Travel Tips | annabroad

Essential travel tips for explorers

Traveling to a new city is exciting, but a little preparation can make your stay much smoother. From organizing an itinerary to understanding local customs, there's a lot to consider before you go. To help you plan and enjoy your trip, I've put together a list of steps I follow whenever I travel, including preparation, navigating a new city, spending wisely, and making the most of your time.

Planning

Booking flights strategically

Flight prices can vary not only by the dates you book, but also by the time of year and holidays. Although I don't have much freedom in choosing when to go on vacation, I always try to find the best flight deals. This is the biggest part of your budget.

When booking flights, I always check multiple search engines and the official sites of different airlines. Remember to avoid major holidays, long weekends, and festivals, and be flexible with dates if possible, as even a single day can save you a lot.
Some would suggest setting up a price alert; you can do so, but it never helped me. It's ideal to book international flights 2-6 months ahead, while domestic flights can be booked 1-3 months in advance.
My strategy is always as follows: I choose the main base (most of the time, the capital city of the country I visit) to fly in and out of, which is the most convenient and affordable, and then I decide whether I book domestic flights during my journey or use other means of transportation.
When booking international flights, I always book round-trip; for domestic flights, I might choose one-way only, depending on my itinerary (and I usually get quite good deals).
Regarding the domestic flights, you need to consider if you wish to take a checked-in luggage, or continue only with a carry-on, as checked-in luggage might (and will) cost you extra (significantly).
Don't always go for the cheaper airlines. I research domestic airlines, their fares, and most importantly, their customer service all the time. It might cost you more, but if there's a potential delay or cancellation, you will still be taken care of.

Travel insurance

One of my first steps when planning any trip is purchasing travel insurance. Nowadays, numerous insurance companies offer similar services at comparable prices, making it challenging to choose one.

My main priority when purchasing insurance is medical emergency coverage. The cost of the insurance depends heavily on the coverage limit you choose (I always choose a premium option, not the lowest or the highest).
Another aspect I always include in the insurance I purchase is coverage for my valuables and luggage if they are stolen.
Adding liability protection is also a great option and can help if you accidentally damage someone else's property. These are the priorities I never compromise on when purchasing my travel insurance. You just never know when you will need it, and it's definitely better to have it and not use it than the other way around.
Before buying any travel insurance, always check what is and what is not covered, e.g., emergency medical care, lost baggage, theft, and trip cancellation. Additionally, if you're an adventurous traveler and/or do any sort of extreme sports, you might think of getting additional insurance for those.
When selecting the insurance dates, also include the days you travel to and from the destination.

Visa requirements and entry rules

Before visiting a destination, or I would say, even before booking an international flight, you must check visa requirements and entry rules. Some countries don't require visas, but other documents (such as tourist cards, as in Cuba) may be required, and some have specific regulations on how visitors can enter; therefore, it's crucial to do thorough research on these rules and requirements.

The best you can do (and what I always do) is to check the official website of the consulate or embassy. You will get information not only on entry rules but also on safety regulations and the country's security classification. Additionally, this site provides guidance on applying for the visa, if needed.
You will also need to check whether your passport is valid for entry, as it's common for a passport to have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your date of entry.
Beyond visa and passport requirements, it is essential to check whether you need a vaccine when traveling to a specific country or region, as some have strict vaccination regulations. Countries in South America and Africa have specific yellow fever vaccination mandates and recommendations. If you're unsure, visit your consulate or embassy's official website or a vaccination center to find out which vaccine you need.
Moreover, you can register with your home country's consulate for consular protection, which provides assistance if you encounter difficulties abroad.

How to choose accommodation wisely

Prior to selecting accommodation, I thoroughly research the safest and least safe areas of the city I'm planning to visit, as well as the popular, touristy neighborhoods where most travelers stay. My main criterion is to book a place where most attractions are within walking distance, if possible. However, due to distances, this isn't always achievable. In such cases, I opt to stay near a major junction, close to a subway or bus station, so the city center is within easy reach.

