No matter how travel-savvy you think you are, taking a trip usually comes with a fair bit of chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter who’s hit up many corners of the world or a travel novice who’s never explored beyond the comfort of your own country, something can always go wrong. No one is immune to little mishaps on the road, but if you want to improve your travel know-how, we’ve got you covered.
After all, the pleasure you get from your vacation generally depends on the amount of preparation you put into it. So our adventure-loving team here at Bored Panda has scoured the web for some of the most clever charts, maps, and infographics about traveling to help you prepare for your next journey.
From packing tips and flying tricks to tourist scams to be on the lookout for, we’ve put together this informative list to make sure you leave your home stress-free and ready to enjoy a phenomenal vacation. So take out your notebooks, get ready to pack your bag, and enjoy scrolling through these guides. Keep reading to also find our interview with travel writer and blogger from the US, Megan Starr. Upvote the ones you found most handy, and be sure to let us know what you think of them in the comments!
Psst! If you’re looking for even more insight to take your traveling to the next level, check out our earlier piece about the biggest mistakes most tourists make.
This post may include affiliate links.
Power Socket Type Guide
Just A Cool Guide
Most Popular Tourist Scams To Avoid When Traveling
I fell for the shoe shiner scheme in Istanbul. Yet somehow, I donāt mind - it wasnāt too expensive and itās always a great starting talking point when discussing tourist experiences.
Traveling means something slightly different for everyone. For some, exploring foreign territory is an extremely fulfilling experience. It's an opportunity to visit another country, get acquainted and embrace a new culture, or simply take a much-needed break from reality and the never-ending responsibilities of everyday life. For others, however, leaving their comfort zone is filled with hesitation, stress, and fear of finding themselves in novel surroundings where they can get lost, be scammed, or even worse.
People aren’t born savvy travelers but rather build their skills throughout their years of on-the-road experience. But what if you haven’t had the chance to explore the world that much? It’s reasonable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your abilities, but the digital world that we have at our fingertips offers an endless source of golden nuggets to arm us with knowledge before our next trip. Much like the charts and infographics you see in this list, gathering information gives us confidence and makes planning our vacation that much easier.
Different Electrical Outlets Per Countries
Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world and so are their sockets.
Backpacking Tip
The Worst (And Safest) Countries For Solo Female Travel Based On The 50 Most Visited Destinations Around The World (2019)
Megan Starr, who is originally from Virginia, US, agrees with this line of thinking. She is one of the founders of a travel blog called Megan & Aram that’s all about visiting Scandinavia, the Eastern bloc, and beyond. Living abroad for 12 years now, Megan is an avid traveler that has hit up many fascinating places on the globe and has collected quite the arsenal of handy little tricks to share with others.
"To be honest, I think charts and infographics about traveling are a fantastic resource for those who struggle with the layout of articles and blogs online," she told Bored Panda. "Human beings don't take the time to digest long-form info these days and many people don't have the time or attention span, so I think they are great."
Megan pointed out that they are also a helpful tool for adventurers who set out to explore new places. "I think these are great for people to print and use on the road," she said, adding that travelers can print out checklists, allergy charts, and other information they find useful.
Pre-Trip Checklist
This is great. But I'd say that several items on the week or two ahead list should be done at least a month ahead.
Places Where Birthright Citizenship Is Based On Land And Places Where It Is Based On Blood
In the UK (since 1983) as a rule, three different factors will help to determine your nationality as an individual: The country where you were born. The nationality of your parents (or ancestors in some cases). Your date of birth (because of rule changes). https://www.theukrules.co.uk/rules/legal/citizenship/british-nationality/index.html
Is It A Crime To Knock On A Door And Run Away?
Moreover, the travel blogger agreed that some people can feel confused with the myriads of information about different travel destinations they find online or in real life. Coming across clever visual charts that present handy advice in a clear and efficient manner can instantly teach people how to travel smarter.
