Hello, my dear readers!
If you’ve been a reader for a while, you know I’m Shelby — and I’ve traveled quite a bit in my short 24 years of life. I have learned a lot on my journeys across the globe, and I wanted to share some wisdom as we approach the middle of peak tourist season!
I’ve put together a list of my top 5 travel tricks (and a few additional pro tips) so you can learn from my mistakes and make the most out of every journey!
ALWAYS compare prices
This one may seem obvious, but trust me — when it comes to booking anything you always want to look on multiple sites and platforms before you book. This goes for hotels, transportation, tours, activities, or anything else you’re looking to do.
When my boyfriend and I were planning a weekend getaway in Boston last Valentine’s Day, we were scouring all the sites to try to find the best deals. We almost settled on an Airbnb that was *ridiculously* overpriced, but we decided that, for what we would be paying, we’d be way better off getting a hotel.
So, after some more digging around, we used Priceline and ended up getting a fantastic room in a 4-star hotel right in the heart of downtown Boston. We didn’t have to spend a dimeon transportation, because everything was within walking distance of the hotel! And the best part? We paid less than $100 a night for it — IN TOTAL! Our entire trip cost us less than $200 each (excluding food and drinks, of course). I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent more on a single airplane ticket than I spent that entire weekend!
I know it can be much easier to use your go-to site or airline when planning your trip, but I highly encourage you to shop around and see what kind of deals you can find. It may require a little more effort on your part, but your savings can be huge!
Pro tip: When it comes to booking activities like shows or concerts, always try to book at the box office in-person. I know this isn’t always possible, but it’s the best way to get around those pesky service and convenience fees. Also, if not in person, always try to book from the official site! Second-hand sellers always upcharge and tack on additional fees.
You’d be surprised what you can fit in a backpack
I brought two suitcases when I studied in London but only used them on my flight there and my flight home. Otherwise, whenever I traveled, I just shoved everything in my backpack and was on my way!
Without a suitcase holding you back, your trip can start as soon as you embark! It may not be the most convenient to carry your backpack around for the afternoon, but it’s one less trip you have to make to the hotel. You can start exploring right away!
Now, I know this may sound impossible for most, but I’m the kind of person who needs options when I travel. I usually bring way more outfits than I’ll ever use, because I don’t know what I’m going to feel like wearing each day. You can still do this with a backpack — trust me, it can fit a lot more than you think it can. You just have to pack smart! Don’t worry — I’ll help.
First of all, try to wear your heavier or bulkier items the day you’re traveling — that way you won’t have to pack them. Layers are essential! Also, try to bring clothes that are more versatile and can be styled different ways. I aim for at least one basic top and bottom, and then a couple other flashier pieces so I can mix and match.
Second, accessories are key here! They’re smaller, easier to pack, and one of the best ways to give your outfits extra variation and flair.
I know living out of a backpack isn’t always feasible for week-long trips, but a weekend getaway? There’s no reason to bring a suitcase.
Pro tip: To maximize your space, ROLL — don’t fold — your clothes. Also, always pack your extra shoes (if you even need to bring them) at the bottom of your bag, in a side pocket, or tie the laces around your backpack’s straps! Finally, make sure to invest in a big backpack with lots of pockets! Those mini packs are stylish for a day out with your girls, but they aren’t what we’re looking for here.
Public transit is your FRIEND
I know Ubers and Lyfts can be super convenient, but their costs can add up astronomically!
Whenever I travel, I always opt for public transportation when possible. I know it can be intimidating, especially if you’re in a city you’ve never been to before or in a foreign country. Believe me, trying to navigate the Paris train system when the only French I knew was from the three years I took in high school? Not the easiest! But it was the difference between $3 and $50 each trip, so I learned pretty quickly.
Subways or buses may not be the most ideal form of transportation, but it’s how the locals travel! Once you get a grasp on how each city runs, you’ll have an even greater sense of connection to it. And, you may end up exploring places you never thought to include in your itinerary!
Plus, when in doubt, you can always just try walking it! Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy your surroundings. You are in a new city, after all! Just remember to stay safe by walking in the daytime, paying attention to your surroundings, and going with friends, if able!
Pro tip: Citymapper is the greatest must-have app whenever you travel. All you have to do is enter your destination, and the app gives you all your transit options to compare (train, bus, bike, ferry, even walking), how long each will take, and its cost — all with detailed, easy-to-follow directions. Even if you decide to take that pricey Uber, Citymapper will estimate the cost and transfer you to the app, so you can book it straight from there! They cover all major cities throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, and are currently expanding throughout Asia, Australia, and the rest of the world. It is a game changer!
Allow yourself to wander
While looking up travel guides or blogs before visiting a destination has led me to some really interesting places, some of the best finds I’ve ever discovered were the ones I just stumbled into.
For example, when I was in Edinburgh, my friend and I were starving after climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat. Right across from our hostel, there was an adorable little shop called, “The Baked Potato Shop.” Seriously, with a name like that, how could we not pop in? As promised, the shop featured an array of baked potato specialties dripping with hot melted butter, rich sour cream, and gooey cheese. But what we didn’t count on was the shop being entirely vegetarian and having its own specialty vegan haggis — something my friend and I had both been dying to try! It was the best baked potato I’ve ever had, and I still dream about it.
Everyone I know has stories similar to this one. Trust yourself and follow your instincts. If something is calling out to you, indulge those feelings and check it out!
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it! If you aren’t sure where to start, you can always talk to someone who works at your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb for recommendations, or look up some trendy neighborhoods where you’re visiting and explore them on your own. For hikes, I highly recommend the AllTrails app for discovering some great places!
Breathe, laugh, and have fun!
This tip is without a doubt the most important!
As much as I love traveling, I have unfortunately been touched by the “Travel Curse.” It’s a running joke amongst my friends that traveling with me will always lead to some sort of fiasco, especially when it comes to transportation. Whether it’s a plane breaking, delayed trains, or random cancellations — I’ve pretty much seen everything.
I’ve come to accept the fact that no matter where I’m going, something will go wrong, and all I can do is roll with the punches.
Remember to breathe, learn to laugh when things don’t go your way, and have fun wherever you are! Life is all about the journey, the experience, and the adventure! This is why you always travel with people you trust, so you can make the most out of every situation. If you’re alone, make sure to always have a book or something to do while you wait, and be prepared to have to improvise on occasion.
Remember, as much as we want to, we can’t control everything. Be flexible with your trips and be ready to make changes at the last minute. Who knows? Maybe the last-minute change will lead to you discovering something new and fantastic that you never would’ve found otherwise!
Pro tip: Always give yourself buffer time whenever you’re planning a trip. I’m the worst at this, because I like to maximize my time when I’m exploring a new city and have a tendency to overbook myself. But if you’re constantly rushing off to the next thing, not only will you be incredibly stressed out the whole time, but you’ll miss out on experiencing the destination itself. And that’s really what traveling is all about!
