Traveling Advice

Hey there fellow wanderer! 🌟 Ready to embark on an adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie with a backpack, I’ve curated some go-to guides for jet-setting, These are things I do personally whenever I’m planning a trip and they make life so much easier for me. Buckle up for some seriously cool travel advice!

Plan Ahead

If you’re an overthinker like me, you might be thinking “duh 🙄 isn’t that like travel 101” but have you met some people? No seriously, I know people who just think of traveling and the next day they’re at the airport. Then, they start complaining about one thing they left or the other. Don’t even piss me off 😂.

Anyways, you need to plan, research your destination including local customs and regulations. It doesn’t have to be detailed, have a rough itinerary, and leave room for spontaneity; life’s more fun when you’re not glued to a schedule.

Confirm Visa Requirement

Now, if you’re like me, then this is another “duh” point. But I’ve heard about people that just travel to a country and then find out they don’t have the permit to enter the country, next thing they’re getting deported.

Google is your travel BFF! Confirm whether or not you need a visa and if you do, do research on the type of Visa and application process. Also, figure out what you need before you apply for a visa: some countries require that your passport expiry date be more than 6 months before you can apply for a visa,

Confirm some regulations you need to know before you are allowed entry into the country;

for example; If you’re Nigerian, you currently do not need to apply for a visa to visit Lebanon but you would need to have at least $2k in cash + your visa-on-arrival fee. If you don’t have that then you might not be allowed entry into the country, you might not even be allowed to leave your departure country.

Park Smart:

Your luggage is not a black hole! Pack only essentials! Check the weather and climate at your destination and pack some versatile clothing. If you can, get mini containers for shampoos, perfumes, and other toiletries.

Safety First:

Get travel insurance and safeguard important documents like your passport, travel insurance document, driver’s license, etc. Inform friends or family about your travel plans and keep important contacts handy.

Follow the local safety recommendations. Of course, not all “third world” countries are unsafe like the media portrays. Talk to locals, read stories about people who have visited the destination, and ensure you follow the rules and regulations of the country you’re visiting. Don’t be one of those people we see online. IYKYK.

Check if any vaccinations are required for your destination, and travel with necessary medications. for example: If you’re visiting some parts of Africa, and you don’t live in Africa then you might need some mosquito repellant.

And importantly, carry necessary gadgets and chargers; I always travel with a power bank just in case. Also, download offline maps and essential travel apps.

Embrace Local Culture:

The purpose of traveling should not just be to see popular destinations, Seek out hidden gems and unique experiences, or try connecting with locals if you can. Respect customs and traditions.

Try local cuisine and engage with the community. There’s more to a country than just popular destinations, experience the country and the people, those are memories you’ll treasure.

Also, don’t be one of those people who try to make the country more expensive for the people living in it. If the standard of living in your country is higher than in your destination country then things will obviously be cheaper, don’t start announcing to traders or service providers that their services are very cheap. You’re not living in that country and you probably don’t know the state of the country as much as the locals do.

Roll with the Punches:

Things might not always go as planned, Plans change, flights get delayed – embrace the chaos. It’s all part of the adventure!

Stay flexible, stay chill, and revel in the unexpected twists. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Like AJR said “100 bad days make 100 good stories” Enjoy the journey – that’s how legends are made.

Other tips

If you’re looking to connect with locals one of the easiest ways I found is through Airbnb experiences. You could also check out some Facebook groups that host events for travelers etc.
Take breaks. Don’t try to pack too much into your trip. Give yourself time to relax and enjoy the moment.
Travel during the off-season. If you can, try to travel during the off-season when crowds are smaller and prices are lower.
Learn some basic phrases in the local language
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid getting sick or injured. Trust your gut and don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger.
Spend some time researching your destination, the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.

There you have it, fellow explorer!

Now I want to hear from you, What are your go-to travel hacks or do you have questions about traveling? Drop them in the comments below

Happy travels, and may your journeys be filled with epic tales and unforgettable moments! 🌈✨

Guide