Traveling can be fun, but sometimes it can be stressful. Plan ahead with our travel hacks below to make your next trip your best trip!
Pre-trip Prep
Make sure your passport/visa is up to date
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to go anywhere if your passport or visa/ID is not up to date, so make sure your travel documents are all ready to go. Ensure your name matches on all documents, including your plane ticket. Check to see if the country you’re visiting requires a visa; some nations require these. Take a screenshot/photo of your passport or ID just in case you lose items during your trip. A screenshot/photo is available with and without internet access, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to view it. You never know when you might need this – better safe than sorry!
Keep important information in a safe place
Similar to keeping screenshots of your passport and visa handy, keep any pertinent travel information – such as hotel confirmation numbers, itinerary information, flight information, etc. – in the Notes section of your phone in case you’re unable to connect to Wi-Fi or email when checking in. If you have printed out confirmations, tickets or travel information, take screenshots of those as well to keep on hand.
Alert your bank/credit card company
If you’re taking your debit or credit cards, find out whether you need to give them a heads up that you will be travelling outside of the country. Otherwise, they may put a fraud alert on your account. You don’t want to be in a foreign country with no access to your funds or worse, have your card canceled due to suspicious activity. You can often notify your bank or credit card carrier online or by calling them directly. Usually, the card you purchased airline tickets and/or hotel or vacation home accommodations with should be okay to use with no worries.
Download Google Translate to help with language barriers
In an ideal world, you’d learn (or already know) the language of where you’re visiting, but even the most lingual of us will struggle sometimes to communicate. Use the Google Translate app to help when the right words just aren’t coming to you or you don’t know the language at all. There are many translation apps available now, so test Google Translate and others before you travel to see which one you like best.
Plan how to get around the cities you visit
Prior to your trip download a map of your location to keep offline from Google’s Maps app to your tablet or phone, so you can navigate without trying to connect to Wi-Fi, which is often spotty and unreliable in certain places.
Look into buying a transport pass from the cities you will visit, and use unlimited public transport to get around. A travel pass will often end up being cheaper and will allow you to skip long lines. Still, think you need a car? Garage Pointer and Turo allow you to connect with locals who own cars and are willing to rent them to you to use while visiting.
Visiting a major city? Consider purchasing a CityPass. City passes are a great way to explore cities, allowing entrances to attractions/destinations (included in your pass) and often offer discounts on meals at local restaurants and cafés.
Packing
Plan Out a Capsule Wardrobe
Choose clothing that is basic and functional enough to work double or even triple duty to cut down on bag space. “Travel capsule” wardrobes like this can ensure you only need a carry-on, thus removing the horror of lost luggage and making it easier to travel from country to country if you’ll visit a number of places while abroad. Roll your clothing to save space, use packing cubes, and even give the Marie Kondo way of folding a go. Wear your bulkiest clothing (jackets, boots, hat) on the plane, leaving more room for souvenirs in your case!
Pack your essentials in your carry-on, such as electronics, medications, a toothbrush, an extra pair of underwear, an empty water bottle, and some snacks. This way you can avoid paying higher airport prices for a bottle of water and food, when you can fill up a reusable bottle at the water fountain. Plus, you can use this water to stay hydrated during your flight.
Pack a USB Charger
Pack a power bank to make sure you’re connected while traveling. There’s nothing worse than running out of phone battery in a foreign place. Forgot your wall plug? Most TVs have USB connections so you can charge your device through the TV.
Enjoy Your Stay
Stay like a local
Use sites like AirBnb, VRBO, Booking, and others to live like a local. Ask your hosts for tips for grocery stores, eateries, things to do, etc. Many hosts are more than happy to tell you their favorite locations, giving you the insider secret to allow you to truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Shop for groceries at local supermarkets to discover new foods and products, and pick up some essentials for your stay. Try Tours By Locals or AirBnb Experiences to experience activities hosted by locals. You might even make a friend in the process.
Try to eat locally only; eating local cuisine will save you money and can help you find new favorite dishes you might want to cook for yourself when you get home. Really immerse yourself by taking a cooking class. You’ll learn the stories behind the dishes, support the local community, and most of all enjoy a delicious meal.
Send money to yourself at your destination
Don’t get stuck exchanging currency at the airport – yawn, long lines – or have to remember to exchange money prior to your trip. Western Union’s TravelWise allows you to send money to yourself at your destination while locking in your exchange rate. Pick up at any of our 500,000 agent locations and avoid the fear of carrying lots of cash while traveling.
Money transfers are easy, secure, and reliable, and you can do it all from your phone using our Western Union mobile app. You can also use one of our retail locations or our website.
Give away your change
On your last day, spread some karmic good by giving away your leftover currency to people in need, from local musicians, tipping your server extra for your last meal, or to those less fortunate. Leaving is always hard, but this may just make you smile all the way home.
