20 Travel Tips that Will Help You to Travel Like a Pro!

Travelling smart is just as important as travelling far and wide. Simple travel hacks can go a long way in making your holiday cost-effective, fuss-free and much more fun! Read on to discover how to become an expert traveller with these tips.

Good travellers are not born; they are made. You don’t learn the art of travelling from your mother’s womb like a pro. You become a good traveller after several silly mistakes, awkward experiences, unnecessary expenditures and faulty itineraries. Another way to become an expert traveller is to leverage another traveller’s experience and imbibe their tips – like this list!

I am listing down 20 must-follow travel tips I have learnt the hard way so you don’t have to! From saving money to travelling light, sleeping better and staying connected to doing luxury experiences on a budget, these tips for beginners will ensure you learn how to travel like a pro!

So, read on and discover everything to remember while travelling, before and even after travelling (for your next trip)!

1. Travel Light

This one is an absolute no-brainer! And yet, it is one of the things that most people get wrong! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of packing light. In most foreign countries, travellers must carry their luggage and walk to the nearest train stations. This essential travel packing tip will save you from carrying an unnecessary load, leaving you with the energy to explore places on foot.

Start by creating a list of essentials. Visit and revisit this list to trim it down as much as you can. An excellent packing hack is to carry basic and minimalistic attire that one can mix and match to create different looks. Remember, repeating a T-shirt or a dress during your travel is okay. Carry not more than two pairs of footwear. And you can skip your 7-step skincare routine while travelling, so scale down your cosmetics case too!

2. Choose The Right Kind of Luggage

Carrying poor luggage is like wearing poorly fitted shoes – it troubles your subconscious. The last thing you want during your holiday is your luggage strap to snap or your suitcase to give way. Invest in luggage that is ergonomic, versatile and easy to carry. Suitcases that are well-built with sturdy wheels will be a blessing for you through those long walks.

Well-designed and ergonomic backpacks are my go-to for cabin luggage options. They can fit many items in their zips and enclosures, giving you lots of space to carry everything you need. Moreover, they also give you a hands-free luggage-carrying experience, leaving you to attend to other things.

Flipkart has several options in branded luggage, backpacks, duffle bags and more that score total points on design, convenience and price. Flipkart has always been my favourite when I am looking to update my luggage pieces.

3. Know Where To Book Your Flights

What better way to kick start your travel plans with a significant saving than booking smart flights?

Technology has enabled everyone with a smart device to get the best deals on travel & tickets! But only if you know the best websites to book your tickets from! Ditch your neighbourhood travel agent and head to websites like Skyscanner for the best deals on domestic and international tickets.

Skyscanner shows you all possible flights on any route offered by every airline. That way, you get to choose flights that suit your budget, timings, and preferred city for a layover at a great price! Skyscanner lists all possible budget and low-cost airlines you wouldn’t even know existed! This website is a haven for all experienced travellers who always manage to bag the best travel deals.

4. Book Budget Hotels

Let’s face it – you won’t spend much time in your hotel room. Between all your day tours, night hauls and travel plans, hotel rooms are only for an 8-hour snooze and a quick shower. So, spend wisely and avoid parking a chunk of your budget in hotel costs.

Here’s one of the best travel tips for beginners that I can emphasize enough – choose central & budget-friendly hotels! Centrally located hotels slash your commuting costs. You can easily walk up to nearby bus or train stations and even explore places on foot. And budget bed & breakfast hotels also ensure you spend minimal on your stay whilst providing a safe & hygienic stay.

Wondering where to find this kind of budget hotel? Head to MakeMyTrip International Hotels for the best deals on international hotel bookings. You will get excellent deals, real & authenticated reviews from travellers and plenty of options in any area of your preference! MMT-verified hotels give every passenger added validation on hotels in a new city.

5. Carry Multiple Copies of Your Passport & Important Documents

Travelling like a pro involves preparing for the worst possible situations. Having copies of your tickets, passport, and hotel bookings is always a good idea. Always carry passport photocopies as ID proof and leave the original in your hotel room locker. If you are mugged or robbed on the streets, at least you do not stand to lose your original documents.

