Pro Travel Tips for Your Next Adventure

Traveling is such an exhilarating experience. You go to a new place, learn about the history and the culture of the area, and see and do a ton of things. But let's face it, it can also be a bit overwhelming. From packing to navigating unfamiliar places, there are countless details to consider. That's why I'm here to share some insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of your travels.

Here are some pro travel tips you can use for your upcoming travels:

1. Don't over-plan your trip

It can be tempting to plan every detail of your trip, but it's always a good idea to leave some open time for a variety of different things. Sometimes you may just need a rest day. You may also get to a new destination and find things to do that you didn't find when you did your research. Plus there could be something you loved doing that you want to do again. Or you may want to head somewhere new sooner than you thought. And let's be honest, sometimes things just don't work out as planned. Being flexible and having some open time let's you truly make your trip the trip you want it to be.

2. Plan ahead of time for excursions and attractions

When you're doing research on a destination, make sure to check into whether the excursions and attractions you want to go to require a ticket or reservation well ahead of time. Many places sell out fast, especially around busier times of year, so checking plenty early gives you a better shot at getting to go to the places you want to go to.

I almost missed out on going to the Colosseum while in Rome. I checked tickets only 21 days in advance. They open to the public on a rolling 30-day basis, and all the dates while I was in Rome were sold out so I actually didn't plan early enough to get a ticket. Luckily, I timed it so that I was there for the first Sunday of the month which is free and open to the public, and cannot be reserved in advance. The downside was I had to wait in line for 2 hours to get in. But I got in!

3. Always pack an external battery pack

When you're out exploring somewhere, it's likely you're going to be using your phone a lot, whether it's for pictures, videos, navigation, or looking into things to do. Your phone battery WILL drain fast.

Having an external battery pack gives you peace of mind that you can use your phone as much as you need and don't have to worry about it dying on you. Plus you can stay on the move and keep exploring, all while charging your phone.

Extra pro tip: pack your phone charger too. In the case that your external battery also dies, it's a good idea to have your charger handy. You can usually find a coffee shop where you can take a break and charge up!

4. Bring a reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated is a top priority! And especially so if you're traveling to a destination where the weather is hot! Packing a reusable water bottle lets you take water with you just about anywhere you go.

This is super helpful for on a plane, but make sure it's empty as you pass through security, then fill it back up while you wait on your plane. This also gives you the option to take water with you to most places and avoid the need to carry around a clunky one-time use plastic water bottle.

Extra pro tip: bring a reusable water bottle that has a clip-on or handle feature. Mine has a handle, and I'm able to click it to my purse for hands-free travel.

5. Carry a packable grocery bag with you

This one may sound a little strange but I promise it's worth it. On days where you're out exploring a new city but don't want to carry a lot with you or bring a bigger bag like a backpack, bring a packable grocery bag with you. Notice I said "packable" because many reusable grocery bags are rather large and bulky. A packable one fits nicely in your purse, fanny pack, or cross-body bag.

This gives you the option to buy things while you're out and have a extra bag to put them in. Plus if you decide you want to grab a few groceries on your way back to where you're staying, you've already got your reusable bag. (P.S. this could really also work with any packable bag, not just a grocery bag).

6. Download Google Maps for offline use

When you're traveling internationally, you can save some battery life and cellular data by downloading the offline map in Google Maps for the region you're in so you can use it while your phone is on airplane mode. Offline maps allow you to still use driving navigation to figure out where to go.

And while you can't use it to turn on the actual walking navigation, you can use the offline map to see where you are while you're walking. Plus before you leave wi-fi, you can search for where you're going, then see where you need to walk and follow along with where you are on the map from point A to point B. I traveled around Europe for 2 months like this!

7. Pack Light

I sound like everyone else when I say this but pack light. I know it’s hard to do – trust me, I’ve done it multiple times – but pick out outfits that can be mixed and matched with each other. Get rid of clothes that only go with one thing, unless you absolutely want to take it. Leave room to buy yourself some clothes from the places you’re going to. Really narrow down clothes if you can.

And when it comes to narrowing down things, you'll find you really won't use a lot of things you bring unless they're directly related to what you're doing. Save yourself some luggage space and pack light.

I'm not usually a light packer, but I did manage to travel around Europe for 3 months across multiple types of weather (as low as 40F and as high as 112F) with just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, but they were filled to the brim, and I needed to take my own advice and pack even lighter than I did. I bought a few items along the way and also got rid of a few things.

Traveling is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but it can also be pretty stressful especially when you're going to unknown territory. I've lived and I've learned each of these tips in my travels, so now it's your turn to use these pro travel tips for a more enjoyable, less stressful trip!