Do's and Don'ts: Travel Advice
The Do's and Don'ts of Traveling
This year I gave out a lot of advice that I learned along the way. And I'm still learning. And as this year is coming to a close, I am reflecting on the best advice I've received or learned along the way. And while the best advice is to have an open mind, here is some of the best advice that I've come across.Don't
Don't over pack. Packing too much is awful because it means you have to lug stuff around for an entire trip and never use it. It's a hassle. Instead just pack what you need. My general rule is three pairs of tops per bottom and a maximum of three pairs of shoes total. I always pack enough underwear for the entire trip but decide how many tops to bring depending on the weather. And remember you can always buy something if you forgot it. So pack light!Do
Have the right luggage. Rolling suitcases are great because all you have to do is drag them. But when you have cobble stones, buses and metros, you're constantly lifting and hauling the suitcase, and it gets exhausting. Backpacks are great because it limits how much you can take and also allows you to skip the awkwardness of rolling a suitcase over cobble stones. But it's important to have a backpack that fits right, or else the weight will quickly ruin your day. |
| Stay in an inn like this one Krakow, Poland |
Don't
Don't worry about getting lost. Sometimes part of the charm of traveling is losing yourself in small streets and discovering places even the guidebooks didn't know about. Of course there are times where getting lost lands you in some not so great areas, but you can easily just turn around and find a new road and call your experience an adventure.Do
Learn how to use a map. While getting lost isn't always bad, it still comes in handy to learn how to use a map. It saves you a lot of time when there are some things that you really do want to see and it helps you get out of those not so great places that you accidentally wandered into. Being able to use a map is one of the best skills you can have while traveling. |
| Travel light |
Don't
Don't be scared of public transportation. This should be your friend if you want to save money and your feet while traveling. I know many of us Americans never took public transportation before, but it's not as hard as you think. Sure during rush hour you're crammed in there like sardines, but personal space isn't always that important in Europe anyway. And most of the time using the public transportation will help you not get lost because the stops are always around all the main points of the city.Do
Learn how to use public transportation. Know that almost all major cities have at least a metro or tram system along with a bus system. Every city is set up differently, but generally look at a map and head in the direction of the end destination that your stop is in. Know that you always have to have a validated ticket with you.Don't
Don't worry about language barriers. It's easier to communicate than you think. And since all major tourist destinations have English speakers somewhere, us Americans have it really good. Not much effort is needed. Sure there are going to be signs that you don't understand or announcements, but in hot spots there is always something in English too. So don't let a language barrier hold you back.Do
Learn how to say a few key phrases. While everyone speaks English in some shape or form, it's much more polite to say a few words in their native language. Hello, please and thank you are the most important, though yes and no are also useful. You get much better help and service when you try and it also helps break the lazy/entitled American stereotype by showing that we actually do make an effort when we travel. |
| Eat the local specialties Warsaw Poland |
Don't
Don't book flights or trains too early. Know when your body wakes up and don't push it. The last thing you want to do is miss your train or flight because you slept in. Instead stick with the morning theme but don't choose the first departures. Estimate how much time it would take to arrive in advance and how much time it takes to check in. Of course early morning flights are least likely to be delayed, but it's not always worth the risk if you're worried about sleeping through your alarm.Do
Take advantage of your age when booking flights or trains. If you're under 26 in Europe, many airlines and train companies will give you a discount. Whiles there's budget airlines out there, I fly with Air France because my age allows it to be cheaper for me in many cases. The same goes for those who are retired. So make sure that you go to the company's website rather than a third party to see what you're entitled to.Don't
Don't stay in large chain hotels. Those are usually the most expensive and you are detached from the culture when you stay at a hotel. Instead opt for inns or smaller hotels. Most of the time they're cheaper and you'll get a more authentic experience. Unless you have hotel points that give you a discount or a free night, try local.Do
Try the local foods. Not only are they usually really good, but it helps you get a taste of the culture while saving money on food. Yes the local specialty is always the cheapest. So take advantage of what's available and be adventurous. Go to the market, try the food stands, or ask a waiter what the local specialty is and save money while giving your taste buds an adventure. |
| Try the Christmas Markets Paris, France |
Don't
Don't worry about getting homesick or culture shock. It's going to happen, so why worry that it's going to. Instead remember that it's a journey that has an expiration date. Know that you can FaceTime, Facebook, or email friends and family back home. And know the thing that is most likely making you miss home is culture shock. Things are different in Europe, but if you keep an open mind and embrace the differences, then the culture shock will be not as strong.Do
Go with the flow. Having too detailed of an itinerary causes too much stress and is hard to follow through with sometimes. Also know that not everything goes as planned. So know that you're going to be ok and take everything one step at a time from there. Go with the flow to get a taste of the culture. Go with the flow to appreciate the moment. Go with the flow to have fun. Go with the flow so that life doesn't escape you.