Also, if your original passport gets misplaced, having a photocopy proves handy. You will need it to file a police report.

6. Ditch The Age-Old “Money Pouch”

Remember the rage of money pouches in the 90s that every traveller strapped around their waist? Well, it turns out it isn’t a great idea! Money pouches that strap around your waist are an open invite to robbers and muggers telling them, “Hey, here’s where all my money is!”

Instead of carrying an archaic money pouch, opt for a sleek and sturdy sling bag or backpack that straps around your body for a sturdy grip. Woodland navy backpacks or leather backpacks are the safest investment for travellers. There is enough room for all your travel essentials, such as chargers, water, on-the-go snacks, documents, etc.

Most importantly, this bag leaves no room for a sudden snatcher as it can be strapped onto your torso for a no-slip grip. It scores total points on safety, ergonomics and convenience!

7. Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses

Being outdoors through the day under the hot sun can lay undue stress on your eyes. Sunglasses are one of the most important things to remember to pack while travelling. They keep your eyes relaxed and covered through harsh sunrays, dust storms and more.

Those nasty headaches from the hot sun can also be mitigated with sunglasses. I suffer terrible headaches when I am in the sun all day. Thankfully, sunglasses come to the rescue! And let’s admit it – our travel photographs turn out much better with smart eyewear!

Wearing sunglasses can be a challenge for those who already wear glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness. But don’t worry! With the range of Titan Eye Plus Sunglasses with power, you can enjoy 100% vision and derive all the benefits of sunglasses! Titan Eye Plus has a range of leading eyewear brands under one roof, including Oakley, Rayban, Fastrack and more, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

8. Learn The Local Language A Little

Communication is key. This phrase is suitable even for travellers. Learning the local language is one of my most followed travel tips for beginners. That has helped many first-time travellers. Locals don’t speak English in many Middle Eastern, European and African countries. So, knowing the local language can help you every step of the way.

Remember, you don’t need to learn the grammatical rules of the language. Just ensure you get the correct simple phrases, such as:

• Where is the nearest public bathroom?
• Where is the closest train station?
• Where can I get water?
• Thank you for your help!
• I am looking for food/paper/help.
• Which way is this hotel?

Tutorialspoint has always been my favourite portal to learn the basics of any foreign language. They offer video courses, PDFs and easy interactive learning that keeps the fun intact. I make it a point to begin learning a language at least one month before my travel to be well-versed in basic sentences and phrases.

9. Carry A Basic First Aid Kit

Long flights, air turbulence and a change in your sleep cycle can cause you to feel under the weather. Getting your hands on the proper medication in a new city or country isn’t easy. First up, many countries do not sell medicines without a prescription. Secondly, you may not get the exact medication you are looking for.

For this reason, it is always wise to carry a basic first aid kit with medicines for common ailments such as diarrhoea, vomiting, allergic reactions, nasal congestion and more. Slip in a handwritten note that has the ailment and corresponding medicine written so anyone can use the first aid kit even in your absence. Also, carry band-aids, antiseptics, crepe bandages and cotton for bruises and cuts.

Don’t worry; all of these medicines aren’t going to dig a hole in your pocket. Just head to 1mg for easy and fuss-free medicine doorstep delivery at great prices. You can have all your first aid kit requirements delivered from one app.

10. Pre-Book Your Luxury Dining Experience

No matter how budgeted your holiday is, you owe yourself one luxury dining experience. Believe it or not, even that can be done on a budget! All you need to do is plan.

Do your research on the best bars or upmarket restaurants in your holiday destination. Look up their menu and discover information on when they have open bar nights, ladies’ nights or offers on food. Identify a suitable date to cash in on any of these special nights. You get to make the best memories and try at least one of the best restaurants in the city without having to spend a bunch of cash.

