Travel tips

Travel tips

1. Travel light. Bring a decent-sized suitcase that's less than half-full.
2. Specifically mark gifts/souvenirs for each person. Don't buy willy-nilly and think that you'll sort it out later.
3. Shop at authentic places first, and then try to find the highest quality versions. Don't fill up on cheap stuff.
4. Sleep a lot. Traveling is tiring, and you need a lot of energy to enjoy yourself.
5. Vacuum seal bags are great for clothes. Compacting luggage is a top priority. There are vacuum seal bags designed to seal without a machine.
6. Mind the weight limit of your luggage and carry-on(s). Usually 50 kg is the limit for suitcases at airports.
7. If you plan to buy a lot, bring an empty suitcase. I like to buy a carry-on size bag in the country I'm visiting as a practical souvenir.
8. Sort out any maps, sim cards, and route information well in advance. You only need to get lost once to learn this lesson. If you plan on getting lost, do it responsibly.
9. Plan a loose itinerary beforehand. Sometimes the best nights are completely spontaneous, but the most convenient spontaneity is planned.
10. Learn the basic phrases of the language of the land before you go. Please, thank you, sorry, excuse me, hello, goodbye, help, restroom, etc.

General packing guide

Suitcase

Clothes

Enough for 1 week (weather-appropriate underwear, shirts, socks) - vacuum sealed

1 jeans

1 pair of sneakers (if not already wearing)

1 pair of flip flops

1 umbrella (if necessary)

Plastic bags (at least one for dirty clothes)

2 microfiber cloths (for glasses)

1 power converter

Adapters for older/cheaper stuff won’t work! Start buying appliances that can be powered via USB or battery.

1 pair of sunglasses

Toiletries (toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, lotion, tissues/wipes)

Medicine (cold, sore throat, diarrhea - EXTREMELY important)

Carry-on backpack

1 laptop

1 laptop charger

1 phone charger

1 power converter

1 pair of headphones

1 pair of ear plugs (you can also try asking airplane attendants, but just safer to have your own)

1 small notebook and pen

1 passport (and visa, if necessary)

Currency

Itinerary which includes addresses of where you are staying