The 10 Commandments of the Traveler
Experienced travelers know that solid research, light luggage and fun along the way are the basis of a successful trip. However, to become a true travel pro, it is not enough to master these few tricks. This is mainly due to your attitude during the trip.
1. Let your curiosity determine the direction of your journey.
The best deals come to those who can be a bit flexible in their travel plans. You probably already know how much you can save by flying at less popular times: early in the morning, during the week or in the middle of the night. Since you do not have to stick to strict dates, why not be a bit more flexible in choosing the direction of your trip? There are so many places to see in the world that the travel ideas seem endless. Why is it sometimes worth letting yourself be guided by pure curiosity? Define your budget for your next trip, set it in KAYAK Explore and see where you can go in this price range. Think of it as a game where you win every time.
2. During your trip, do what the locals do ...
Get off the beaten track and see the places you visit through the eyes of the locals, get off the beaten track and see the places you visit through the eyes of the locals.
Traveling is about more than just visiting monuments. Sure, you must see the Eiffel Tower during your stay in Paris, but even more so, it is worth strolling lazily along the Parisian streets, stumbling upon a hidden bistro and drinking a glass of wine away from the tourist bustle.
3.… but don't forget, being a tourist can be fun too.
Seeking authentic experiences is important, but that doesn't mean you should avoid touristy places at all costs. This is the easiest way to miss some really interesting attractions in the place you are visiting. The Louvre may be full of guided tours, but it's not that popular for nothing. The interweaving of the trip with classic activities and things known only to the locals is a guarantee that you will get the best out of both worlds.
4. Be prepared (but don't go overboard).
Spontaneity is great, but you know what's even cooler? Knowing a few words in the local language before your arrival, thanks to which you will be able to conduct the simplest conversations (and gain the sympathy of the locals) there. Even if you're planning a last minute trip, quick research will definitely pay off. Not sure where to start? Just a few of the most common sentences, the most important information about the local currency or the most basic knowledge about local public transport will make a big difference.
While planning top attractions and a list of places to visit are important, leave some space for recommendations from locals and things you will learn about when you are there.
5. Keep an eye on your expenses.
Set your budget and try to stick to it. For even really little money, you can finance the journey of a lifetime, if you spend it wisely. Ask the locals for recommendations for cheap eats, street food (which is often tastier and more authentic than food served in restaurants) and the best happy hour spots. Find cheap, preferably free attractions - such as free city tours or free museum days - or simply take a long walk in the area yourself.
Have you ever gone over the limit? Give it up - you're on vacation after all, and if you can go a little crazy, it's worth doing it right now.
6. Remember that not everything will turn out 100% during the trip.
When traveling, few things are as certain as the fact that something will definitely go wrong. Eventually, you will also experience a flight delay, food poisoning, mistaken trains or smashing your phone while trying to take the perfect photo. But don't let these little setbacks spoil your trip. Wave your hand at it, treat it with humor and just focus on finding a solution to this problem.
Remember how lucky you are to travel and how fleeting these experiences are. There is no point in worrying about just small things!
7. Always read fine print.
The fine print attached to airline tickets, overnight reservations, car rental contracts, or credit card terms may seem completely unnecessary, but it is in fact full of useful information for any traveler.
You don't even know how many benefits can be derived from these tiny words. The airline's rules of carriage define the rules for the payment of compensation in the event of a delay or cancellation of a flight. On the other hand, from a bank payment card agreement, you may find that your loan offers benefits that you did not know before, including car rental insurance and bonus miles.
8. Be here and now.
Take lots of photos. You will thank yourself in old age for the opportunity to remember your travels. On the other hand, don't take photos all the time or you'll miss the best of travel. Uploading photos to Instagram or Snapchat is very easy, but it can also distract you from your travels. How to find the golden mean? Just stay away from Wi-Fi until you return to your hotel and only then start catching up on the internet.
9. Get carried away…
Traveling is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. Traveling is a great way to get out of your comfort zone.
Get out of your comfort zone. Let the journey engage all your senses. If the place you are visiting is known for its music, go to a concert. Do the locals tell you about a must-try dish? Ask where you will get them in the tastiest form. Are you going to Bangkok? Everyone knows that Thai street food is a local "must". Only the locals will show you where you can get the best pad thai or - if you are brave enough - fried insects (what distinguishes one seller from another are spices, and the locals definitely have their favorites).
1. Let your curiosity determine the direction of your journey.
The best deals come to those who can be a bit flexible in their travel plans. You probably already know how much you can save by flying at less popular times: early in the morning, during the week or in the middle of the night. Since you do not have to stick to strict dates, why not be a bit more flexible in choosing the direction of your trip? There are so many places to see in the world that the travel ideas seem endless. Why is it sometimes worth letting yourself be guided by pure curiosity? Define your budget for your next trip, set it in KAYAK Explore and see where you can go in this price range. Think of it as a game where you win every time.
