Helpful Travel Lessons To Improve Your Next Trip

13 Feb Helpful Travel Lessons To Improve Your Next Trip

Travel is an adventure. No matter how much you might read about a place or plan in advance, it will still surprise you. The new and different scenery, people, culture, food, modes of transportation, etc. Your own reactions or behavior might be different than usual too. Travel is not without its learnings. Here are some of our travel lessons…

 

Travel Planning Lessons

 

Try to maintain a balanced approach to your pace

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. We know you’re excited.

You probably won’t get a lot of work done if you’re moving around every 3 days. If work is part of the deal, you may want to slow down.

Check out our articles on What Is the Best Travel Pace for Your Next Trip and The Awesome Benefits of Slow Travel.

 

When it comes to planning, know thyself

Are you a hard-core planner or a go-with-the-flow type of person?

Travel planning can be a very time-consuming activity if you are the planner type. It can even lead to travel fatigue, after a while. Don’t underestimate the number of hours that you may spend trying to find the best flight, the perfect apartment or hotel, making the logistic arrangements to/from the airport, putting together an itinerary of things to see or places to visit, etc. This becomes even more time-intensive the faster you travel.

Consider using TripIt, a travel organizer app, to manage all your reservations and calendar.

Planning travel is not a perfect science

You might set out with an approach and then find it drastically change based on the availability and cost of flights, accommodations, your or traveling companion(s)’s schedules, the weather forecast for your destination, etc.

Be open to that and try to simultaneously plan transportation and accommodations so that if one is really not working, you’re not stuck with the costs of the other you already locked in.

Additionally, try to plan a chunk of it all at once, so these things sync better and you’re not encountering changes in availability or price. Nothing sucks more than figuring out a bunch of plans and logistics but waiting to book, only to find that it’s no longer available or really pricey. Use tools like Kayak’s confidence meter to know if it’s a good time to book or wait.

 

Be aware of what ‘season’ your destination will be in and what the typical weather patterns are

Is it high season, low season or shoulder season where you are going?

When it’s high season, pricing will be much higher and availability much lower. It could also be crowded. Not much you can do about it if this is the time of year that is best for you to travel. Just being aware of what to expect and booking in advance can help you.

For example, Southern Europe in August is very very crowded and HOT! To be more specific, we found it:

– to be extremely hot and air conditioning is not as widespread

– have throngs of tourists

– have higher costs across the board

– hotels and apartments were booked up

– restaurants were closed due to vacation or those that were open were booked up. You’ll need to make dinner and possibly even lunch reservations at restaurants in advance.

– museums packed or sold out

You also might want to consider visiting smaller cities during the high season. Capital cities, well-known tourist spots and coastal/waterfront destinations will be the busiest/priciest in high season. We would recommend saving them for shoulder & low seasons.

And don’t forget that the Southern hemisphere is in high season December – March.

Shoulder & low season are great times to visit destinations… but research what to expect.

Why is it ‘low season’? It could be because the weather – it may be cold, really hot, or rainy/hurricane/monsoon season. It could also be environmental – there could be a lot of seaweed on the beach, algae in the water or the plants/trees are bare.

 

Shoulder days also play an important role

As flexibility allows, choosing to fly on off days, like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays may help you reduce the cost of your ticket significantly. 

Hotels may also have reduced rates for weekdays versus weekends. As an example, we looked into going to Las Vegas for a conference and noticed very reasonable rates at some hotels for stays Sunday – Thursday. But adding Friday, and especially Saturday to the length of stay increased the total cost drastically as those days were almost double the price.

 

Heading to Europe for an extended period of time?

26 European countries are part of the Schengen Area – a borders agreement that allows you to travel freely within their mutual borders.

However, due to the migration crisis and recent attacks, some measures have been taken to impose temporary border controls within this area.

Currently, the Schengen Area is comprised of almost all of the European Union countries*, plus the following non-European Union members: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

*Exceptions: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania are not currently part of the agreement, but are expected to become so in the future. Ireland and the United Kingdom are opt-outs.

What this means for U.S. citizens with valid U.S. passports traveling for tourism or business:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months (so at least three months after your departure).

You are only allowed to enter the Schengen area without a visa for a period of three months within each six-month period. So you can travel within the Schengen Area for three months, however, you have to leave for 90-days before you can re-enter.

