Seasoned travelers are those who keep the thrill of travel alive. They stick to stylish, modern travel rules that never go out of date or cause inconvenience.
Let’s learn from the masters, as featured in The Huffington Post, and give your travel experiences a fresh new start !
1. Book Early for Better Deals
According to flight booking experts, on average, domestic flights are cheapest 54 days before departure. If you miss that window, aim to book between 104 and 29 days before your trip—use the booking window to secure the lowest possible fare.
2. Forget Work, Enjoy the Trip
Clayton Cornell, who quit his job to travel for a year, says: “You’ll never get everything done that you think you need to. If you want to travel, just pack up and go. You can see the sights along the way, take spontaneous adventures, and countless unexpected possibilities await you. Isn’t that why you travel?”
3. Follow the 80/20 Rule to Travel Light
Cornell says any item in your luggage weighing over 20 pounds will significantly hinder your mobility. He recommends packing 20% of the essentials to cover 80% of situations you might encounter. “Preparing for every possible scenario is just self-sabotage,” Cornell says.
4. Learn Some Local Slang to Fit In
Learning a few local phrases when visiting a new country shows that you care about the place and conveys respect to the people you meet. Journalist Whitney Rachel writes: “Understanding slang will greatly help others understand you, and using it will make you a more engaging conversationalist.”
Teach Yourself How to DIY a Toothpaste Travel Kit
5. Unplug from Technology
38% of Americans check work emails while on vacation. Seasoned travelers don’t—and some even avoid high-tech travel altogether, which is great for mental health. It boosts melatonin production, increases happiness, and helps you stay focused long after you return home. Before boarding, seasoned travelers send essential emails and set up an out-of-office reply, and while traveling, they use apps that make their phones unreachable.
6. Pack Light and Travel Solo
Traveling solo not only helps seasoned travelers avoid burnout, but also builds strong social bonds. As a result, they expand their circle of friends and gain more opportunities to explore the world.
7. Ditch Travel-Sized Kits for Eco-Friendly Savings
By refilling large containers into travel-sized tubes, you can save a dollar—or even hundreds. This is just one of many packing hacks used by travel pros—like storing necklaces in plastic wrap or connecting a USB to your hotel TV’s USB port.
8. Stay Calm and Act Right During a Plane Crash
As written in Smart Travel: “Many crash survival studies focusing on survivors and experiments show that the brace position can help save lives during an aviation accident. According to FAA standards, the correct position is: return the seat to the upright position, then crouch down with your head and chest against your thighs, grasp your ankles or lower legs firmly, and keep your face toward your thighs (not facing forward).”
9. Understand Cultural Differences to Ensure a Hassle-Free Trip
Metric and imperial systems, 12-hour and 24-hour clocks, Fahrenheit and Celsius, currency exchange rates between countries... Knowledge of these cultural nuances is part of the essential skill set for seasoned travelers.
10. Make the Most of Credit Cards for Budget-Friendly Travel
Matt Kepnes, author of the award-winning budget travel website "Nomadic Matt," says: “By taking advantage of the system, you can score countless free flights, hotel rooms, vacation packages, and even cash.” After switching to a credit card that offers travel rewards, he received thousands of free miles, first-class upgrades, hotel stays, and more — all without waiting in line. Choosing a good rewards card is much simpler than you might think.
11. Be Alert to Avoid Bed Bug-Infested Rooms
Experts at Smarter Travel say that the first thing you should do when entering a hotel room is check for bed bugs. You may not see actual bugs right away, but they leave behind small stains — and savvy travelers who spot these will request a room change before anything unpleasant happens.
12. Sitting by the Window Has Many Perks
One benefit of sitting by the window is that it helps seasoned travelers avoid being bumped by beverage carts. But the greater advantage is being able to take in those breathtaking views.
13. Connect with Locals for New Experiences
Have you ever noticed a huge difference in price and quality when comparing a restaurant listed in a guidebook with one recommended by a local? Rick Steves says: “Good travel puts you in touch with different people, and you should talk to them and learn from them.”
14. Know When to Compromise for Your Travel Companions
Etiquette coach Richie Frieman writes: Selfish travelers are those who insist everyone eat, drink, play, and rest where they want. This self-centered attitude often leads to conflicts with travel companions. A seasoned traveler knows how to reasonably compromise between their own needs and those of others.
15. Choose Your Dream Destination and Look for Affordable Alternatives
The secret to travel is often avoiding the intimidating, massive, and expensive parts of a trip. Seasoned travelers typically pick a dream destination that’s costly, then choose a similar yet more affordable city or beach. Doing so not only cuts costs but also ensures they meet more locals, avoid crowds, and enjoy a truly well-rounded experience.
16. Stay Calm and Flexible When Facing the Unexpected
Whether emotionally or financially, the concept of a “wasted day” doesn’t exist in the vocabulary of seasoned travelers. If a flight is canceled, a hotel loses a reservation, or the weather turns bad, they find creative ways to make the most of the situation.