Someone Wants To Know, “What Is Your Most Obscure Yet Vital Travel Tip?” And 30 People Chip In
Interview
Traveling to a new place can be scary, even after perusing the entire location on Google Maps and downloading the local language into your translation apps. But when you exit the airport, train station, or whatever other conveyance you’ve picked, you are hit with the reality that now it is up to you to handle everything.
So a forward-thinking internet user decided to do us all a favor and ask around for the best travel tips that might not be that well known. We also got in touch with Travel Blogger/Photographer Jon Miksis, to learn more. From unexpected, to downright genius, frequent fliers and other veterans shared all the insights they had picked up over the years, so be sure to upvote your favorites and comment your own tips below.
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It’s ok to be sitting in your hotel room, across the street from the Eiffel Tower/palace/mountain and decide…today is a sit in my room and order an amazing pepperoni pizza and binge a tv show day.
You travel to relax, not to run a marathon of “how much can I fit in”.
When visiting a city get up before sunrise and walk as the city wakes up. I did this in Venice and it was magic!
Bored Panda got in touch with veteran traveler Jon Miksis, from the Global Viewpoint travel blog and we were gracious enough to answer some of our questions. We wanted to know what would be your number one tip or resource for a novice traveler looking for advice? "Nowadays, there's an app for everything, so it's never been easier to research, plan, and book vacations. So instead of recommending specific tips or resources, here is some general advice that is no less impactful..."
My single greatest piece of advice is to stay open-minded and flexible when you travel. Having this mindset will make your travel experiences that much more enriching. Here's why: When you step foot in a foreign place, you are immersing yourself in a different culture, with its own customs and way of life. Embrace the opportunity to learn and understand these differences. Immerse yourself in local life by trying their cuisine, chatting with locals, and participating in cultural activities."
I always take 2 or 3 sarongs. They’re so thin and fold up so small, but they are useful for SO much.
They can be used as towels for the beach and as wrap-around clothes such as a skirt/dress, for getting changed under at the beach or wearing over your swimsuit when you’re heading back - they’re thin enough that they dry quickly.
They can be used as a headscarf if you want to cover up in certain places, or as a shawl/scarf/shoulder wrap if you want to protect your skin from the sun or if you feel a bit chilly after the sun goes down.
They can be folded/scrunched to use as a pillow during travel, or as a blanket if you’re resting somewhere. They can be a buffer on a cold bench or a hard seat.
They’re light and small enough to throw one in your day pack for any eventuality. I recommend it to everyone!
Be honest. you have watched "hitchhikers guide to the galaxy" and altered towel into sarongs, didn't you.
Take a trip to a local grocery store whenever you're in a foreign country. I'm always surprised to see how much I learn about the local culture just by spending 10 minutes walking around a market, browsing what's available in the different aisles, and watching locals do their grocery shopping. It's so fascinating.
I love grocery stores when I am traveling. I usually look for one straight away to get some food for the room and then while sightseeing a couple ready-to-eat items and a scenic spot is always a nice little relaxing break to take it all in.
Two things:
1) Make a color photocopy of your passport to carry with you and leave the original in your hotel safe
2) Learn a few simple words in the local language. Hello, goodbye, thank you, at a minimum. It will go a long way to making people friendly to you
"For instance, if you find yourself in Morocco, dive into the world of its souks and haggling culture. Wander through the bustling markets of Marrakech or Fes, where vibrant textiles, intricate ceramics, and aromatic spices awaken your senses. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers, learning the art of bargaining and gaining insights into their crafts. These interactions will not only enrich your understanding of Moroccan craftsmanship but also create a deeper connection with the locals, leaving you with lasting memories of Moroccan culture."
"Be open to whatever comes up. And when you see things that don't align with your preconceived ideas or expectations, or otherwise make you feel uncomfortable, take a step back and try to understand the context behind them. This will help you broaden your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity in the world. Flexibility is another key aspect of a successful travel experience. No matter how meticulously you plan, there will always be unforeseen circumstances that can alter your itinerary. Flights get delayed, transportation systems may be unreliable, or weather conditions may force you to change your plans."
"Rather than letting these obstacles dampen your spirits, view them as opportunities for unexpected adventures. Embrace the detours and explore alternative routes or activities. Sometimes, these unexpected turns lead you to hidden gems that aren't found in guidebooks or travel blogs. Serendipity often rewards the flexible traveler."
Google local scams in the area before visiting somewhere new. It's helped me not fall for a few.
If you are in a country where you don’t speak the language and might be taking taxis, have the staff at your hotel record a voice memo on your phone explaining how to get back to the hotel. Then just play it for your taxi driver. Or use this strategy for allergy messages to play in restaurants , or basically any message you can anticipate needing.