Selecting the type of accommodation depends on factors such as interest, budget, location, and preferences.
Using filters on booking sites simplifies your search by narrowing down the options. My preferred filters include location (close to downtown or the historic center), type of accommodation (preferably an apartment), number of bedrooms (at least two if it's only my sister and me), and a private bathroom (two, if possible).
Although I often book hotels, I prefer staying in an Airbnb or an apartment with a small kitchen, offering a more comfortable, independent environment. I never book expensive, multi-star hotels or resorts, not only because of the cost but simply because it's not my thing. I've also never stayed in a hostel (except for a "casa particular" or shared apartment, which is common in Cuba), as I just can't be sharing a room with strangers. Once again, just because it's not my preference, it doesn't mean you can't do it.
Another important step is reading multiple reviews of the apartment or hotel before choosing it, and checking photos to ensure it meets the expectations (which isn't always the case).
After deciding on the type and location, and setting all the filters, it's time to view the prices. I typically choose mid-range apartments because they let me stay within my budget while offering a certain level of comfort. I avoid booking the cheapest or the most expensive options. Your choice will depend on your budget and preferences.
My favorite sites for booking are Booking.com and Airbnb. I also simply search "best hotels" and the destination on Google, which shows Google Maps with locations and prices for various hotels. This way, you can see where the accommodation is located and how much it costs a night.

Budgeting

When I set up my budget before traveling, I always start with a question: How much can I comfortably spend? This will help plan the itinerary and make all the necessary decisions, including the destinations, activities, food, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Once I have determined the amount I can set aside for the whole trip, I will research the costs of my destination. I will review blogs and articles to find the average daily costs for food, transportation, and accommodation, and to learn about local currency and exchange rates, as well as entrance fees for popular destinations.
As soon as I have a clear understanding of local costs, I will break my budget into categories: flights (and other modes of transportation), accommodation, food and drinks, activities, and other (e.g., souvenirs).
Don't forget to include your initial expenses in your budget: insurance, visas and vaccinations (if needed), travel gear (hiking boots or a new backpack, etc.), and other essentials (such as a SIM card).
Always set aside a small amount (10 to 20% of your budget) for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Set a daily spending limit by dividing your total budget by the number of travel days. It prevents you from spending your budget early in your trip.
Use different tricks to save while planning: track prices, compare accommodation fees, and investigate activity costs.
There's an option to use budgeting tool applications like Google Sheets, Trail Wallet, or Splitwise. Or you can simply record your expenses in your Notes. That is what I always do.

Creating a realistic itinerary

Whenever I plan an itinerary, I delve into blogs and reviews to map a route between my chosen destinations, factoring in the time I have. I use Google Maps to check distances between cities and attractions and explore the best way to travel from one point to another.

Online resources won't always provide all the answers, such as the best mode of transportation between two cities or how to manage a multi-day trip. The key is to remain flexible, keep those questions open, and address them as they arise. You'll gather plenty of information once you arrive at your destination.
It's also important to remember that opinions and preferences vary, and some activities or destinations that others enjoy might not suit you. This is your trip, so include the attractions you don't want to miss and adjust your itinerary to your taste. Always prioritize your preferences over others'. For instance, when I was in Bogotá with my sister, I read a lot about the Gold Museum, and so many people recommended visiting it. Although we weren't particularly fond of museums, we decided to visit based on the reviews, only to confirm our initial instincts - it wasn't for us.
Furthermore, ensure you allocate enough time for all the activities you decide to participate in. We often underestimate the duration of an excursion or fail to account for potential disruptions, such as weather changes, altered opening hours due to holidays or festivals, or long queues caused by crowds. Always add 20-30 minutes to hikes and 1 hour to bus rides. Be realistic and avoid overloading your day with activities, as this can affect the next days (e.g., you might become exhausted and sleep in, delaying your next activity).
While you might miss a sight or two, including a relaxing day in your itinerary, slowing down, exploring the city, and observing locals can also be enriching activities that help you understand local customs and traditions.
Traveling between destinations takes time, regardless of the mode of transportation. Add this time to your schedule to avoid disappointment if transit delays keep you from reaching an attraction. Try not to schedule major activities after a long journey, as your energy might not be as high as on a typical day.

Communication planning

Always plan in advance for how you'll stay connected during your journey; either purchase an eSIM beforehand or a local SIM upon arrival. Truth be told, I don't have much experience with eSIMs because I always opt for local SIM cards; however, it's certainly more convenient to get instant activation (especially on multi-country trips), and another great aspect is that you don't have to swap physical chips. I'm a bit traditional in that regard and prefer the local SIM, which is significantly cheaper than the eSIM and available at airports and convenience stores. Regardless of which option you choose, it's wise to compare data packages before you arrive and decide. There's a third, but very expensive, option: data roaming, which I would consider only as a last resort.

