Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. It gives you the chance to explore new cultures, try new foods, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It expands your perspective and helps you appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around us. But it can also mean facing uncomfortable situations, making mistakes, and taking risks. That’s why we have put together these travel tips nobody told you about to step up your travel game.

1. Stick to a color palette – this is probably the paramount travel hack nobody tells you about. The way you pack can influence your entire trip. To make things easier for you and achieve the right balance between comfort and style, choose a color palette and organize your daily outfits around it so that you can easily combine clothing pieces and pack less. 

2. Dress smart – choose clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in.

3. Be aware of cultural customs – research the destination’s culture and dress code before you leave, and pack accordingly. In some countries, it may be more appropriate to dress conservatively, while in others it’s more acceptable to dress casually.

4. Research common scams – as a traveler, you are often seen as an easy target. Travel scams are a real threat and they do happen anywhere in the world. When planning your trip, make sure you research what kind of scams are popular at the destination. Be cautious, keep your valuables safe, smile, respect other people’s culture, and travel responsibly and you will have a pleasant experience wherever you go. 

5. Keep digital copies of documents – before embarking on your trip, make sure you scan all your documents and send them to yourself and a trusted friend or family member so you can have easy access to them in case you lose your physical documents. 

6. Bring photocopies of your documents – they can play double duty. First, they can serve as a backup in case your original documents are lost or stolen. Second, they are sometimes required as part of the visa application process. You might also need two passport size photographs (2×2 inch). 

7. Download maps for online use – in case you didn’t know, you can use Google maps offline. Before you go, download the maps you need to access offline. Keep in mind that features such as turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic updates, and searching for places will not be available offline.

8. Keep valuables out of sight – don’t attract attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewelry or carrying around a lot of cash. This can make you a target for theft. Instead, keep your valuables safe in your backpack’s hidden anti-theft pocket. 

9. Learn basic phrases in the local language – it will help with communication and understanding when interacting with locals, as well as navigating basic needs such as ordering food or asking for directions.

10. Keep a travel journal – writing down your thoughts at the end of a day full of new and fascinating experiences is a great way to document your trip and discover yourself. But it is also useful if you want to make lists of things to do and places to see and keep track of expenses.

11. Pack a universal adapter – since outlets differ from country to country when traveling internationally, packing a universal travel adapter will help you keep your devices charged in any situation. 

12. Don’t be afraid to travel alone – traveling solo means getting out of your comfort zone and rediscovering yourself. Without the influence of others, you can truly be yourself and make your own decisions, which can lead to a deeper understanding of your own wants and needs.

13. Eat what locals do – local cuisine is often an important part of a culture’s history and tradition and can offer a unique insight into the local way of life. Plus, it’s more affordable and you know the food is always fresh. 

14. Wake up early if you want to avoid the crowds – popular tourist attractions may be less crowded in the early morning, offering you a more relaxed experience. More than that, starting your day early allows you to catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

15. Opt for free activities – if you’re traveling on a budget, you need to know that there are so many free things you can experience no matter the destination. Make a list of all the free things that you can do before arriving at your destination. 

16. Take time to rest – remember that traveling is tiring. Fatigue and jet lag can negatively influence your travel experience so, take some time to recharge and refresh. 

17. Book flights in advance – to get the best deals and save some money on flights, it’s always better to book your trip in advance. 

18. Be flexible – sometimes, traveling means unexpected situations that you have to adapt to when things don’t go as planned. Being flexible helps you be more open to new opportunities, face challenges easier, and make the most out of your travels. 

19. Get lost – on purpose, of course. For a moment, just go with the flow and forget about the maps. This can lead you to amazing places and experiences. However, keep your guard up and be cautious. 

20. Carry a pen – a pen can come in handy for filling out forms, such as customs declarations or hotel registration forms so, save yourself some time and carry one with you in your bag. 

21. Join local social media groups – there are many Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram local groups that will help you get an idea about your destination, plan out your trip, as well as meeting new people. 

22. Photograph everything – not only because you want to capture those moments forever, but also as a safety measure. Photos can be used as evidence in case of incidents. For example, if you have a photograph of the condition of your rental car before you take it out, it can help resolve any disputes that may come up later.

23. Use compression packing cubes  – not only do they help save space in your luggage, but they also keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free. Lightweight and portable, compression packing cubes can also be a lifesaver when trying to pack for a long trip, or when trying to fit everything into a carry-on bag.

24. Organize & protect clothes with a laundry bag – travel is fun until you have to do laundry. But here’s a secret tip – carrying a compression laundry bag will save you the trouble. They help you separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes, making it easier to do laundry when on the go.

25. Pack folding shopping bags – many cities and countries (Kenya, Thailand, Rwanda) have implemented single use plastic bags ban. Having your own reusable bags can help you avoid buying new plastic bags when shopping. They are versatile, environmentally friendly, and good to keep your stuff organized. 

Follow these tips on traveling and you will probably become a master traveler in no time. We hope they will inspire you to see more of the world. Pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure.