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.
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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 don’t mind - it wasn’t too expensive and it’s always a great starting talking point when discussing tourist experiences.
If he had not said a price beforehand, why would you then pay?
Load More Replies...Woman Selling Rosemary happened to me in Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain 10 years ago. The woman told me I'd have 8 kids...I wish she'd cursed me instead.
Having eight kids sounds much like a curse to me in today's world.
Load More Replies...when i was in milan with my bf, some guys tried the friendship bracelet sh*t with me. they put the bracelets on our wrist with a knot and all and demanded to be paid. my bf was dumbfolded and paid like 5€. i just said, that i didn't ask for the bracelet, so i won't pay. "But it's already on your wrist" "yeah well, then i need to take it off", and i ripped it off, and handed it back.
Same happened to me in Milan. Some Africans came and just tried to put these on the wrists of some people in our group as a free gift, then they demanded money as a "donations to Africa"
Load More Replies..."usually a doll"? The Romans damn sure better not use their real infant on me. My first reaction when a baby is shoved at me is to throw my hands up in a "get that thing away from me!" gesture. Helped raise too many in my own family, and homosexuality makes damn sure I never gotta do that s**t again. I will watch that baby drop then sing "Bye Bye Baby".
It's Gypsies that fo it. I don't know about a baby being thrown, but I did see a guy being searched by a woman and about 8 kids. I must have a don't f**k with me look or just lucky since I never had an issue.
Load More Replies...US - The Gun Scam One person points a gun at you while stealing whatever you have.
Oh don't tell me you actually fell for that one! Wow, so gullible. /s
Load More Replies...I feel like it would be really hard not to fall for the thrown baby one. It doesn't exactly give you time to think. Instincts tell you to catch something being thrown at you, especially a living thing!
Oy . . . The joke's on them because I can't catch to save my life.
Load More Replies...The beggars gang is huge. If you see any kid begging, give them food. Never ever give money. The money is mostly taken by the gang who sends these kids. Also, think before you give. Chances are there are many kids around who will swarm you. Also at times, there there ladies or teen girls carrying a baby with them and begging. Dead sure the kid is not related. Borrowed from someone for sympathy.
I've heard that if you give them something to eat, they pretend to get sick because of it. Even they vomit out blood(fake of course)...Then their other counterparts come there and start asking what have you given him, and they threaten to call the police. And finally, settle the whole thing by taking some compensation.
Load More Replies...I didn't see this one listed - receive incorrect change from a shop. Give them a 20 and receive change as if you gave them a 10. Apparently quite common in The Netherlands. A comedy show we went to see talked about it. And, I thought, "I did give that woman a 20!".
Try to do that at the Milan Centro baggage claim. Stood my ground and they relented
Load More Replies...In our country the scam is "your tyre is flat". That's to make you open your car window. The other is free hat. They chuck it in the car window then ask for money.
The shoe shiner - I experienced a similar scam in Vietnam, though it wasn't shoe shining, it was shoe repair. It happened so fast I didn't realize what was going on :P
Flower for your girlfriend? I knew Aerith couldn't be trusted! (Sorry, gamer joke)
The one that I had in a few African countries is when a "craftsperson" asks your name, and then starts carving or painting your name on something, and then wants you to buy it because it already has your name on it.
People use the rose for your girlfriend at almost every club I've ever been to.
The street game scam is (or was) common in New York City also for some years.
Bracelet scam in NYC also. My wife and I were walking when a monk (or a guy dressed as a monk) approached us and placed a bracelet on my wife's wrist. He supposedly spoke very little English and was repeatedly saying "five dolluh," even when we refused. He made it seem as if he didn't understand what we were saying. Couldn't get rid of the guy, and he wouldn't take the bracelet back, so we gave him five dollars to leave us alone.
Load More Replies...I am missing the (Most of the time gipsy Girls/Woman/Boys) signing an fake petition for the deaf people. After you signed the ask you for money. Much done in Paris. Or the (really ill people) who needs to sit all day showing their deformities. Seen this in Bern, Switzerland. Most of the time done by travellers which puts their own people on the street for begging.
The ‘dropped wallet’ is why I put everything I can inside my backpack instead of just on the outside of it or in my own pockets.
If someone where to "throw their baby" at me my first instinct is to protect myself so I would move out of the way
It's not a tourist scam I fell for but I had stopped at south of the border before hitting myrtle beach. Everyone knows it's a dive and a tourist trap but I had never been so I stopped. I dropped a $100 bill. I knew it fell because I watched it fall. Before I could react and pick it up (less than a second) a mexican woman swooped in and snatched it up. I asked politely the first time for her to give it back and she ignored me walking away. The second time I basically yelled at her to give it back hoping there was a cop nearby that would hear me and intervene. She ran back at me screaming that I was taking money from her for her to feed her kids with. She had it in her hand so I snatched it back and got the hell outta there. Never been back and never plan to. Piece of advice to anyone curious about south of the border, don't stop. Stay away. Just take a picture as you pass by.
