In this guide, we will provide you with a few valuable tips for traveling around the globe so that you can become a Pro Traveler. Furthermore, you will learn what it takes to become a Pro Traveler, how to make trip plans, which apps and SIMs to use, and many more tips and tricks. So, if you’d like to learn more about this, please read our guide.
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How to Become a Pro Traveler
Traveling is a great experience that you can enjoy in many ways. You can explore your country or visit other parts of the world. You can embark on an adventure-packed trip or relax on a beautiful beach. You can also choose between immersing yourself in the local culture or opting for a familiar environment with better weather.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll eventually pick up habits that can help make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. With the proper preparation and mindset, anyone can become an expert traveler and experience the many incredible things this world offers.
That’s why we have prepared a few tips for quickly becoming a Pro Traveler.
1. Be adventurous
“You only live once” is a famous saying encouraging us to live life to the fullest. Traveling is a great way to experience new things and leave our comfort zones. So, take risks and try things you’ve never done before. Don’t hold back when presented with an opportunity to go rock climbing, salsa dancing, spelunking, or even try the world’s hottest pepper. Instead, say, “screw it,” and leap. Remember that you’ve come this far for a reason, and saying yes to new experiences can lead to some of the most memorable moments of your life.
2. Be Prepared
A pro traveler is always prepared. Identify your destination based on time, budget, environment, and culture. Research visa and entry requirements, carry spare passport photos and bring local currency and travel card. Purchase travel insurance and download a VPN app. Prepare a packing list for your essentials. Ensure your travel documents are valid and packed appropriately for the climate. Being prepared can make or break your trip. Start planning your adventure today!
3. Be flexible with your plans.
Travel is a series of happy accidents, with one way leading to another. Don’t hesitate to visit that random city with the new friends you just met, even if it contradicts your itinerary. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Just go with the flow and be open to new experiences. This will make your travels a lot more stress-free.
4. Sign up for flight deals.
One way to save money on travel expenses is to sign up for flight deal websites to get epic flight deals straight to your inbox.
5. Always carry backups
Carrying a backup bank and credit card while traveling is always a good idea. If one of your cards gets lost, stolen, or hacked, you can still access your money and continue your trip without hassle. Trust me, I’ve been in this situation before, and having a backup card made all the difference. Don’t let a problem ruin your trip – be prepared and carry a backup card!
6. Only take what you need.
When leaving for the day, only bring the necessary cash and one credit card to avoid losing everything in case of theft. Keep backups and extras locked at your hostel.
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7. Pack light
As someone who used to overpack, you only need some things you take. To avoid carrying unnecessary items, try this tip:
- Put everything you need in a pile and then remove half of it.
- Even better, opt for a small backpack or suitcase so you won’t be tempted to overpack in the first place.
Remember, the lighter you travel, the easier your journey will be. For further helpful information, you can also read our related article.
8. Get a reusable water bottle.
Remember to bring a reusable water bottle with you. Not only are disposable plastic water bottles harmful to the environment, but buying them frequently can also add to a significant cost over time. By getting a reusable water bottle and purifying tap water using a SteriPen or LifeStraw water purifier, you can save money and help the environment.
9. Bring basic first-aid
Cuts and scrapes can happen at any time, anywhere in the world. That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry essentials such as bandages, antibacterial cream, and hydrocortisone cream in your first aid kit. Additionally, carrying duct tape can also be helpful in unexpected situations. It would help if you always found out when it would be beneficial.
10. Use Travel Apps
Planning your next trip can be overwhelming, but having the right travel apps can make your experience smoother and less stressful. These apps can guide you to find reliable ATMs while on a road trip and identify restaurants that are not tourist traps. They can help organize your itinerary, notify you of good deals on flights, and even assist you in finding last-minute hotel rooms. Travel apps can make all the difference from when you start thinking about your next destination to when you return home.
11. Purchase travel insurance.
Pro travelers always have travel insurance for the countries they visit and the activities they do. Namely, it’s impossible to predict what could happen on the road. Potential risks include lost baggage, broken gear, delayed flights, and injuries. Without travel insurance, expenses are out of pocket and alone.
So, buy travel insurance for peace of mind. It only costs a few euros a day.
11. Have Some Local Currency & a Travel Card
Some developing countries don’t have ATMs or cash access at airports. Due to non-functional ATMs, I couldn’t access cash at Heathrow Airport during a family emergency. It’s better to visit banks or exchanges in your hometown before traveling. Avoid airport exchanges as they charge higher fees. You may find better exchange rates online.
12. Know How to Access Lounges
Experienced travelers know they can usually pay to access most airport lounges even if they are not traveling in business or first class. As a result, during a layover of three or more hours, they are likely to take advantage of the amenities offered by airport lounges, such as food, drinks, and refreshments, before their connecting flight.
13. Download VPN on Your Phone
Online security and privacy should be your utmost priority when you travel abroad for work or leisure. Open hotspots can be easily accessed by malicious hackers who can steal your personal information. Fear not; a VPN explicitly designed for travel can protect your devices and personal information when you connect to WiFi at airports, hotels, or cafes. The best travel VPNs establish secure tunnels to safeguard internet traffic, reducing the risk of exposing your online data. And if the VPN connection drops, additional security features such as a kill switch ensure your IP protection remains intact.
Moreover, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access your homeland streaming content from anywhere worldwide by spoofing your location to the country you need. This is one of the most important features every Pro Traveler wants to use. Safety should always come first.
14. Purchase a Local SIM or an international SIM.
Buying a local SIM card when traveling is a great way to stay connected. It’s a physical prepaid bundle with a fixed amount of data, calls, and texts for your trip. Costs vary by country and provider, so research your options before you leave.
