Have you ever passed an individual in the airport who just looks like they have their life together? The cool and collected jetsetter? Personally, I’ve never emerged from a flight looking refreshed or calm. Despite thorough planning and preparation, I generally tote around anxiety like carry-on luggage.
The more I travel, however, the more I’ve made note of exactly how expert travellers are able to ensure their journeys are smooth and enjoyable.
Here are a few habits of expert travellers that I’ve observed over the years.
1. Travel rewards
Expert travellers have discovered how to leverage travel rewards programs to their advantage. This includes signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, which offer points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and stays.
- Tip: Booking directly through the airline or hotel website to ensure you earn the maximum points.
2. Credit card benefits
Credit cars also offer perks such as travel insurance, exclusive lounge access, and removing charges for foreign transactions. Cards with travel rewards can significantly cut costs of travel.
- Tip: Do plenty of research to choose a travel credit card that offers the best benefits that align with your individual travel habits.
3. Packing light
The E.A.S.Y. method for packing light is key. One of the habits of expert travellers is to use packing cubes, roll their clothes, and bring versatile pieces to minimize luggage.
- Tip: Create a packing list and stick to it to avoid overpacking. Invest in travel-size toiletries and multi-purpose clothing items.
4. Apps and tech
Organizing itineraries to keep track of bookings, reservations, events, and tickets; expert travellers remember to take advantage of apps and digital tools for all their organization needs.
- Tip: Wanderlog is a free app for itinerary management that links to Google Maps and helps you stay on top of all aspects of the trip.
5. Use eSIMs for seamless connectivity
aloSIM eSIMs are a game-changer for staying connected while travelling abroad. Perhaps one of the best habits of expert travellers is to use an eSIM to avoid the hassle of changing physical SIM cards and to ensure they have data access as soon as they land.
- Tip: For just a few bucks, snag an eSIM from aloSIM before your trip to enjoy instant connectivity.
6. Best time to book
Flight prices are always changing, with higher rates around long weekends and holidays. Knowing when to book can save a lot of money. Expert travellers monitor flight prices and book during sales or off-peak seasons.
- Tip: Use tools like Google Flights or the Hopper app to help keep track of flight prices and discover the best deals.
7. Language basics
Maybe it’s manners or maybe they know how to ask for what they want. Either way, one of the unknown habits of expert travellers is that they often know a few key phrases in the local language, which can go a long way. Expert travellers make an effort to learn basic greetings and polite phrases.
- Tip: Google Translate is a good go-to in the moment but using language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel can be a great way to learn essential phrases before your trip.
8. Travel insurance
The best laid plans…Expert travellers know that the weather and other unexpected events do not care about your travel plans. The only protection is to get travel insurance, which provides peace of mind by covering things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
- Tip: Be sure to compare a number of travel insurance plans to find the best one to cover all your needs at a reasonable price.
9. Stay flexible
Plans can always change unexpectedly, and expert travellers know there’s no other option than to stay flexible and try to adapt to new situations without stress.
- Tip: Always have a backup plan and be open to changing your itinerary if needed. This is where having extra points and travel rewards can really come in handy.
10. Research and respect local customs
The importance of etiquette can never be overestimated. Another habit of expert travellers comes from understanding and giving appropriate respect to local customs to help avoid a potential faux pas.
- Tip: Do some reading on the local culture, traditions, and customs before your trip to ensure you know how to best show respect for the people of your destination.
