The best travel tips for any traveler
Discover the best travel tips for your next adventure
Thinking about traveling is exciting. It’s an opportunity to visit new places, see new things, and meet new people. Not to mention the memories you will make.
However, travel can also be a lot of work. There’s a long list of things to prepare and take care of. And even when you do prepare, things rarely go exactly as planned.
We have traveled all over the world and have also worked with many people who have done the same. Through these experiences, we’ve figured out some things that work and others that don’t work so well.
Here are some suggestions to help you travel better, faster, farther, and cheaper. Read below to see some of our best travel tips! (Note: We’ve updated the list to 25 tips since it’s 2025 after all! And frankly, who doesn’t want more great travel tips?!)
1) Discover discounted flights
Airline tickets have become increasingly expensive. But, by scouring online flight discounters and timing your travel right, you can save quite a bit of money. Here are a few of our favorite places to look for great deals:
2) Always carry a good quality black wool blazer or jacket
First, it always looks good for dinner at just about any restaurant. Black is a universal color that matches just about any outfit. Second, it’s soft and can be rolled into a pillow to be used on a long flight. Fortunately, they usually don’t easily wrinkle. Third, it will keep you warm when having to walk in the rain.
3) Maintain a positive attitude
This is one of the best and most important travel tips. Be grateful, be happy, and try your best to have fun. Your attitude will often determine your opinion of how the trip goes.
You’re likely to encounter unexpected obstacles. But, with a positive attitude, you can make the best of some awful situations. Unlike luggage, a great attitude is one possession that cannot be lost by anyone but yourself!
4) Create a toiletries bag with all your essentials
Keep the bag small and available, so you can grab it and go. Fill it with everything you might need if you ever get stranded or get in a pinch. You might not need it most of the time, but you’ll be very thankful you have it when a crisis happens.
5) Keep receipts of purchased items in case of lost bags or damage
Unfortunately, sometimes luggage gets lost or damaged. Travel insurance will not cover these items unless you can prove your ownership.
Another option is to take pictures of receipts and items with your phone. This could help you recover some of your things.
6) Bring an extra charger for your devices
Many of us travel with multiple devices. Maybe you have two phones, an extra tablet or other device.
You never know when you will need to charge more than one device at any given time. And there is always the chance that one of the chargers gets left in a hotel or in a car.
7) Learn a little of the local language and culture
Learning a few phrases (or more) in the language will take you a long way. Even a few greetings and simple words will win you acceptance with the locals. It might not seem like much to you, but they usually appreciate your effort.
It’s also a great idea to learn some cultural do’s and do nots before you get there. This is one of the best tips because it could save you some embarrassment and help you fit in better.
8) Be prepared for long flights
Long flights are not very fun. You’re crammed in a small space with hundreds of other people for up to half a day. Also, often people find it difficult to sleep well on planes.
However, there are a few simple things you can do to make your flight more comfortable.
- Bring a travel pillow you find comfortable
- Bring a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones
- Bring some dramamine to help you sleep
- Bring snacks that sit well with your stomach while traveling
- Dress in layers so you don’t get too hot or cold
9) Prepare to overcome jet lag
Switching time zones can be hard on your body. Especially, when you’re going halfway across the world. The best way to prepare is to download and read our free resource called “The Definitive Guide to Jet Lag”.
10) Take an extension cord, adapters and a multi-plug power strip
Frequent fliers know that many places have limited power outlets. Or the outlets are all taken or out of reach of most power cords. This is often true in airports.
It’s important to make sure the ends accept three prong plugs, not just two prong plugs. Your laptop charger isn’t going to work if there isn’t a three prong plug.
11) Keep your extension cord and adapter in your carry-on for airport charging
This way you will always have access to these tools when you need them. Most power-hungry travelers won’t mind if you ask to replace their charging cord with a multi plug adapter. Just be sure to ask first and plug their cord right back in! (They may even smile or compliment your ingenuity!)
12) Bring gallon ziplock bags
Why do we recommend bringing gallon ziplock bags? Because you can quickly and easily throw your wallet, phone and loose change in one for the TSA line (they are clear!).
You can also organize your things without buying packing cubes and keep your cables all together. If you get in a pinch, you can even wash clothes in them!
13) Use hotel shower caps to cover your shoes when packing extra pairs in your luggage!
This can help prevent your clothes from getting dirty from the bottom of your shoes. They are thin, light, and disposable.
