1. Don’t book all your accommodation-

If you are a control freak like me, you want to have everything booked and organised well in advance. On my trip to Los Angeles, I did exactly that. This was great for reducing the stress of booking on the go, but did leave me feeling a little trapped. Travelling evokes the experience of meeting amazing people that may have similar interests and itineraries to you. Having all your nights pre-booked leaves you no flexibility to start travelling with new friends. In my case, you may find you do not like a particular area or hostel, but you have booked 4 nights with no available for a refund. Leaving your itinerary more open will allow your free spirited movements to come alive and may lead you to having an even better adventure.

2. Ask for recommendations

Ask for recommendations from locals and travellers, but do not be put off. If someone has negative reviews about places you’ve been dreaming of, just go! Experience it for yourself and create your own opinion.

3. Morning bag

On my first trip I found myself scrambling every morning to find the simple routine items (Toothbrush, Medication, Face moisturiser and deodorant) and after each use, discarding them in the nearest bag, so I could scramble out of the door to a day filled with sightseeing. Hostels can be cramped and you are often living out of your backpack.  My morning bag streamlined the start of my days, putting me in a better mood to explore. Make this bag small and easily accessible. 

4. Start big in Hostels

If you want to be social, from the minute you walk in, be big, introduce yourself. This will let people know you are looking to make connections.

5. Pack a jumper

No matter how hot your destination is, a hoodie is an essential. Bus stations and airports are cold and it is also a home comfort while on the road. 

6. Multiple Chargers

I had just arrived in Croatia and I realised I left my charger on the plane. I struggled to find one, that fit my phone, for the next week. Borrowing off friends and constantly scraping for enough battery to photograph the scenery. Now, I never leave without 3 chargers packed in separate parts of my bag. 

7. Plane (Travelling) bag

Similar to the morning bag this is for ease and stress free travel. Things to include 

• Earphones
• Charger
• Book/Notepad and pen
• Passport
• Documents 
• Water bottle 
• Money 

8. Don’t be afraid to go alone

Don’t be afraid to go alone but also go on group tours. Visiting places solo can be liberating and give you time to think and take in what you’re seeing. Group tours allow you to be social, make friends and have pictures taken of you with more ease. I met some amazing people on the national park tours in Arizona. Zion helped me make a friend from Canada. I got to explore the Grand Canyon with a lovely girl from Spain, who we later found out was staying at the same hostel. We spent all day talking, taking pictures and travelling back together too. 

9. Allow down time

You might think you do not need it or like to be jam packed busy like me. But even I, struggled to do 3 national parks in 3 days, my feet had truly given up on me. 

10. Set a budget

This is not about restricting your adventure. Always splash out for those once in a lifetime feelings but even setting a loose budget will help you keep track of your spending and what it is going on.

11. Free things

No matter what your budget is, always look for free things. It means you can spend more money on bungee jumping or 5* meals further into the adventure. Additionally, some free things will give you experiences you may have never even thought of trying e.g. Watching a circus or a line dancing lesson

12. Write down a plan

If you have found the perfect route or an unusual spot to visit, write it down. With details. Before my solo trip to America, I had been planning for years, thanks to Covid-19. With stops in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles, I envisioned national park hikes at every opportunity. I had discovered a route from LA-Palm springs-Joshua Tree National Park and the idea of seeing these soon to be extinct trees was tantalising.

Unfortunately, shortly after arriving in West Hollywood I uncovered that the only way to get there, on that date, was going to be a 14 hour trip! I was devastated and confused. If I had written down the route I had found, I could have at least compared it to see where I went wrong. On the plus side, I got to see more of LA and visited Santa Monica pier (Where Hannah Montana was filmed!).

13. TravellingPillow hack

For over a year I have been using my travel neck pillow to store extra clothes that wouldn’t fit in my backpack. This is a great hack but can be quite fiddly to put back in, so do not put clothes you wear daily in the pillow. I often use it for specific, more dressy items that I will only use occasionally. 

14. Pack less

I know, I know, I have read this so many times myself before I began to travel. I have found you have to learn where you, personally, can pack less. On my first trip I took over 25 pairs of underwear and socks, this was completely unnecessary and cutting down has made room for a whole other outfit. I rarely went more than 14 days travelling without finding a washing machine, therefore 14 pairs is enough and means I fit in an extra dress for the travel photos.  

15. Plan food

Especially for long term travelling. Even buying a bag of apples and bananas to eat for that week’s breakfast will save you time and money. If I know I’m in a hostel for 2 or more nights, I buy some ingredients to cook a meal at night and take the leftovers for lunch in my foldable containers. 

16. Eat local

Tourist areas often have high food prices and cater to the audience, meaning they may not offer you that country’s traditional cuisine. Trying the local cuisine is important as you will discover new flavours and delve into the culture. Especially in countries like Thailand, the local food is cheap, fast and delicious. 

17. Keep track

Travelling is a brave and exhilarating thing to embark on. Be proud of yourself and have something that helps you remember this. For example, scrap books, journals or postcards. My journal allows me to appreciate the amazing moments I have created and helps me remember my achievements if its been a rough day.