17 Travel Tips to Follow once You're in a Foreign Country

I really understand how much we get excited to travel and how anxious we feel once there! To make it easier, follow these tips to enjoy your trip with less worry.

1. Shop for groceries when you arrive. You don’t have to shop for a feast, but getting basics like water and a few snacks in local stores instead of at the hotel can save you a ton.

2. Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals.

3. Eat locally only! Trying the local cuisine will save you more money and allow you to experience new and flavorful meals.

4. If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work, you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot without knowing exactly where you’re going.

5. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking.

6. Our advice is to pick a starting point, 1 or 2 must-do activities, and an ending point - then just let the universe determine the rest!

7. Once in a country, try to search for tourist cards. These cards are useful for sightseeing passes which gives you an outstanding way to explore everything the city has to offer. You can benefit from free entries, bus tours, and discounts…

8. If you’re in a sunny place. Get outside and get moving. Check out sights in the area you are in for a nice hike, bike ride or outdoor exercise.

9. To use Google Maps offline, type “ok maps” and the current area on your phone will save for later.

10. It might be tempting to have every step of your trip planned to the nth degree, but unplanned days are often those that leave the most lasting, and fondest memories.

11. Hide your guidebook; If you’re abroad and need to ask for directions, hide your guide book and map. People will avoid you the minute they see your guidance book.

12. Never exchange money in your hotel; Instead, shop around for best rate. Find a credit/debit card that doesn’t charge for purchases abroad.

13. Memories bring back to mind those strange and distant places we have visited, the people we have met and the experiences we have had. Without memories travelling would be pointless. Take lots of notes while traveling.

14. It’s also possible to buy most things at your destination country if you discover you need them.

15. When visiting cultural monuments, always take the offer of a local guide. It will open your eyes to so much more than if you try and go it alone or just use a guide book.

16. Learn common phrases of the local language.

17. A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way.