Top 5 Travel Tips I Live By

If you know me, you know I’m OBSESSED with traveling! I’ve been to 5 countries in 3 years and I have no plans on stopping anytime soon. I’m in love with totally disconnecting myself and diving into a new culture and country. Thus far, I’ve been to Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Germany and just recently, London. I’ve had a blast in all of them! So I thought I’d share a few of my personal travel tips with you all in hopes to inspire and get your wheels turning in the direction of international traveling. 💋

TIP #1: PACKING

• Always pack valuables in your carry-on luggage or handbag. This includes electronics, cameras, jewelry, expensive bags or shoes. Valuables should never be stowed away under the plane, as there is an increased risk for such items to be stolen in the event of lost luggage while in transit between destinations. If this does happen, TSA will have to check the bag AGAIN before sending it through customs -this extensive prior to your bag being shipped to you. So you can imagine the amount of strangers examining your belongings. During this process, your valuables could come up “missing”. So never take that chance! Keep what’s near and dear on your person.

TIP #2: PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

• Research the weather before hand. This is so important!! I couldn’t stress this point enough. Organize your outfit choices according to the forecast. It will make packing 10 times considerably easier knowing what to expect. Then dress accordingly to that.  I usually start stalking the weather a month in advance. (I’ll be doing a separate post entirely on this one topic.) 

TIP #3: FUNDS

• When traveling overseas, make sure you change your currency prior to your trip OR once you land at the destination airport. (Although I failed to do this when I first arrived in London *GUILTY*, I did do this while in countries that operate from the Euro. So when I was in Paris, Amsterdam, Belgium & Germany this method worked. I just withdrew money while in Phila prior to departure. However, if you can not,  there are usually service clerks who will do this for you once you land in the arrivals section of the airport. I just suggest going to the ATM first before departure and that’ll ensure you less anxiety. I personally don’t withdraw more than $200 if I’m doing this last minute. Nevertheless, If you’re planning to exchange funds at your bank, exchange rates are cheaper than on site at an airport terminal. But if you’re wondering, Yes most places take credit card, but surprisingly, some still don’t i.e. Gift shops or small side stores- I had to learn that the hard way. Lol! 

TIP #4: ROOMING

• When choosing lodging, choose a hotel close to public transport. Although we live in an UBER-made society, many remote places may not have that service as yet (I doubt it though) so it’s a good idea to choose wisely. Being close to public transportation will encourage & give the option to explore your surroundings and help embrace the current culture of the place you’re visiting. 

TIP #5: AREA & SAFETY

• Each time travel I give all details to a family member. That includes even without traveling with my hubby. I give all flight, lodging, and contact information to my mom & dad in addition to my hubby. This not only puts my mind at ease, it’ll show that you’re entrusting others to be aware of where you’re going and where to find you in case of the worse. It’s habit ever since I was a teenager. I Also encourage you to research the area of where you’re staying. Google Maps is my friend as well as YouTube and Instagram. Instagram is awesome because most people GeoTag their location. But searching that geotag you’ll be able to see where things are much better. 
• If there’s a language barrier, stay at a hotel instead of an AirBNB. More than likely, there are folks that speak English at an international brand hotel and could advise you of where to and not to go. Always be cognizant of your surroundings. 

Again, these are just some of my tips I’ve jotted down during my travels. I’m sure there’s more, but these are my most important and have helped me. I hope you found a few helpful. 

Any questions?  Leave a comment and I’ll gladly respond. 💋

Thanks for reading!