5 Travel Hacks I've Learnt Whilst Travelling
Sharing my top five travel hacks that I've learnt whilst travelling the past few years!
I've always loved travelling, for as long as I can remember. From family holidays to spending six weeks travelling Thailand and my first solo trip; some of my happiest memories have come from travelling. It's safe to say over the years I've learnt a trick or two; and thought I'd put together a post on my top 5 travel hacks that I've learnt whilst travelling, including tips for before, during and after your travels!For me, one of my favourite things about travelling has to be the build up to the holiday, from the packing to changing up money, planning outfits and researching the best places to visit! Along with the whole 'airport experience' - ever since I was young, my holiday has always started at the airport!When we'd go on family holidays we'd always get to the airport a bit earlier than needed to so we could have a look around duty free, grab some magazines and snacks for the flight and have a nice meal together as a family, we'd kick back and let our holiday start right then and there.Even growing up I've always kept that tradition as a part of my travel, whether I grab a meal before, do a bit of shopping or book into a lounge so I can relax and do some work - for me it's all a part of the holiday!Heathrow has just launched a new campaign in collaboration with spoke word poet; Caleb Femi. Caleb has created a poem called A Tale of Modern Britain; that celebrates British cultures against the backdrop of arrivals and departures (the most emotional parts of travelling), through Heathrow, the gateway to the U.K. You can read more on this campaign over on the Heathrow Blog.The departures and arrivals of holidays are two key factors of travel for me! The departure is always so exciting, and even though the arrival isn't usually quite as joyful (holiday blues and all that!) I always think that nothing quite beats coming home. That feeling of coming back to a fresh start, feeling inspired and getting back into work and seeing loved ones!The poem created by Caleb sparked so many feelings about travel for me; which tied in perfectly with my travel hacks that I wanted to share! Here are my top five travel tips for travelling...
1.) Saving money to travel
For me this is where to trip starts, saving and planning! Mostly I try to cut down on small daily costs that aren't a necessity like buying coffees out, trying to cut down on eating out and just limit any shopping/unplanned spending. I find that cutting down on the little things really adds up and before you know if you've saved loads! I also try to set aside a monthly allowance of around £50 (or whatever I can spare a month), as a separate travel fund and it soon adds up to a decent amount to start planning your trips.
2.) Packing for your trip
Always check the weather before you go (sounds obvious, right?!), but I went to Miami a couple of years back and was like 'ah yeah Miami the weather will be great', definitelyyyyyyyy wasn't as warm as I'd expected! Also when I landed in NYC last year there was a huge snow storm that day and I had to go out and buy snow boots (apparently Vans didn't cut it!), a scarf and hat. So what I'm trying to say here girls is be sure to check the weather and pack what you *actually* need (as well as 103272572534 dresses because girls need options!), it will save you both time and money if you have to go out looking for stuff you need but didn't pack!
3.) Travelling with an open mind
One of my favourite things about travelling has to be immersing myself in another culture, meeting new people, visiting new places and just travelling with an open mind. Don't overthink how you think somewhere is going to be, as you really won't know what it's like until you've visited - take things in your stride and enjoy each moment as it comes!
4.) Making the most of your trip whilst travelling
I think this tip is super beneficial for time efficiency whilst you're away as it can cut down on spending ages on Google/Trip Advisor looking for somewhere to eat, or trying to get your head around maps etc. I'm one of those people who really loves to just walk around and explore, I like to see what restaurants and cute shops I stumble across naturally, BUT that being said it is always super handy to just have a list saved on your phone of restaurants that your friends/blog have recommended, shops/areas you want to visit or event spots for taking pictures - prior research can cut out wasted travel time!
5.) A fresh start upon arriving home
As I mentioned briefly earlier, arriving home isn't *quite* as exciting as departing, BUT there is something that I just love about being home, and back in England (rain and all!). It's nice coming home after a break and feeling fresh and inspired, ready to head back to work with a fresh start and catch up with loved ones! Caleb touches upon this perfectly in his poem in the last part!
I also want to share the poem (and in video form - both below) as I think you guys would really enjoy it too. For me it was a perfect collaboration with Heathrow airport as airports really do hold so many exciting and special feelings for so many people (anyone else just picturing the opening scene from Love Actually here?!). I love the fact that it's where people are excited for new adventures, or waiting to pick up loves ones - it's a place of love, excitement and happiness - I love starting my holidays the second I arrive at the airport and hope that this poem ignites the same emotion in you all!