Travel tips
Carry small change
Whilst a lot of places accept card payments nowadays, when you visit very local places, the chances are, no cards will be accepted. So it’s good to have a small change with you. Small change is also useful for local transportation. For example tuk-tuk drivers can’t break large notes, and it’s also good for restaurants and cafes when you’re leaving a tip! Try to use larger supermarkets and stores to break change, rather than a local market which will be less willing or able.
Download offline maps for your chosen country
This is really useful when you don’t want to drain your battery with your internet data on whilst sightseeing. Mark all your sightseeing locations on Google Maps and download offline maps so that you access directions without the internet. This has been super useful for us when travelling and I can’t imagine how we survived without it before!
Carry hand sanitizer with you
This is a pretty basic, but important travel tip … always carry hand sanitizer! A lot of the toilets you’ll be visiting if you’re backpacking will not have any sort of cleaning facilities in place, and it’s super easy to pick up infection. Clean your hands before you eat too, as again, you don’t know what you’ve been touching all day.
Move your feet and legs regularly on long haul flights
People actually underestimate how easy it is to get blood clots in the legs when flying long haul. It’s really important to keep your feet moving. My legs have swollen a few times, and it’s not great! Wear flight socks when flying long haul, and get up and walk around the cabin. If you don’t want to get up a lot, then just do little feet exercises at your seat.
Wear sunscreen!
It’s really important you protect your skin when travelling. The sun is a powerful thing and damage to your skin, and skin cancer is a real possibility if you do not wear suncream. If you’re going to be swimming and snorkelling, then opt for reef safe sunscreen when possible. But don’t let yourself burn! Suncream will be more expensive in hotter countries, so if you can get a great deal for suncream online, or in your hometown, stock up there.
Make copies of your passport
Got a valid passport? Great! Now make a few copies and bring at least one with you on your trip. This is a good idea in case your passport gets lost or stolen. If such a thing happens, having a copy will help you prove your citizenship and allow you to get back into your home country.
When flying, only sleep when your destination is sleeping (jet lag tip)
I never get jet lagged (well, hardly ever) and it’s because I stick to this one rule: I only sleep when my destination country is sleeping. So if I’m on an overnight flight, but my destination is awake, then I’m awake too and if I arrive in a country and I haven’t slept in hours but it’s not bedtime yet there, I force myself to stay awake. It’s a challenge, but it means you reset your body right away, so when you wake up, you’re already connecting to the new time zone. I sleep really easily, so this marks it easier for me. But, it’s a good travel tip that genuinely works! For more flying tips, check out my guide on the best things to do on long flights.
Pack extra clothes in your carry-on
This is one of those international travel tips that many overlook. If you’re planning to bring a checked bag on your flight, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even in 2020, there is a possibility that airlines can mishandle your checked luggage. Some of my family members and friends have been the last people at the baggage claim, only to find out that their luggage didn’t arrive. Sometimes, there could be a 24-hour delay before receiving your luggage. In order to avoid having to purchase clothes at your destination (who has time for that?), I recommend packing a few clothing items in your carry-on just in case.
Plan ahead on your phone plan
Don’t wait until you arrive at your destination to figure out your phone and data plan arrangement. Instead, be proactive by researching local SIM cards, or activating a global phone/data plan with your cell phone provider. Each of these options are infinitely cheaper than the roaming charges you might accidentally incur. Be careful of that, and when in doubt, remember to put your phone on airplane mode (and use Wi-Fi)!
Check And Compare Prices For Water Activities
Among the common tips for traveling the Maldives on a budget is to check the distance of the coral reefs from the resort to verify whether you can reach by swimming a little or have to book a ferry from the resort for snorkeling or diving. Sea-kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, boating, and the whale, dolphin, or Manta watching trips are offered by resorts and private organizers. Compare their prices before choosing. Manta-rays in North Male Atoll, dolphins and Whale Sharks in South Ari Atoll, and sea-turtles, rays, reef fishes, Reef Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks in Rasdhoo Atoll should be on your list. Suggested Read: 6 Cottages in the Maldives To Savor The Luxury Of The Paradise
