1. Good photo-taking etiquette
Few things distinguish a smart, savvy traveller from a novice like the way they use their camera. Though being in a new, exotic land can be a wondrous experience, resist the urge to snap a photo of everything you come across. Not only would you often get in someone’s way, you’re also missing out on the experience of actually being there.
Also, practise good photo manners at scenic viewpoints: don’t hog the best spot for too long just trying to score the perfect photo, keep an eye out so you don’t accidentally photobomb someone else, and obey signs that say ‘no flash photography’ – they are there for a reason.
Proper photo-taking etiquette is especially important while at scenic spots.
2. How to pack super-efficiently
When it’s time to pack light, your clothes never looked puffier (or your suitcase smaller). But on top of getting out of those pesky excess-baggage charges on the flight, packing light and right also saves you a world of trouble when you’re actually moving around – as anyone who’s ever had to drag a big 4-wheeled suitcase up endless flights of stairs would tell you.
So before you even take out your suitcase, consider if you’d have to carry your baggage over uneven terrain or up steps (e.g. if you’re staying in a hilltop town or coastal village). If so, go for a sturdy backpack over a rolling luggage.
Regarding what goes into your suitcase, only you know what you can’t survive without, but you probably need less than that still! Bring neutral-coloured attire so that everything will match everything else, roll your clothes tightly to save space and creases, and use airless Ziploc bags and packing cubes for non-rollable items to keep your suitcase organised.
Packing right will save you a ton of trouble when you’re moving from point to point. Photo Credit: Christina Leow / Flickr
3. How to avoid a travel crisis
Nothing spoils a holiday like having your wallet, cellphone or passport stolen, so practise good crisis-prevention habits even while on vacation. Holding a map or camera aloft as you walk is a sure-fire way of putting yourself in the crosshairs of all nearby pickpockets, so put it away and pay attention to your surroundings. If you have to check the map, get off the street first.
Make multiple photocopies of all your important travel documents – passport, visa, ID, flight and accommodation confirmations, etc – and pack them in different places.
Even if you’re staying in a 5-star hotel, be vigilant about putting your valuables in the safe deposit box; arguing with the hotel over a housekeeping theft is not how you want to spend your stress-free holiday.
Proper awareness distinguishes a traveller from a target.
4. How to not offend anybody
Even while you enjoy a carefree escape from your life, don’t forget that you’re essentially a guest in someone else’s home, so respect the cultural rules and social norms of your host country.
Do your research beforehand to make sure you don’t accidentally commit a faux pas. For instance, do you tip your waiter? On which side of the escalator should you stand? Are there certain dress codes that locals adhere to? Should you say hi with a handshake, hug or kiss?
Standing on the wrong side of the escalator is a faux pas you don’t want to commit. Photo Credit: MirrorlessvsD-SLR2 / Flickr
5. How to stay healthy on the road
Like losing a valued item, falling sick disrupts plans and puts a serious damper on any holiday. Unfortunately, the combination of jet lag, travel fatigue and unfamiliar foods actually puts your body at prime risk of catching a bug, so precautionary steps against illness become all the more important.
If you can get a flu shot before setting off, why not? Try to eat healthy and at regular intervals even while travelling. Pack some nutrition bars, dried fruit or nuts in case food isn’t available, visit local markets for fresh fruit and keep well-hydrated. Also, be sure to plan for proper sleep – power naps on the train, car or plane just won’t cut it over a longer period, even if they do save you time and money.
Don’t waste your precious vacation days being sick. Photo Credit: Marie Killen / Flickr
6. How to order the right food
Travelling is a wholesome, immersive sensory experience involving new sights, sounds, smells and tastes. To fully experience an alternate culture, you’ve got to try their cuisine! Though it takes guts to bring an unfamiliar food to your mouth, you don’t want to be the silly-billy who orders a burger and fries in Italy.
Do your research beforehand so you know the right types of dishes to order (this is especially important if the menu isn’t going to be in English). There will be hits and misses in this culinary journey for sure, but discovering new combinations of tastes is in itself part of the beauty of travelling. Sometimes homesickness will strike and you’d just want a bowl of familiar comfort food, but don’t let that comprise the bulk of your holiday diet.
Experience the thrill of ingesting all kinds of different foods when you travel.
7. The importance of learning the language
Take a few minutes to learn a word or two (such as hello, sorry and thank you) in the local language; you’d be surprised at the warmth you’d receive from the natives in return! It doesn’t matter if your pronunciation isn’t perfect or your grammar is broken – the effort is what counts. Don’t assume everyone can (or should) speak English; that’s a sure-fire way to not endear yourself to the local population and give tourists a bad rep.
Learning simple phrases in the language will endear you to the locals. Photo Credit: Van Tran / Flickr
8. How to score the cheapest flights
When it comes to booking flights, you’d be surprised at how cheap air tickets can be if you’re flexible on date and destination. Don’t do what everyone else does and plan your trip around designated holidays; fly to unknown destinations at unexpected dates for seriously jaw-dropping flight prices. Even better still, check for ‘cheapest month’ tickets on travel search engines like Skyscanner, then plan your trip around that time period instead.
Looking for some spontaneity in your life? Try Skyscanner’s ‘Flights to ‘Everywhere’’ function – we show you all the destinations that you can fly to at the lowest possible prices. Say hello to promo flights to Egypt or slashed prices to Laos!
Being flexible on date and destination can get you extremely cheap flights.
9. How to get the best accommodation
Don’t just search for hotels. Nowadays, cheap and interesting alternatives like hostels, B&Bs, AirBnB or CouchSurfing are available to suit every budget type. With so many options, though, how do you find the best one and score a great deal?
Lucky for the modern savvy traveller, the worldwide web makes these things easier. Travel search engines like Skyscanner Hotels and websites such as Expedia, and TripAdvisor do the work for you – simply input your point of interest and get an instant list of all possibilities within the search radius at the touch of a button. You also get a more objective representation of the accommodation (including user reviews and photos), and lower-than-retail rates.
Information overload? Learn to work the search engine tools to your advantage: you can filter all your possibilities through numerous criteria like ratings, prices, proximity to point of interest, parking options and more.
Staying in a B&B instead of a hotel is a good way to experience local hospitality. Photo Credit: Nigel Hopes / Flickr
10. The ins and outs of renting a car
Helming your own vehicle allows you a huge degree of flexibility in travelling, but before you book that 20-dollar-a-day promo, note the many hidden costs that come with the vehicle. There’s insurance and taxes, additional surcharges for drivers below 25, airport concession (if you pick the car up direct at the airport) and other fees depending on the country of travel and rental company you use. Skyscanner Car Hire helps answer some of these concerns that you might have, by comparing your available options.
Do keep in mind other factors too, such as different road rules, different signages, varying road widths, or even unexpected road conditions. So research, research and research before leaving! Also, be sure to invest in a good map or GPS – it’d save you a world of time and trouble.
