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Key Travel Advice to Make Your Trips More Enjoyable

  • fotaquest
  • Apr 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 4

Key Travel Advice to Make Your Trips More Enjoyable

By Lars Guo

Published: April 3, 2025


Hi folks! I hope you're doing well. This list of travel tips comes from my recent trip to Florida. The experience made me think of additional advice that could be helpful to others. While these tips may not apply to everyone, they are worth considering. Without further ado, I hope you enjoy them!




Wix took this photo.
Wix took this photo.

When flying, avoid bringing peanut-based foods on the plane. If you do, always ask your seatmates if they have a peanut allergy. Even minor exposure can be dangerous, so be considerate and refrain from eating them if necessary.


If you're staying at someone else's home, respect their rules and customs. Being a considerate guest helps build a good reputation and ensures a positive experience for both you and your host. If you're staying with a stranger, a good reputation can lead to referrals or future invitations.


If you're staying at a place for at least one night as an adult (18+), bring a small host gift. Items like framed photos, food, art, note cards, or journals show appreciation. While not required for minors, it's still a thoughtful gesture.


As an adult, consider treating your host family to a meal. Young adults (18-20s) can opt for a casual café meal, while those older should make an effort to treat them to dinner or offer gas money. Minors are generally not expected to do this.


When traveling internationally and making new friends, respect their cultural norms. I once met a friend in Japan and initially brought only a Pokémon sticker as a gift, which was inadequate. The next time, I did better by bringing a Lucario plush, a pin, and an Osaka keychain. Learning and following gift-giving customs can help avoid awkward situations.


Always be polite to police and security personnel. Being rude or argumentative can lead to trouble, and they don't get paid enough to deal with unnecessary hostility. If you're in line, being disrespectful won't win you any favor. However, if you witness illegal or discriminatory behavior, stand up for what's right in a respectful manner.


Follow the rules regarding transportation, lodging, and other travel logistics. Adhering to guidelines saves time and prevents unnecessary complications.


If you have the opportunity, be helpful to others. During my Florida trip, I assisted a woman in finding her gate and helped an older lady retrieve her luggage from the overhead compartment. Small acts of kindness make a big difference.


Bring headphones with a standard headphone jack when flying. Airlines often charge for these, as well as for blankets and snacks, so it's more cost-effective to purchase them beforehand.


Have both a paper and electronic copy of your ticket. Phones can die, scanners can malfunction, and paper copies can get lost. Being prepared saves time and frustration.


Keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings. While not everyone is a thief, relying on yourself for security is the best practice. If traveling with companions, take turns watching bags. If traveling solo, be extra cautious.


Check your flight status and arrive at the airport a few hours before departure. Flights can sometimes take off earlier or later than scheduled, and security lines can be long, especially during peak travel seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas.


Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, such as flight changes or lost belongings. Ideally, have enough saved to cover another plane ticket if necessary.


Keep a travel journal or photo book to document your trip, especially for longer journeys. I record my experiences in Japanese, Spanish, and German. I've been journaling my travels in Japanese since summer of 2014, in Spanish since 2019, and inconsistently in German since 2023. My Japan trip was particularly memorable, and I enjoyed documenting it in multiple languages, including English, which I don’t usually do.


I hope you found these travel tips helpful! Happy traveling, and enjoy the holidays. Stay safe, happy, and healthy. I look forward to sharing more blogs with you in the future. Have a wonderful day!


 
 
 

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