Plan and book ahead
While it’s great to enjoy spontaneous travel, it’s a good idea to plan and book important parts of your trip, like accommodations and major activities, in advance. This will save you time, money, and the stress of having to make last-minute arrangements. Keep in mind that some major attractions require advance reservations and may not be available on the day of your trip or during the week.

Walking Tours
Walking around a new place and seeing what’s there is one thing. Walking with a local and learning about the history of the place is another! Walking tours are a great way to start your trip and get to know your surroundings. Plus, tour guides often offer personalized recommendations for other attractions and places to eat.

Learn basic phrases
Even if you don’t speak the local language fluently, learning a few basic phrases like “yes,” “no,” “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” can go a long way toward fostering positive interactions with locals. It’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Also, learning words and spellings like “exit,” “entrance,” “ticket,” and “help” will help you navigate your surroundings more easily.

Skip the Duty Free
There are certainly advantages to shopping at duty free shops, but if you have local products you want to take home while traveling abroad, it’s better to buy them outside the airport. Snacks, groceries, local liquor, toys, clothing, postcards, magnets, etc. are usually cheaper to buy in “economy” class.

Stay Mindful
Traveling can be overwhelming, but don’t forget to savor the moment. Sometimes, put your phone down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of your destination. Taking photos is great, but making memories is even better.

Use local transportation
If possible, take public transportation to immerse yourself in the local culture. It’s often cheaper and offers unique experiences. Many places sell one-day or multi-day passes that allow you to use a variety of public transportation in the area. But the best way to get around is to walk! This is one of the best ways to find hidden gems, like local restaurants or family-owned shops.