My 30 Best Travel Tips After 4 Years Traveling The World
By Matthew
Karsten
My Best Tips
for World Travel
Travel Tips
It’s now
been 4 years since I sold everything and left the United States to travel the world.
These are the best travel tips I’ve discovered along the way.
It all
started when I took a one-way flight from Miami
to Guatemala City,
leaping nervously into the unknown and leaving much of my old life behind while
embarking on an epic travel adventure around the world.
It’s been a
wild ride, and I’ve learned a lot since I first left. To celebrate my 4 year
“travelversary”, I’ve decided to share a collection of my best and most useful
travel tips to help inspire you to make travel a priority in your life.
Feel free to
share your own best travel tips at the end!
1. Patience Is Important
Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be
angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will
be another one. ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to
the next town and explore. Sometimes freakouts happen regardless.
Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
2. Wake Up Early
Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while
avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused
light, and usually easier to interact with locals. Sketchy areas are less
dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; touts,
scammers, and criminals sleep in.
Travel Tip: Laugh at Yourself
3. Laugh At Yourself
You will definitely look like a fool many times when traveling to new
places. Rather than get embarrassed, laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to
screw up, and don’t take life so seriously.
Once a whole bus full of Guatemalans laughed with glee when I forced our
driver to stop so I could urgently pee on the side of the road. Returning to
the bus and laughing with them gave me new friends for the rest of the journey.
4. Stash Extra Cash
Cash is king around the world. To cover your ass in an emergency, make
sure to stash some in a few different places. I recommend at least a couple
hundred dollars worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the
ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did.
Some of my favorite stash spots include socks, under shoe inserts, a
toiletry bag, around the frame of a backpack, even sewn behind a patch on your
bag.
Travel Tip: Meet Local People
5. Meet Local People
Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start
conversations with local people. Basic English is spoken widely all over the
world, so it’s easier to communicate with them than you might think, especially
when you combine hand gestures and body language.
Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich
your travels more than sights do.
6. Pack A Scarf
I happen to use a shemagh, but sarongs also work great. This simple
piece of cotton cloth is one of my most useful travel accessories with many
different practical applications. It’s great for sun protection, a makeshift
towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, and much more.
I can’t tell you how many times a scarf has come in handy around the
world.
Travel Tip: Observe Daily Life
7. Observe Daily Life
If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend
spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself
just watching day to day life happen in front of you.
Slow down your thoughts and pay close attention to the details around
you. The smells, the colors, human interactions, and sounds. It’s a kind of
meditation — and you’ll see stuff you never noticed before.
8. Back Everything Up
When my laptop computer was stolen in Panama, having most of my important
documents and photos backed up saved my ass. Keep both digital and physical
copies of your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate, health
insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready to go in case
of an emergency.
Backup your files & photos on an external hard drive as well as
online with software like Backblaze.
Travel Tip: Take Lots of Photos
9. Take Lots Of Photos
You may only see these places & meet these people once in your
lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos. Don’t worry about
looking like a “tourist”. Are you traveling to look cool? No one cares. Great
photos are the ultimate souvenir.
They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to share with others, and they
don’t take up space in your luggage. Just remember once you have your shot to
get out from behind the lens and enjoy the view.
10. There’s Always A Way
Nothing is impossible. If you are having trouble going somewhere or
doing something, don’t give up. You just haven’t found the best solution or met
the right person yet. Don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done.
Perseverance pays off. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told
what I want isn’t possible, only to prove it wrong later when I don’t listen to
the advice and try anyway.
Travel Tip: Smile & Say Hello
11. Smile & Say Hello
Having trouble interacting with locals? Do people seem unfriendly? Maybe
it’s your body language. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and
smile as you walk by. If they smile back, say hello in the local language too.
This is a fast way to make new friends.
You can’t expect everyone to just walk around with a big stupid grin on
their face. That’s your job. Usually all it takes is for you to initiate
contact and they’ll open up.
12. Splurge A Bit
I’m a huge fan of budget travel, as it allows you to travel longer and
actually experience more of the fascinating world we live in rather than waste
your hard-earned money on stuff you don’t need. In fact you can travel many
places for $50 a day with no problems.
That said, living on a shoestring gets old after a while. It’s nice (and
healthy) to go over your budget occasionally. Book a few days at a nice hotel,
eat out at a fancy restaurant, or spend a wild night on the town.
Travel Tip: Keep an Open Mind
13. Keep An Open Mind
Don’t judge the lifestyles of others if different from your own. Listen
to opinions you don’t agree with. It’s arrogant to assume your views are
correct and other people are wrong. Practice empathy and put yourself in
someone else’s shoes.
Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, suggestions and
interests. Ask questions. You don’t have to agree, but you may be surprised
what you’ll learn.
14. Try Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing.org is a large online community of travelers who share
their spare rooms or couches with strangers for free. If you truly want to
experience a country and it’s people, staying with a local is the way to go.
There are millions of couchsurfers around the world willing to host you
and provide recommendations. It’s fun and safe too. Expensive hotels are not
the only option, there are all kinds of cheap travel accommodation options out
there.
Travel Tip: Volunteer Occasionally
15. Volunteer Occasionally
Make it a point to volunteer some of your time for worthwhile projects
when traveling. Not only is it a very rewarding experience, but you’ll often
learn more about the country and its people while also making new friends.
There’s a great site called Grassroots Volunteering where you can search
for highly recommended volunteer opportunities around the world.
16. Pack Ear Plugs
This should actually be #1 on the list. I love my earplugs! Muffle the
sounds of crying babies, drunk Australians, barking dogs, honking horns,
dormitory sex, natural gas salesmen, and more. A traveler’s best friend. These
are my favorite earplugs for comfort & effectiveness.