"Guidebooks are heavy to lug around and a simple checklist may be all one needs," she explained. "It is easy to carry and fold up in your purse or wallet and can be an incredibly useful resource! I also think having a list of important information (ingredient names in the local language, as an example) can help you take advantage of things despite the language barrier." Megan revealed she has previously used the kind of resources to detail that she has an allergy to a certain food herself, and assured us that it worked very well.
Airplane Etiquette
For Couchsurfers And Vagabonds In Europe, Here's An Interesting Map Showing Which Countries Are Most Likely To Offer You Food As A Guest In Their House
Guide To Metric System For U.S. Travelers
Hmm, okay that's confusing. In Australia a 1 cup measurement is 250ml, so now I have to make sure to check if a recipe that uses 1 cup measurements is talking about US cup or Aus cup.
When asked about other ways people can become more travel-savvy, Megan told us she personally thinks that the smartest people are the ones who are flexible. "You can read about scams and money-saving tips all day, but I think it is hard to truly get to know a place if you don't have a Plan B and expect interruptions."
"When you allow for that, you then can assess what you did wrong (or right!) for future trips and you allow yourself to understand the world a bit better," Megan continued. "As a travel blogger, I welcome 'interruptions' on the road as it helps me explain to my readers what 'could' happen, and here is how to do what I didn't do!"
Cool Little Guide I Found
Map Showing Safest To Worst Countries For LGBTQ+ Travel
For Your Next Trip: How To Order Coffee In 8 Different Languages
For example, Megan previously shared with us a few insights about tourist traps and how to make sure our care-free vacationing selves wouldn’t be taken advantage of abroad. "You will always find a lot of scams around popular tourist attractions (not necessarily tourist traps)," Megan said, adding that The Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Milan Cathedral were a few where she was bombarded with what felt like scams. "I also had a man try to pickpocket me around the metro at the Eiffel Tower — so it is not only scams to beware of, but these types of things too!"
The Best Time To Buy Plane Tickets
Travel Etiquette Tips Around The World
This Is So Useful For Road Trips
The travel blogger stressed how important it is to stay on alert and prevent finding ourselves in situations that would put a damper on our trip as well as our self-esteem. "I just swing my bag around front and am super diligent. And if someone comes up for a chat randomly, I remain skeptical (which sucks but this seems to be how it often happens)!"
The Safest And Worst Destinations For LGBT Travelers (Updated March 2021)
How To Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
A Backpacker's Guide To Packing
This reads like something a magazine editor threw together at the last minute to fill a page or segue to some sponsored links. Silk sheets? Really?
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences we can have on this planet. And remember, it only becomes a headache if you let it. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of stepping away from familiar routines and fear of embracing the unknown, Megan had a few pieces of advice to share with you.
"Plan ahead, be flexible, and mix a few of your favorite things in the mix with local cultural sites, etc. If you're a wine lover, find some local wine bars to enjoy in the evening. If you love cycling, rent a bike and see the city that way. You'll be in your comfort zone but still see a new place," she concluded.
Found This While Researching Possible Routes For A Road Trip
Calling Codes Of Asian Countries
Countries Where You Can Drink Tap Water
We drink tap water in South Africa - we even drink it right out of the hose while watering the garden!
The Eurovelo Is A Net Of Cycleways With More Than 70000 Kilometres Of Extension Which Crosses The Whole European Continent
The Eurovelo is made by 15 routes that go through 42 counties, making traveling Europe by bike not only possible but quite easy as well.
How To Fly Like A Pro
Travel Packing Do's And Don'ts
The Essential Travel Guide To Rome
LOL cars WILL stop if they see you! We're not going to tranform you in a human pancake on purpose! Just look both ways before crossing and don't jump suddenly into a busy road and you're safe ahahahaha
Traveling To The US From European Countries (Visa Requirement And Refusal Rate)
east and south european people get refused more often than russians, i.e. those from a literal enemy state of western countries? ok. I'm czech, I's gladly pass on going to the US but this offends me.
