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Love it or hate it - travel exists. For those that do love it, what do you suggest to those less experienced in it?
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#1
Take the business card (at the front desk) from the hotel you are staying at, then no matter where you end up during the day or if you speak the language, you can always get back to your hotel.
Final score:
15points
RELATED:
#2
Make sure you have pictures on your phone of all your identity and travel documents, including passport, driving licence, health (or any other) insurance cards etc. etc.
Final score:
14points
Illustrious G 2 years ago
This is a really smart idea. Especially traveling outside of the country! I will do this from now on for sure!!
#3
WEAR GOOD SHOES. I cannot stress this enough, you NEED sneakers or comfy shoes, especially if you're doing a lot of walking. If you haven't, go to a shoe store that has a foot scanner (Fleet Feet does) and get a scan, they can help you find a good shoe from that. It's also a good idea to go to a podiatrist anyways at some point, so why not before your trip? They can tell you if you need orthotics (which are LIFESAVERS) and see if anything else is wrong. WEAR. COMFY. SHOES. NOT CUTE SANDALS.
Final score:
10points
Joe Publique 2 years ago
Yup, you should never skimp on shoes or a bed because if you're not in one you're in the other.
cecilia kilian 2 years ago
Depending on where you are going, get some cooling, odor-eating, or warming ( fleece type) in-soles, have some good quality socks, and pamper your feet at the end of the day. If you can afford it money or space wise, take a second pair of good shoes and alternate.
#4
Another piece of advice I would recommend is to read up on some of the laws the country/city you are going to. Some things that seem very commonplace in your native country might be illegal elsewhere. For example, chewing gum is considered illegal in places like Dubai or Singapore, so to is feeding pigeons in Venice. Here's a list to find some strange laws around the world: https://www.farandwide.com/s/weird-laws-world-4961c1ede8d749bf
Final score:
9points
Carol Emory 2 years ago
This also goes for cultural customs. In Japan, if people buy food at a cafe or shop, they eat it there or take it home and consume it. You will rarely see people walking down the street munching on snacks or drinking beverages.
#5
Learn some basics of the language of the land you are traveling too. Hello goodbye, thank you, excuse me, how much, where is the bathroom. Don't be an ignorant and egocentric
Final score:
8points
Illustrious G 2 years ago
I am so worried about traveling to other countries because of the language barriers!
#6
Always buy travel insurance. From £10 single trip, not much more for annual multi-trip.
Final score:
7points
Sponge Blob 2 years ago
I used to work as individual travel agent and my clients abroad would always come to me with any issue in the first place. I didn't have that many clients, like 3-7 per months (yup) and still with this low number, amount of instances where they've used insurance is astonishing. Buy the insurance. Usually you can even do it online without any person involved. Just buy it, especially if travelling to some medieval countries with no healthcare like USA ;)
#7
Know the area. A week or so before your trip, do some research. You don't wanna be in LA and not have any idea what to do/where to go
Final score:
6points
Bisexual Axolotls 2 years ago
Exactly! If you're lost, find a Starbucks/Walmart/some big chain store and look at your phone for directions there. People think you're an easy target if you're looking down at your phone while walking.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
And research restaurants...the ones close to the hotels are usually overpriced and require reservations. You can get good food cheap if you do your homework.
#8
Smile. A smile is universal. People are people wherever you go. Ask the cab driver to tell you approximately how much it will cost to get there before getting in. If you're a Canadian going to America, don't drink the iced tea.
Final score:
6points
Bad Ass69 2 years ago
I think he means Mexico? Americans make great tea. And in many flavors! Ever had any Peach tea? It's great. But in Mexico only drink from sealed water bottles or get water from the water trucks! My sister drank tea in Mexico. She ended up in the hospital! She said. They boil the tea and I thought it was safe! I told her they don't boil the ice they put in. And that is where you messed up! I went to Mexico a few times but only drank Corona Extra!
blixten1982 (Submission author) 2 years ago
Iced tea in Canada is sweetened. Iced tea in the United States is not. If you're used to sweetened iced tea then non-sweetened iced tea is a shock.
Load More Replies... Sponge Blob 2 years ago
If going to Eastern Europe, people will think you're crazy. Everyday sadness is still big thing after decades of USSR domination.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
There are places where smiling is not normal and considered rude, like Russia.