11. Don’t Keep All Your Cash In One Stash

Carrying all your money in one card/pouch/cheque can land you in a real soup. If your card accidentally gets locked or you lose your traveller’s check, you’re all set to ruin your holiday.

Avoid such situations by carrying money in different forms and even different currencies.

Traveller’s checks, hard cash, international currency cards and even your credit card are safe and viable payment options abroad. Also, it doesn’t hurt to stash away some extra emergency money in your home currency just in case you need it.

If you’re looking for a good local credit card you can carry abroad, I recommend Indusind Credit Cards. Their cards have excellent features that are attuned to the needs of the modern-day traveller. IndusInd Credit Cards also have great cashback, offers and points systems. The customer service is excellent, with representatives visiting you before your trip to guide you on using the cards abroad and leveraging its features to the maximum.

12. Always Travel Fitter Rather Than Trying To Knock Off Holiday Weight After Returning

We all bring back a few extra kilos after every holiday. And no, I don’t mean excess luggage. Putting on weight during a holiday and feeling guilty about it is normal. But there is a way out of this vicious cycle.

Rather than aiming to come back and lose your holiday weight, simply shed a few pounds and get fitter before you travel. This will ensure you can walk & explore more and endure some physical inconveniences of travel better. It will also encourage you to try local indulgences guilt-free without having to count every calorie dreadfully. Knocking off some weight before travelling also reduces the stress on your schedule and your body once you are back home.

My personal favourite for fitness gear and equipment has always been Cultsports. I am a fan of the quality of products, all of which come at affordable prices. From smartwatches to fitness gear and even home gym equipment, my top recommendation for fitness is Cultsports.

13. Research On The History of The Country You Are Visiting

Do your research on the history of the country you are visiting. If you haven’t had the time to do this before your travel, don’t fret! You can always utilize your in-flight time and layover hours to learn about the country of visit. Just download some informative videos from YouTube on the local cuisine, history and culture. Try to soak in as much information as possible about your destination country so you can do, eat, visit or watch what interests you.

Invest in good quality earphones or earbuds, so you enjoy downloaded videos through your air time. BoAt is my top recommendation for top-quality earphones that are travel-friendly and don’t pinch your pocket.

14. Never Miss Travel Insurance

You never know what contingencies you have to face while travelling. From lost/delayed luggage to theft and even self-injury, you are open to several risks while travelling. It is wise to be prepared for the worst. And there’s no better way to prepare yourself for any negative experience than with travel insurance.

Travel insurance also covers missed connecting flights or flight delays, a phenomenon that is so common in today’s aviation industry. Approach a reliable name in the insurance industry and ensure your insurance plan covers the maximum possible damage.

15. Get A Health Check Up Done Before You Travel Long & Far

This is my top advice to travellers who are about 40 years old. You don’t want to travel across seven seas to face the rude shock of poor health. Instead, invest in a routine health checkup before you travel to know where you stand on the health front. From your vitals to an ECG and liver function, don’t fret about going the extra mile for a health checkup, especially if any ailment runs in the family.

Also, make sure you take your routine flu vaccinations before every long or distant holiday. Seasonal flu can play spoilsport on trips and leave you feeling under the weather for weeks.

I prefer to get regular blood reports done to check my diabetes before every holiday. MediBuddy is my best bet to get comprehensive blood tests and routine checkups at a reasonable price. Check them out for anything from dental treatments to lab tests.

16. Load Up On Sunscreen

Don’t spoil your holiday pictures by looking like a ripe tomato freshly baked in the sun! Sunscreen is the #1 product in my toiletries pouch for any trip. It would be a good sunblock if I had to travel with just one skincare product.

Not using sunblock can leave you with several skin issues like inflammation, blisters, itching and peeling.

Invest in a good sunblock and apply as much as three fingers on your face to get full coverage. Replenish every 4 hours to ensure the peak hour sun rays do not harm your skin. The Bath & Body Works At The Beach Sun Lotion is my favourite. It protects from the sun and gives your skin a burst of hydration. You need that on travel when your water intake isn’t consistent.