2. During your trip, do what the locals do ...
Get off the beaten track and see the places you visit through the eyes of the locals, get off the beaten track and see the places you visit through the eyes of the locals.
Traveling is about more than just visiting monuments. Sure, you must see the Eiffel Tower during your stay in Paris, but even more so, it is worth strolling lazily along the Parisian streets, stumbling upon a hidden bistro and drinking a glass of wine away from the tourist bustle.
3.… but don't forget, being a tourist can be fun too.
Seeking authentic experiences is important, but that doesn't mean you should avoid touristy places at all costs. This is the easiest way to miss some really interesting attractions in the place you are visiting. The Louvre may be full of guided tours, but it's not that popular for nothing. The interweaving of the trip with classic activities and things known only to the locals is a guarantee that you will get the best out of both worlds.
4. Be prepared (but don't go overboard).
Spontaneity is great, but you know what's even cooler? Knowing a few words in the local language before your arrival, thanks to which you will be able to conduct the simplest conversations (and gain the sympathy of the locals) there. Even if you're planning a last minute trip, quick research will definitely pay off. Not sure where to start? Just a few of the most common sentences, the most important information about the local currency or the most basic knowledge about local public transport will make a big difference.
While planning top attractions and a list of places to visit are important, leave some space for recommendations from locals and things you will learn about when you are there.
5. Keep an eye on your expenses.
Set your budget and try to stick to it. For even really little money, you can finance the journey of a lifetime, if you spend it wisely. Ask the locals for recommendations for cheap eats, street food (which is often tastier and more authentic than food served in restaurants) and the best happy hour spots. Find cheap, preferably free attractions - such as free city tours or free museum days - or simply take a long walk in the area yourself.
Have you ever gone over the limit? Give it up - you're on vacation after all, and if you can go a little crazy, it's worth doing it right now.
6. Remember that not everything will turn out 100% during the trip.
When traveling, few things are as certain as the fact that something will definitely go wrong. Eventually, you will also experience a flight delay, food poisoning, mistaken trains or smashing your phone while trying to take the perfect photo. But don't let these little setbacks spoil your trip. Wave your hand at it, treat it with humor and just focus on finding a solution to this problem.
Remember how lucky you are to travel and how fleeting these experiences are. There is no point in worrying about just small things!
7. Always read fine print.
The fine print attached to airline tickets, overnight reservations, car rental contracts, or credit card terms may seem completely unnecessary, but it is in fact full of useful information for any traveler.
You don't even know how many benefits can be derived from these tiny words. The airline's rules of carriage define the rules for the payment of compensation in the event of a delay or cancellation of a flight. On the other hand, from a bank payment card agreement, you may find that your loan offers benefits that you did not know before, including car rental insurance and bonus miles.
8. Be here and now.
Take lots of photos. You will thank yourself in old age for the opportunity to remember your travels. On the other hand, don't take photos all the time or you'll miss the best of travel. Uploading photos to Instagram or Snapchat is very easy, but it can also distract you from your travels. How to find the golden mean? Just stay away from Wi-Fi until you return to your hotel and only then start catching up on the internet.
9. Get carried away…
Traveling is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. Traveling is a great way to get out of your comfort zone.
Get out of your comfort zone. Let the journey engage all your senses. If the place you are visiting is known for its music, go to a concert. Do the locals tell you about a must-try dish? Ask where you will get them in the tastiest form. Are you going to Bangkok? Everyone knows that Thai street food is a local "must". Only the locals will show you where you can get the best pad thai or - if you are brave enough - fried insects (what distinguishes one seller from another are spices, and the locals definitely have their favorites).
10. ... and visit the whole world.
Don't look for excuses, just go discover the world! Don't look for excuses, just go discover the world!
It is easy to find a reason why you should not do something. Are you holding back the cost of the trip or a calendar overloaded with other important events? Postponing your trip until you have more money or free time may seem like a good excuse, but there is a whole world to discover, and there will never be a better time than now. Check where professional travelers will go in 2018, take advantage of our ways to find a cheap flight and go ahead, even if it's just a long weekend.
It is easy to find a reason why you should not do something. Are you holding back the cost of the trip or a calendar overloaded with other important events? Postponing your trip until you have more money or free time may seem like a good excuse, but there is a whole world to discover, and there will never be a better time than now. Check where professional travelers will go in 2018, take advantage of our ways to find a cheap flight and go ahead, even if it's just a long weekend.