#9
From personal experience, always bring a water canteen and a non-perishable snack. It could come in useful if you manage to find yourself in a stressful situation.
Final score:
6points
#10
Don't lose ur brother in disney for 45 mins straight :)
Final score:
5points
Sponge Blob 2 years ago
I'd add - tag your kids somehow. Their jacket, blouse, they need some info on them if they can't really be relied upon to give their names or parents' number.
#11
Don't forget that you are a guest to the locals while traveling. Be well behaved, respectful to others, and refrain from doing stupid stuff. If you know people will get mad at you for doing something (like touching art work, etc.), don't do it.
Final score:
5points
#12
I haven't traveled much, but one common tip I always see on discussions like this is to never keep your wallet in your back pocket when you are in a foreign country. Pickpockets could be common in the country you visit, and in a crowd, you will very likely lose your wallet if it's in your back pocket. Another alternative option would be to have a decoy wallet in your back pocket, and fill it with expired/fake cards, while you keep your actual wallet somewhere else on you.
Final score:
4points
Tushar Roy Mukherjee 2 years ago
It delivers E M O T I O N A L D A M A G E to the pickpocket.
Load More Replies...
Zia Barrett 2 years ago (edited)
Not in any kind of patch pocket, that was the target when people tried with me because I wore a long jacket with two obvious patch pockets. Most they got was my roll of mints because those are all I kept there. Try an internal pocket on a jacket or some kind of pocket that part of your clothing fully covers. Not a purse or external strap bag either - straps are easily cut, zips or magnetic clips are easy to open without being noticed.
#13
Travel plug adaptors. Not all countries use the same power sockets. Please check before
Final score:
4points
#14
Always be nice to the people you meet, some people never figure this out.
Final score:
4points
Sponge Blob 2 years ago
"HAND OVER YOU MONEY!" "Sure, Sir, I'm very happy to meet some local culture, there they are."
#15
BRING YOUR OWN PILLOW! The ones they give you will never be right and sleep is important!
Final score:
4points
Illustrious G 2 years ago
I bring my own pillow whoever I take a road trip but I have a big, king-sized pillow that would take up a whole bag if I had to pack it to fly!
#16
Wear ear plugs during your hotel stay. It will dull the noises from people talking in the halls, the elevator, the ice machine. I always sleep better
Final score:
4points
Carol Emory 2 years ago
In my case, the hotel was too quiet. There are also personal portable white noise makers you can get. Small and compact...but they will do the trick.
#17
Enjoy the journey, especially if it's a long trip. And the best way to enjoy it its to give yourself plenty of time so you are never rushing. If you rush you forget things and/or make bad decisions. If you give yourself lot's of time and remain calm and present at all times, you'll have more mental bandwidth for people watching or admiring architecture or whatever. Or even just catching up on your reading. And travel light. As light as possible.
Final score:
4points
#18
GOOD SHOES and MONEY IN YOUR PHONECASE !
Final score:
3points
#19
Save some money to use for souvenir shops
Final score:
3points
#20
Don''t eat yellow snow...
Final score:
2points
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
As a kid, I was always the one sent to get snow for snow ice cream. We couldn't trust my brother with the job.
#21
Love your wallet & always check different booking websites (Booking, Agoda, Priceline, etc.)! The prices there are ALWAYS different & you can save up to a few thousand.
Final score:
2points
#22
Use a carry on that is soft so you can smoosh it under the seat in front of you instead of dealing with the overhead. If you really don't want to check baggage take a travel pillow take the foam out and fill it with clothes. It will be a bit lumpy but you aren't wasting time at the carousel are you?
Final score:
2points
#23
There are apps for EVERYTHING. Your airline, the airport, the ferry, the rail, parking, buses, museums, the hotel. Even if you booked through Expedia, make sure you have the app. Everything from room service menus to same-day rail ticket sales are all on their apps. And make sure are logged in and have account info handy before you travel.
Final score:
2points
#24
Make sure to leave room for enough rest. It makes it so much easier to appreciate the rest.
Final score:
2points
Steve Zhang 2 years ago
I did that with my clothes once and when I got to my hotel all my clothes were messed around because they just bounced around the sides of my suitcase. So tip don't do that with your clothes.
Erik Ivan (Submission author) 2 years ago
I was talking about the time schedule. You know, as in leave enough room in the schedule to get proper rest? So you are not fatigued and half crazed out of a lack of sleep.
