Simple travel tips

With all my travel experiences, I thought I knew it all. I thought I can consider myself “knowledgeable” when it comes to traveling. Well, I do know a thing or two. But my recent trip to Europe has still given me a few lessons that I would like to share with you. Let me emphasize though that the tips might apply only to Europe, but it will not hurt to heed them when you’re going on a vacation.

1. Do not underestimate the value of high-quality luggage. With all the lugging around in many parts of Europe, your luggage will experience many bumps and beatings. This is especially true when you are hopping from city to city or country to country. So my tip is invest in quality luggage. Also save some space for the pasalubongs (unless you want to use moving boxes).

Take care of your feet…sit down every once in a while.

 3. When going to non–English-speaking countries, attempt to learn a few words in their language. Start with basic words such as hello, thank you, goodbye, how are you. Not only is it fun, but it also gives an impression to the locals that you are taking the effort to learn their language…and they will like it and respect you more for it.

Even minimal interactions with locals, like asking for directions, will provide opportunity for you to speak their language.

 4. For your body, don’t forget to bring the following: lotion, lip balm, and moisturizer, all for the intense cold of Europe, as well as sunblock, because being in the intense cold will make you follow the sun, and before you know it, you have sunburn.

Do take care of yur skin, unless you want to come home like a fish (with scales).

 5. Be wary of pickpockets but do not be too uptight. Travelers will warn you of the pickpockets (stress, pickpockets, not hold-uppers, not snatchers, not murderers), and you should be very careful. But do not be too anxious or nervous because this will decrease the fun of the experience. My sister was constantly pestering me, “Your bag,” when we are in crowded places (as if I needed remindering), but it actually made it worse because I was constantly on my toes, making me wary of bad people rather than appreciate the sights. Just be careful, but not too anxious.

Keep a tight hand on your bag, but your eyes should be on the sights!

 There, simple but very helpful! Hope to hear some vacation tips from you too, my dear friends!

Au revoir!