Travel efficiently !
Before traveling
It's decided! We are leaving for some goooood holidays! So, what do we do?
First, WE PLAN!! This related article tells you all you need to know.
Additionally, you should:
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Make a copy of your passport in case you lose it or want to use it as an ID when going out. Some/most places accept it so don’t worry
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Print everything so that you have a backup in case technology fails you \_(ツ)_/¯
For the extra cautious, always have a flash drive on which you have all important documents (passport scan, passport photo size scan, bookings, flight tickets etc.) This saved me more than once, but I learned the hard way!
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If traveling for a long time, call your phone company and ask for a service suspension. You will be paying less than usual (e.g.I paid 7$/month instead of 50$) and you can reestablish your line once you get back.
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Get a travel insurance if you feel like you need to. Getting one from your bank could be expensive, so you might want to shop around online. #Honestly, never felt the need...
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Pack your luggage ahead so that you don’t forget something. If you tend to forget things, make a checklist of things you need such as documents, clothes, drugs, etc
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If you have a layover of more than 8 hours, check with your airline if you are eligible for hotel stay. Some companies offer it for free and take care of your transit visa while others make you pay.. ask you never know
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Choose your seat beforehand. If you can check-in online, do it! It can be done on your phone or on a computer, it takes a few minutes and saves a lot of time especially if you happen to be late
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Bring your own medication, the drugs you are used to. I always have a small bag in my carry on just in case (for headaches, diarrhea, diet change, flu/cold etc.) Better be safe than sorry
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In your carry-on, ALWAYS keep a toiletry bag with mini-regulation size containers AND spare clothes in case there is a delay, an unplanned overnight stay or the airline is unable to retrieve your luggage. Though be mindful of the liquid limit allowed, I tend to forget and lost my most precious perfumes to this …
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Plan for sleeping at the airport, we never know! Have something that will keep you warm and comfortable in case the airport doesn’t have a relaxation room
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Change money at a bureau de change where you live; in town and not at the airport. Depending on where you live, you are more likely to lose on the exchange rate at the airport than anywhere else. You don’t need to change all the money you have, but it is always good to have some of the foreign currency before getting there. However, some currencies are almost impossible to find outside of the country (e.g MZN, MUR) so you don't have much options but cross the airport for exchanging money
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Also look up bureaux de change in the country you will be in before getting there. This gives you time to read reviews and choose the best one.
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Learn the language basics to get around or have a basic conversation. Don’t expect everyone to speak French or English deemed to be “universal languages”
After traveling
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Call your phone company to re-establish your line, if you did ask for a service suspension
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Take some time to rest, and reflect on your trip and experiences. Returning to reality can be a slap in the face
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If you have some leftover money, well smile and congratulate yourself! You did a good job
On the day you travel
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Arrive early at the airport. Come 2 hours before for international flights
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Wear comfortable clothes that are quickly removable but cover enough. With the thousands of security check we have nowadays, I always travel with flipflops and winter socks in my bag in case I’m cold ! No belts, no watch or anything that will take me more than 2 mins to remove.
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Keep important documents at sight, not too far, not deep in the bag. Put them in a place where you can quickly grab them.
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Avoid eating at the airport unless you have to. Food there is very expensive and on your way to your dream vacation you are better off saving money. Pack food, snacks before and you will be good.
During the trip
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Get a simcard, especially if you will be out there driving around. Touristic countries generally have affordable phone plans for one week and more.
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Do budget check every now and then to make sure you still on track with planned expenses and see if you could allow yourself to withdraw more or spend more
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Use cash instead of cards
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Don’t rent cars from big international companies or from the airport. It can be okay but they tend to be expensive and troublesome. Local companies are the best bet! You can find them either online or just by walking around your neighborhood
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Frequently transfer your pictures from your phone to your computer or your google drive
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Make sure you shop considering your luggage limits except if you are willing to pay extra fees.
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Getting lost is fun but you can avoid it. Look up the place you are going to on Google maps. If you don’t have data or wifi outside, take a screenshot of both directions and the map to be able to find your way. Another way is to ask around
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Make sure you have a fully charged power bank
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Be kind but have boundaries. People are generally friendly and interested in getting to know you. Yet, be aware that some only want to take advantage of you. So, learn when to say no and walk away.
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LEAVE SOME DAYS FOR PHOTOS !! If you are traveling alone, it’s pretty hard to have great pictures (except your photography skills are 10/10 or you hire a local photographer). If you are traveling with friends, choose a day where you all look at your best and POSE! Traveling is acquiring rich cultural experiences but having pictures is also a great memory (You are a photographer and want to collaborate? HMUUUU)
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If traveling from a country to another, change the leftover currency you have while still in the country. Indeed, it's not easy to change it outside the country especially if it’s not an international currency.