A game changer for me was downloading maps onto my phone before travel and relying on GPS, which doesn’t need cellular signal to work.
I rely on public tranportation and walk everywhere (if you call Uber to get from airport to hotel etc then don’t worry about this) so before I get on the plane, I enter my destination from the arrival airport and sort out how I am getting there.
Even if I can’t get a signal, having a map to tell me where I am is the most helpful thing. I used to carry a compass and try to navigate with a paper map, but Google Maps on a smartphone, working with GPS only is the bomb. You can map out how to get from A to B and even if your cell or wifi signal cuts out, the route will still show on the phone.

Another game changer is this refillable toothpaste tubes. I travel very light (right now I’m in Copenhagen for 1 week and brought only one personal sized bag and a cross body bag) and usually I’m running to the drug store to buy travel size toothpaste before a trip. Now I can just fill these.

The other perk is that these tubes don’t dispense a big glob of toothpaste, can control the amount that is squeezed out better.

https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/refillable-toothpaste-tubes

Anonymous wrote:Buy a universal travel adapter so you don’t have to keep switching between countries.

Bring a CO2 detector in luggage (separate batteries during transit). They are small but can be lifesavers especially in rental properties.

Bring foldable duffel bag for laundry or overflow souvenirs.

Bring chip clips for curtains that don’t close all the way.

First aid kit especially for children’s medication. Anything else you can get at a local pharmacy.

Speaking of pharmacies, European and Asian ones are great for reasonably priced skincare, sunblock and cosmetics. Grocery store olive oil and spices are usually fresher and better quality than frou frou gift shops.

If you are in a town on market day, you should make a point to go.

Make sure you download a map of the area that is usable offline. You can’t count on internet connectivity.

Pre-arrange transit from the airport if ride shares are not widely available. The people holding up signs advertising taxi companies will usually overcharge you.

You can use hotel hangers that have clips to hang trousers to close the curtains. No need to bring chip clips.

Often when you reach a new country, your phone may not work there well unless you have bought a plan and it is activated.

If connectivity is not good, I usually use first use the airport wifi inside the airport to make the calls etc before I leave the premises. So watch for the kiosks that give you the wifi password for 2 hours or so (usually before customs) and then use that.

Anonymous wrote:Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

Only if you are on a budget. I don't find it a waste at all. But, then we had our lean years too when we had a young family and not that much money and so we skipped those. Now that we can pay for these things easily, I find that it gives you a good break and also a chance to experience the culture.

If you are going touring and will be living in good hotels, book your spa at the hotel before you get there. The best spas get booked in advance. Check out the spa ratings etc.

I research, read books, watch documentaries etc before I go to a new country. I like to fully immerse myself in the culture. I will also learn some basic phrases in local language and I always carry some field books about the flora and fauna there.

I copy itinerary from touring sites and put in my own interests etc than I chatGPT the heck out of it.

Anonymous wrote:I always try to bring about $200 in the local currency with me, but at a minimum I bring 200 US dollars. I've been in several situations where paying someone a "tip" really helped smooth the issues that I was having.

Also, you never know what will happen while you're traveling: I was in Spain on a solo trip when the grid for the entire country went down last year. I was able to get a cab to take me to my next destination (when the trains shut down) because I could pay him in cash. Nobody could process credit cards.

+1
When I go to Asia (in my country of origin), I have a registered local cell phone that I only use in that country, my own local bank account, my local bank ATM etc. And I always carry local and US currency. Good point, PP.

Anonymous wrote:To be able to overnight at an in-terminal airport hotel when my arrival is late at night, is priceless

+1
This is indeed underrated.

I always try to bring about $200 in the local currency with me, but at a minimum I bring 200 US dollars. I've been in several situations where paying someone a "tip" really helped smooth the issues that I was having.

Also, you never know what will happen while you're traveling: I was in Spain on a solo trip when the grid for the entire country went down last year. I was able to get a cab to take me to my next destination (when the trains shut down) because I could pay him in cash. Nobody could process credit cards.

Just covering the air-travel bit. I travel to Asia very frequently to meet my relatives. Once every 3-4 months. Here are my travel tips -

- I use Amazon vacuum bags and hand pump to basically vacuum pack everything. It creates a lot of space and it also protects luggage from accidental spills etc. It is amazing how much gear you can pack.

- Printed duct tape to mark every bag so that it is very visible and obvious. Air Tag in the bags. I take pictures/videos of packed bags (especially going on long journey to Asia), inventory list with photos, my contact inside the bag. I have lost/delayed my bags twice in recent years through the airlines. They have tracked it down because I had the airtags and showed them where my bags were and also because I had everything cataloged.

-If you are going to a foreign country for tourism through a touring company, buy the travel insurance.

- All digital devices and chargers in one carry-on backpack in a 2 gallon ziplock bag so that it is easy to go through customs clearance.

- Fresh underwear, toothbrush etc. I prefer a hot shower in any Asian or Middle East airport business lounge I have a layover. Mainly because 1st class and business class lounges in Asia give you spa-like treatment. No super-short layovers. I need at least 4 hours to feel refreshed and not rushed through immigration and customs etc.

- Also, I will wear a pad or panty liner during my flights. It keeps me fresh and I am not scared of accidental minor leaks..

- I have a hanging, foldable toiletry bag that I find very convenient.

- I always carry Bose noise cancelling headphones which are more comfortable than airpods. The difference in your comfort with noise cancelling headphones is amazing.

- I wear compression socks. I wear a comfortable slip-on shoes that has some stretch in it and that I can walk in - because my feet may swell.