If you want to stay in Europe for an extended period of time, you can plan to be within the Schengen area and then exit to any one of the countries that are opt-out or not currently participating and then re-enter the Schengen Area when allowed. For instance, we wanted to spend mid-July to mid-November in Europe, however, that is four months, so within this period of time, we spent a little more than a month in Romania so that we only spent 90-days or less within the Schengen Area.

For more information, visit the state department here

 

Loyalty can pay off

Focusing on one or two airlines and applying for their credit cards (more on that under the finance section) is a good strategy to build up miles through their loyalty programs. It typically takes 12,500 – 17,500 for a domestic flight, one-way and about 27,500 – 80,000 for an international flight, one-way depending on your destination.

To determine which airline(s) you want to focus on, examine the routes and alliance partners they offer for award travel. For example, we often go to South America so American Airlines is a good partner for us. However, we find United/Star Alliance to offer better options (routes and schedules) for award travel globally than American Airlines/One World Alliance, even though it may cost a few more miles.

What type of accommodations do you typically book? If hotels, consider selecting a hotel group and signing up for their loyalty program and booking direct. Alternatively, choose a platform and continually use that to book so you reap the most rewards. For example:

Booking.com is great for global travel and once you have booked five trips through their platform, you become a ‘genius member’ and get special perks like 10% off selected rooms and possibly early check-ins and late check-outs. They also offer a plethora of options beyond hotels, such as Bed & Breakfasts, hostels, guest houses, apartments, and even campsites.

Hotels.com is another platform with a beneficial loyalty program. Stay for 10 nights at eligible ‘rewards’ hotels and then get 1 night free at a qualifying hotel based on the average cost of the 10 stays. The platform also occasionally runs sales with percentages off using a coupon code. Although, it’s been our experience that inventory is better in the U.S. and globally, it is not as diverse or available as Booking.

 

Plan ahead for award travel

If using award miles, try to plan your flights a few months in advance for optimal availability and ‘cost’ of miles.

You can find really good deals on miles tickets, sometimes even a random day in the middle of high season. But you’re less likely to find them the closer you get to your departure.

 

Allow for enough layover time, especially if you are flying different carriers or internationally

Unfortunately, we found out the hard way that even 2.5 hours in between an international flight was not enough time when we booked different carriers and had our first flight delayed and got stuck in immigration.

No, they don’t always care that you’re about to miss your next flight.

Additionally, we would also highly recommend booking the same carrier or their alliance partners when you have back-to-back flights because there’s no guarantee if the first is late that either will refund you if you miss the connecting flight.

 

Travel Lessons

Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State via their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (S.T.E.P.)

What to expect when you land at an international destination

When you land in an international destination, the first thing you will encounter in the airport is Immigration. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or even more.

Next, you pick up any checked baggage and pass through Customs. This part is usually pretty seamless.

Lastly, you either re-check your baggage if continuing on to another destination with the same airline or their partner, or you find yourself in Arrivals.

 

There will be flight mishaps

Take a deep breath. Maybe go sit down at a cafe and have a bite to eat first. You don’t want to be the tired, “hangry” girl crying at the help desk when you find out the solution to your missed flight is very imperfect. Believe Lauren, it was not her best moment.

 

Your rental car might not be ready

We suggest calling before you pick up to confirm it’s ready. Or if the reservation is for the first thing in the morning, call the night before to reconfirm the time.

On a few occasions we were starting a road trip and our rental car was not ready. A few hours delayed start meant a huge crunch on our day and getting in late to our hotel.

 

Be aware that the rental car company may up-sell hard on your rental car

Ask questions so you fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

Also, know the conditions if you extend your time.

Here’s how we were deceived: 

We had reserved a large (regular) sedan for a road trip (4 passengers) but we were a little delayed in picking up our rental.

Upon checking in, they instantly grabbed keys for a Mercedes sedan, saying it’s only $20/day. So we asked if that was the only cost. “Yes.”

However, we didn’t realize at the time that we had already paid in full for the original car. So the $20/day was the additional cost for the ‘upgrade’ (even though it was presented more as the car they were giving us – we thought they gave ours away).

They also didn’t pro-rate the cost of dropping off 2 hours after we were scheduled to – they just charged a full day. Usually, in the U.S., they’ll pro-rate for up to 3 or 4 hours after drop off time before counting a full day.

 

Try to make friends

This is especially true if you are slow-traveling.

Being by yourself for extended periods of time can be lonely.

Spending too much time with the spouse or kids could lead to “conflict.”

