In the last couple of years, I have been very lucky and been able to travel overseas to quite a few places…Scotland, Cyprus, Netherlands, Britain, Czech Republic … to name a few. So, because of this, I thought I would share my top 5 travel tips. They are just a few things that I have learnt on my travels, mainly due to trial and maybe many errors! I just hope, that they help you as much as they do me 🙂

Here are my top 5 tips for traveling overseas:

Travel First Aid Kit

My husband & I always pack a small first aid kit with all the things we might need. Most of them are not liquids, so you can take them in your carry on luggage – which is a good idea! I normally pack : Neurofen, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, Sinu-Clear, anti-histamine, Gaviscon, motion sickness medication, Imodium, nasal spray, plasters and any other things that we may not always have easy access to when traveling.

Travel Documents

You just never know what is going to happen on your trip, so rather be safe than sorry. I always make sure that I have a scanned copy of my ID, Passport, Driver’s and any other important documents on my phone. I like to use Dropbox, and I can access that globally. Another good idea is to make sure that someone else, such as a family member has access to your Dropbox or documents. I’ve never needed to access these documents while traveling and I hope I never will.

Carry-on Luggage

Put your electronics (I can highly recommend Bose noise canceling headphones – they have changed my life on flights), camera, medications, toothbrush and any other important things in your carry-on luggage. Just remember you can’t take anything over 100ml.

I can also, really recommend you pack what I can a refresh pack, which includes intimate wipes for the ladies, hand cream, mini deo, hand sanitizer, a fresh pair of underwear, as well as anything else you might need. I often include some sunscreen (I love the new dry touch Eucerin Sun gel-creme oil control dry touch – it doesn’t leave my face oily & I don’t break out – love)  if I am going to a sunny country. If you are wondering why you need it – often when you land wherever you are going, there isn’t time to shower and change before you hit the streets of where you are. At least, this way you can freshen up before starting your fun-filled day. And, you can also use any of those things during the flight if you need to.

Pack an extra camera battery & powerbank

This sounds like…so obvious! But you would be surprised how often these things have been forgotten…yes I can easily buy a battery pack for my phone in most places but sadly my camera battery is not so easy to get…this is why I now never leave without 2, sometimes even 3 camera batteries. For a powerbank, I recommend getting a reliable one, that can charge your phone a couple of times and is small enough to pop into your backpack while you are exploring the destination you are in. I use a Snug one and it’s fantastic!

Travel Light

You probably really don’t need half the stuff you actually want to pack. I’ve been learning this slowly, the hard way. That is, having to lug my heavy suitcase up flights of stairs and the sad thing, is the effort wasn’t worth it! I didn’t even use all the clothes and shoes I packed!

So, a general rule is, if you are unsure if you need something, you probably don’t need it – so don’t pack it! Also, in most places, you can buy anything that you REALLY need and forgot.

A few weeks ago, I wrote an awesome post on the 5,4,3,2,1 packing rule. Give it a read, it might just change your next holiday. And, you might just thank me when you are easily carrying your bag up a flight of stairs!

Bonus Tip – Cash or Credit Card

My bonus tip is, don’t feel like you need to draw the local currency before you get to your destination. To be honest, my husband and I – never have. Most places take credit card and if you need cash, we have found it is better to draw the amount you need when you arrive. This might not suit everyone, but for us – it’s the rule. And, my husband never draws more than 20 Euro’s a day (or similar – depending on currency) – he says it’s the perfect amoun, as otherwise you look again and you have spent all your cash and have no idea on what!

(taken with my iPhone 6s)

Traveling is addictive, and once that bug bites…you need to start saving your cents for the next holiday and the next and the next! So, if you can, explore all the places your heart desires! It will be worth it…you will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Travels 🙂