More tips:

To use a local SIM or eSIM, your phone must be unlocked and capable of connecting to a foreign network. Remember to check these requirements before traveling.
Several applications can help you stay connected, maintain smooth communication with locals, and navigate easily (though you'll need to use data), such as WhatsApp, Google Translate, and Google Maps.
I want to emphasize Google Maps and its feature that lets you share your location with friends and family, so they can track you at all times.
It's crucial to keep important contacts handy: emergency numbers (ambulance, embassy, police), accommodation addresses and phone numbers, and copies of visas and passports in case your phone gets lost or your battery dies.
Prepare for language barriers by downloading offline translation apps and learning basic phrases. This will not only help you navigate confidently but also connect with locals and understand their culture.
Get familiar with local practices. For example, in Southeast Asia, Grab is used instead of Uber, so you'll need to download the Grab app to book rides.

Packing

Before you begin packing, assess the climate (hot, cold, rainy, humid) of the country and regions you plan to visit and consider the season you'll be traveling in to decide what type of clothing to bring.

Luggage or backpack?

You'll need to choose between taking luggage or a backpack. Although suitcases can hold more weight and volume, backpacks are more practical, especially for longer trips. With a backpack, you're less likely to overpack and carry unnecessary items. Additionally, navigating unusual paths, such as taking boats or crossing rainforests or dirt roads, is much easier with a backpack. However, if you have back pain and find it difficult to carry a heavy backpack, you might consider bringing luggage instead.

Carry-on vs. checked bag

For shorter trips, I typically use only a carry-on, especially when flying with a low-cost airline, since checked baggage can sometimes cost more than the ticket itself. For longer trips, I always buy tickets with a checked bag, so I can bring enough items. However, if you're planning to take domestic flights during a longer journey, keep the checked baggage fees in mind. Always remember to verify the weight limits and other regulations with your chosen airline.

Items I always include in my packing list:

documents and money: passport, visa, vaccination card, passport copy, insurance details, credit cards, cash
clothing: socks and underwear, shirts and pants/shorts, jackets (depending on the weather), sleepwear, swimsuits (for beach trips), flip-flops (for shower), sneakers/sandals, hiking boots (if needed), raincoat, scarf, hat, sunglasses
toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, sunscreen, insect repellent, soap, shampoo, deodorant, basic makeup, quick-dry towel, medication (pain reliever, antibiotics, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, motion sickness pills, stomach remedies), band-aids
electronics: phones, chargers, headphones, power banks, travel adapter and converter, cameras, selfie sticks, drone (if applicable)
other: refillable water bottles, anti-theft bag/purse, backpack, multifunctional pocket knife (for hiking and self-defense), small lock for bags during transit, waterproof phone case

It's crucial to investigate local customs and understand what is acceptable in different countries. In Southeast Asia, for example, showing respect when visiting temples and churches is essential: this means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding tight clothing. Your packing list should also be shaped by the activities you plan to engage in. For instance, if you're going for serious hiking or trekking, you'll need boots and specialized clothing, whereas a beach vacation will require swimsuits and other essentials.

My tips:

Minimize your packing by using travel-sized bottles (especially if you're not checking in any luggage) and by bringing only essentials.
To keep your luggage or backpack organized, use packing cubes to separate your clothes.
Larger items like jackets or sweaters, I either roll them up or wear them on the plane to save space in my checked bag.
I always include small foldable bags (or plastic bags) for laundry and souvenirs.
Select clothing that is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant.
Neutral-colored items are easier to mix and match, allowing you to wear them on multiple days.
Instead of bulky, heavy clothing, opt for light layers that can be easily combined.

Laundry while traveling

An important question when traveling, especially on longer trips, is how to manage laundry. Although there are several tools available to assist with laundry, such as detergent packets, portable clotheslines, or mini washers, I prefer to use laundry services rather than spend my time and effort washing clothes while traveling. This option may cost more, but it is undoubtedly more convenient and saves you time.

Common packing mistakes and how to prevent them

When I began traveling, I didn't have much experience packing efficiently, and I often ended up with unnecessary items. Now, I bring only my favorite clothes I am certain I will wear, and each time I consider an item, I ask myself whether I will actually wear or use it. Moreover, instead of carrying multiple pairs of shoes and sandals, I pack only one pair of each, already broken in.