Which Side Of The Road Should You Drive On In Each Country?
Packing A Backpack
A Guide To Off Season Travel In Countries Around The World
Actually for Australia it depends on where you travel, for example it is best to visit the Northern Territory during May to Oct as that is the dry season.
Canadian Travel Advisory Country Safety Ratings
High decree of caution for France ? I know we have a reputation of being rude, but come on...
How To Fold A Suit Jacket For Travel
... or they failed to show a few more folds... lol
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Step 1: Okay. Step 2: Okay. Step 3: Wait...what? Wtf happened here? Step 4: Okay maybe a darker blue wasn't the best color to use: it's like trying to decipher a darker shadow inside a slightly less dark shadow. Step 5: Alright you're clearly f*****g with me by this step; that's a shoe. Step 6: Sandal* Step 7: underwear is involved now? Step 8: and voila! The suit has now finished its transformation into a suitcase.
Thanks for perfectly describing what I was thinking about this infographic. They lost me at third step.
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I have a suitcase just for suits. The suit goes in unfolded on the hanger. The suitcase then folds in half. Suits are never wrinkled.
Gay Travel Index Across The EU And The US. The Index Takes Into Account Matters Like Law, Rights, And Locals' Friendliness Toward The LGBTQ+ Community
yeah they need to split usa into two countries: america and dumbfuckistan.
Useful Business Travel Apps
Travel Safe, From Start To Finish
The Essential Travel Guide To Paris
The food recommendation is a bit sad. Imagine going to a place with such a rich and sophisticated cuisine and eating mostly sandwiches? Nothing against croque monsieur, I could have it every day... but if I had limited time in Paris/France in general, I'd want to try out more fancy dishes.
An American's Guide To European Capitals Pronunciation
Regions Considered Safe To Travel To By The French Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
My Travel Cheat Sheet For Taiwan
Pack Your Case Like A Case Pro. Packing Techniques
Safe Hiking Checklist
How To Travel Green
In some countries, you're MUCH better off getting bottled water. Montezuma's Revenge is real and will wreck your vacation.
A Guide For Parents: How To Keep Your Sanity And A Clean Car Traveling With Kids
Mexico Danger Map
Reconsider travel to Mexico if you're going to be a drunken idiot flashing wealth and seeking drugs and prostitutes. Those are the tourists who get in trouble.
A Guide To Pet Travel
I've heard of too many pets dying on planes. I do not trust how animal crates are handled. Would be surprised if they are just tossed about. On long haul flights, your animal will likely not be fed or given any water. They are scared and will not be comforted. Any medical crisis your pet might endure will not be tended to. There is a chance they will get lost like luggage. Best to leave with someone who can take care of them.
16 Reasons Why Traveling Is Good For You
Travelling IS good for us... just sadly getting less good for the planet as the methods of getting to most countries aren't green. Sad but true.
Traveling Abroad With Pets
How Smart Luggage Will Change Travel
Minimum Travel Time From Paris By Train & Bike And Comparison To Car
Visa Free Traveling Guide
The Ultimate Guide To Travel Plugs: What You Need And Where
Travel On The Cheap In The Worldās Most Expensive Cities
DO NOT buy the Visitor's Oyster card, it costs more and is pointless. Use contactless cards, apple pay or buy a normal oyster card from a tube station when you get to London.
5 Useful And Handy Travel Safety Tips
I've Pulled Together A Simple Infographic Chart Outlining Some Of The Options How Sustainably Travel When Visiting Greenwich
Visa Requirements For US Citizens
I think some of this information may be outdated. For example, the map shows you need to get a visa on arrival to enter Indonesia, but that hasn't been true for a few years now.
Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time And Money
What Countries And Other Areas Would You Reach If You Traveled In A Straight Line From Iceland?