Plus, one of the nicest things about traveling (in our opinion) is not the pictures that you take of the London Bridge — you can get those online for free. What leaves a mark are the people that you meet, the people that you share your experiences with.

 

Beware of tourist traps, and know how to deal with them

When visiting sought-after destinations (Paris, New York, Rome, Barcelona, etc.), understand that the Louvre, the Statue of Liberty, the Colosseum and Las Ramblas will usually be packed with tourists and businesses catered to them.

Lesson 1: if you don’t like insane crowds and long lines, consider visiting these places during off-peak hours and days. For example, Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Fall or Spring.

Lesson 2: when using tour companies, understand what you are signing up for. Are you getting a private guide for a group of 4 or a tour bus for 38 people? Are you looking for the quick selfie in front of the Eiffel tower, or are you looking for a more paced, relaxed visit around the French neighborhood? Is your tour group ideal for the kind of experience you want? We once picked the wrong “travel experience” to visit Cinque Terre in Italy, and ended up ruining what could have been a nice day trip to a very beautiful place.

Lesson 3: the large restaurant right in the middle of Time Square with the shiny neon lights is very likely to (1) be the busiest, (2) have the least-quality food, (3) and possibly be too expensive for the value that you are getting. Try being a little adventurous – when visiting a popular site in a big city, walk a few blocks away from it in different directions to find a better-value restaurant. Or, of course, use TripAdvisor.

 

Food & Diet Related Travel Lessons

You may or may not encounter that much diversity in cuisine or ingredients

What they serve might be pretty standard and not change much from restaurant to restaurant. That’s pretty normal.

And the ingredients or groceries available will depend on what’s in-season. The U.S. is an anomaly in this way – finding kale and strawberries all times of the year etc.

That said, there are fantastic food markets to visit!! Do a quick search online to see if where you’re visiting has any.

 

Think about where your food & beverages come from. What you’re used to may not be the case

If you’re in a place that has had issues with polluted waters, be cautious of the local seafood, especially bottom-feeding types of fish and shellfish. The locals might be able to eat it as they might be better acclimated to the bacteria, having consumed it over the course of their lives.

What methods does this region use to grow food – are there a significant amount of pesticides?

Do they add anything to the food that could be questionable?

Do the food storage and health standards of the restaurant seem in line with what you’re used to? If not, you may want to reconsider or select food that is not as delicate to harsher conditions, etc.

Is the water safe to drink from the tap or if using a filter? Or do you need to order a home delivery jug or buy some bottles at the store?

We’re not trying to freak you out, just encourage you to be cautious to avoid unnecessary illness.

 

Food is not as manicured as it is in the U.S. but that’s a good thing!

Your fish may not be a fillet – it could be the whole, fresh fish, grilled up and served on your plate. Don’t be afraid of it, it’s delicious! Give it a try and you’ll eventually get good at deboning it. You could also ask the waiter for help deboning it.

The produce might not be a perfect shape. It’s just a visual imperfection, nothing is wrong with the fruit or vegetable itself.

While it might be a bit daunting to witness the skinning of a dead rabbit at the food market, it’s also kinda nice to know that it didn’t go through such an industrialized process.

Understand the local restaurant culture. If you are from the U.S., you will likely the surprised to see that, around the world:

People are never in a hurry to finish their meals and get the heck out. “Power lunch” is an American invention.

You will probably not be served free tap water.

Consult Google on what’s customary to tip where you’re visiting. It can vary from 10% – 15% – 20% in different countries. And someone may not be paid at all, only working on tips, so it’s good to know in those situations. 

For instance, grocery baggers in Mexico are usually voluntary, so it’s customary to tip them around 3-5 Mexican Pesos.

Making custom requests (“can I have the mustard on the side, and substitute the beans for peas?”) may be out of the ordinary. But don’t be embarrassed to ask. They will usually accommodate you.

A “to-go” box for your leftovers may sound weird to your waiter. In many countries, it is customary for the client to just leave any unfinished food behind. That said, the portions are usually closer to a suggested serving size, so it’s not as often that you’ll have leftovers.

We were once given a glass plate and a napkin to store our leftovers — that’s how foreign our “doggie bag” request was. But again, don’t be ashamed to ask.

It is highly unlikely that the waiter will “check on you” halfway through your meal to see how things are going. Try to feel comfortable flagging the waiter down if you need something — they usually expect you to do so.

