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16 . TELL YOUR PLANS TO SOMEONE BACK HOME . Make your plans known to at least one person who ’ s not on your trip so there ’ s always someone who knows where you are and where you should be .
17 . BRING A FIRST-AID KIT . Blisters , cuts , colds and all manner of physical ailments occur when you travel . Be prepared with the essentials so they don ' t spoil the fun .
18 . NEVER CARRY ALL OF YOUR MONEY ON YOU . Take what you think you ’ ll need for the day and leave the rest locked in your hotel so you ’ re not caught penniless should you lose your wallet ( or have it stolen ).
19 . USE A MAP , BUT DON ’ T BE AFRAID TO GET LOST . Maps are essential , especially the first few days in a new city . Who cares if you look like a tourist ? You are one ! But let yourself get lost once or twice , too – you never know what you ’ ll find .
20 . LEARN THE LOCAL HISTORY . A little research
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on your destination ’ s past is the best way to understand its present . |
21 . SHOP AROUND FOR FLIGHTS . You can often save serious cash by flying into a nearby city and taking a train or bus the rest of the way .
22 . AVOID EATING IN TOURISTY AREAS . The food is almost never good , and the prices are jacked way up . You ’ ll have better luck – and a better meal – by walking a few blocks or minutes away .
23 . SAMPLE THE LOCAL CUISINE . Even if it ’ s something you would never eat at home , try it anyway . You never really understand a place until you ’ ve experienced its food .
24 . USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION . Not only will you save a ton of money on taxis , but you ’ ll also see your destination as the locals do .
25 . DO A WALKING TOUR ON YOUR FIRST DAY . It ’ s an excellent way to get a lay of the land before you set out on your own .
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26 . ALWAYS CARRY CASH FOR EMERGENCIES . It ’ s tempting to rely on credit or debit cards for everything , but many places still require cash – and you don ’ t want to be stuck in a cash-only situation without it .
27 . WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES . There are so many good-looking and comfortable options for footwear , so why torture yourself ? Treat your feet well and they will take you to the most amazing places .
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28 . BE AN EARLY RISER . It ’ s the best way to get crowded sights all to yourself and beat the lines at popular cultural spots . It also gives you a chance to slow down and take in your surroundings .
29 . PACK A SCARF . A good scarf ( or sarong ) is the most versatile piece of travelwear . It can be used as a blanket , a face mask , for sun protection , to carry things … the options are endless !
30 . BECOME AN OBSERVER . Be mindful of where you are without the lens of a camera or smart phone in
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the way . Watch the locals , take in the scenery , sounds and smells , and be fully present .
31 . SLOW DOWN . Cramming too many places into one trip results in a surface level experience . Gain a deeper understanding of a location by spending as much time there as your trip will allow . Several days in a few spots almost always beats a day or two in many .
32 . TAKE NOTES . Journaling your travel experience is a great way to reflect on and remember your trip . Your notes may also prove invaluable if you ever return to that location or know someone who is visiting for the first time .
33 . GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH . Every destination has certain must-sees that , although touristy , are must-sees for a reason . But to truly experience a place and its culture , venture away from the crowds and live the way the locals do . That ’ s often when the best travel memories are made !
Happy travels !
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