I’ve been traveling almost every month since 2013 and I’ve learned a lot for the past 7 years. In our time today, travel is no longer a luxury. Everyone can travel. But, we have to be smart and make sure we are well prepared. Here are my personal travel tips based on my experience:
1. Research/Read reviews – Google is your best friend!
- Culture
- Best places to eat – ask the locals, they usually know better
- Tourist spots
- Transportation
- Scams – there are countries that scam tourists, believe me, I’ve experienced it in Bangkok. You can read my experience here Bangkok Birthday Trip
2. Promo Fares – Oh yes! I followed the Facebook page and subscribed to all local airlines to save up since airfare tickets are expensive in some places. You usually get cheaper rates if you book at least 2 months in advance. Follow these pages on Facebook to get notified of the seat sales (links below will direct you to their Facebook page)
For detailed tips to score a seat sale, check this blog Airfare Seat Sale tips
3. Accommodation – I usually book my accommodation through travel apps, it’s 30-70% cheaper! Here are some of the websites:
- agoda
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
- Traveloka
- Trivago
- For beach trips – instead of reserving a room, why not bring a tent? You can buy a tent for Php 1,000 and bring it everywhere! Of course, you have to make sure that the beach you’re going to allow you to pitch tent. And also, it depends if you’re comfortable sleeping on it! As for me, camping once in a while is a good idea!
4. Transportation
- Better use public transportation like bus, train (it’s always cheaper)
- Taxi or cab is usually more expensive
- There are airport services that you can book via Klook
- Read about airport scam as well
- Explore on foot – The wonders of walking! You save travel money plus it’s a workout! How can you say no to that? Just make sure to download Google Maps app on your phone for directions
5. Take a photo of your passport and travel documents – in case of emergency, you need to have your backup documents, especially if you’re traveling abroad. You can also send to your email (in case you lost your phone)
6. Don’t put all your money in one place – in case you lost your wallet or bag, it’s better to have money in other places like another bag, your luggage, makeup kit, pocket of your clothes, or even on shoes. Better be safe than sorry
7. Emergency fund – you’ll never know if there will be an accident, cancelled flights, or something might just come up while traveling. Make sure to secure some extra cash in case of emergency. If you have credit card, good for you!
8. Don’t exchange your money at the airport – change before you fly out because airport foreign exchange is always way higher that it would be in the city
9. Buy a local SIM or a tourist SIM (Klook or airport) – it’s cheaper and more reliable. And usually has a better signal than hotel WiFi.
10. Wear comfortable clothes in the plane, especially for long hauls
- Jacket
- Joggers or leggings
- Slippers
11. Bring medicine kit
- If you’re in a place where there are no pharmacy like in a beach or mountain, this is very handy
- Sometimes the language in other countries are unreadable
- Always on my medicine kit are Biogesic, Advil, Mefenamic, Imodium, Neozep, Lola Remedios and band aid.
12. Toiletries in one bag – buy smaller bottles of shampoo, body wash, lotion or buy those in a sachet. Saves space in your bag!
13. Bring an extra foldable bag – for shopping or pasalubong, so you don’t have to buy another bag. And sometimes, it’s more expensive, especially if you’re out of country
14. Bring your own Eco bag – some stores abroad charge for plastic or paper bag so might as well bring your own Eco bag for sustainability as well!
15. Bring extra clothes in your hand carry – in case you’ll be checking in a luggage and it gets lost. I’ve heard of stories from my friends, they had to wait for days for their luggage to be found and bring to their hotel.
Here’s the vlog for a more detailed explaination:
Overall, you really have to learn how to be strategic when traveling. Be a smart traveler! I hope you learn a thing or two from this blog. For more of my budget travels and adventures, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Happy travels! 🙂
Althea's Adventures 