Make your backpack unique

It’s a good idea to mark your backpack in some way to make it easy to spot such as a colourful piece of rope, badge or spray paint. Should you see the exact same bag as yours (trust me it will happen) you will know quickly if it’s yours.

It also makes it super-easy to spot your luggage at the airport baggage claim or after a long bus journey.

Glasses and contact lense wearers

Whenever you go travelling, visit your optician first to get a printed copy of your prescription for your glasses and your contact lenses. I ran out half way through our trip, and needed to buy more contact lenses in New Zealand and they wouldn’t provide them unless I has this prescription.

Try not to look lost, even if you are!

Finding your way around a new city can always be changeling but try to avoid walking around holding a map. Nothing screams “tourist” or easy-prey as much as when you are distracted or not concentrating fully on your surroundings.

Offline maps

Did you know that you can download Google offline maps onto your phone? Whenever I visit a new city I download the local map, you can track where you are using GPS even if you don’t have data or wifi connection. Also great to use in a taxi so you know when they are taking you on the ‘scenic’ route!

Find a good card for foreign transactions

Halifax Clarity, if you are from the UK was the best card we found.

Practise using chop sticks

If you are visiting a country that uses chop sticks predominantly for meals then practice before you leave home! It will save the embarrassment of asking for a knife and fork for your meal and remember it may not even be available depending where you are!

Do your research and compare

Know beforehand what the going rate is before buying anything, its highly likely you are being ripped off. Compare tour prices with different agencies, so you can understand what’s included and what’s not before booking. Also, trust your gut instinct when booking if you don’t get a good vibe, walk away!

Check multiple booking agencies for the best price

If you find the perfect hotel or hostel, hold fire before booking. Is it cheaper to book direct or through a booking agency like booking.com, hostelworld.com etc. The prices can vary dramatically and sometimes not how you might think. Also read the reviews as there may be a reason it seems a bargain!

Happy and safe travels! 🙂