My Top 10 Travel Tips

Don’t assume anything. Passport validity, blank pages, visas, ESTA’s, ETIAS (and more, depending on the country you are travelling to!) onward tickets, transit rules. These can change constantly and can ruin a trip before it starts. Some people have been turned away at passport control due to not reading their government website prior to travelling. Please don’t let this happen to you!

If you think you need it, you probably don’t. A smaller bag means less stress, easier airport transfers, and fewer airline fees. If it doesn’t serve at least two purposes, it stays home.

Cabin and checked limits can differ wildly, and they will make you pay at the gate if you’re over. I’ve seen it too many times, especially when I have visited Florida!

Passport, meds, chargers, a change of clothes, valuables. Bags get delayed and you don’t want to be stuck without the things you need. This happened to me in Las Vegas where my luggage didn’t arrive for a good 72 hours! No essentials packed as I wanted to put everything in hold. Lesson were learned from this!

Have a mix: a travel card, a credit card, and a small amount of local cash. Know if the country is cash-heavy and what ATMs or cards actually work there. Most European cities charge you to use the public toilets, or when visiting the markets, some will only take cash! Check your banks T&C, as some will charge you each time you take money out in another country! Some banks, for a small fee, will allow you to use your card or contactless payment method as you would in the UK.

Download maps, underground/subway/metro maps, boarding passes, hotel details, and emergency info. Wi-Fi is never guaranteed when you really need it. If you have a notes function on your phone, download everything on to there, and back up with printouts.  

Not just medical but also look at cancellations, luggage, and activities. You don’t think you need it until you really need it. If you are going on a cruise, ensure that this is also covered in your travel insurance. 

Comfortable, layers, and shoes you can walk in. You’ll look better and feel better after 12+ hours of moving around.

What’s normal at home might not be elsewhere. A little awareness goes a long way and avoids unnecessary trouble.

Delays happen. Plans change. The best trips aren’t over scheduled (although I must admit, I am totally guilty of this!)

They leave room for the unexpected, and that’s usually where the best stories come from.

Wherever possible, I always book attractions, tours, and experiences in advance. It saves so much time queuing when you’re there, guarantees availability (especially in busy seasons), and usually works out cheaper. It also means less decision-making on the ground and more time actually enjoying the destination.