- I carry an empty flask with me and I ask the airhostess to fill it with hot water. I add some true lime packets in it and I sip water like my life depends on it through out the journey. I don't drink alcohol (maybe one wine if I am in business class), and I don't drink cola . I stick to hot water, soups, green tea and sometimes fresh juice if it is particularly good etc.

- If I travel business class (yup, out of pocket - I am too old to do these long flights on economy now) - I will let the airhostess know that I need a nice cup of tea (regardless of when I reach) - an hour and half before the plane lands. It wakes me up and relaxes me to disembark without any hurry. The airhostess is also not busy.

- If I am in business class and have some privacy - I will use hydrating korean face masks to keep my face hydrated. I also carry with me the aquaphor repairing foot masks. I will roll out my compression socks, wipe my feet, wear the foot masks and then use the airline provided socks to keep it in place. I normally leave it for 30-40 minutes and then I massage my feet. I will then use fresh compression socks. This is because my journey is usually 26+ hours door to door.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Carry on and personal item only.

Layers.

Clothing that you can wear more than once.

Shower before bed.

If in hotel, try to book one with breakfast.

Excruciatingly plan on what you’ll do.

Once on vacation, prioritize the important activities and do the others if you have time.

Don’t rush, it’s ok if you don’t do it all.

If you’re on vacation for a while, the accommodation in the middle of the trip should have laundry machine and dryer.

Make sure accommodations are nice, clean and safe. Don’t go overboard as you’ll be out all day.

Sometimes, especially in Europe, the grocery stores have great prepared meals. Eat those.

I'm a planner but have learned this one depends a lot on who you travel with. My DH is usually not interested in discussing travel plans before a trip. But as soon as a we land someplace he starts to have strong opinions. So, now I research extensively and have some ideas but I never get attached to a particular itinerary.

Also, be realistic about the energy levels of your travel companions. Last year we went to Portugal with DH and two teens. They all have ADHD. They were energetic about sightseeing and other activities during the day but by the time we got back to our apartment nobody was up for leaving again. So, restaurants I thought we'd try out for dinners became lunch destinations instead and we learned the good delivery options for dinner.

In contrast, if I travel with my sister we like nice restaurants for dinner and plan for a lot of evening activities like theater.

I agree this really depends on the travelers. I had a negative reaction to PP's list becuase over planned trips are exhausting to my family, especially if you've made prepaid reservations and too many restaurant plans. I agree to do your rsearch and have a ready list, but we found the happy meidium is to book 1-2 must-book-ahead, must-see events, and 1-2 hard to get restaurants, but leave the rest flexible so you can explore and follow the vibe of the group. I also disagree about the "you'll be out all day" so don't worry about the accommodation -- this has never been true for us, so we care a lot about the accommodation.

Buy a universal travel adapter so you don’t have to keep switching between countries.

Bring a CO2 detector in luggage (separate batteries during transit). They are small but can be lifesavers especially in rental properties.

Bring foldable duffel bag for laundry or overflow souvenirs.

Bring chip clips for curtains that don’t close all the way.

First aid kit especially for children’s medication. Anything else you can get at a local pharmacy.

Speaking of pharmacies, European and Asian ones are great for reasonably priced skincare, sunblock and cosmetics. Grocery store olive oil and spices are usually fresher and better quality than frou frou gift shops.

If you are in a town on market day, you should make a point to go.

Make sure you download a map of the area that is usable offline. You can’t count on internet connectivity.

Pre-arrange transit from the airport if ride shares are not widely available. The people holding up signs advertising taxi companies will usually overcharge you.

I carry a few sorbitrate tablets, sugar pills, sodium pills, electrolyte and benadryl tablets with me on hand for emergencies. I travel to Asia frequently and it is a long journey.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m always fascinated by the little habits experienced travelers develop, the things that never make it into travel articles but make a real difference.

For those of you who travel a lot, whether for work or serious vacations, what’s the one non-obvious thing you do that consistently makes your trips better, easier, or more enjoyable?

Not destination-specific, more like personal systems, habits, or small things you always do that most people wouldn’t think of. Examples of the kind of thing I mean: a packing trick, airport strategy, hotel habit, planning approach, or something you always bring that ends up being invaluable.

Curious what the seasoned travelers here swear by.

When going abroad and arriving in the morning, I always get a hotel room for the night before, so I can go right to the hotel and shower/change clothes before heading out. My goal is always to stay up until a reasonable bedtime locally (i.e. about 9 p.m.).

Excellent tip.

I also book the night before but I shower, draw the blinds and sleep for about 3 to 4 hours. I find walking around all day jetlagged miserable and a few hours of sleep makes for a much better afternoon and evening without throwing off my whole body.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Carry on and personal item only.

Layers.

Clothing that you can wear more than once.

Shower before bed.

If in hotel, try to book one with breakfast.

Excruciatingly plan on what you’ll do.

Once on vacation, prioritize the important activities and do the others if you have time.

Don’t rush, it’s ok if you don’t do it all.

If you’re on vacation for a while, the accommodation in the middle of the trip should have laundry machine and dryer.

Make sure accommodations are nice, clean and safe. Don’t go overboard as you’ll be out all day.

Sometimes, especially in Europe, the grocery stores have great prepared meals. Eat those.

This is great. I would add, bring packable bags for groceries and dirty clothes.

I schedule a laundry stop halfway through our trip. If you’re in Scotland, work in Inverness for this. Was hard to find in Switzerland and I came home an entire backpack of dirty clothes.

Thanks! For Switzerland, laundry was a bit of a challenge for us too but we found a short term rental in Zermatt that fit the bill. And the COOPs had great food!