Are you planning your next travel adventure?

Traveling gives you a fantastic way of engaging with new cultures, perspectives, and climates. It can also lead to lifelong friendships and memories.

It’s important, however, to be prepared for any excursion so that it’s memorable for the right reasons.

To ensure that this next trip goes as smoothly as possible, check out our smart travel tricks below. Read on for insight!

1. Always Get Travelers Insurance

One of the best travel tricks out there is to enroll in travelers insurance before you embark on your trip.

Travelers insurance, depending on the plan you choose, can cover you for all sorts of unexpected situations. If an earthquake occurs while you are in South America, for example, your insurance will cover emergency evacuation costs.

Some plans will cover damage to rental cars, deaths of traveling companions or yourself, hospital and ambulance costs, and more. You’ll even have insurance in place for flight delays, baggage loss, and flight cancellations.

There are plenty of travelers insurance companies out there. It’s important to shop around before you sign up for a plan.

In general, you will pay a premium price that will depend upon your destination, length of stay, and expected costs.

Make sure you always read the fine print and speak to an agent about insurance coverage. Many times people assume that travelers insurance covers them for anything, but this isn’t always the case.

Before you embark on your trip, make sure you pack proof of this travelers insurance in your carry-on–and make copies of these documents so that you’ll always have them handy, no matter what happens.

If you’re not sure what travelers insurance is best for you, check out World Nomads. They’re pretty reputable, especially in top travel guide’s eyes.

2. Have a Safety Plan

Your safety is your priority whenever you travel. In some cases, your destination may not be totally safe or will pose some risks to travelers.

Before you embark on your trip, check to see if there are any travel advisories for the country you are headed to. Make sure you avoid any areas that are marked as at-risk or dangerous.

Also, have a safety plan in place before you travel. Always store contact information for your hotel, host, or companions on your phone at all times. Additionally, know what number to call in case of an emergency.

Having a safety plan also means taking necessary safety precautions. Be careful when taking money out of an ATM, for example, and make sure you travel with companions when you’re out and about at night.

3. Learn About The Culture Ahead of Time

If you are traveling to a foreign country, it’s important to educate yourself ahead of time. Learn as much as you can about the culture before you go.

This is one of the most valuable travel tricks out there.

There are plenty of travel guides available, by providers like Lonely Planet. Check one of these out of your local library so you can plan certain destinations and familiarize yourself with the culture.

If possible, learn a few phrases of the country’s language before you go. Being able to communicate even in a small way can show respect and enable connections.

If you are traveling to a country that is generally more conservative, make sure you bring clothing that can cover exposed skin. This may mean scarves, sarongs, long pants and shirts, and hats.

Also, read a little about transportation within a country, and see if there are any universal services available. Learn more about these transportation services here.

4. Pack Lightly

This is one of the best travel tricks out there because it can save you so much time and effort. No one likes to be struggling around a new place with loads of heavy baggage.

What’s more, it can be tough when you lose a bag that has all of your valuables in it.

Pack lightly but also pack smart. Don’t pack anything you can get at your destination. Make sure you stow all valuables and essentials in your carry-on, too.

When you pack, always ask yourself if you’d rather leave something at home or carry it around with you. This can be a good way to free up luggage space and make your arms, back, and shoulders happy.

5. Stay Healthy

The best way to have an amazing trip is to take care of yourself. This means hydrating as much as possible on your journey, eating healthy food, and using sunscreen.

Staying healthy can save you a trip to the hospital, which can be tricky if you are in a foreign country. What’s more, you’ll have more energy to do more things, making your trip more memorable in the long run.

6. Travel With Companions

When it comes to travel tricks, this is an important one. A lot of people like the idea of traveling alone–and many successfully do it.

But if you are at all wary about your upcoming travels, or want to make sure you’re safe, travel with companions. Even if you’re with just one other person, you’ll be better off.

Having a companion ensures your safety, but it also can make things more fun, memorable, and comfortable.

7. Talk to Locals

This is essential when it comes to travel tricks. Engaging with locals is the best way to discover hidden gems, enrich your travel experience, and learn something new.

This is especially important if you speak the locals’ language. Engage with locals at restaurants and cafes, or talk to tour guides and hosts about their recommendations and stories.

Travel Tricks for Your Next Journey

Traveling is a wonderful way to expand your horizons and encounter fresh perspectives. If you’ve caught the travel bug, make sure you have some travel tricks on hand so that every excursion is smooth.

It’s important to get travelers insurance, no matter where you are headed. Always have a safety plan in store before you travel, and go with companions if possible.

Brush up on the culture ahead of time so that you know what to expect. Try to engage with locals and always, always pack lightly.

Getting excited about your upcoming trip? Check out our post on finding economy flights today!