#1: No one is touching me. We’re still in a pandemic #2: I hate roses #3: I hate gold anything and I don’t wear jewelry #4: You throw a baby at me, you better hope it can fly #5: Five year olds know that’s a scam #6: I guard my purse like Fort Knox. My wallet is not falling out #7: See #1 #8: I don’t have any shoes that require shining #9: Do I get to choose who she curses? ‘Cause I hate most of those mf’s anyway and she would be doing me a favor.
The bracelet scam happened to me in Milan. A Nigerian fellow grabbed my wrist and tied a bracelet to it while I tried to tug away from him all the while telling me about his "charitable organization." I had the supreme pleasure of witnessing my husband's reaction. He had been turned the other direction taking a picture. When he turned back to me and saw this strange man holding my wrist while I tried to tug away, he went right up to him produced a pocket knife while maintaining eye contact with this man who had now let go of me and was backing away while protesting that he's just taking donations for his charity and didn't we want to help orphans. Anyway my husband then took my wrist and smoothy cut off that bracelet, let it fall to the ground while he ushered me away. It was supremely satisfying to witness 😂
The rose one is very common in night clubs even in Canada. But like mentioned they aren't pushy and they do take no for an answer. BUT one time in Mexico after friend got kicked out of a nightclub we were at on a pub crawl with our resort we were staying at some dude handed us 2 of the most beautiful, thick, lush red roses I have ever seen. He didn't ask for payment, didn't pick pocket us... nothing... just gave them to us. Well, my gf refused cause she was all butthurt about being kicked out of the club so I was just like HELL YEAH ! I'll take them! Only cause they were soooo nice. Then we ended up having to take a cab back to our resort cause we lost the people and the guide to the pub crawl but that turned out AWESOME cause our cab driver hooked me up with some bomb weed for super cheap and for a lot of it. It was an awesome time. My gf was still all butthurt about everything but I couldn't be more happy.
In Venice, Italy saw a disabled man trying to walk while asking for donations and I felt so bad for him so I bit. Next stop in Rome another guy was walking the same scam and I kept on walking.
the friendship bracelet one happened to me in Milan.. no pickpocketing, but he did ask for money for the bracelet he had tied onto my wrist. I said I had no cash and showed him my empty, gimmick wallet. to be honest, if he had just asked nicely for a coin I'd have given him something to go get some food, but by trying to fool me he got fooled himself
I'm just picturing someone not attempting to catch a baby, it ending up not being a doll after all, and they go "I thought it was a scam!"
I wouldn’t call the rose sellers a scam. They are street vendor, usually immigrants, that try to make a living selling flowers, umbrella, lighters and what not to customers at night. You can simply decline they offer
I think you are wrong. This scheme is very popular in tourist spots in Venice and other italian cities. For me it went like this - guy gave my wife a rose. I declined and told him to take it back. He said it is for free, I was sceptic, but ok. One minute later the same guy approached us again and asked for 5 euros, or 10 if we buy 2 more roses. This is scam, and there are many versions of it - it relies heavy on reciprocity. If you accepted something for free, you usually feel a need to give something back, and these people knows very well about it. For this kind of scammers there is only one answer they understand: Vaffanculo!
Load More Replies...The fake baby one would fail with me. I wouldn't catch it cuz I can't catch
I got hit with the friendship bracelet one on Paris. The guy just asked to use my wrist for a second, tied the bracelet onto me, then demanded payment. I told him that I didn't want the bracelet and he could/should cut it off if he expected me to pay for something I hadn't wanted in the first place.
In Denver CO they put Buddhist necklaces on you and then demand money. They won't take no for an answer.
Someone tried the rose one on my boyfriend and me not long after I'd moved to Tucson, Arizona. We declined, he kept pushing, we told him to leave or we'd call police, he left. I've also seen women here doing the rosemary one but with citrus fruits.
Also common here: People at gas stations claiming "my sick mom needs to get to the hospital and my gas tank is empty" or "we just need a dollar for the bus." Fell for both of those and then saw the same people panhandling the next day.
Load More Replies...They tried the rose an ring in Paris. Also tried the flower in Rome. All on my huspand and I. I got very loud and confrontational at every attempt they tried. They finally left us alone.
street games like the 3 cups is pretty common (or at least it was) also in italy
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
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
Note: this post originally had 110 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
Wasn't there more than one on how to back a backpack as well? I started skipping them...
Load More Replies...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 “Safest” countries aren’t safe at all, but I feel that they were ranked that way because they were a European country. I’m 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.
Wasn't there more than one on how to back a backpack as well? I started skipping them...
Load More Replies...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 “Safest” countries aren’t safe at all, but I feel that they were ranked that way because they were a European country. I’m 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.