Useful Travel Tips - TIWIK #10

1. Budget your trip. Be aware that you’ll spend more than what you planned.

2. Learn to know which friends you like traveling with: the person you love hanging out with on Saturdays might be a nightmare on the road. If you’re planning some long-term travel with someone (i.e. several weeks), go away on a weekend together first as a test!

3. Don’t drink coffee or beer before a several-hour-long bus ride.

4. Print your best photos and stick them into photo albums. Or print photo books. Just don’t leave them lingering in your computer!

5. If you need to purchase extra weight for your luggage, do it online: it’s usually way cheaper.

6. Only take your laptop if you need it for work. It’s heavy and you’ll be scared to have it stolen.

7. Don’t pick the hostel that is also a busy bar and has only one bathroom for both. Or you will end up brushing your teeth in your pyjamas in the middle of a compact crowd of very drunk people wearing costumes and sinking beer bongs.

8. Be careful about trying new foods. Don’t ruin your trip with a stomach upset.

9. Incorporate transport time (and waiting-for-transport time) in your travel plan. Don’t try to fit too much in: taking time to enjoy will leave you way better memories than rushing and stressing out about not being on schedule.

10. Belief systems and cultural values are usually different. Be sensitive not to offend others with yours.