Tired of the usual travel tips list? Check out our list of uncommon travel tips this 2021.
As more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, we’re getting closer to being able to travel freely again (hopefully soon)!
We’re all excited and deserve a long holiday overseas after spending most of the past two years quarantined at home. On the bright side, our collective efforts of keeping our distance, wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and staying at home are getting us closer to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
But while we’re all still waiting for things to be safer, we’ve put together a list of uncommon travel tips for your next vacation.
Keep reading to find out our top uncommon travel tips that you can use for your next vacation.
Uncommon Travel Tips
Below is a list of travel tips that aren’t your usual “don’t forget your passport” tips. Although that definitely is a good tip when traveling.
Uncommon Travel Tip 1: Avoid Using a Money Belt
If you’re one of those travelers who use a money belt while traveling and think that it’s a convenient way to keep your essentials, think again.
It looks convenient in theory. But in reality, a money belt is uncomfortable to use especially when you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your trip.
Additionally, it’s also awkward to use. Every time you need to get your money, it looks like you’re getting something from your pants. No kidding!
We recommend using the old-fashioned wallet and keeping it in your bag, purse, or front pocket.
Uncommon Travel Tip 2: Use Google Maps’s Offline Feature
Traveling in a foreign land can get overwhelming. We also can get lost, a lot! Thankfully, we have Google Maps.
But did you know that you can use Google Maps’ offline features? Yes! You can access Google Maps even without the internet.
Here’s how to access it.
Before leaving the airport or your hotel, connect to the Wi-Fi and type “OK maps” into the search bar.
A pop-up box will appear and prompt you to download the map. Click that button to confirm the download and you’ll be able to access the entire map that you’ve searched even without the internet.
This great hack will save you tons of money on international data that can get pricey at times.
#3: Learn Useful Hand Gestures
When you travel to a foreign land and don’t know their language, it can be frustrating trying to communicate with the locals. While it’s good to learn some basic language in the country you’ll be visiting, it’s also a good idea to learn some hand gestures that the locals use.
Hand gestures are also an international language and can definitely come in handy during your trips.
Trying researching some local hand gestures that may mean asking for help, asking for directions, saying yes or no. Simple things like this will go a long way during your travels.
You’ll be surprised how people who don’t speak the same language can understand one another through hand gestures.
Uncommon Travel Tip 4: Download Google Translate
Another Google feature! Aside from using Google Maps, it’s also a good idea to download Google Translate.
This app can do more than just translate words and sentences. This app can also translate photos which can come in handy when you want to read signs, menus, symbols, or posters around town.
Google Translate can do more than translating texts. It also comes with a camera feature that translates signs, menus, posters, and anything else we can’t read in a foreign language! Although you may not see accurate translation 100% of the time, the basic idea and thought will be there for you to understand.
#5: Avoid the Middle Seat on the Plane When Traveling with a Partner
If you have the option to choose your seats online when booking a flight, don’t pick the middle one. Choose either the aisle or window. This is a travel hack for those traveling in pairs.
Choose the middle and aisle seats if you are traveling with a friend or partner. Seems weird right? Choosing seats that aren’t beside one another?
But here’s the thing. When other people are checking in, they would be less likely to choose the seat in between you and your partner. This means, you’ll get the row all to yourselves!
But if the seat was booked and someone actually does show up, you can simply ask them if they could switch seats with you or your companion. So you can sit beside one another.
And more often than not, they’d agree.
Uncommon Travel Tip 6: Keep a Pack of Baby Wipes
Baby wipes aren’t just for babies to use!
Make sure to keep a pack of them handy. This will be great to freshen up during long flights. Additionally, if you don’t have time to shower before heading for your next adventure, baby wipes will do the trick!
Get that fresh and clean feeling even after a long day of travel, walking, and exploring.
#7: Adjust Your Body Clock
Jet lag is hard!
So, our tip is to set your clocks to the destination time even before your plane takes off. Then upon arriving at your destination, act like a local. Eat when they eat. Sleep when they sleep. This will help your body adjust quicker after jet lag.
Uncommon Travel Tip 8: Always Carry a Pen
More often than not, you’ll be asked to fill out several forms or sign forms when entering and leaving an airport. Carry a pen in your hand-carry bag to avoid the hold-up.
Although airports usually provide pens, it’ll be much faster if you’d just used your own ever time.
#9: Try Fasting
Now, for this tip, we mean fasting before a trip.
This hack will be beneficial especially to those who easily get motion sickness.
Here are other benefits of fasting before a trip:
You save time by not stopping to eat food and use the bathroom, you save money, and you can avoid motion sickness.
Of course, once you reach your destination, feel free to eat and indulge as you please.
Uncommon Travel Tip 10: Pack Back-up Clothes in Your Carry On
Pack an extra scarf, short pants, or even just a simple t-shirt in your carry-on.
You never know what spillage may happen while on your trip. Or how sweaty or cold you’ll be. It’s always good to have something extra to use.
#11: Set yourself a daily goal
Lastly, but definitely not the least – set a daily goal for yourself during your trip.
You may be thinking that going on a vacation means relaxing and just enjoying yourself. But when you set a daily goal, this opens you up to more adventure and experience.
This goal can be as simple as talking to the locals or learning a new word in a foreign language each day. Or even trying an exotic dish.
This will definitely make your adventures worthwhile.
That sums up our list of uncommon travel tips that you can use for your next adventure. Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite tip.