Travel Tips

Whether you’re heading overseas for a big holiday, exploring somewhere new in Australia or jumping on the bike for a touring adventure, a little preparation can make a world of difference.

We’ve learnt a few things along the way, and while there’s no such thing as a perfect trip, there are plenty of ways to make travelling easier, less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable.

So, here are 15 travel tips worth keeping in mind before you pack your bags and hit the road!

1. Buy a Small Backpack or Suitcase

Choose luggage that suits your trip. Something compact and easy to handle makes getting around airports, train stations and accommodation much less of a wrestling match.

Remember, you’ll be the one carrying it!

2. Pack Light

It’s tempting to pack for every possible situation, but do you really need six outfits for a three-day trip?

Pack what you’ll actually use, leave a little room for souvenirs and save yourself the hassle of lugging unnecessary gear around. Your back will thank you!

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Use a Map

GPS is fantastic, but knowing where you are and where you’re heading is still important.

Whether you prefer a paper map, a navigation app or a dedicated GPS, have a general idea of your route. Technology can occasionally lose its signal, send you on a wild goose chase or decide that a perfectly good road doesn’t exist.

A backup plan is always handy!

4. Carry an Extra Credit Card

Keep a second payment card somewhere separate from your main wallet. If your primary card goes missing, gets blocked or stops working, you’ll have another option.

Just remember to keep it secure and check your bank’s overseas transaction fees before you travel.

5. Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Road

This sounds obvious, but traffic can flow in the opposite direction to what you’re used to when travelling overseas.

Take extra care when stepping onto the road, particularly in unfamiliar cities. Look carefully in both directions and pay attention to pedestrian crossings and local traffic signals.

A good rule of thumb: don’t assume the traffic is coming from the direction you expect!

6. Be Patient in Crowds

Tourist attractions, airports and popular landmarks can get busy, especially during peak season.

Rather than getting stuck behind large tour groups or families moving at a leisurely pace, allow yourself plenty of time and look for opportunities to move around safely without pushing past people.

Everyone is there to enjoy their trip, so a little patience goes a long way.

7. Book Flights in Advance

Booking flights three to four months ahead can be a useful starting point, but the best time depends on your destination, travel dates, airline and season.

Compare prices, set fare alerts and keep an eye out for sales. If your dates are flexible, you may find better deals by travelling on different days.

And don’t forget to check baggage allowances before booking. A cheap fare can become considerably less attractive once all the extras are added!

8. Carry Some Emergency Cash

Cards are convenient, but cash can still come in handy when travelling.

Small businesses, markets and rural destinations may not always accept cards, and payment systems can occasionally go offline.

Keep a modest amount of local currency somewhere secure, separate from your everyday wallet. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s reassuring to have a backup.

9. Consider a Travel Money Card

A prepaid travel card can help you manage your holiday spending and may allow you to load foreign currency before departure.

Compare exchange rates, fees, supported currencies and withdrawal charges before choosing one. Also, keep a backup payment method in case the card isn’t accepted.

It’s much easier to enjoy your holiday when you’re not constantly wondering what every purchase will cost!

10. Take Photos of Your Luggage and Clothes

Before leaving home, take a few photos of your luggage and its contents.

If your suitcase goes missing, a photo can help you describe it to airline staff. Photos of valuable items and important travel documents may also be useful if you need to make an insurance claim.

Keep copies of essential documents securely, and avoid posting sensitive information publicly.

11. Take Lots of Photos

Capture the scenery, the attractions, the funny moments and the places you discover along the way.

Photos are a fantastic way to revisit your adventures long after you’ve returned home. We certainly appreciate having pictures to look back on and share with others.

Just remember to put the camera or phone away occasionally and enjoy the moment without viewing everything through a screen.

And back up your photos! Losing a whole holiday’s worth of memories because a phone or memory card fails is nobody’s idea of fun.

12. Be Respectful and Friendly

A smile, a polite greeting and a little patience can make travelling much more enjoyable.

Respect local customs, follow the rules and remember that you’re a visitor in someone else’s home town or country.

Learning a few basic words in the local language is also a great way to break the ice.

You don’t have to become fluent overnight, but a simple “please” and “thank you” can go a long way.

13. Take Earplugs on the Plane

Aircraft cabins can be noisy, and earplugs may help make a long flight more comfortable, particularly if you’re hoping to sleep.

A comfortable eye mask and a travel pillow can also be worthwhile additions to your carry-on bag.

Just make sure you can still hear important announcements when necessary. Nobody wants to sleep through their boarding call!

14. Don’t Rush – Take Your Time

It’s tempting to squeeze as many attractions as possible into a holiday, but racing from one landmark to another can leave you exhausted.

Allow time to explore, enjoy a leisurely meal, wander through local streets and discover places that weren’t on your original itinerary.

Some of the best experiences happen when you slow down and leave room for the unexpected.

And if you find a great pub, café or little bakery along the way, why rush off? Pull up a chair and enjoy yourself!

15. Try the Local Food

One of the best parts of travelling is discovering what the locals eat.

Visit the markets, try regional specialities and don’t be afraid to order something unfamiliar. Food is a wonderful way to experience a destination’s culture.

Of course, check ingredients and food safety if you have allergies or dietary requirements.

And here’s a tip from The Thirsty Tourists: don’t overlook the little bakeries and country pubs. You never know when you’ll discover a cracking pie, a memorable meal or your new favourite local dish!

The Most Important Travel Tip?

Enjoy yourself!

A little planning can help you avoid unnecessary hassles, but don’t let the planning take over the adventure.

Be prepared, stay flexible, respect the locals and make time for the experiences that matter to you.

Whether you’re exploring a foreign city, touring Australia’s back roads or spending a few days discovering country towns, the aim is the same: make memories, enjoy the journey and come home with a few good stories to tell.

And if those stories happen to involve a great meal, a spectacular view or a cold beer at a country pub, even better!

Happy travels from The Thirsty Tourists. Remember, touring is thirsty work! 🍻✈️🚗

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