20 Practical Travel Tips for Beginners to Help You Travel Like a Pro

Travel Tips for Beginners

1. Start with Google Flights to Begin Researching Flights

Google Flights is an excellent starting point for flight research. It lets you compare options across different airlines, check flexible dates, and track pricing for chosen routes. You can customize your search by selecting cabin class and number of passengers.

We particularly appreciate the price tracking feature. We’ve set up alerts for our favorite routes, allowing Google Flights to notify us when prices drop. The platform also provides a historical price guide, helping you determine if a fare is low, high, or typical for your selected route.

Google Flights simplifies researching and booking flights, making it a valuable tool for any traveler.

2. Book Trips During the Shoulder Season

Traveling during the shoulder season offers significant advantages—lower prices, fewer crowds, and for the most part, pleasant weather. This period is ideal as most people are back at work or school, making popular destinations less hectic.

For first-time travelers, avoiding the chaos and expense of peak seasons is smart. If you’re restricted to peak travel times, minimize stress and cost by exploring early in the morning or visiting less-known sites. Booking early or during sales can also help save money.

We usually travel during off-peak times unless a destination’s peak season offers unique attractions unavailable at other times of the year. This approach cuts costs and improves enjoyment by providing a more relaxed experience.

4. Pack Light

Mastering the art of packing light can significantly improve your travel experience. It’s not just about saving on baggage fees; it’s about the freedom and ease of moving around with less. I’ve learned this the hard way, transitioning from someone who used to pack for every scenario to someone who sticks to a capsule wardrobe and re-wears outfits.

We’ve gotten better by packing versatile outfits, handwashing some items, and using laundry services when available. I’ve found that sticking to the basics and using reusable travel containers helps minimize space for toiletries.

6. Take Advantage of Credit Card Points

Credit card points are rewards earned from everyday purchases, redeemable for travel expenses like flights and hotels. Some cards offer bonus points for specific spending categories.

Maximizing credit card points can significantly reduce travel costs. Find a card that matches your spending habits and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid negating the benefits with interest. By using your card responsibly, you can accumulate points and then use them towards travel.

Most of our accommodations and flights are paid for using travel points, which proves how valuable these rewards can be.

7. Sometimes Spending More for a Hotel Room is Worth It

While budgeting for accommodations, consider whether saving $20-$50 per night at a poorly reviewed location is truly cost-effective. Investing that extra amount for a better location and superior reviews often ensures a comfortable stay and peace of mind.

As we travel more, comfort has become a priority. Staying in a cleaner, comfier hotel with friendly staff and the right amenities significantly enhances our experience. Nobody wants to end their day in a dirty room or a sketchy neighborhood, which can ruin the relaxation and security you need.

Always research thoroughly. More expensive doesn’t always mean better, so compare and read reviews carefully. Sometimes, paying a bit more is justified for a better overall experience.

8. Have An Itinerary Ready to Look At

Organize all your travel details into a single document or spreadsheet. Include:

• Flight Information: Reservation numbers, dates, times, flight numbers, airports.
• Hotel Information: Confirmation numbers, check-in dates, addresses, phone numbers.
• Activities & Tours: Confirmation numbers, dates, meeting locations, start times, and contact details.

Save the itinerary in an accessible format—print a copy and keep a PDF on your phone for quick reference while traveling. Alternatively, an app like TripIt automatically manages and organizes these details when you forward the reservations to your account.

9. Download an Offline City Map from Google

10. Download Google Translate

Visiting a foreign country? Don’t leave without downloading Google Translate. This free app helps you communicate with people who don’t speak your language and even translates foreign signs and menus using its camera feature.

This app is convenient, and no traveler should be without it.

11. You’ll Need a Travel Adapter 

Don’t forget to bring a travel adapter when traveling to a foreign country. It ensures your electronics can be safely plugged in without causing any issues, like shutting down the electricity at your hotel. This is easy to overlook when planning a trip, especially for first-time travelers, but it’s essential to remember.

12. Prescription Meds Should Always Stay With You

Always keep prescription meds in your personal item bag that will stay with you throughout your travel days. Don’t risk packing them in checked luggage, where they could be lost or delayed. Packaging a few over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen and allergy pills is practical. You might not find the same medications at your destination, so it’s better to be prepared for unexpected headaches or issues during your trip.

14. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are a great way to explore a new city on a budget. Many destinations offer them, led by locals passionate about sharing their knowledge. These tours typically operate on a tips-based system, and we recommend tipping $10-20 per person—much less than a typical tour.

In some places, like Japan, a small gift from home might be more appropriate than a cash tip, so research the local tipping culture before you go.

We’ve found these tours to be an excellent way to experience a city without spending much. To find free walking tours, check out companies like Free Tours by Foot, Free Tours, International Greeter Association, and Discover Walks (free and paid tours).

15. Be Open to New Experiences

Travel is an opportunity to embrace new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Try local cuisines, meet new people, and participate in activities you’ve never done before.

16. Eat Where the Locals Eat

A top travel tip, especially for food lovers, is to avoid tourist traps and seek out where the locals eat. This is how we connect with local culture and discover new, authentic foods.

Sometimes, we book food tours to get a head start on finding local favorites and the best spots to eat, especially when we’re short on time.

Here are some tips for finding the best local eateries:

• Observe where the locals gather—a line of locals is usually a good sign.
• Avoid restaurants with photos on the menu.
• Steer clear of spots near major tourist sites; they’re often aimed at tourists.
• If the menu is in multiple languages, it’s a red flag.
• Look for handwritten menus—these places often serve the best food.
• Don’t hesitate to try hole-in-the-wall spots away from the tourist areas.

17. Consider Renting a Car

While public transportation is great in many big cities, renting a car allows you to explore off-the-beaten paths and discover hidden gems at your own pace. In Tuscany, renting a car was essential for us to explore the countryside, and it turned out to be a cost-effective choice compared to hiring a private guide.

Weigh the pros and cons of renting a car based on your itinerary and the experiences you want to have. Sometimes, the cost and stress of driving on unknown roads is not worth it.

18. Book Your Transporation in Advance

If you’re not renting a car, plan your transportation beforehand. It’s practical to book a car service for airport pickups to avoid taxi lines and scams. If you’re using public transportation, know the train schedules and routes in advance. Many big airports have fast trains to the city, and you can sometimes purchase tickets in advance.

Additionally, you can download Uber, Lyft, or a local taxi app and have it ready to use on your phone. This way, you will be prepared when you need to request transportation at certain points throughout your trip.

19. Always Carry Tissue Paper With You

Always have tissues and wipes in your bag when traveling. Not all bathrooms are fully stocked, and you might need them more often than you think—you’ll thank me later.

Also, be prepared to pay a small fee (usually $1 or less) to use some bathrooms, especially in clean and well-maintained areas.

20. Always Be Kind

Kindness goes a long way, whether you’re interacting with people at the airport, locals or fellow travelers. A positive attitude and respectful behavior can greatly impact your travel experience.

Remember the saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

5 Key Things to Do to Prepare for Your Trip

• Research Your Destination: The more you know, the better you can plan your activities and itinerary.
• Plan Your Itinerary: Once your flights and accommodations are booked, outline your daily activities based on what you want to see and do.
• Book Additional Transportation: Once your itinerary is set, book any needed train tickets, car rentals, or other transportation in advance.
• Check Your Travel Documents: Double-check all your travel documents, ensuring correct dates and details.
• Create a Packing List: Make a checklist of items to pack and mark them off to avoid forgetting anything.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

• Explore 12 Travel Options for Planning Your Next Vacation
• Tips to Book and How to Use Airbnb
• Airbnb Pros and Cons