As a seasoned traveller, I’ve decided to share my hard-earned knowledge (read: mistakes) with fellow travellers, so that you can be spared all the pain and hardship I’ve endured through hard experience (again read: mistakes).
Most of what I’m about to tell is a distillation of more than 20 years of experience travelling across the planet. Best thing is, my advice is fairly uncomplicated and easy to remember.
Before we begin, here’s the ‘toppest’ tip of them all: pack your common sense in your suitcase.
Now for the details:
1. Get insurance. Period. Statistics show that quite a few people miss out on this critical aspect, considering it an unnecessary expense. Statistics show that thousands lose their luggage, fall ill or need to be hospitalized while travelling, often incurring costs over £100,000 when all that could have been taken care of by an insurance available at well below £100. It’s better to be safe. And if you’re dreaming about getting the best travel insurance without spending a penny, click here and you just might get it free.
2. Keep the address and phone number of your country’s embassy or consulate handy. This is one of the first and often only places you have to help you in the event of an emergency.
3. Make a record of your passport number in case it goes missing.
4. Remember to check your accommodation rates; don’t settle for the first available option. Plan ahead... best advice is to give yourself 2 to 3 months in advance. You can also opt for timeshare rentals to save on the cost of accommodation.
5. Think hard about the money you’ll need on your travels. Take into consideration even the unlikeliest contingencies. Once you’ve arrived at a figure that seems to take everything into account... add another 25%. I’m not joking; you never know what can happen.
6. Always carry some extra spare cash hidden in your shoe, belt or sock... enough to pay for a meal and a cab ride home. Let’s say £30 in notes.
7. You wouldn’t believe how much difference there can be in airfares, often with the best available at cheaper rates. All it takes is some research to grab the best deals available. If detailed research is not quite your cup of tea, we have the solution right here.
Well, that’s about it. There are hundreds of other minutiae, but the above will be enough to stand you in good stead. Keep the ‘toppest’ tip in mind, and go with the flow... Bon voyage!
