Travelling the world is something many people dream of, but few dare to do because of their responsibilities. But if you’ve finally found the time to travel to places you’ve always dreamed of, you might benefit from learning a few tips from travellers who’ve been there and done that. Here are five tips for becoming a pro traveller.
1. Learn Basic Phrases
If you’re going to be travelling to a foreign country, learn some basic phrases before you leave. It can help you more than you know. Learn how to say things like “hello,” “good-bye,” “please,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and how to ask questions like:
- Where is the bank/restaurant/hotel/bus or train station/toilet?
- How much does this cost?
- I would like…?
- Can I have…?
- I am…
- What’s your name?
- How are you?
- Please repeat or can you say that again?
- I don’t understand
You’ll find that knowing simple phrases in the language most spoken in the country you’re visiting can make it much easier to get what you need and get around.
2. Open Yourself Up to New Experiences
If you truly want to be a pro traveler, open yourself up to new experiences and new foods. You never know what could happen. Don’t be afraid to get lost in a new place and really explore it. Wandering around a new country can prove to be one of the most exciting adventures of your life. Take time to soak up new cultures and make friends during your travels.
Make sure to take plenty of pictures and video to document your experiences. You could also use a travel journal if that’s more your style so you can remember how you felt in the moment, rather than just what you saw. You’ll be glad you have something to look back on to remember your time overseas.
3. Get a Credit Card With Perks
A credit card with the right perks can help veteran travellers make purchases necessary to make their dream of travelling a reality. Look for perks like cash back rewards and points on dining out, gas, groceries and other purchases. With a credit card from USAA, you’ll get all of that and more, such as 1.5 per cent cash back, variable APR rates, no penalty APR and no annual fee. You can redeem your cash rewards anytime using a computer or mobile device (like a smartphone or tablet). Plus, there are no limit or category restrictions on the amount you can earn, unlike with similar cards.
4. Join a Loyalty Program
A loyalty program can provide extra perks when you’re a frequent traveller. Just some of the benefits include earning free plane tickets, hotel stays, rental cars and tickets to events. You can even earn points toward vacation packages and cabin upgrades. Depending on the membership level, you could earn additional perks like priority check-in, free bag checking, complimentary alcoholic beverages, no fees for cancellations and flight changes, and lounge membership discounts. Look for loyalty programs with few, if any, blackout dates and points that take a while to expire.
5. Pack Less & Pay Less
When you’re a pro traveler, you want to avoid spending money unnecessarily. That means avoiding things like checked bag fees and other fees associated with flying as much as possible. Packing less can help you avoid paying for checked bags — not to mention dealing with lost luggage. Imagine being trapped in a foreign country without your luggage.
That’s why packing light can help make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable. You’ll have fewer items to keep track of and less to drag around with you. Try to limit yourself to one bag and pack only what you need, such as soap, toothpaste, socks, underclothes and deodorant (aside from one or two things for entertainment, like your phone or a book). Pack your clothes as tightly as you can by rolling them neatly instead of folding them. You could also try packing cubes to maximize space.
Making Your Travel Dreams Come True
Fulfilling your travel dreams is possible, especially when you take advantage of the advice above. Plan your next exciting adventure using this as a guide and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your travels while saving time and money.
