Top 10 International Travel Tips You Normally Wouldn’t Think About!
After spending 20 days globetrotting in 4 countries and 7 airports, you learn a thing or ten about traveling smart! John and I brainstormed a quick “Top Ten” travel tips that no one ever told us about – that we thought we’d share with you! Hope these tips make your travels more seamless
Tip #1: Pack a universal power strip!
Seriously, this thing was a lifesaver. Turning one power outlet into several is the modern day turning water into wine. Between John and I, we had 4-6 devices that needed to be charged each night or used at the airport: GoPro, camera, iPhones, laptops, Fitbit. The universal power strip was easy to set up each night and charged all devices at night while we slept. It ensured that we had full batteries for our adventures the next day!
Tip #2: Pack an extra 2-3 days of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag.
The airlines lost our luggage twice this trip. I swear, someone must have cast a lost luggage curse on me. Remind me later to go to an exorcist! Our luggage was lost on the first day of our honeymoon! We didn’t account for this and we packed nothing and were stuck wearing the same clothes for 48 hours. I didn’t have a comb and couldn’t find one at a local convenience store and ended up brushing my hair with a fork. The worst! My worst experience with lost luggage was when i was traveling down to mexico for a wedding. My luggage wasn’t going to arrive until the day after the wedding took place, so i had to rent a car, buy a new dress, makeup, bathing suit, cover-up – essentially everything. The airlines are also stingy about what they reimburse you for, too.
Here’s a quick list for you to pack an extra pair of:
Socks
Shirt
Sweater
Flip flops
Bathing suit (depending on where you’re traveling to!)
Makeup essentials (bb cream, eyeliner, eyebrow powder, lipstick)
Toiletries (facial moisturizer, razor, shampoo, conditioner, extra contact lenses, hair brush)
These items can comfortably be rolled up real tight and thrown into a backpack. You’ll thank yourself if the worst happens and your luggage gets lost!
Tip #3: Airbnb can be hit or miss. Sometimes a hotel can be well worth it, so have a backup plan, just in case.
We’ve used Airbnb quite a bit and most times it’s great, but other times it’s been a complete miss. (#tbt to when we used Airbnb in Miami and the pictures looked nothing like the apartment, it was filthy, smelled like cat dander—I’m deathly allergic to cats!—and the lady kept messaging us about having to come back for her $10 she left on the table in her bedroom. We had that place booked for 3 nights and ended up leaving after the first night). In Helsinki, we took two steps into our Airbnb, looked at each other, and almost simultaneously said, “let’s look for a hotel.” It was the best thing we could’ve done. What we found interesting was that the hotel we ended up staying at (which was luxurious) was the same price as the Airbnb! We decided that from that moment forward, we should be better about double-checking prices for hotels, rather than just immediately opting for Airbnb.
A few great apps to help if you’re in a situation where you need to book a place ASAP:
Tip #4: Opt for backpack rather than a shoulder bag.
Listen, I love my LV Neverfull as much as the next gal, but if you’re doing a lot of walking between airport terminals or a lot of walking in general, it’s simply not worth it. Pack your Longchamp or Neverfull in your checked bag and opt for a cute backpack instead. Your shoulders and back will thank you!
Here’s a cute explorer-style backpack for your travels:
https://www.amazon.com/Hynes-Eagle-Designer-Canvas-Backpack/dp/B00K4TGJ7K/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=backtobaesics-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4c2fb04c872e245e49e07da2923a2a4b&creativeASIN=B00K4TGJ7K
Tip #5: Buy a global SIM card before traveling or call your wireless provider to add the international plan for 1 month.
It’s worth buying at least 1GB of data before you travel. You can depend on hotels and coffee shops for free Wi-Fi, but not always. Helpful to have in case of emergencies!
Tip #6: Pack Lysol wipes, Purell, and Vitamin C.
I have the world’s worst immune system to begin with, and I had a really bad habit of getting sick every time I traveled. Seriously, every time.
Lysol wipes: Wipe down your phone every night, and wipe down door handles and remote controls in the hotel/Airbnb. You wouldn’t think of it, but those areas are the dirtiest and cleaning staff don’t often clean them.
Vitamin C: When you’re traveling and you’re outside of your normal eating routine, it could be hard to get the right number of vitamins your body needs for its defense system. Taking Vitamin C every day will be a great safe guard while you’re traveling. Tip: Take your pills as part of your morning routine of brushing your teeth or putting in your contact lenses.
Tip #7: Pack a rain jacket or poncho, and a small umbrella.
Seriously, it’s worth it and takes up nearly no room in your luggage. You just never know what kind of weather you’re going to run into. Exploring a city is a lot more doable when you’re not soaking wet!
I know what you’re thinking. Ponchos: Dorky AF. You think that until you’re caught out in the rain!
Dorky, but worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/Lingito-Rain-Poncho-Family-Pack/dp/B06XD821TV/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=backtobaesics-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=9b6a04c04fd00853b2a0abb7b2bd01b6&creativeASIN=B06XD821TV
Tip #8: Send postcards to your friends & family while abroad.
This was something we had so much fun with when on our honeymoon! In the era of email and text messaging, there’s something so personal about hand-writing a post card. It’s an inexpensive but thoughtful way to show someone you care about them. It’s easier than you think: Most places that sell postcards usually also sell stamps. Ask them where you can find a local post box. If you’re staying at a hotel, most likely the hotel will be able to mail it for you.
Tip #9: Pack a small, reusable water bottle.
There’s nothing drier than being on an airplane and there’s nothing worse than having to keep buying water. Most airports have water bottle filling stations near their restrooms. It’s a great way to save a few bucks and make sure you stay hydrated in-between layovers!
Tip #10: Plan for downtime.
There’s a lot more downtime when you travel than you intend! Delayed flights, waiting in line, slow service at a restaurant- it’s a great time to finally read that book you’ve been wanting to read or play a game with your travel partner.
I recently read Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin. What an incredible read. This book changed the way I think! I love her writing style and her advice is inspirational while being practical—a hard balance to achieve! She also wrote The Happiness Project. She is a double-whammy, home-run kind of gal, huh? I want to be Gretchen when I grow up.
Recommended: Bring a deck of cards or a small portable game (like our favorite, bananagrams!).