This is such a great idea, particularly in places with distinct regional accents.
I always take some sandwich bags. There's always a half eaten pastry, or leftovers etc when you're out. That way I can pop it in my bag for later
They're also good to give protection against water damage when on boats (at your own risk).
We also wanted to know if the idea of “travel tips” is overrated and if people should just learn from experience, or if is it best to go prepared. "I think that like anything else in life, balance is key. While it's helpful to have a rough guide of what the trip will look like, being overly prepared is not the answer. It's a good idea to equip yourself with some tips that will make traveling easier and more convenient, but do not go overboard with this. Ultimately, the best way to learn and grow through travel isn't by reading, but by doing. Though researching in advance will help you save money and avoid some mistakes."
Having light rain gear on a rainy day can make normally packed activities wait free.
Set your watch and phone to the timezone of arrival once you’re on the plane. Frame the flight around this timezone whether that means taking sleeping pills or drinking caffeine, you will avoid jet lag like a champ.
Lastly, we also wanted to hear if Jon had any horror stories or expectedly positive stories. "Thankfully, I don't have any horror stories from traveling, though I do have my fair share of challenging moments. When I was in Bali earlier this year, I crashed into a ditch on the side of the road while riding a moped. I ended up with some ugly scrapes and bruises, and was totally shaken up by the experience. But I was also blown away by the kindness of the locals, who pulled over to help me out of the ditch and help me look for my phone.".
Brushing your teeth is the quickest way to feel human again after long flights. Have toothpaste and brush ready so you can do this before you leave the airport.
Always schedule a quiet day after you arrive, especially if you’re coming off a long flight, jet-lag is a real thing
And always have spare days in your itinerary for either weather events, or just things you discover while you’re there
Carry more than one credit/debit card
I disagree with carrying multiple payment cards. What if they all get stolen? Take one with you, leave the rest in your hotel safe if possible.
An oldie but a goodie: you must always bring a towel
"One guy spent 15 minutes alone searching through brush and shallow water with his bare hands to help me find it. Afterward, when I was walking the bike back to my accommodation (it was unusable), two more locals pulled over and helped escort me to a nearby mechanic shop down the road. Up until this moment, I knew the Balinese locals were kind and friendly, but this experience really showed me just how warm and caring they are." You can find more information on the Global Viewpoint travel blog, Jon's Instagram, and TikTok.
Never travel with brand-new sneakers. Visiting a new place where you're walking a ton is not the right time to break in those new sneaks. Rather, pack your favorite comfy pair that is already worn in and won't give you blisters while you're out exploring.
Take blister stuff with you too even if you have comfy shoes. Just upping the amount of walking could cause blisters and you want to be prepared so it doesn't destroy the trip!
Try searching for flights in the airline’s original language. I once saved $700 when booking tickets for a trip to Peru by using Spanish rather than English.
It is not a requirement to pack your bag as full as possible
Pack your bag and then take a walk around the block with it - get a real sense of what it is going to be to lug around. Packing light is an invaluable way to save lots of hassle.
If you need to poo in the center of a city, search for a public library and enter confidently. Library toilets tend to be much cleaner than those in other public buildings and are free.
in the EU and UK, carry about a dollar's / euro's / pound's worth in change, because some public restrooms charge.
If someone smiles a lot and appears overtly friendly when talking to you, leave.
Get travel insurance… simple but seen many people forgetting and regretting
Even if you travel only a little more than 10 days a year, it's often cheaper to get an unlimited or yearly travel insurance
If I’m going to a sketchy country, I carry a fake wallet. I have expired drivers license and credit cards in it and at the beginning of the day I put the amount of cash I expect to spend that day in it and that’s it. If I get mugged they won’t be spending the time to check expiry dates and they won’t get ALL my cash. I keep the rest of the cash and my functional credit cards somewhere else on me.
Not a bad idea unless they have pickpocketing skills in which case they might get the real thing. Our practice here is to avoid cash or stuff it in underwear. SA is very digital. You can use apple pay, credit cards, qr codes, basically anywhere.
what’s available offline from google is insane. downloading an offline map on google maps for a region helps you navigate whether you have cell service or traveling on airplane mode. if in a country w a language barrier, you can download languages in google translate for offline use, and while you may not have a deep intellectual convo, you can get by with basics like food, bathroom, etc. particularly helpful in countries with different alphabets, as you can scan a photo you take or play out loud a phrase for someone helping you
Install google photos and google translate so you can scan live stuff to translate it. In Africa we mostly understand french or english (depending on who colonised our country), so you probably won't struggle linguistically. Just keep the americanisms minimal, we understand british english better, however your movies have made us aware of americanisms like "gas station" and "elevator". Also, when you land, buy a local SIM card immediately to get data. Simple.