17. Keep Some Free Time In Every City

Travelling is all about soaking in a new city’s vibe and learning about the local culture and way of life. While your day tours and experiences can help, there’s nothing like ad-hoc exploration.

Give yourself at least one or two free evenings in a city to wander its streets, explore local culture and eat at unplanned restaurants or cafes. Walk through busy roads and well-lit alleys to embrace the feel of the city. You will be surprised by how much you can learn about the city just by wandering around.

Believe it or not, I look forward to this part of my holiday the most. That one free evening to explore the city on foot, follow your whims and let the evening take you to new experiences. Two words of caution on this – do not do this alone, preferably have a friend or family member with you, and ensure you have comfortable shoes to walk in. Asics is my go-to for comfortable and durable footwear for long holiday walks.

18. Earplugs Are Your Key To Good Sleep

Use long train rides or bus rides to gain some shut-eye time. Don’t get me wrong – I am all for soaking in the scenery outdoors. But a short snooze can give you much energy for the rest of the day. Investing in good earplugs ensures you increase your chances of dozing off on long journeys.

Earplugs also come in handy on long flights. It shuts out the noise in the cabin and allows you to slip into a deep slumber. Invest in a good eye patch and earplugs; you are in for a snooze fest anytime and anywhere!

19. Carry A Power Bank

Phones are often working overtime on holidays for Google Maps, making notes, clicking pictures and more. Ensure your smartphone has enough battery by always keeping a power bank handy. It is paramount to stay connected in a new city, and a power bank ensures you always have a backup battery to rely on.

Amazon India has plenty of options for power banks with different features, including pocket-size power banks, fast-charging capabilities and more. It is wise to carry two power banks just in case you need more than one device to charge.

20. Click Lots Of Pictures – With You In Them!

Make memories and capture memories with you in them. No, I don’t mean selfies! Use the timer on your phone to click postcard-worthy pictures of yourself at iconic locations doing memorable things!

You can get thousands of gorgeous pictures online of the Eiffel Tower. But how many such pictures can you find with you in them? None, right? That’s why you take pictures that have you and your loved ones in focus. That’s what memories are made of!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I plan a trip like a pro?

Planning a trip like a pro involves tons of research. Choosing the best time to travel to a location, selecting the best locality to stay, deciding on the optimal number of days, identifying the ideal hotels suiting your budget and discovering must-do experiences – all of this involves research. So, if you want to travel like a pro, get down to doing your research first. After research comes bookings. Navigate through the best booking websites to find exciting deals and discounts. This will help you save more and have a higher disposable budget for when you are actually on the trip.

What are the pros of travelling?

Travelling frequently has several benefits for individuals. It broadens your knowledge and understanding of the world, making you an aware, mindful and intelligent person. It helps you learn new languages, have new experiences and live through exciting new stories to tell. Overall, travelling makes you more confident. Travelling also enables you to make memories with friends and family that you can look back at fondly.

How can I motivate myself to travel?

Travelling can take a backseat in your life commitments and responsibilities. But, it is essential to motivate yourself to travel often. This can be done by following travel blogs, reading books on travel and meeting other people who are interested in travelling. You can motivate yourself to travel by learning more about different countries and identifying places/experiences that interest you. Dedicate a certain number of days per year for travel and ensure you don’t trade these days in for anything else.

How do I gain the confidence to travel alone?

Solo travel can be overwhelming at first, but there are ways to gain the confidence to travel alone. Always be well-researched on the place of travel, including the cost of common amenities, points of local transport and important socio-cultural aspects of the place. Learn the basics of the local language so communication is easy. Always choose central locales to stay. Make it a point to look confident, make eye contact and be alert to your surroundings. Never hesitate to ask for help when you need to. With time and repetition, you can soon become a confident solo traveller.

Why is travelling important in life?

Travelling is the best temporary getaway from a busy and stressful schedule. Travelling improves both physical and mental health. It helps to deal with anxiety, stress and depression. It opens up your worldview and changes you as a person. Travelling is the best investment you can make in your personality and outlook.