Avoid overpacking by choosing clothes based on the climate, weather, and planned activities.
Consider whether you truly need each item before adding it to your suitcase.
Don't bring new shoes until you've broken them in.
Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs.
Limit the number of shoes; a comfortable pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals should be more than enough (and hiking boots if necessary).
Don't pack full-size toiletries; they are too heavy and take up too much space. Opt for travel-sized or refillable containers.
Avoid "just in case" items you think you might use but likely won't, such as fancy clothes, a third pair of shoes, or multiple pairs of jeans. If needed, you can purchase items locally.

Safety tips

To ensure your safety in a foreign country, wherever you go, it's critical to follow several precautions.

Before your trip, research the country you're visiting to gain more insight into local laws, customs, and culture. Additionally, check for any government-issued travel advisories.
While traveling, keep all valuables in your carry-on, secure your checked luggage with a lock, and, if possible, wrap it.
Upon reaching your destination, the primary rule is to be aware of your surroundings. Keep away from isolated, suspicious areas, and avoid walking alone at night. Exercise caution in crowded places, as petty crimes like pickpocketing are common worldwide.
Don't display expensive jewelry and keep your electronics and valuables, such as phone, cash, or wallet, in front pockets or in an anti-theft bag.
When using public transportation, always keep a hand on your bag and be extra vigilant.
At your accommodation, use the safe to store valuables, and ensure your doors and windows are locked.
Opt for reputable taxi services or apps when booking rides. I personally prefer Uber over hailing a taxi on the street, as it offers various safety features (you can read more about using Uber vs. taxis in my trip to Colombia here).
If the tap water quality is questionable, stick to bottled or purified water, avoid raw food, especially from street vendors, and seek out restaurants with good hygiene standards.
Always carry your medication and a small first-aid kit.
Have a passport copy with you at all times, along with a small amount of cash (avoid carrying a large sum).
When withdrawing cash from ATMs, do so inside banks or at reliable locations, and don't keep all your cash in one place.

Practical travel tips

Navigating a new city

Before traveling, do basic research on neighborhoods, public transportation, and cultural norms. This will improve your understanding of the area and increase your confidence in navigating before you even get there. You can download useful apps ahead of time, such as offline maps (e.g., Maps.me or Google Maps), translation tools, and rideshare apps. Save important locations in your map apps for easy access: your hotel, main landmarks, major intersections, and must-visit spots. This strategy lets you navigate quickly without typing addresses, making it easier to plan your day once you have a specific route in mind.

Transportation

Utilize public transportation wisely; buses, metros, and trams, particularly in larger cities, are the fastest and most economical means of travel. If you're staying in a city for an extended period (3 to 5 days) and plan to take the metro or bus often, purchasing a day or weekly pass is an excellent way to save money. Exploring a new place on foot can be the ideal way to go. I enjoy discovering hidden gems, wandering through endless markets, and finding myself in unexpected locations. This is the best method to truly know a destination. However, when touring new areas, be flexible, as you might get lost, deviate from your planned route, or become distracted by other attractions. There's nothing wrong with that. And remember to stay aware of your surroundings and be alert at all times.

Making the most of your time

Engage in conversations with the locals: take time to learn about their favorite places to eat and their preferred modes of transportation, whether it's a cable car or a tuk-tuk. They have extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods, diners, and hidden gems that tourists might not typically visit. Instead of staying in crowded, touristy areas, consider exploring quieter districts that showcase the city's authentic side. These areas reveal the place's true essence, with local cafes, artisan shops, and bustling markets. However, while enjoying these small adventures, it's crucial to remain vigilant to ensure a safe experience. Always trust your instincts - if something feels off or uncomfortable, it's completely normal to change your route and find a different path. Keep in mind that every location has its challenges.

Money and spending tips

Before your trip, notify your bank that you're traveling abroad to prevent your cards from being blocked (not every bank requires this, but it's still a good precaution).
Don't just bring cash; bring a credit or debit card (or both) as well.
Be aware of exchange rates to secure the best deals, and avoid exchanging money on the streets or at airports (or change only a small amount).
When using a card for payments, always select the local currency to get better rates.
Keep track of your expenses - I always break down my daily spending in notes.
Don't make all your purchases on the first day, and always compare prices before buying, especially in local markets.
When dealing with street vendors or booking a ride, agree on prices in advance.