Load More Replies... #25
Dont visit the US, according to BP its the worst place on earth.
Final score:
1point
BeardedGerman 2 years ago
As a german, I don't agree. Been to the states several times, never had a bad experience. I'm talking the "real" states not the typical destinations flooded with tourists.
#26
Stay home. Save money, and you're a lot safer.
Final score:
1point
#27
Stay with the people your travelling with you don’t want to get lost in a country you don’t know. And especially don’t lose your brother when you are responsible for him.
Final score:
1point
ZoeTheGreat (Submission author) 2 years ago
Not in Disneyland on the beach at your resort
Load More Replies... #28
Any native that offers help is most likely scamming you. Worst experience? India. Every person.
Final score:
1point
#29
Do your research. You do not want to get there and not know what to do because they you will have to use up more time to find what you wanna do.
Final score:
1point
#30
To help recover from possible jet lag quicker when you arrive in a new time zone try and “stay up” until it is what would be your normal bed time back home. Your body’s circadian rhythm will adapt more easily if it works with the familiar night time sleep routine.
Final score:
0points
#31
Always be aware of your surroundings. If you're in a foreign country, know your embassy's local
Final score:
0points
#32
if you're planning going on a roadtrip. Never ever book your hotel, at the last second. in summer most of hotels are full, and whatever the size of your bank account you won't be able to find any room. And when you have 400 - 500 km behind (and have to do more on the next day) it can trully turn into an absolute nightmare. Always book your hotels before taking the road
Final score:
0points
#33
As a runner, look at running places and the rules of the potential trails before you go. Once I went to a Cross Country camp, and we all got together to run at a loop, but apparently we weren't allowed. Coach got a serious talking-to😄
Final score:
0points
#34
If you are traveling internationally, always get travel insurance but REMEMBER THIS: Make sure your travel insurance agency has service representatives available 24/7 (not just the medical emergency hotline but all services). I've been stuck in a foreign country after a flight cancellation and had to wait 8 hours for my travel insurance agency to open their office at 9am in America in order to find out how to use/activate my benefits. 24hr customer service is a must!
Final score:
0points
#35
Looking to bring more stuff on board but already hit the maximum bag allowance? Bring a big coat and stuff the sleeves with stuff. You can even zip it and stuff the mid-section with stuff as well. Airlines don't typically count outerwear as a carry-on/personal item, so you can end up bringing another bag worth of clothes stuffed in the coat. I've done this more than once!
Final score:
0points
#36
I have 4 tips: TSA Precheck, TSA Precheck, TSA Precheck, and TSA Precheck!
Final score:
0points
#37
Don't come to Kolkata.
Final score:
0points
Steve Zhang 2 years ago
Speaking from experience I agree it's crazy there! There's like 1 million pickpockets and you get the constant feeling your getting watched and of course the misery with all the childrens sad eyes begging for money, so unless you want to commit suicide DON'T GO THERE!
Tushar Roy Mukherjee (Submission author) 2 years ago
As a resident, I can tell you that the real reason I wrote this is that Kolkata is the capital of an emerging mini-terror hub. To secure her votebank, the dictator-like Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is making Muslims fear that Hindus will throw them out of this state. There's literal ' Muslim Cities' within this city where there are no power-cuts, and everyone has weapons at home. Doctors here are not safe. There just are a lot of reasons, and i'll list them once I have the complete list, but that first line's it.
Load More Replies... #38
Two things: If you are visiting the USA, there is an app that can tell you what the crime rate is in certain cities and what type of crime is most common. Many times a tourist from another country will head to a big city and get a cheap hotel on the sketchy side of town. Better to look at the maps and find out the safest place so you don't spend your holiday trying to report a theft and trying to get back home. Also do not do the tours. When you are on the tours, they take you to the common places other tourists go to which are usually overcrowded and you have to follow their schedule...usually including taking you to the most expensive areas of town. Planning out your trip, with flexibility to change things if you spend too much time checking out shops or sites, can make the visit more memorable. And always ask the locals where they like to eat. Some of the better places to eat are off the beaten path, less expensive and well worth the trip.
Final score:
0points
Carol Emory (Submission author) 2 years ago
To be clear, the app will break the city down into areas and tell you where the heaviest crime is.
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