The internet is full of great advice, but I bet you probably have never heard of these unique travel tips. I scoured a Reddit tread for some great travel tips – here are my favorites!
Chat Up the Locals
If you need advice on anything, think about who you are asking. Who might be getting kickbacks to give you recommendations? Instead of asking the hotel front desk staff where to eat or how to get to the airport, ask the hotel bartender or barista in the coffee shop next door. It’s unlikely that these individuals receive perks for recommending specific things to tourists. But it’s highly likely your hotel front desk staff do.
Carry a Natural Deodorizer
You never know when you will run into something smelly when traveling. I always live in fear of sitting by someone who forgot to wear deodorant after running a marathon and then boarding a 12 hour flight! So it’s smart to pack something that will help mask unpleasant odors. If you are traveling domestically, a fresh orange or other citrus fruit is a good choice. If you are flying internationally, you probably can’t take fresh fruit on the plane. So another option is peppermint oil or other essential oils.
Never Get Lost
Even if you have followed our steps on how to stay connected while abroad, you still might find yourself without data or wi-fi. So before you leave home, make sure to download your travel destinations on Google Maps. Your phone’s GPS always works, so you will be able to see where you are at any given time on a downloaded Google Map.
Get Up Early
No matter what tourist place you are visiting, the absolute best time to visit any attraction that attracts crowds is early in the morning. People on vacation don’t like to get up early. If you can manage it, you will reap the benefits. And you can always nap during the heat of the day while you avoid the crowds later!
Discard Clothes Along the Way
This is one of Amanda’s unique travel tips! She brings old underwear, socks, nightclothes, etc., and discards them along the way. She doesn’t have to spend time laundering clothes because she brings plenty for her trip. Another added benefit is making lots of room for souvenirs in your suitcase! You can do something similar with toiletries. Simply bring almost empty containers of what you need and throw them away before you go home.
Pack Binder Clips or Clothespins
One thing I never travel without is a set of clothespins. I use them to hold draperies closed so that the sun (or ill-placed streetlight) doesn’t wake me up in a hotel room. They are also useful in hanging up clothes I handwash along the way. Large binder clips can serve the same function with a bonus that they are smaller, so you can carry more with you.
Pick Your Line Wisely
When you are about to get in line at the airport, eyeball it first. If there is a line with bunch of families with small children versus a line with a lot of business travelers, choose the latter. It will take the families a ton of time to get through, while the business travelers already know the drill. Also, remember that most people tend to choose a righthand lane, so if in doubt, go left.
Choose Travel Companions Over Destinations
Truthfully I’ll go on a trip with just about anyone. But my best trips are always with people who enjoy the same things I do and have a similar travel style. For example, Amanda and I can make just about anything fun. While we’ve been to some of the most exotic places together, we had just as much fun exploring the bridges of Madison County in Iowa one day! Who you go with matters far more than where you go.
What are your unique travel tips?
Tell us below! You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