“Do what the locals do” is awful advice and can make a lot of novice travelers feel like they are doing something wrong.
Fact is, you’re going to end up going to tourist spots because… you’re a tourist. That’s okay.
You’ll get some misses on food or you may not be able to navigate markets effectively if you have a language barrier. That’s okay.
You might not meet a bunch of people with similar interests who you party with and make lifetime friends with. That’s okay.
Go and do your best. You won’t regret it, even if it sometimes feels like you might have made the wrong choice on dinner or an attraction.
When getting local currency from an ATM, use a weird dollar amount to get smaller bills. So if I need 2000 and the machine dispenses in 20s, I will withdraw 1980 so I’ll get an assortment of smaller bills rather than big bills that no one will break for me.
Also, I will always bring an after-bite stick for anywhere that has mosquitos. You will get bit at least once even if you’re good with the repellents and it will itch like hell. The after bite stick helps it itch less.
So is 1980 not divisible by 20? Weird example to use.
When traveling off the beaten track where personal safety is less certain ( basically anywhere that you're not supposed to be out at night ) carry at least $50 to $100 in cash in a separate pocket from your money/cards/etc. That's enough to give a potential assailant that warm feeling of achievement, so they will let you go.
My travel medicine kit: the stop and go set (imodium and senna laxative), along with a blister pack sheet each of paracetemol, rennie (i.e., tums), and chlorphenamine (antihistamine for allergies). Fits in a tiny makeup bag and has saved me loads of trips to foreign pharmacies to attempt to make my way to some common medication for a minor complaint.
Be aware of local laws. Japan has very strict laws regarding medications brought to the country. Here is an extract from the US Embassy in Japan website "Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities. [...] All travelers entering Japan with a prescription medication, including medication that is not restricted in Japan, should consider bringing a copy of their doctor’s prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug." Source : https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/
For some reason it’s often difficult to find sunblock and mosquito repellent in countries with lots of sun and mosquitoes. Take them with you!
Not true, at least not in SA. Any grocery store or pharmacy will carry this.
I have one that won’t be helpful to everyone, but hopefully convenient for some.
I’m one of those people with a mild coffee addiction, where if I don’t have at least a cup by 11am my time, I develop a splitting headache or migraine. On busy travel days where I don’t have time to stop for a coffee, it can be miserable.
So, I always travel with either a box of the espresso Clif bars to stick in my bag or, if I’m really tight on space, Excedrin. One dose of Excedrin has 65mg of caffeine, almost as much as coffee. So it’s like having a bottle of 50 cups of coffee for when I’m short on time
Maybe not recommended for everyone but it’s helped me out a LOT
Edit: just not a fan of the instant coffees I’ve tried, and the Excedrin doubles as part of my medicine kit for traveling (although I prefer the espresso bars). I’ll have to try the travel french presses though!!
Also, while I’m sure people mean well… I only drink a cup a day, ever. I’m just sensitive to caffeine. Needing one cup a day isn’t really a concern for me
I'm a one coffee a day, or suffer with a skull crashing headache, feels similar to a migraine...thanks for this tip
Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
None of those mention monitoring weather conditions. This frustrates Icelandic locals so much. When the weather is going to be bad we mention it on all news and weather sites, and we close relevant roads with a fence and a sign. We still need to have search&rescue volunteers by the fences to stop tourists. Don't leave towns or cities without checking the weather forecast. Just because the weather is fine in Reykjavík doesn't mean anything.
If flying internationally, make the reservation with an agent over the phone. Often, they can extend "layovers" for days/weeks/months and those layovers can be in other countries or completely separate regions, all for the price of a single flight. My flight from Denver, Colorado to Melbourne was DEN-LAX-Auckand (for three months)-Sydney (for two months)- Melbourne. Return was Melbourne to Indonesia (2 weeks) to Los Angeles to Denver. I used airline points for the single R/T international flight, plus $25 phone call reservation fee.
None of those mention monitoring weather conditions. This frustrates Icelandic locals so much. When the weather is going to be bad we mention it on all news and weather sites, and we close relevant roads with a fence and a sign. We still need to have search&rescue volunteers by the fences to stop tourists. Don't leave towns or cities without checking the weather forecast. Just because the weather is fine in Reykjavík doesn't mean anything.
If flying internationally, make the reservation with an agent over the phone. Often, they can extend "layovers" for days/weeks/months and those layovers can be in other countries or completely separate regions, all for the price of a single flight. My flight from Denver, Colorado to Melbourne was DEN-LAX-Auckand (for three months)-Sydney (for two months)- Melbourne. Return was Melbourne to Indonesia (2 weeks) to Los Angeles to Denver. I used airline points for the single R/T international flight, plus $25 phone call reservation fee.
