Travel Tips
Before 2014, I had traveled around the states a little bit, but had never left the country. Now I’ve been to 13 countries! In my travels, I’ve learned a thing or two to make my trips a little easier. I’ve rounded some of these up for you today!
Lush
Lush sells a ton of solid skincare. Shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, perfume, and toothpaste! They’re more eco-friendly and cost efficient,
Google Maps Offline
Look up directions to where you need to be while you’re on wifi. Your phone will still show your GPS location on Google Maps while it’s on airplane mode. This works really well for public transportation as well! If you load up the route on maps before you go on airplane mode, you can see how close you are to your stop and know when to get off.
Netflix
You can access different TV shows and movies on Netflix when you travel. Download them so you can watch on the plane or when you get home!
Insulated Bottle
Use an insulated bottle like this to keep your drinks hot or cold depending on your destination. These bottles are pretty similar between brands and will typically keep your cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12! Really nice if you’re out in the snow and want hot coffee or hot chocolate or if you’re in the blazing hot sun and want your ice water to last!
Learn to Travel
If you’re nervous about traveling on your own, travel with someone who knows what they’re doing - BUT don’t let them guide you unless it’s absolutely necessary. You lead the trip - planning, getting around, etc so you have a fallback if you have questions or concerns, but you can get comfortable navigating yourself.
Hostels: Private Rooms
Accommodation preferences really change depending on the individual, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to look into hostels in the area (especially if it’s a common tourist area) because some offer private rooms for 1-4 beds which you can lock from the inside, giving you an affordable, but safe, option.
Post Offices
If you’re planning on sending postcards, look up post office locations and opening hours beforehand. In some countries, hours are really limited and depending on where you are, there might not be many places where you can buy stamps. Also, when you buy your postcard, ask the shop if they offer stamps as well - some do!