I Wanted To Put This Up After Spending The Past Two Days On The Road And Seeing More Accidents Then I Ever Have! Wishing You All Safe Travels And A Happy And Safe Holiday
Traveling Guide
donāt use ATM in japan on weekends and holidays. they charge an extra fee. (no it does not make sense and it is annoying). also depending on fees your bank takes for getting money from an ATM in a foreign country, it might be better to exchange some money in your home country.
How To Save Money When Traveling
Travel Advice From France (Pre Covid)
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory Level For U.S. Nationals By Country (As Of May 1, 2022)
Carbon Footprint Of Travel
The Longest Possible Train Travel In The World
No, the "longest possible" would include every train line that connects to another. This is the longest most direct route.
Foreign Travel Advice From The Australian Government. Before Covid
10 Important Things For All Travelers
Greenest Forms Of Travel Based On Distance And Number Of People
Visualising How Far You Can Travel From Cambridge, Massachusetts In 4 Hours
I grew up on the border of Mass and NH near the coast. You could NOT get to Cambridge in an 1.5h unless I suppose around 6am on Easter Sunday. Other than that there is a ton of traffic going downtown Boston. Good luck with that!
Top 10 Beaches For Every Type Of Traveler
We have thousands of beaches in Australia and much better ones than bloody Bondi too.
The Longest Distances You Can Travel On Earth In A Straight Line Without Crossing Land Or Water
Am I missing something or does "straight line" mean something different to what I was taught?
The Longest Continuous Walk On Earth Would Be Between Cape Town, South Africa To Magadan, Russia, A Distance Of 22,387km (13,910 Miles)
It would take 187 days of continuous walking and you would travel through 16 different countries and you would ascend and descend 117,693m (386,132ft)
Great For Traveling. This Chart Tells You What Type Of Power Socket You'll Encounter
Minimum Travel Time From London By Car
Years ago I rented a motorcycle in London to spend a week riding around England, Wales and Scotland. The guy at the shop asked where I was going. "From Land's End to John O' Groats," I replied (Far southwest town to northernmost town) He replied, "Then what will you do in the afternoon?"
US Air Travel Passengers In 2019 And 2020
Here Is A Safe Travel Infographic Based On World Travel And Tourism Council. If You Are Planning Any Trip This Summer, You Would Want To Take A Look At This Infographic Again
How To Order A Beer In Spain. This Is Just A Size Guide. The "Type" Of Beer Also Would Require Another Map
A Map Showing Which States Are Legal To Hitchhike, And Which Ones Are Not
Travel Trends USA
Foreign Travel Advice Of The French Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
This is also not accurate. There's substantially more danger to your safety in some of these countries than in others marked green. It also depends on your identity. If you "look rich" you are safer in some countries than others. It's fairly clear if you look at this map that the countries that france colonised (it's a french map) are marked as dangerous. I wonder why that is, maybe because the people there still resent you as a colonist? I mean look at it. All the muslim countries except saudi, and french indo-china, plus francophone africa. How about just apologise for colonialism and decommission the CAF currency exploitation?
Travel Time From Paris By Car
I question the validity of this map. Hit a city and add at least an hour for each one
How Far Can You Travel Via Public Transport In X Minutes, In London Or LA
Nasi Lemak Rated As Ok By European Travel Guide Tasteatlas
Agree with the balut rating, but nasi lemak just okay? It depends on what kind you buy and where you buy it. I've had some great nasi lemak in my day.
If You're Traveling To Brazil, Learn How To Make Long Distance And Collect Calls In The Country
Get Ready To Discover Magic Of Travel With A True Insight Experience
As much as I think tourists should visit India, as an Indian, I think this one is an advertisementā¦.
A Travelerās Guide To Tap Water
Map Indicating Which States Are The Easiest For Hitchhiking, And Which States Are The Most Difficult
I love charts and graphs (I even mentioned it in my bio), but these were just boring... Especially the dozens of posts on power sockets
This was a tad bit racist. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal and many others all have drinkable water and are mostly safe to travel to, and yet the data says otherwise. However, many of the āSafestā countries arenāt safe at all, but I feel that they were ranked that way because they were a European country. Iām taking this post with a grain of salt.
