Travel Tips
The Best Travel Tips : Plan, Pack, Go !
After many years of travel and 50+ countries visited, I’m sharing with you my best travel tips so you can have the best travel experience.
Formalities
Everything to check before going to a new destination
Passport & Visa
✅ Check passport validity : it should be valid at least 6 months after the return date.
✅ Check visa requirements on the government website and apply in advance.
✅ Keep printed and offline copies of key documents : passport, visa, flights.
Health & Insurance
✅ Make sure you have a travel insurance.
✅ Check vaccination requirements here.
✅ Know local emergency numbers (police, medical services).
✅ Bring a basic health kit (pain reliever, medication for digestive issues, insect repellent, sunburn relief cream…)
Money & Paiements
✅ Ensure your cards work abroad (some have an option you can activate when abroad to avoid fees) and notify your bank.
✅ Use a currency conversion app to know the exchange rates (Unity app is great). The iPhone calculator has that features now !
✅ Always carry a small amount of local cash just in case.
SIM card
✅ Always watch out for roaming fees (some operators might connect to neighbours countries in Europe), so activate the flight mode if you don’t want a huge bill.
✅ Consider buying a local SIM card (or e-SIM) or pocket Wi-Fi upon arrival.
Booking
The best tips to book flights, accommodations and transportation
Flights
✅ Use comparison websites like Kayak, Skyscanner or Google Flights and set fare alerts to check price tendencies, BUT it is better to book the flights on the company website.
✅ It is preferable to book early, especially for peak seasons (July-August and bank holidays).
✅ Layovers can save often save you money, so check if alternative routes are worth it (for example Paris-Seoul Seoul-Tokyo is way cheaper than Paris-Tokyo).
✅ On Kayak, you can filter out certain types or aircrafts such as the Boeing 737 Max.
Accommodations
✅ Booking via apps can save you money. For example, Booking.com has a mobile discount.
✅ Use filters on the platform to search what fit best your needs. It can be distance to a specific area, included breakfast, private bathroom or free cancellation.
✅ Choose places either near the main area you want to visit, or at least near public transport.
✅ Check cancellation policies before booking. I only book places allowing to cancel until the day before, just in case.
✅ Watch for hidden fees such as cleaning fees on Airbnb, or resort fees.
Transport
✅ Arrive at least 2 hours before at the airport (check-in, security, crowds… you name it).
✅ Check if the airport requires an entry form (Singapore, Malaysia do for example) and fill it out in advance to skip the queue.
✅ Pre-book transfers if you are heading to remote places, you can find many on Bookaway.
✅ Consider buying multi-day transport passes (bus, metro…) for saving money.
✅ Use public transport apps (IDF Mobilites for Paris, JapanTravel for Japan…) for schedules and routes, and download maps for offline use (Google Maps of Maps.me).
✅ For car rentals, check the rental requirements (debit cards are often not accepted, some countries will require an international driving license or a translated one).
Activities & Budget
✅ Pre-book popular attractions to avoid long lines, and check Klook, GetYourGuide or Viator for discount prices.
✅ Consider city passes for discounts on multiple attractions. It is really worth it in New York for example, or even in Dubrovnik.
✅ Use apps to track expenses such as TravelSpend.
✅ Avoid exchanging money at airports (exchange rates are often higher.
Packing
Here are the best pro tips to pack efficiently !
Lugggage
✅ Travel light—stick to a carry-on to save time, avoid luggage fees and getting it lost during layovers.
✅ Choose sturdy luggage with secure locks (I prefer backpacks for easy transport).
✅ Use packing cubes for better organization, and roll clothes to maximize space.
✅ Keep essentials (travel documents, medications) in your carry-on.
Clothing
✅ Pack layers for different weather conditions, and bring basics, versatile clothes.
✅ Don’t bring too much, you can wash your clothes at hotels/Airbnbs or buy on-the-go.
✅ Always bring a sarong or lightweight piece of fabric (it will be useful to cover yourself in religious sites, or for the beach, for the cold…), a lightweight jacket, a windproof rain jacket, a swimsuit and comfortable walking shoes.
Toiletries
✅ Use travel-sized containers to meet airport security rules if you have a carry-on only.
✅ Store liquids in a transparent toiletry leak-proof bag or consider solid toiletries (shampoo, soap).
Tech Essentials
✅ Bring chargers, a power bank, and an international adapter.
✅ Download maps (Google Maps or maps.me), translation apps, and travel guides for offline use.
Extras
✅ Bring a reusable water bottle, a laundry bag, and reusable utensils (very handy for picnics and remote areas).
✅ Pack a basic health kit (pain reliever, medication for digestive issues, insect repellent, sunburn relief cream…)
Security
Stay up to date with the latest posts and updates
Belongings
✅ Keep digital and printed copies of important documents.
✅ Use a backpack lock (for trains, shared accommodations…).
✅ Keep your bag in front of you in crowded places.
Food Safety
✅ Stay hydrated, especially during flights.
✅ Check the street food hygiene and verify if the tap water is drinkable.
✅ Carry a small first aid kit (pain reliever, medication for digestive issues, insect repellent, sunburn relief cream…).
✅ Learn how to communicate any food allergies in the local language.
Scams & Theft
✅ Don’t give out too much personal details to strangers.
✅ Be cautious of distractions at tourist sites, it can be the work of pickpockets.
✅ If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is (free tours, too-cheap taxis).
Respecting Local Culture
✅ Research local etiquette, including tipping customs and dress codes.
✅ Learn a few basic phrases to connect with locals.
✅ Respect cultural and religious sites; ask before taking photos.
Emergency
✅ Save emergency contacts (local police, hospital, embassy) in your phone.
✅ Know the country’s emergency number (e.g., 112 in Europe).
✅ Have a plan for lost/stolen documents and credit cards.
✅ Download a translation app for emergencies.
