These are items I have learned a long the way that have came in handy for me or a friend I know and have made my trip a bit more enjoyable.
Always buy trip insurance you never know what's going to happen, unplanned illness ect.
Make photocopies of important documents. I have heard horror stories of people losing/getting their passport stolen and by having a color copy of theirs they were able to get back home.
Use a travel agent, ours is amazing! She thinks of everything and in the few times we have had some travel hiccups she was there to help reroute us without further issues.
Keep your phone charged and download maps offline there have been a few times in the US that I was traveling through mountains or just areas with poor cell coverage and if I hadn't saved my map offline, I would have been lost.
Embrace the language. Learn a few phrases in the country's native language goes a long way to get you what you need. General phrases like “please", “thank you", "bathroom".
Ask the price before getting in public transportation if you are getting in a taxi negotiating your price beforehand can save you quite a bit. Asking hotel staff as well how far a place is and how much it should cost is also a recommendation.
Put important items on your carry on I always have my meds and a swimsuit when traveling to the Caribbean, in the office that my baggage doesn't make it to where I am going then I have something to change into.
Preplan your outfits I am getting better about this. I used to pack EVERYTHING and I am trying to cut down and by preplanning outfits I am able to cut out all the extras
Ask the locals. Ask the locals where they would go to dinner or a must see sight gets you to non-mainstream tourist points that are probably way better then the others.
Bring a first aid kit meds, Neosporin and bandaids are expensive on resorts or in high tourist areas. By having them on hand you save some money!
Don't put your money all in one spot. In the even something is stolen, having cash in multiple spots lessens the risk of having it all stolen. Same thing with carrying cash. Don't carry all you have on an excursion.
Pack a water bottle unless you are going somewhere where the water isn't drinkable then bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated and save the environment.
Find clothing items that can double up like a coverup that can also be a dress. This ultimately saves on luggage space and you can create different looks with what you have.
Invest in a packable jacket. Again, when planning to be gone for awhile, space is limited.
Look up ahead time and make a list of must see places. Then see how many of these you can do together that are close by. Get the most out of your trip and plan ahead.
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