When it’s that time of the year again to go on vacation, you may end up scouring the internet for the best travel tips, and nine times out of ten, you will come across the same ones. That’s why today, we will focus on obscure and unusual tips you have probably never seen before.
A travel forum user recently asked his fellow travel users for their best (but obscure) travel tips, and below are the nine best responses.
1. Pack a Decoy Wallet
Starting off with quite a depressing one, one user said he always packs a decoy wallet with him when traveling off the beaten track. He explained, “When personal safety is less certain, carry at least $50 to $100 in cash in a separate pocket from your money/cards/etc. That’s enough to give a potential assailant that warm feeling of achievement, so they will let you go.”
2. Prioritize When Packing
Some people over-pack on clothes because they think they can buy sunblock and shampoo abroad. This is a risky game, as one Redditor explained: “For some reason, it’s often difficult to find sunblock and mosquito repellent in countries with lots of sun and mosquitoes. Take them with you!”
3. Carry a Toothbrush in Your Hand Luggage
One user said that bringing a toothbrush on board a long flight will help you to feel yourself again after landing. They said: “Brushing your teeth is the quickest way to feel human again after long flights. Have toothpaste and brush ready to do this before you leave the airport.”
4. Pack an Umbrella
Regardless of the weather forecast, pack an umbrella says one person. They said: “When I was in Athens, it was crazy hot and sunny, so I had my umbrella for shade. Then there was a sudden downpour when we were at the top of the Acropolis, and I had my umbrella. So yeah, always have the umbrella.”
5. Give Yourself Days Off
While planning something for every day of your trip can be tempting, leaving days spare can be a godsend. One person said: “Always have spare days in your itinerary for weather events or just things you discover while you’re there.”
6. Learn the Language
No one expects you to be fluent in the language of the country you visit, but learning a few simple words and phrases can go a long way. One Redditor said: “Learn a few simple words in the local language. Hello, goodbye, thank you, at a minimum. It will go a long way to making people friendly to you.”
7. Leave Space in Your Bag
Many people see it as a challenge to fill every gap in their suitcase but stop yourself and ask, “Why?”. One person said, “It’s not a requirement to pack your bag as full as possible,” they’re right – don’t take things you won’t need.
8. Don’t Sleep In
Getting up early has enormous benefits on vacation. One user said: “When visiting a city, get up before sunrise and walk as the city wakes up. I did this in Venice, and it was magic!”
9. Pick a new, adventurous scent
One person’s obscure tip was to spray yourself with something brand new for the entire trip. They explained why: “Pick out a scent for the trip. It could be a cologne, perfume, room diffuser, candle, etc. Use it. And use it. And use it. When you get back, any time you smell that fragrance in the future, it will teleport you back.”
10. Use Google Maps Offline
Don’t rely on Wi-Fi or expensive data plans—download Google Maps for your destination ahead of time. One traveler explained: “You can download the entire map of a city and navigate without internet. A lifesaver in areas with spotty service!”
11. Carry a Portable Door Lock
If you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb and want extra security, a portable door lock can give you peace of mind. One seasoned traveler said: “It’s lightweight and keeps anyone from unlocking the door from the outside, even with a key.”
12. Take a Photo of Your Luggage and Documents
Lost luggage or stolen passports? Having a photo of your belongings and important documents can make dealing with airlines and authorities much easier. A Redditor shared: “I always snap a pic of my luggage before checking it. If it gets lost, I can show the airline exactly what it looks like.”
13. Pack a Power Strip or Travel Adapter
Many hotels and airports have limited outlets, so bringing a power strip can make charging your devices more convenient. A frequent traveler added: “A travel adapter with USB ports is a game-changer. You’ll always have enough plugs, no matter where you are.”
14. Wear Compression Socks on Long Flights
Sitting for hours on a plane can lead to swollen feet and poor circulation. One user recommended: “Compression socks help prevent leg fatigue and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). I never fly long-haul without them.”\
15. Use a Sunglasses Case for Small Essentials
A hard-shell sunglasses case is a great way to keep small travel essentials organized. One traveler shared: “I keep my phone charger, earphones, and a few cash bills in an old sunglasses case. It keeps everything in one place and is easy to find in my bag.”
Is there anything you would like to add to this list based on things you’ve learned while traveling? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Reddit.
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