1. Obtain a SIM card upon arrival

This tip cannot be overstated; it has proven invaluable.

You can typically find a SIM card at a convenience store near the airport or where you buy bus tickets. Grocery stores are also a solid option for this.

Once you acquire one, keep it for future visits to that country.

Why is this a necessity?

• Data Access: It enables you to use Google Maps and Translate, as well as make video calls to friends and family back home.
• You can also make local calls and send texts as needed.

2. Unlock your phone with your carrier

Before you land and purchase a new SIM card, ensure your phone is unlocked.

Check with your mobile provider to confirm that your device is eligible for unlocking.

For detailed instructions on unlocking your phone across different carriers, refer to this resource:

3. Know about bus tickets

Planning to rely on public transportation? Familiarize yourself with the name of the transit system before you arrive.

After a long journey, jet lag can leave you feeling disoriented. Gathering this information ahead of time can save you unnecessary stress.

Also, understand how the system works. Some systems accept Apple Pay (be mindful of any fees), while others require you to purchase a physical ticket.

Depending on your budget and how long you’ll be staying, consider an unlimited pass. I’ve found them to be reasonably priced for the convenience they offer, plus it alleviates the hassle of needing to recharge your card.

4. Rent accommodation with a kitchen

"But I’m on vacation! Why would I want to cook?"

If your stay is brief, dining out may be enjoyable, but travel can be exhausting. I've discovered that having a kitchen in my rental allows me to feel more settled during longer trips.

Dining out can be fun but costly, and it can foster feelings of homesickness. Engaging in everyday activities while traveling helps alleviate this.

Living like a local enhances my experience, allowing me to view the destination through the eyes of its residents rather than just as a tourist.

Many people often say, “After a week of vacation, I’m ready to go home.” A kitchen might help you savor your trip a bit longer.

Exploring grocery stores in foreign countries can be an adventure in itself. It’s exciting to discover different products and experiment with unfamiliar ingredients.

5. Don’t Over-Schedule Your Days

Unless you're on a tight schedule.

If you're staying for over a week, carve out some slow days. Take the chance to sleep in, relax at a local café, or enjoy some time in a park.

Often, these slower moments allow us to genuinely connect with a place and appreciate its nuances.

6. Use your phone’s camera for translation

Having trouble with the language? Google Translate offers a fantastic feature: simply point your camera at the text, and it will translate it instantly.

While it may not be flawless, it’s an incredibly helpful tool!

7. Download an offline map

Did you know you can download maps on Google Maps?

This function is particularly useful if your data is low or you haven't yet acquired a local SIM card.

Check out this Google article for steps on downloading maps for offline use:

8. Carry a compact backpack

A thoughtfully designed small backpack can revolutionize your travels.

Since everyone’s needs vary, select one that suits your specific requirements.

In some locations, grocery stores won’t bag your items, so having a backpack for snacks or groceries can prevent the hassle of juggling multiple items or purchasing a reusable bag that you don’t intend to keep.

A backpack is also handy for stowing a power bank (see tip #10) and your travel adapter (tip #11).

9. Choose your footwear carefully

What kind of travel are you engaging in?

Shoes can take up considerable space, so packing additional pairs may not always be practical unless necessary. What works best for the airport might not suit your destination.

Planning to hike? Good boots could be beneficial, but they can be cumbersome to remove at security checkpoints.

If you’ll be walking extensively through cities or towns, comfortable sneakers are a great option. I personally enjoy the On* brand:

10. Pack a portable power bank

The ideal power bank should be lightweight yet high-capacity—at least 10,000 mAh.

With most newer phones having around 3,500 mAh, this allows for comfortable full recharges for you and a companion, or backup power for the second day if it’s not charged overnight.

This one should suffice (not an affiliate link):

11. Use a universal travel adapter

If you frequently travel to various countries, a universal travel adapter is more practical than a model designed for a specific location.

One adapter to rule them all! (…and you can find it on Amazon).

This type will do (not an affiliate link):

12. Learn a few phrases

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few key phrases in the local language can be quite beneficial.

While English is increasingly spoken globally, not everyone will understand it. Younger individuals usually have a good grasp of English, but older generations might not.

Learning a few phrases can also signal respect and appreciation for the local culture.

Consider memorizing phrases like:

• Where is the bathroom?
• I want / I have / I need.

These are practical as they allow you to combine nouns you learn along the way. For instance, you could say, “I need help” or “I want potatoes.”

Also, remember to learn:

• Yes & no
• Thank you
• Do you speak English?
• I speak English.

13. Stay Adaptable

Recently, my husband and I traveled abroad for a wedding and scheduled an overnight layover in Frankfurt to explore the Christmas Market.

We had meticulously planned our landing time, route to the market, and our return to the hotel.

Then our flight was delayed.

Amidst the chaos of traveling with a toddler, we eventually made it to the international terminal, only to be stuck at passport control. The passport officer was puzzled as to how we ended up there since we were traveling within the EU.

Between the flight delay and the airport confusion, we lost more than 2 hours of our planned time. The Christmas Market was closing soon, and we kept trying to convince ourselves, “If we hurry, we might see it for 15 minutes!”

When we finally accepted that it wasn’t going to work out, we devised a new plan. We strolled through a neighborhood, admired the charming German architecture, grabbed snacks from a store, and enjoyed a cozy evening in our hotel room.

While our layover wasn’t as glamorous as visiting the market, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience filled with memorable moments.

I can still taste the sandwiches we made with German rye bread and the most delicious store-bought tomatoes I’ve ever had.

You can’t always control your travel plans. Remaining flexible can help you appreciate your journey and whatever unfolds.

Bonus Tip for Those Traveling with Young Kids

• Stroller vs. Carrier — Choose Wisely

I never took a stroller. I’d walk the airbridge and see strollers lined up, relieved I wasn’t adding to the collection.

Navigating the uneven cobblestone streets of old towns was much easier without worrying about bumping my daughter around.

While I had to be conscious of where I stepped and what footwear I wore (see tip #9), carrying her allowed me to adapt more easily to the winding streets and uniquely shaped shops and restaurants.

Traveling often brings unexpected surprises (see tip #13), and I’ve found that carrying my daughter makes it simpler to go with the flow.

In Conclusion

Traveling is exhilarating; it’s about discovering the world, one destination at a time.

Having traveled extensively for 10 years, I’ve made numerous mistakes along the way.

You can follow in my footsteps, avoiding the pitfalls.

In summary, here are the key tips to consider before your next journey:

1. Obtain a SIM card when you arrive.
2. Unlock your phone through your carrier.
3. Familiarize yourself with the bus system and consider unlimited tickets.
4. Choose accommodation with a kitchen.
5. Don’t over-schedule—allow for slow days!
6. Use Google Translate’s camera feature.
7. Download a map of the area.
8. Carry a compact backpack.
9. Be mindful of your footwear.
10. Remember to pack a portable power bank.
11. Bring a universal travel adapter.
12. Learn a few useful phrases.
13. Stay adaptable in your plans.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a carrier for young children and babies.

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