You were probably never going to wear it in the shower anyway. Thank you, Shelby Dillion, for this amazing travel tip; you’re the best!
14) If it’s too heavy, you are going to regret taking it
You already know this, but it’s a good reminder to us all. On long trips, every ounce helps. When traveling for hours going up and down steps, a few extra pounds can feel 10 times as heavy. Ask yourself twice if you’re positive this heavy item is really worth it.
15) Empty your pockets before getting to airport security scanners
No one enjoys going through airport security. You might forget something in your pocket or accidentally leave something in your bag that isn’t supposed to go through security.
Emptying your pockets beforehand will save you both time and stress. You can put items like your wallet, keys, phone, watch, and belt into your bag or purse before getting to the scanners.
Sometimes I toss it all in a ziplock in the top of my bag and reload my pockets once I’m at the gate. You can shove your shoes in the same gallon ziplock bag, so it’s all together to quickly grab on the other side of the TSA line. This tip makes you look like such a pro to all those other people in the line!
16) Have multiple copies of your boarding pass
Sometimes trying to load an email attachment or an airline app on your phone can be frustrating or embarrassing as you struggle while holding up the line! You can print out your boarding pass or download the barcode on your phone beforehand to make sure it’s ready when needed.
17) Be weary of checking expensive luggage
Maybe you’ve seen some of the videos of how bags can be treated by baggage handlers. They don’t treat expensive bags any differently. They will have a limited lifespan if they get checked often. Also, you’re not allowed to complain if they get dirty/scuffed.
We don’t recommend buying really cheap luggage because it will also fall apart easily. We suggest finding a sturdy bag that doesn’t break the bank.
18) Expect delays
It can be tempting to fill your travel schedule to make the most of your trip and see everything you want to see. However, things rarely go exactly how we plan them.
Flights get delayed, rental car lines take time, bad weather pops up, people get sick, and other unexpected situations occur. We recommend building in a buffer in case you encounter some hiccups along the way.
19) Travel during the offseason
This travel tip is one of the best for saving time and money. We know this can be difficult, but it’s definitely worth it. Flights and accommodations will be less expensive, and lines will be much shorter. Do whatever you can to rearrange your schedule and save your time off so you can take advantage of the offseason.
20) Research your destination
One great way to make the most of your trip is to research your destination before you arrive. This will help you find the best spots to explore, dine, and relax. It will also help you know how to best get around the area and when to visit each place.
21) Prioritize value over price
Saving money is awesome and highly recommended. However, sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra money to get a better deal. Spending an extra $20 a night on a hotel that is in the center of a city with easy access to places you want to visit may be worth it. Paying a few extra dollars for clean water and food you know is safe to eat is also definitely a good choice.
22) Carry an offline map
Depending on your phone carrier and destination, you may have a hard time accessing a live map. Few carriers provide free data when overseas, and if you are staying in a more remote area, cell service may be spotty. It’s always a good idea to print out a map or download a map on your favorite app, so you can access it whenever needed.
23) Bring a water bottle and sunscreen
Bringing a water bottle serves multiple purposes. One, it’s nicer to our planet since you won’t be using plastic water bottles that may not be recycled. Also, it will save you money since you won’t have to pay for bottled water, which in some places can be $5 per bottle.
Sunscreen is an often forgotten necessity. Usually when traveling, you hope for plenty of sunshine, so you can enjoy seeing new sights. However, nothing is worse than a bad sunburn that leaves you hurting.
24) Make sure your travel documents will work
If you’re traveling overseas, most countries require you to have a passport that is good for more than six months. Some places also require you to have proof of travel health insurance. And starting May 2025, all U.S. airports are requiring travelers to have a REAL ID.
25) Travel Insurance (Did we need to remind you?!)
Speaking of travel insurance, a dollar or two a day can get you a travel health insurance plan with more than enough coverage to keep you protected. You won’t need to worry about tens of thousands of dollars in foreign hospital or specialist bills. Plus, they’ll help with translation and medical advice when you’re not sure the foreign clinic is giving you the best advice.
Good Neighbor Insurance has been protecting travelers around the world for over 27 years. We have travel plans to cover just about any traveler. Get yours today to help you travel with peace of mind!
More thoughtful items can be found in our free Travel Safety 101 guide. It has pages of more of the best tips to help you travel smarter, travel safer!
You can also see a list of the top 17 “must-have” travel items. Please leave your best travel tips in the comments below the video!I’m sure others would like to know what you do to make travel cheaper and better!
