louis Vuitton just because luxury is cheaper overseas, but don’t make yourself miss a once in a lifetime opportunity over a couple of dollars. Most likely, you’ve already spent a lot, and traveled a long way to make it where you are, so at that point, you can just chalk it up to “having the full experience!” I’d also like to emphasize this when it comes to transportation, because the cheapest option may not always be the best for you. It’s one thing to take public transportation when you know you’ve got your bearings, but don’t get on a $3 bus if you’re not certain that it will get you where you’re trying to go!

10. Utilize Public Transportation!

Speaking of public transportation, I swear by it! If I’m in a city, you can bet I’ll be riding that rail! (please someone get that reference) It surprises me that more people don’t use the public transport option on Google Maps, but it is soooo helpful, it will literally tell you what stop, what train, what direction — every thing you need, step by step. Who doesn’t love confidently navigating through stations and maybe looking a little bit like a local?

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