Hi everyone, I'm your old friend Little K. Over the years, I've traveled far and wide, from Tibet to Dubai, from Tokyo to London, experiencing many travel challenges while gaining valuable experience. Today, I'd like to share with you how to prepare well before traveling, making your journey less chaotic and more elegant.
When it comes to travel preparation, documents are the most important. I remember almost getting my visa rejected for Japan because my passport wasn't valid long enough. So remember to check if your passport is valid for more than 6 months. If not, renew it immediately, don't wait until right before departure.
Also, travel insurance is essential. Last year in Thailand, I met a tourist who hadn't bought insurance and ended up spending tens of thousands due to food poisoning hospitalization. In comparison, travel insurance only costs a few hundred dollars, which is really worth it.
Speaking of money, I suggest everyone plan their budget in advance. For example, before each trip, I make a detailed Excel spreadsheet listing all expenses like flights, accommodation, dining, transportation, and shopping.
Here's a tip: always notify your bank before going abroad, otherwise you might face the embarrassment of having your credit card locked. Last year in Paris, I didn't notify my bank in advance and was rejected while trying to buy a bag on the Champs-Élysées - truly embarrassing.
Regarding equipment, my advice is to invest when necessary. For example, a good suitcase might cost over $1,000, but it can last for three to five years. My Rimowa has accompanied me to over 20 countries and still looks like new.
Want me to share a packing trick? Roll all clothes instead of folding them - this saves space and reduces wrinkles. Add packing cubes, and it's perfect.
These days, internet access is crucial when traveling abroad. I strongly recommend buying an eSIM card, which is much more convenient than physical cards. I was amazed when I first learned about this. No need to queue at the airport to buy cards or worry about losing them - everything can be done on your phone, and many eSIMs work in multiple countries.
Don't forget to download some useful translation apps. While English works in many places, knowing some local phrases is necessary, both for politeness and emergencies.
Safety always comes first. I suggest researching your destination's safety situation before departure. For example, which areas to avoid at night, which attractions to watch out for pickpockets, etc.
Especially for solo travelers, always share your itinerary with family or friends. I now use location sharing features so my family always knows where I am, giving everyone peace of mind.
Travel information is now abundant online. I often spend lots of time before departure reading other tourists' reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. After all, feedback from actual visitors is often the most reliable.
Another tip is to join travel groups or forums for your destination. I often get firsthand information from these places, like which attractions are under maintenance or which restaurants have declining reviews.
If you're on a budget, consider camping. That's what I did in New Zealand last year, not only saving on accommodation but also experiencing stunning starry skies and sunrises.
Also, if time permits, consider work exchange programs. A friend of mine stayed in Australia for six months this way, gaining work experience and free accommodation - truly beneficial in multiple ways.
I strongly recommend carrying a small notebook to record everything. Whether it's important information or travel insights, they're worth recording. Now when I look back at my travel notes from these years, every page is full of memories.
Reading this far, are you eager to start planning your next trip? The most important thing about travel isn't how many places you've been, but what experiences and growth you've gained along the way. I hope these tips help reduce your travel troubles and increase your joy.
By the way, if you have any unique travel preparation insights, feel free to share them in the comments. Let's become better travelers together. Next time, I'll share some in-depth travel guides for specific destinations, stay tuned.
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