Travel Tips

Here are practical, modern travel tips you can use for almost any international trip in 2026.

1. Documents, visas, and new rules

  • Check entry rules early: passport validity, visas, ETA/ESTA/ETIAS, online arrival forms, vaccination or insurance requirements.​​

  • Make digital copies (passport, visa, tickets, hotel, insurance) and store them in email/cloud plus one offline in your phone.​​

  • Keep physical backups: printed confirmations for at least your first hotel and onward/return flight.​

2. Money and budgeting

  • Use a mix of payment methods: at least two cards (from different banks) plus some local cash for arrival.

  • Avoid bad currency exchange rates at airport kiosks; use ATMs from major banks when possible.​

  • Tell your bank you are traveling and enable international/online transactions in your app to avoid declined payments.

3. Flights, airports, and security

  • Aim to arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights, more in very busy seasons.

  • Pack carry‑on smartly: liquids under 100 ml in a clear bag, electronics easy to remove, no prohibited items.

  • Avoid very tight layovers; 2+ hours between flights is usually safer for international connections.

4. Luggage and packing

  • Use a small carry‑on with essentials: meds, documents, valuables, one change of clothes, power bank, cables, basic toiletries.

  • Put a tracker or clear tag on checked bags and take a photo of them before check‑in.

  • Pack lighter than you think: choose layers, quick‑dry clothes, and packing cubes to stay organized.

5. Health, safety, and comfort

  • Stay hydrated, avoid too much alcohol, and move/stretch on long flights to reduce discomfort.

  • Carry a small health kit: basic medicines for pain, stomach issues, motion sickness, plus any personal prescriptions.​

  • Use a VPN and avoid sensitive banking on public Wi‑Fi; keep your phone locked and backed up.

6. Using phones and internet

  • Consider an eSIM or local SIM to get cheap data instead of expensive roaming.

  • Download offline maps, translation apps, and key tickets/QR codes before you leave Wi‑Fi.

  • Save addresses of hotels and key places in both English and the local language if possible.​

7. At the destination

  • Learn a few basic local phrases (hello, please, thank you, sorry, how much) to make interactions smoother.​

  • Check local transport options (metro, buses, ride‑hailing) instead of only taxis to save money.​​

  • Respect local customs and laws on clothing, alcohol, public behavior, drones, and photography.

If you share whether you travel mostly solo, with family, or for work, I can tailor these tips more specifically to your style.

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