Smart Travel: 11 Not-So-Obvious Tips for Your Next Adventure

Cheerful woman wanderer with trendy look searching direction on location map while traveling abroad in summer, happy female tourist searching road to hotel on atlas in a foreign city during vacation

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in packing the essentials and booking the right flights, but some of the most valuable travel tips often fly under the radar. These lesser-known hacks can make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable, helping you navigate unfamiliar places like a seasoned traveler. Travelers recently shared some of these helpful tips on an online platform. Let’s see what they had to say!

1. Use Google Maps Offline

HONG KONG, CHINA - 15 MAY 2016: A man hand holding screen shot of google maps app showing on LG G4. Google Maps is most popular mapping service for mobile provided by Google.
Photo credit: Worawee Meepian // Shutterstock.com

Using Google Maps offline is a great way to navigate when you don’t have internet access. Before your trip, you can download maps of your destination by searching for the city or area in the Google Maps app and selecting the “Download” option. This allows you to access the map and get walking or driving directions even when you’re offline, which is especially useful in remote areas or places with expensive roaming charges.

Although you won’t get real-time traffic updates, you can still find routes, explore landmarks, and look up places like restaurants or stores. It’s an easy way to save on data costs while ensuring you always have reliable navigation at your fingertips.

2. A Statistical Approach to Selecting a Seat

In the airplane
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Stats reveal that most plane crash survivors are seated in the middle rear seats of an aircraft, which many people are unaware of. This material may be useful for persons with flight anxiety, even if turbulence is more noticeable in this region of the plane.

3. Stay Smart Outside

low angle and full length asian girl backpacker is gazing into the distance while wandering around at Yasaka dori near Hokanji Temple in Kyoto, japan at dusk.
Photo credit: PR Image Factory / Shutterstock.com

Staying smart outside in other countries is the main key to exploring the world. It is important to avoid showing off expensive possessions, large sums of money, or expensive gadgets, consult reliable travel discussion boards, examine market costs before making purchases in local markets, dodge rigid schedules, and be polite and impartial when bargaining.

4. Strategies to Carry a Passport

Holding a blue American passport
Editorial credit: Jeff McCollough / Shutterstock.com

Keeping a passport hidden is the main key in other countries. Do not carry your passport outside without any need except in case of crossing the border or checking in a hotel etc. Make a plastic-coated copy of the visa and picture page, shrink it to the size of the ID card, and keep it in the wallet to keep it safe. Reduce the chances of losing a legitimate passport by keeping it carefully within a safe, baggage, or closet.

5. Learn Important Phrases

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 06,04,2012: Asian woman tourist asking local people for directions on street
Editorial credit: Scott Berlin Photo / Shutterstock.com

Some phrases are important to learn when staying in another country, i.e., “this one, don’t, don’t want, left, right, straight, and thank you.” These straightforward phrases will come in handy in conversation and make the trip cherished and wonderful.

6. ATM Cards and Withdrawal Strategies

Credit cards in leather wallet on wooden background
Photo credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

In dangerous areas, consider two bank accounts. An ATM card connected to the first account has fewer sums while keeping your major sums in the second account without a card. This proactive approach protects an Express, a kidnapping method involving ATM withdrawals until sums deplete, i.e., Secuestro Express. This practice is very important in South American countries because it protects against ATM slashing.

7. Looking for Bedbugs

Bed Bug Extreme Up Close
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Taking preventive measures is a priority for comfortable and insect-free lodgings. Observe baseboards, headboards, mattresses, photo frames, and linens for bedbugs if they originate, instantly dry clothing and fabric goods, and demand a refund. 

8. Travel Items for the Journey

Melbourne, Australia - Oct 17, 2022: Close-up view of using the built-in Android VPN on Google Pixel 7 Pro, shot with macro probe lens
Editorial credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock.com

A power brick and an outlet splitter are essential for a journey. A VPN is recommended to encrypt data when connecting to public Wi-Fi or another person’s internet connection since your data may be intercepted. Approach these connections with the knowledge that the security of any transferred information may be in question.

9. Cost-Effective Tour Strategies

Rear view of silhouette of a father backpacker hugging two children. Tourists guys and dog stands beside camping on the top of mountain near tent at sunset under evening sky with clouds.
Editorial credit: anatoliy_gleb / Shutterstock.com

You can make the trip more economical by camping rather than staying in expensive hotels. Consider self-appliances, self-residence, self-powered locomotion, and long-distance, local transport. A well-planned tour is far better than an expensive tour.

10. Secure Travel Strategies

Attractive afro american lady pointing at something interesting while her friend holding city map and smiling
Editorial credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock.com

Thief-proof purses and table purse hooks should be used, and males should keep their wallets in their front pocket or fasten it to a chain to protect valuable items. Another option is to keep your valuables in concealed pockets within your clothing or use a money belt. 

11. Make Sure You Have Enough Time for a Connecting Flight

Portrait of a businessman running at an airport carrying a travel suitcase and a briefcase
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When booking your flights, make sure you have at least an hour between connecting flights. More if it’s an out-of-the-way airport or a developing country. 

Source: Reddit

Why I Use a VPN When Traveling and at Home (and You Should Too!)

Melbourne, Australia - Oct 17, 2022: Close-up view of using the built-in Android VPN on Google Pixel 7 Pro, shot with macro probe lens
Editorial credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock.com

If you’re wondering what in the world a VPN is, why you should use one when traveling (or at your local cafe, or even at home), or how a VPN can help you get cheaper flights and access to more Netflix shows – you’ll want to give this post a read!

Read more: Why I Use a VPN When Traveling and at Home (and You Should Too!)

Packing Oops! 12 Items Travelers Often Leave Behind but Really Shouldn’t

Pretty dark haired female with Asian appearance, holds cotton tampon, cares about hygiene during menstruation, has happy look, dressed in casual outfit. Women, health care, wellbeing concept
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Traveling can be both exhilarating and rewarding. However, it’s common for travelers to forget a few essential items to bring that they regret later on. Recently on an online platform, people shared items they wish they hadn’t left behind. Let’s explore those must-have items that can enhance your travel experience.

Read more: Packing Oops! 12 Items Travelers Often Leave Behind but Really Shouldn’t

Best Travel Dresses for Every Season by a Frequent Traveler

Anatomie - Travel Marine Winkle-Free Wrap Dress

If you’re searching for the best travel dresses that are wrinkle-resistant, versatile, comfortable, stylish, have pockets, and are great quality – this is the post for you!

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11 Places Women Say They Feel the Safest Traveling Solo

Happy woman backpacker traveler take a selfie photo on amazing ocean coast
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Uncovering the top picks, recently, on a platform, women shared their favorite places that they visited, where they felt safe and secure. These suggestions make it easier for women to plan their next solo adventure without worrying about safety.

Read more: 11 Places Women Say They Feel the Safest Traveling Solo

Behind the Scenes of a Flying Dress Photoshoot: My Honest Experience with Exclusive Photos & Videos

Behind the Scenes of a Flying Dress Photoshoot: My Honest Experience with Exclusive Photos & Videos
Photo credit: Have Clothes, Will Travel

Are you curious about the Flying Dress Photoshoots you see all over your Instagram feed? This post is my honest experience doing a Flying Dress Photoshoot (and video shoot) in Santorini, Greece. I’ll be sharing everything you need to know before you book a shoot, how to prepare, what to expect on your shoot, and whether or not I think it is worth the price tag. I will also share behind-the-scenes pics and videos!

Read more: Behind the Scenes of a Flying Dress Photoshoot: My Honest Experience with Exclusive Photos & Videos