My Top 10 Travel Tips

I’ve been travelling quite a lot recently and I like to think I’ve kind of got the hang of it now. I mean, I don’t run around the night before I’m due to leave, looking for my passport and freaking out cause I forgot to do the laundry so everything is dirty *that* often any more. I’ve actually become quite zen about it all. If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, maybe a few of my travel tips will help you achieve the maximum possible zenness.

1. Keep all your documents in a Google Drive

Save a copy of your passport, ID, drivers license, travel insurance, credit card, international drivers license and ticket in a Google Drive folder. That way, should you lose any of your documentation, you can access it from any device, anywhere in the world. This can be easily done, especially if you don’t have the necessary travel accessories to help ensure that these important documents are on your person at all times. You don’t want to lose your credit card, after all, as how will you be able to pay for souvenirs to bring back home, or any emergencies that require you to have payment for? It would be a nightmare, so take copies of your important documents before traveling. As I have important documents stored, just to be assure myself, I looked into finding something similar to the best vpn in canada, as I knew with this, I wouldn’t have to worry about all my important documents. It is best to be safe than sorry. Plus, when you’re travelling, there’s nothing worse than not being prepared!

2. You only need three pairs of shoes

MAXIMUM. No, you don’t need three pairs of sneakers in three different yet similarly neautral colours. You need a pair of flip flops or sandals, a pair of sneakers and maybe a pair of heels if you’re going to the opera or something, I don’t know. If you’re going to be walking long distances, you’ll need the best travel shoes that you can find. I generally pack a pair of Havaianas, a pair of tan leather sandals and a pair of Nikes. Shoes are heavy and can stay home.

3. Pack a scarf

You never know when you might need coverage from the sun or need to cover your hair to go inside a mosque or need to keep your neck warm. Scarves (the very thin kind) take up hardly any space and they can serve a multitude of purposes. Especially if you’re a cold person like me and need all the layers you can get on the plane.

4. Don’t fly with makeup on

Seriously, it’s not worth it. Think about the fact that you are spending a potential 30 hours in transit with the same foundation on your skin. Not to mention the fact that the aircon in the plane is going to pull every drop of moisture from your face, leaving behind only a cakey layer of dried up foundation and crusty mascara around your red eyes.

I prep my skin extensively before flying, by doing a facial at home the night before and applying a leave on mask before boarding. My favourites are the Hydro Foam Mask and Activator Mask from QMS but if I’m low on cash, the Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask is great too. If you’d really like some coverage, use a tinted moisturiser.

5. You need a mobile charger

It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’ve basically memory blocked everything before mobile chargers because it’s too stressful to think about. I went to Reunion Island with my new Amped charger which saw me through three days of hiking without having use a wall charger once. Mine has 5 charges in it and retails for R450. It’s my favourite new gadgety-type item. You could also check out the best power bank in India and have your mobile recharge anytime anywhere, it can be really helpful when you’re on travelling.

6. Buy a Wifi camera memory card

I borrowed Keenan’s Wifi card for my trip to Reunion and it changed my life. Maybe you prefer to cut yourself off from your friends, family and Facebook page while you travel, but if you’re like me and you like to share a few highlights from your trip as you go, you’ll love this. It means that you can take amazing pictures on your camera and download them straight to your phone for editing and sharing. I mean, maybe you have a Wifi camera because you’re rich or you won it as a prize, but if not, buy a Wifi card.

7. Take Vitamin C by the fist full

I always always get sick when I travel. It’s probably because planes are full of people with germs or maybe it’s because travelling is actually pretty stressful. In any event, I’ve taken to swallowing handfuls of Vitamin C before, during and after my travels and I’ve been blissfully healthy so far. (I actually take the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C)

8. Research local bloggers before you go

I like to read some local blogs before I visit a new destination, to find out where they eat and what they love about their homes. I’ve found some amazing places this way and even met some awesome people.

9. Ginger candy

As I’ve gotten older I’ve developed chronic motion sickness. I didn’t know this was a part of being old but it seems like it is so I’m just doing my best to adjust to my new, bilious life. To help, I carry around a pack of Ginger Bon candies, which are known to help with nausea. I basically need them whenever I’m inside or on top of anything that moves. You can get them at Dischem.

10. Google Maps offline

Did you know that YOU CAN USE GOOGLE MAPS OFFLINE?! Check this out:

Make sure you’re connected to the Internet and signed in to your Google account.
Open the Google Maps app .
Search for a place, like “San Francisco.”
At the bottom, touch the bar that has the name of the place you searched.
In the upper right, touch the menu .
To save the map, select Save offline map. And follow the directions on the screen.
To view your offline map, see the directions for viewing your saved maps below