Ways to make your traveling experience easier

Those who know me well, know that I can be a bit high strung when it comes to getting places on time and complying with intricate airline regulations. Crowds make me anxious, and I can never seem to get my shoes on or off fast enough through airport security. So, with the wisdom I’ve acquired from a few personal misadventures, I’ve compiled a top 10 list of travel tips.

  1. The ATM is your friend – Let’s say you’re exiting the Euro zone and heading to London for the weekend. It may seem practical to change your money before arriving, but only convert as much as you’ll need to get to your hostel from the airport. Once you’ve reached your desired destination, find an ATM— yes, you’ll get charged the standard fee, but you’ll get a better exchange rate and avoid conversion charges.
  2. Pack snacks – You may feel like a soccer mom, but that pack of crackers will pay off when it’s 2 a.m. and you’re stranded at the airport with $7 mini-bags of pretzels as your only food option.
  3. Layers, layers, layers – Weathermen can be notorious liars so always be prepared for climate changes. Pack clothes that are easy to layer and versatile to save space in your bag.
  4. Read all of the airline regulations – You don’t want to be the person who gets stuck paying an extra 40€ because you didn’t print your boarding pass or because your bag is over the carry-on size. Always read the fine print.
  5. “You’re really going to charge me for that?” – For those international travel newbies used to traveling in the U.S., where mini shampoos and free Wi-Fi reign supreme, be prepared to pay for such luxuries. Oftentimes hostels or small hotels will charge extra for towels or extra blankets. Save some cash by bringing your own.
  6. Shop smart – I’ve found that one of my biggest expenses while traveling is food. When exploring the touristic sights of any city, check out a few places before deciding on a place to eat. Use common sense – obviously, lunch at the restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower is going to be an experience catered to tourists. Try walking a few blocks to find something more authentic and less expensive.
  7. Always carry your passport or student ID – Personally, I just feel safer having my passport on me at all times when traveling (at least that way you always know where it is). But more importantly, you never know when a student discount will present itself. Discounted Metro passes or even free admissions to museums (like the Louvre or Chateau Versailles in Paris) are the perks of being a student traveler.
  8. Read reviews and ratings – Found a hostel that sounds too good to be true? It probably is. Most websites like Hostel World or Trip Advisor have comment sections for satisfied (or disgruntled) customers to share their experiences. Look for a place to stay that seems to reflect the type of travel experience you want.
  9. Create a schedule – You don’t need to have every second of your time meticulously planned, but it’s good to have some idea of the things you want to see. Check the hours and admission prices of attractions, as in some countries, museums are closed on Sundays or Mondays. Still stumped? Ask the receptionist at your hostel or a barista at a local café for recommendations.
  10. Just go with it – Part of traveling is experiencing new things, and along with new experiences come new challenges. If you miss a train, book your reservation incorrectly, or lose your credit card, just take a step back and breathe. As long as the problem isn’t a life or death situation, there is always some sort of solution. Everything will shake out in the end.