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 don’t mind - it wasn’t too expensive and it’s 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
Please post this on the back page of inflight magazines. The people who need it the most are not the ones who ever see these infographics. Unbelievable how we need an infographic on what is basically common courtesy.
Unfortunately, courtesy is not so common these days in many places.
Load More Replies...4- - "your neighbor can get through without waking you up", what kind of a magic plane is that?
The person who wrote this is traveling first class probably. 😂
Load More Replies...Electronic devices with sound! headphones are an absolute must!!! I was seated next to a child, who was very nice, but I could hear the noise on her device and it drove me crazy. The flight attendant had to come by and tell the parent to turn off the volume.
I will listen to a continuous loop of nails on a chalkboard just to drown out the *ticky-ticky* fake keyboard taps on a cell phone. What the hell is wrong with these people? Shut it off!! And while we're on the topic, this doesn't really apply for planes but turn down your notifications! If you're sitting in a quiet waiting room and the *ba-ding* of your notifications is going off constantly, and is so loud that it's actually distorting, you are a new level off awful person! Oof...I need a camomile tea
Load More Replies...Yes, I speak to the parents of the kid kicking the back of my seat. But, I give you 3 tries to control your little darling. I do give on the 3rd conversation that After that, the flight attendant will be speaking to you. Please people, teach your children who are old enough to understand, some degree of plane etiquette before you leave. It would save the conflict.
For god’s sake exit row by row!!! If you’re in the back don’t try to rush up front!!! It only causes a logjam and makes exiting take twice as long for everyone!!!
Also. Get out of the way and wait your turn. If you need to stop when walking in the airport, or loading and unloading on the plane, get out of the way of everyone else. Load your stuff and sit down. Be ready to go when unloading or stay seated until others are out. And don't jump ahead when unloading. It's just rude and makes your look like a jerk.
Item #1 - a couple years ago, after a 9 hour surprise layover in LAX, when my kid consumed airport fried chicken strips, we finally got on the plane. Only to be trapped for 3 additional hours on the tarmac. I think about those people near the lavs, when my child's stomach rebelled against his food choice often. I sincerely apologize.
The dreaded chicken strips. My son ate these on vacation when he was four and almost died from salmonella poisoning. He makes jokes about it now as an adult, but it was very traumatic at the time. Spent a week in the hospital and had to be flown home as he was too weak to handle the drive.
Load More Replies...If you don't know how to travel with your kid, then don't do it at all.
12. Don’t put overly heavy items overhead in case in non opens during turbulence and 13. Put you stuff in the bin over your head. Sucks to drag it down the aisle but nothing is worse than the overhead bin in seat 12a be full as the person in seat 27f filled it with their bag so as to not have to take it to the back with them.
Parents, please do not fill up your children with sweets and chips as they are tending to airsickness way more as adults do. It happend to me a few times, especially when it's time to sleep, being puked over by kiddos. The flight attendants do not have hot water and soap on board, only wet wipes. So the sour smell stays for hours.
#6, that's why I use noise canceling headphones. First thing I do when I sit down is put them on.
And don’t use the headrest or seat backs to navigate your balance through the isles jostling everybody as you go. Also, only one person in your party needs to be anywhere near the carousel. Your whole family doesn’t need to be blocking my luggage or my view of it. Make sure your breath is fresh please.
I’m in Cairo at the moment visiting my relatives. I flew out here from the US for the first time in 20 years. The flight from Munich to Cairo… oh my gawd. Flight full of Egyptians, several of them not listening to instructions to sit down with seat buckled during turbulence. As the flight attendant passed by with the refreshment cart, a man kept turning around in his seat asking her to refill his cola. Actually, a few people did this. I could see the frustration on the flight attendant’s face and I said to her, “wow, can’t they at least wait for their refills until you finish serving everyone else!” Then there were passengers complaining to her about the free snacks and insisting she provide them with an alternative which was not available nor under her control. A woman came up from one of the front aisles in coach to complain to her that “it’s not fair her children can smell the food from first class and it’s not fair they’re getting better food.”
And as such… I love my heritage but holy cow, their behavior was embarrassing!
Load More Replies...Small suitcases go in the overhead bin. Backpacks, laptop bags, purses, and smaller items go under the seat in front of you. Heard this announced a gazillion times on my recent trips and passengers STILL didn't comply. Sure, I don't mind smushing your backpack with my suitcase!
My backpack doesn’t fit in underneath my seat and it doesn’t give somebody an excuse to smash my stuff because You’ve made an assumption
Load More Replies...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.
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.
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.