10 travel tips that are no longer true
Just because a bit of travel advice was essential 10 years ago, doesn’t mean it applies today. As the world of travel continues to evolve, so too does the advice for what constitutes a good trip.
1. Print out extra copies of all your important documents
The whole world has gone paperless – and that means travel too. Instead of carrying paper copies of your passport, visas or tickets, create digital copies and store them on a USB, on your laptop or email them to yourself.
2. Women shouldn’t travel alone
In the age of equality, solo female travellers are having the time of their lives. As long as you follow some simple safety precautions, there’s no reason that international destinations are any more dangerous than your hometown. Get out there and explore, ladies!
3. Never eat street food
Food is one of the great joys of travelling, so it’s a shame to miss out on anything. Street food gives you a real insight into a nation’s food culture and how the locals eat – plus it's super cheap. Choose somewhere that is busy (for quick food turnover), has lots of local customers and looks clean, then dig in.
4. Avoid touristy places
We love the idea of discovering a hidden gem, but remember that touristy places are popular for good reason. Don’t write off Times Square or the Colosseum because it will be full of tourists – just plan ahead, leave lots of time and embrace the hectic atmosphere.
5. Stock up on traveller’s cheques
Buying traveller’s cheques at the bank used to be an essential pre-trip errand. Now, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere that takes them. Instead, look into pre-loaded travel money cards or use your own bank cards in international ATMs.
6. Carry your cash in a money belt
Money belts used to be a traveller’s little secret. The problem is, any thief worth their salt now knows about them too. Pickpockets will go straight for them or more brazen thieves will demand you empty them. You are better off carrying minimal cash, using an inside pocket or taking a small zipped-up crossbody bag.
7. Everything is cheaper in duty free
Those sprawling, brightly-lit stores in the airport are designed to make you part with your cash. It seems like everything is a good deal, but in reality the prices may not be that different to what you can find outside or online. If you want to buy, do your research first so you can make an accurate comparison.
8. Book your flight at a specified time
Everyone used to have their ‘secret’ hack for getting the best flight price. But now that you can choose between airline sites, third party providers, travel agents and more – and you can access them all 24 hours a day, seven days a week – there’s really no best time anymore. Keep an eye out, set an alert and grab a good deal when you see it.
9. Tours are a waste of money
Forget sitting on a big bus listening to a bored guide (or worse, a tape recorder) droning on about the city. Tours now are authentic, immersive and exciting – go behind the scenes of a legendary theatre, get an after hours tour of a museum, eat dinner in the home of a local chef or cycle through town with a history professor. The choices are endless.
10. Always take a registered taxi
We’re not suggesting you jump in any random car, but Uber (or other apps like it) can be a lifesaver for travellers. If you don't speak the language or can’t make yourself understood, Uber let you type your destination straight into the map guaranteeing the driver will know where to go.
Do you have any travel tips to share?