Travel In Style With 5 Simple Hacks
Travelling alone can be a lot of fun. Since you’re on your own, you can plan your trip the way you wish and explore to your heart’s content. But it also comes with some challenges – you are on your own in case you miss a connecting flight, or lose your money, or some other mishap occurs. But these should not deter you from taking that solitary trip you’ve always wanted to. Just follow our lead and you can have the best trip of your life:
#1 Have a credit card with lounge offers.
Before leaving for your trip, ensure that you apply for a credit card if you don’t already have one. If you do, you should consider upgrading it to include lounge offers at international airports. These offer access to airport lounges, reward points on using lounges internationally, and so on. Your issuing bank can explain transaction charges (if any) on using the card out of the UAE, how many reward points you get per spend, and so on.
#2 Carry minimal clothing.
You need as much space in your bag as you can create so that you can shop as much as you want and have enough room to bring it back home. This means cutting down on clothing. Most people tend to overpack their bags, carrying outfits for every day of the trip. Not only do you not new clothes for every day of your holiday, you also end up with a heavier bag that takes ages to repack at the end of the trip. Carry light cotton tees and shorts, a few pairs of socks and underwear, and wear denims during your flights to save space in the suitcase.
#3 Don’t shop at malls but patronise small stores.
You might come across swank malls and department stores on your travels. The prices there might seem reasonable, but there is often a high mark-up on most items. You will also find generic, mass-produced items there. Instead, aim to shop at bazaars and local shops where you will find handmade items, unique curios and other interesting trinkets to take back home. Most small stores will also accept credit card payments, but keep change in the local currency just in case. Also, inquire about the prices from the hotel you are staying at to avoid overpaying anywhere.
#4 Keep your passport and travel documents safe in a body pouch.
Cases of tourists being targeted in several international countries are on the rise. Travellers are often mugged or attacked for their bags, phones and wallets. You might carry your passport and other travel documents with you in case you are crossing borders into another country or city, when the mishap occurs. We suggest carrying a body sling next to your body under your T-shirt, in which you place cards, cash, travel documents, etc. In case your bags are stolen or your pockets picked, file a police complaint so that you can claim insurance.
#5 Explore on foot but be safe wherever you go.
Travel enriches you in several ways, by acquainting you with local customs, food, clothing and other interesting aspects during the trip. The best way to see a new city or country is to explore as much of it as possible on foot, so that you remember landmarks and road directions. It also helps you discover new places to eat and shop at. But always be careful in every location – you never know who could be lurking in the shadows. Do not step out alone after dark, and do not bring strangers back with you however friendly they might seem.
