11 Important Travel Tips

Traveling is exhausting and exciting. It takes you to new places where you meet new people, experience new cultures, and see the world in a different way. When backpacking it seems that  you never have clean clothes and are always in need of a shower and sleep, but it's wonderful. You meet interesting people that also enjoy traveling and are usually down for anything. However, things didn't always go as smooth as they could have and here are ways that you can improve your trip.

Travel Tips:

• Always bring a camera, book, deck of cards, music, and a pen and notebook if you like to jot thoughts down so you have things to do during your down time
• Pack lightly but bring clothes that mix and match
• Bring more underwear than you think you need
• If the weather is warm you really only need comfortable sandals that match with everything and tennis shoes
• Cheaper is not always better. When backpacking it's easy to become focused on saving money and getting the best deal. It can be worth the money to pay the few extra dollars to get the guide at that museum or pay for the more expensive tour that you really want to do. 
• Hostels can be a great place to meet people. If you're traveling with at least one other person they aren't always cheaper, but they often come with breakfast and great travel advice.
• Tripadvisor, travelfish (only for Asia) and roughguides are great websites to help plans trips. If you have any questions about a location tripadvisor forums are fantastic! I've taken to answering questions now since tripadvisor has helped me so much.
• Hostelworld and Agoda are my go to sites for accommodations. Usually they have lots of reviews as well as a list of all the amenities.
• Budget airlines like airasia often have fantastic promotions. You have to be willing to pull the trigger then and there though to get them before they're gone. I booked multiple $20 flights which end up being even cheaper than taking a bus or train!
• Taking a nap, going to bed early, and/or sleeping in while traveling IS okay! Always wearing yourself out by constantly moving doesn't do anyone any favors. Especially the people you're traveling with. 
• You want to be flexible with your schedules but you should always have a know of things that you want to do in each destination. It means that you've done some research and it will save you money and help you not waste your valuable time.

Happy traveling!