Many basic travel aspects go overlooked, most of which take no time or effort. So here are the top 5 travel tips from us at Avanti:
- Keep cash on hand
Sometimes, the unexpected does happen while traveling, and having local currency on you, either dollars or local, can save you from a lot of troubles. A simple flight delay means a missed hotel transfer, and if the airport ATM does not recognize your debit card (it has happened more than once), you can find yourself stranded. Having even a small amount of cash can make a world of difference.
- Download offline maps
With no data or phone reception in a foreign country, having an interactive map can save you time and stress. Simply download the offline map of a selected area and continue using your phone as always. And while on this point, make use of all the apps available. From vegan restaurant finders to local concert calendars, the travel app list is endless, and there’s one suited for everyone.
- Book ahead
We’ve all experienced the never-ending lines when trying to enter an attraction such as Vatican City or the Louvre Museum. The horror stories of queues stretching out for entire blocks should be enough to persuade travelers to think ahead. In most cases, pre-booking your entrances means cutting through the general entry lines, and 10 minutes of planning ahead will save hours of waiting.
- Ask your concierge
Surprisingly an overlooked aspect, the concierge is an endless supply of local knowledge. From the best sights to the best restaurants, he or she can point you in the right direction, significantly improving your experience. All you have to do is ask.
- Travel. Protection.
The unfortunate comes when you least expect it. We could start listing a series of unfortunate events that could happen, but that’s not the point. Since misfortune always hits the one who least expects it, having the peace-of-mind that you are covered is more than enough. The good news however, is that prices are quite reasonable. Give us a call and we’ll tell you more.
Our last piece of advice is to stay excited! One of the best aspects of travel is the anticipation, the constant reminder that once again you will set out in search of new experiences. Read about the country, try the food, or look up their top 20 music chart! All of these can keep your adventurous spirit awake and savor the moment before the departure.
Let us know your top travel tips in the comments below, and as always, we wish you safe travels.