If you ask for coffee, you will more than likely get it served in a “for here” cup or mug. Paper cups with plastic lids are uncommon, sometimes even banned. [a small win for the environment!] The coffee place may even charge you an extra 20 cents or so to serve you coffee in disposable containers. 

 

Health-Related Travel Lessons

Prepare yourself by reading these health tips from the U.S. Department of State

 

Travel insurance is important

You don’t know what you’ll encounter – or how you’ll react to it.

There are many different types of insurance – World Nomads, IMG, Cigna Global and more. Research what is best for you and your length of travels.

 

Vaccines can be helpful

Check the U.S. Department of State for by-country advice on what vaccines you might want to consider for where you’re traveling.

We’ve gotten vaccines to prevent against Typhoid, Hepatitis A (and the booster) and yellow fever since we traveled to the wetlands of Brazil.

People have varying opinions on the Malaria pills. When traveling to India, Lauren decided to get them, but not take them preventively, rather have on her in case I show any signs of contracting. Consult your doctor.

Research for yourself and decide what you feel most comfortable taking. And again, consult your doctor.

 

Routines and regular exercise are vital

It’s important to try to establish some standard daily routines as well as exercise to feel good and give yourself a constant in your ever-changing environment.

When your environment changes frequently, it can throw you off. Add onto that, a different diet based on what’s available locally. And then maybe even different structure to your day – maybe it’s a change in your sleeping patterns (jet lag or difference in sunlight hours) or maybe meals are served at different times than you’re used to, i.e. in Spain lunch is around 2p and dinner will start anywhere between 8:30-10p!

Usually walking, hiking, running, biking and exercises that use your own body weight are the easiest methods for exercising on your travels. We just started traveling with easily packable, resistance bands to help keep us toned (who are we kidding, we’re not toned yet!)

If you’re in a place for a few weeks or more, you might also want to inquire about temporarily joining a gym or yoga studio.

 

Here’s a self-deprecating clip of me attempting a quick workout while Daniel taunts me with goofy music and his video camera. I bought these weights and dragged them around Italy and Corsica to try and tone up before our wedding. Let’s just say the pasta and cheese won. 

 

Stay hydrated

Climates you visit might be hotter and drier than you’re used to. Be mindful to drink more water than usual in those scenarios.

 

Finance-Related Travel Lessons

All credit cards are not created equal

The credit card you use for everyday purchases at home may not be the best card for you to travel with.

When you travel abroad, to a place with a different currency, there are foreign exchange fees associated with EVERY purchase. You can get around that by using a credit card that does not charge these foreign exchange fees.

Many of the cards that offer the no foreign exchange fee perk also provide significant airline bonus miles offer when you sign up and spend a certain amount within the first few months. And that’s not all, they typically provide a range of other travel benefits from double points, to insurance coverage, to a free checked bag and priority boarding.

These are the credit cards we have and would recommend. They all offer significant bonus points with signup and qualified purchase amount in first three months:

Chase Sapphire ($95 annual fee, waived for first 12 months) – earn 2x points on travel and dining. Points can be 1:1 transferred to 7 different airlines and 4 hotel groups numerous hotels.

Capital One Venture ($59 annual fee, waived for first 12 months) – earn 2x points on all purchases. Points can be used to wipe out travel expenses. 

Citi AAdvantage ($95 fee, waived for first 12 months) – linked to American Airlines & it’s partners

United MileagePlus Explorer ($95 annual fee, waived for first 12 months) – linked to United Airlines & it’s partners

Another option is the American Express Blue Sky card with no annual fee. It allows you to use points to credit back travel purchases. It also has a pretty good rental car loss and damage insurance. However, it does charge foreign exchange fees.

 

Non-bank affiliated ATM fees are brutal

When you use an ATM that’s not from your bank, you will usually be charged $5 or more each transaction.

Alternatively, you could open a checking account with Charles Schwab which offers a High Yield Checking Account with No ATM fees. 

Therefore, you may want to exchange money from your bank before leaving. This usually requires ordering currency from a teller a few days in advance. However, be aware that the exchange rates charged by banks may be disadvantageous to you. Always do the math.

When withdrawing money abroad from an ATM that charges you a per-transaction fee, try to plan your trip expenses as well as possible. For example, it is better to pay a single $5 fee to withdraw all the money you need on the trip than to pay multiple $5 fees because you keep having to return to the ATM to withdraw more.

 

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Do you agree or disagree with these lessons? And what travel lessons would you like to share?

We welcome your comments!

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