Indian here. We prefer boiling water. Outsiders will find it tough. But water is not bad. Safe is as safe you keep yourself. Of course, travelling in India as a single person esp. woman can be dicey. I have seen many foreigners esp. from Europe or America can be too trusting. No idea why.
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stopped reading half way, got too angry about how blatantly racist the "information" is without even a glimmer of shame. So to summarise: gays and women are welcome in south africa, and our tap water is safe to drink, we have had gay marriage since 2007. If you are ANY person however you must not go out at night alone or walk streets alone as there are lots of poor people who might think you have money. This is commonsense logic in a country where lots of people are desperate! Honestly these maps just perpetuate the racist myth of africa is a dark continent full of scary people . I hate it. Just keep away from slums, this is commonly understood world-wide. You will not get raped or murdered or drink poisoned tap water here: https://nelsonmandelasquare.co.za/ ... yes, we have hotels, aircon, wifi, cars, roads, skyscrapers, electricity. We do not have lions wandering in the streets, we do not live in mud huts, and you are not going to be put in a pot and eaten by a cannibal. Stop being such racists. Thanks.
Racism and nationalism are two different things, not sure if you were aware of that. Like I think Cleveland is a c**p hole, and it is full of white people (yes I know Cleveland is a state, just giving a s**t comparison.
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The LGBTQ travel areas in USA are off by a lot. Most of the south east USA (Bible belt) will be very opinionated to the negative end. Just about anywhere else is mixed opinion and it depends what area you are in when it comes to individual states (larger cities are usually more open, but it doesn't mean smaller cities are dangerous). Pacific West is most commonly known as the friendliest area, but North Atlantic is also good.
No mention, unless I missed it, of male and female underwear with zip pockets for cash, credit cards etc when travelling.
I love charts and graphs (I even mentioned it in my bio), but these were just boring... Especially the dozens of posts on power sockets
This was a tad bit racist. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal and many others all have drinkable water and are mostly safe to travel to, and yet the data says otherwise. However, many of the āSafestā countries arenāt safe at all, but I feel that they were ranked that way because they were a European country. Iām taking this post with a grain of salt.
Indian here. We prefer boiling water. Outsiders will find it tough. But water is not bad. Safe is as safe you keep yourself. Of course, travelling in India as a single person esp. woman can be dicey. I have seen many foreigners esp. from Europe or America can be too trusting. No idea why.
Load More Replies... stopped reading half way, got too angry about how blatantly racist the "information" is without even a glimmer of shame. So to summarise: gays and women are welcome in south africa, and our tap water is safe to drink, we have had gay marriage since 2007. If you are ANY person however you must not go out at night alone or walk streets alone as there are lots of poor people who might think you have money. This is commonsense logic in a country where lots of people are desperate! Honestly these maps just perpetuate the racist myth of africa is a dark continent full of scary people . I hate it. Just keep away from slums, this is commonly understood world-wide. You will not get raped or murdered or drink poisoned tap water here: https://nelsonmandelasquare.co.za/ ... yes, we have hotels, aircon, wifi, cars, roads, skyscrapers, electricity. We do not have lions wandering in the streets, we do not live in mud huts, and you are not going to be put in a pot and eaten by a cannibal. Stop being such racists. Thanks.
Racism and nationalism are two different things, not sure if you were aware of that. Like I think Cleveland is a c**p hole, and it is full of white people (yes I know Cleveland is a state, just giving a s**t comparison.
Load More Replies... The LGBTQ travel areas in USA are off by a lot. Most of the south east USA (Bible belt) will be very opinionated to the negative end. Just about anywhere else is mixed opinion and it depends what area you are in when it comes to individual states (larger cities are usually more open, but it doesn't mean smaller cities are dangerous). Pacific West is most commonly known as the friendliest area, but North Atlantic is also good.
No mention, unless I missed it, of male and female underwear with zip pockets for cash, credit cards etc when travelling.
