Travel Tips

I haven't travelled as extensively as some, but after after visiting my fair share of countries there's always a few things I always recommend people do whenever they go overseas. Here's a collection of 10 tips that i hope will help you on your next adventure and maybe save some money!

1. Bring a power board - Instead of having to charge one device at a time or bring multiple power outlet adaptors bring one adaptor per country and a power board. That way you can charge your mobile phone, laptop, etc. all at once.
   
   
2. Clip the "earth" terminal from your power outlet adaptor - countries like USA, Japan and Philippines don't use the earth terminal in their outlets as much as Australia does. Solve this problem by clipping the earth terminal from your adaptor. That way, you can insert 3-pin power plugs into the 2-pin outlet.
   
   
3. Keep photo copies of passports and airline tickets in each luggage - saves the hassle in the event of loss. makes it easy to show to hotel staff when checking in too.
   
   
4. Utilise the hotel safe - If you are traveling with cash, keep the bulk of it in the safe and take as you need as you go out. Not only will this minimise the results of theft, could save you from unnecessary spending!
   
   
5. Stock the hotel minibar with your own drinks - Don't care too much for a 5 euro coke? Neither do I. If the minibar doesn't have sensors, i recommend emptying it out and filling it up with goods bought from a local supermarket and saving your cash for other things.
   
   
6. Book hotels just outside city centre - They are cheaper and will allow you to explore less touristy areas off the beaten track. Since they are away from the tourist attractions, restaurants are usually cheaper too. Eurostars central in Munich is a perfect example - Brand new 4 star hotel, around the corner from a metro station which got us to the centre of munich in less than 10 minutes.
   
   
7. Bring a laptop - If weight allowanges allow it, the laptop can be the most useful piece you bring with you. Most hotels offer complimentary wifi access, if not there's bound to be a cafe nearby. It has been a life saver in terms of managing my bookings, saved money by finding local specials, referring to wikitravel, and of course google maps!
   
   
8. Take part in walking tours - Tour buses are fine if you are in a rush, but it doesn't give you the same appreciation as a walking tour. In europe, Sandemans New Europe tours are highly recommened. If ever find yourself in Nara, Japan, the goodwill student guides are the way to go. The goodwill guides can be booked in advance, or on the day like i did at the Nara tourism office. Johnny Hillwalker in Kyoto is legendary.
   
   
9. Spare batteries - Get them for your phone and camera. Personally, I have three batteries in total for my Fuji F70EXR. I bought two extra generic units from ebay with higher capacities that the orginal that it came with. The last thing you want it to run out of juice during a holiday!
   
   
10. Relax and Enjoy the holiday - Things won't always go to plan with museums, itineraries etc. Just remember the fact that you are away from the usual hustle of life, and enjoy the small things. From all the things that I've enjoyed on my overseas trips, the fondest memories have been the interaction with locals, watching their way of life, and being away.

Got a tip of your own? Feel free to add it to the comments and share them!