Where To Get a Local SIM
To get a local SIM overseas, you can buy one at the airport, newsstands, stores, and vending machines, but airport vendors may overcharge. Buying from a local provider or reputable reseller is best to avoid scams and get the best deals. You’ll need an unlocked phone, passport, and sometimes a local address to purchase a SIM. Some countries restrict non-residents to data-only services and may require additional documentation and a KYC check.
Using an International SIM Card for Travel
An international SIM card works across multiple networks in different geographic locations, making it an excellent choice for travelers visiting various countries. Unlike local SIMs, it covers several countries and territories worldwide, making it a convenient option for long-term travelers.
Where To Get an International SIM Card
To use your phone while traveling abroad, buy an international SIM card from a third-party provider online. They’ll mail it to you. You can manage and top it up remotely. It would help if you had an unlocked phone to use it.
Note: If you’d like to learn more about local and international SIM cards, please read our guide on using local vs. international SIM cards.
15. Write down the name of the hotel in the local language.
Yes, you guessed it correctly. Every Pro Traveler does that. Namely, upon entering a foreign country, it is recommended to use Google Translate or seek out a local who speaks English. Having your hotel name written down in the local language on your phone or paper is also essential. This can help prevent communication difficulties, such as the one experienced when arriving in Vietnam and trying to direct a taxi driver to the hotel at night. This precaution can save you from unnecessary stress and make your trip smoother.
16. Every Pro traveler should learn a few basic phrases of the Local Lingo.
When traveling abroad, learn some basic local phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye.” This shows respect and appreciation for the local culture, and locals will be more likely to help you if you demonstrate that you’ve tried to learn some basic phrases.
17. Study Forums & Groups to Find a Local to Be Your Tour Guide
A Pro Traveler generally approaches sightseeing and exploring a new place in two ways. Firstly, they would have pre-booked specific trips and activities, which I highly recommend. Secondly, they would have conducted thorough research on forums, groups, and local tourism boards to find a reliable local driver to serve as their tour guide. There’s nothing quite like having someone on the ground to take you off the beaten track and introduce you to experiences that are not usually included in standard package tours.
18. Connect with people.
Traveling makes you more friendly and generous. People from different places are fundamentally similar to you, and traveling can break down barriers and prejudices and build empathy and compassion. By traveling, you can make the world a better place. Starting to travel is more straightforward than it may seem. Once you become an expert wanderer, you can share your experiences with others. Who knows, you might never want to come back.
19. Tip Well
A professional traveler should always be generous in tipping for good service. I make it a point to tip local taxi drivers who have been friendly and have charged me fairly, the hotel porter who carries my luggage to the room, the waiting staff who have made me feel welcome, knowledgeable tour guides who have added value to my trip, and anyone who has made my journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
20. Never Be Too Confident
As you travel more, you can begin to feel like you are a Pro Traveler. However, even with plenty of destinations, staying confident about your knowledge and experience is essential. It’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you, no matter where you go. It’s critical when visiting somewhere new, but it’s still a good idea when traveling around somewhere you have visited before. Remember that you’re a visitor and can often be easily identified as one. Even when you’re experienced, keep in mind that anything could happen. That’s why this tip about becoming a pro traveler is one of the most important.
21. Be open to new things.
Your first trip can be a bit scary – all of the unknown and unexpected.
So, don’t let fear and anxiety make you part of that statistic. Instead, take a step back and look at the unknown differently. This will allow you to learn and experience new things, make connections, meet new people, and improve.
22. Visit the tourism office.
Local tourist offices are a wealth of knowledge. When you get to a new destination, visit the tourist office and ask the staff many questions about the place. They exist solely to help you obtain the most out of your visit, and it’s their job to know everything and everything about a place. Plus, they often offer discounts that can only be found here.
Visiting one is often one of the first things we do in a new city.
23. Buy a good pair of headphones.
Every Pro traveler should have a pair. You’ll appreciate this the next time you’re on a plane next to a chatty neighbor, and all you want to do is zone out to Phish.
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24. Try new foods
You cannot experience fully a new country without eating local food. Namely, experiencing culture through food can be a great way to expand your horizons. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it – even if it’s something unexpected like fried caterpillars in Zambia! Contrary to popular belief, dining out while traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available.
25. Travel alone at least once
Solo travel can be one of the most liberating experiences. When you travel alone, you can do whatever you want. It’s an opportunity to explore the world without anyone else’s influence or agenda.
Beyond this sense of freedom, solo travel is an excellent personal development tool. It provides a chance to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. When you travel with someone else, you have a safety net to fall back on. But when alone, you must learn how to solve problems, overcome language barriers, and find your way around a new place. This forces you to grow in ways you wouldn’t experience at home or with a group.
While solo travel may not be for everyone, I encourage everyone to try it at least once. You’ll learn much about yourself even if you don’t love it.
Note: If you want to find some helpful tips about Traveling Solo, please visit our related article.
26. Get lost
Meander through a new city without a map. Get lost — because you aren’t getting lost; you’re just discovering new experiences. So, put down the map and wander. Eventually, you’ll find your way.
27. Avoid taxis
They cost a lot. Please only use them if you have any other option.
28. Call home
Your family and friends miss you. Remember to call and say hello.
29. Ignore our advice and make your own decisions.
“It’s your trip. Go wherever you want, whenever you like, and stay as long as you want. Don’t worry about anything. Make mistakes, learn from them, and make more mistakes. Have fun and become a better traveler. In the end, you won’t regret not having more miles, but instead, you will look back and think, “Wow, that was so much fun!”
So go out there and enjoy yourself! You deserve it.”
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