TRAVELING TIPS
Trending destinations, what to pack, gift guides, and more! I've fallen in love with travel, but I've had my fair share of mistakes. From getting attacked by arctic turns in Iceland to needing to ride in a bulletproof car in Mexico City, I have had some mishaps. So, I've compiled an extensive list of my best travel tips from the things I learned from my past experiences.
Traveling Tips for 2025
1. Compromise
When traveling with friends, or on a budget, this is essential. Travel will not be easy or fun if one person is dictating everything about the trip, nor can it be enjoyable when spending money is allocated unevenly. Therefore, you must compromise. Keeping an open mind to what other people like and being able to settle for lower quality aspects of travel is not only worth it in the long run but it is relaxing and less stressful. More often than not, you'll find out that you like it! I am absolutely not disputing your personal boundaries, but I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.
2. Apply for a travel rewards credit card
No one wants to go into debt. However credit cards can be the key to not only traveling in style but also raising your travel budget. Using rewards from certain companies will allow you to travel comfortably. Rewards add up quicker than you might think, and can give you some really cool perks like free upgrades and late checkout. Also, a lot of credits will help you obtain huge signing bonuses that you can put towards your plans to travel the world. So when you spend money on day-to-day tasks, you can have peace of mind that your spending money is also going towards your passion for travel too.
3. Wear sunscreen
Now, you don't have to go out looking like a ghost, but a little but of sun exposure goes a long way. Sun burns are a real thing. Although, even just wearing a hat has helped me keep the skin around my face, neck, and shoulders healthy, while I still make time to lie out in the sun and get a lovely tan.
4. Be flexible
Be open to changing plans. It's good to plan your itinerary around the world but it's also important to stay open to new possibilities. I've met people from all over the world and heard all kinds of good travel advice and learned many new and cool ideas. I'm anxious to follow through on some of them - like seeing Petra on the back of a camel and island hopping in Greece. At Oktoberfest I met a ton of new people from the U.S., U.K., Ireland, China, and many other places that have shared their agenda and therefore inspired me. More often than not I have gone on travels without having any clue what I was getting into, but I have never walked away with regrets.
5. Cash in small bills
In the U.S. and most places around the world, most businesses have shifted to contactless payment, but it is always good to keep small bills on hand for things like tipping. Whether you are traveling in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, or Latin America - U.S. dollars work everywhere. It is also good to have local cash on hand just in case of emergencies or if a business only accepts cash.
6. Give back
Via volunteering, raising money, or contributing to an existing project, you can make a difference while traveling. It can be as simple as staying at family-run guesthouses, hiring a private guide, or shopping locally. Getting involved in the community takes a true traveler to commit to. It is not for the average tourist that can sometimes see the community as an animal in a zoo. Giving back truly does benefit you in all aspects of your life. I once helped rebuild a Nepali school after the 2015 earthquakes and I'll never forget what an uplifting experience it was.
7. Always pack a sarong
Make sure to always bring a sarong, now I never pack a bag without one. A sarong can be used as a skirt, a headscarf, a beach blanket, a towel, a sunshade, and much more. It can be used to cover up when entering temples and other religious places. It can also be dressed up or dressed down, and overall just a really fun accessory!
8. Buy souvenirs and use the post office
I know that not having space in luggage stops people from buying souvenirs, but I love buying little trinkets and I feel bummed when I don't. You can always send it home! You can still pack light and buy a lot this way. Also, seeing other post offices around the world can be an eye-opening experience. I will never forget needing to use red ribbon when sending a package home from China. Every time I look at my vase from México or my sari from Cambodia I am reminded of my travels.
9. Don't compete with other travelers
You know who they are, the kind of people that travel just for the sake of saying that they've there. Travel is for you! It's an experience that you need to make your own and learn how to become a better person while doing it. It's easier said than done, but don't let anyone or the media pressure you into doing things that you don't really care to do.
10. Don't be afraid of street food
Street food is often the most fresh and authentic, because if food is cooked over a flame, deep-fried, or boiled, it is safe to eat as long as the person cooking it does not touch it with their bare hands after cooking it. Avoid the high-priced tourist traps and chances are, the best food doesn't attract a big crowd.