Travel Tip: Don’t Be Afraid
17. Don’t Be Afraid
The world is not nearly as dangerous as the media makes it out to be.
Keep an eye out for sketchy situations but don’t let that be the focus of your
whole trip. Use common sense and you’ll be ok. Most people are friendly,
trustworthy, generous, and willing to help you out.
This goes for women too. I realize I’m not a woman, but I’ve met plenty
of experienced female travelers who agree.
18. Get Lost On Purpose
If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work,
you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot — without knowing
exactly where you’re going. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch
a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking.
Don’t worry too much about stumbling into dangerous neighborhoods
either, as locals will generally warn you before you get that far.
Travel Tip: Eat Local Food
19. Eat Local Food
Think you already know what Mexican food tastes like? You’re probably
wrong. Taste a bit of everything when you travel, especially if you don’t know
what it is. Ask local people for recommendations. Eat street food from vendors
with big lines out front.
I’ve been very sick only twice in my travels. Don’t be scared of the
food.
20. Say Yes Often
Be impulsive and say yes when someone randomly invites you to meet their
family, try a new activity, or explore a place you didn’t know existed. It’s
these unexpected and unplanned situations that add spice to your travels and
always turn into the best stories later.
Accept the kindness of strangers when you travel — you’ll have plenty of
opportunities.
Travel Tip: Slow Down
21. Slow Down
Please don’t try to cram 6 countries into 6 weeks of travel. All the
good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. You’ll learn about
activities that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show
you around.
I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened
within the first few days of arriving somewhere. Spend more time in fewer
places for maximum enjoyment.
22. Keep Good Notes
My memory for details sucks. When I first started traveling the world 4
years ago, I didn’t keep a good journal, and now I’m regretting it.
Information like the names of people I met, conversations I had,
feelings about a new experience, or what a particular town smelled like. If you
ever want to write about your travels, these details are handy.
My Best Travel Tips
Travel Tip: Break Out of Your Comfort
Zone
23. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Challenge yourself to try things that normally give you anxiety. The
more you do this, the more that anxiety will fade away. Not a hiker? Go on more
hikes. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to everyone. Scared of weird
food? Eat the weirdest thing you can find.
The reason this works so well while traveling is because everything is
already so different, what’s one more new/uncomfortable experience?
24. Don’t Plan Too Much
I cringe when readers ask how many days they should spend in a
particular country or city. The truth is I have no idea what you’ll enjoy or
who you’ll meet. I thought I’d rocket through Nicaragua in a week or two, but
ended up living there for 4 months.
My advice is to pick a starting point, 1 or 2 must-do activities, and an
ending point (or not). Then just let the universe determine the rest.
My Best Travel Tips
Travel Tip: Pack Less Stuff
25. Pack Less Stuff
You don’t need 1/2 the gear you think you do to travel anywhere. We’ve
all done it. It’s a right of passage for travelers to slowly become better at
packing less. My first backpack was 70 liters packed full, my current bag is
only 38 liters.
As a full-time vagabond, everything I own fits on my back. If you’re not
sure about packing something, you don’t need it. It’s also possible to buy most
things at your destination country if you discover you need them.
26. Listen To Podcasts
Podcasts are awesome. It’s like creating your own personal radio station
and filling it with shows and music you always want to listen to. I never
thought I’d actually look forward to a 10 hour bus ride. But with podcasts,
it’s possible (well, as long as the seats are comfortable).
Time will fly by as you listen to incredible storytelling, fun music, or
interviews with experts. Here are some of my favorites: This American Life, The
Moth, RISK!, Radiolab, Smart Passive Income, and Electro-Swing.
Travel Tip: Treat Your Body Well
27. Treat Your Body Well
Travel can throw your body out of whack. When you’re moving from place
to place it’s difficult to maintain a workout routine, and many of us slack
off. Or we don’t sleep enough. Or we eat too many cupcakes. I’m guilty of not
flossing my teeth.
Remember to be nice to your body. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat
healthy, use sunscreen, and exercise often (check out this bodyweight routine,
no gym required!). And, yes, flossing too I guess.
28. Stay In Touch
Remember to call your family & friends from time to time. Maybe
surprise them and go old-school by sending a postcard (it’s in the mail, Mom!).
Travel isn’t lonely, far from it. You constantly meet other people. But many of
those relationships are fleeting. So maintaining a strong connection with the
people who know you best is important.
My Best Travel Tips
Travel Tip: Get Off the Beaten Path
29. Get Off The Beaten Path
I know it’s cliché, but you should still attempt it. Seek out
interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism. Many memorable
travel experiences have happened to me in areas that are not easy to visit. By
all means travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just
because they’re not on the tourist trail.
Although please realize that just because an area is remote or dangerous
doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a life-changing experience.
30. Travel More
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the past 4 years, it’s that many
people back home love to tell me how lucky I am while making excuses why they
can’t travel. It’s too expensive. They can’t get time off work. Who will feed
their pets?
When I suggest solutions to these “problems”, they still don’t take
action. Why? Because they’re often hiding behind the true reason: they’re
scared. Unfortunately most people who wait to travel
the world never do.
You don’t need to sell all your worldly possessions and become a
homeless vagabond like me. Just get out there more than you do now. Start with
a weekend in a different state. Then maybe try a week in the country next door.
The new car, remodeling project, and iPhone can wait. If you truly want
to travel more, you can make it happen. Career breaks are possible. You have
friends who would love to watch your pets.
It’s a big, beautiful, exciting, and fascinating world out there.