Although I can't always say "travel is my life", I can confidently say "travel changed my life". One of my proudest accomplishments was being able to visit my 21st country on my 21st birthday, with 41 US states already under my belt. I loooveee traveling and I firmly believe everyone should travel and that the world would be a better place if everyone experienced cultures outside of their own.

One of the most exciting parts of travelling is that it is always unsure; however, this can also be the most terrifying parts. While pointing at places on a map is really easy, the nitty gritty unknown parts of travel can be incredibly overwhelming. Every single place is different and unique, but here are a few general travel tips that can apply just about anywhere!

I have tried a lot of things (and failed many times) and here are some important things I learned: 

-DON'T SETTLE FOR EXPENSIVE LODGING

There are many lodging options that are not expensive hotels! Hostels are great when travelling by yourself, they are inexpensive and offer the opportunity to meet all sorts of interesting people. Airbnb’s are great when travelling with a group because you can split the cost (if you don’t mind sharing a bed sometimes). For the braver travelers, couch surfing is also an option just about anywhere!

-HOLD YOUR LUGGAGE LUGGAGE WHILE YOU EXPLORE

Hostels usually hold luggage before/after checkout, Airbnb’s do sometimes (check with your host), or you can pay a small price to have your luggage held in most train stations.

-WHICH STATION SHOULD YOU GO TO?

If you are unsure which train station in a city to travel to, the central station is usually the best option but check a map to make sure it is the closest one to where you want to go.

-BACKPACK VS. ROLLING SUITCASE

When you are moving around a lot, pack a backpack instead of a suitcase that rolls. It might look less glamorous but it will be much less irritating in the long run.

-PACK LIGHT

Pack once completely and then go back and re-pack until your suitcase is light enough to carry and you have only what you really need. A pair of jeans and a few V-necks can go a long way!

-SAVE SPACE IN YOUR LIQUIDS BAG

A good bar of soap can make your life so much easier – it doesn’t take up precious liquid space and can be used as body wash, face wash, shampoo, and can even be used to wash clothes. BONUS: a bar of soap won't spill in your luggage and get all over your precious souvenirs!

-WHAT TO DO ABOUT DATA?

You CAN survive abroad without phone data: look everything up, save tickets, find maps and directions to and from everywhere you plan to go, and take screenshots of everything while you have wifi.

-BE A SAVVY TICKET BUYER

Buying train tickets online before the trip saves time and stress while travelling - make sure to get email receipts!

-UNSURE OF WHERE TO STAY?

If you don't know what area to stay in in a big city, find a place close to the train station! After a long day of exhausting travel, walking out of the station and right to a fresh bed is the best feeling.

-$$$

Bring multiple forms of payment and make sure to notify your bank of your trip before you leave!

-EAT LIKE A CHAMP

Eat local cuisine at least once everywhere you go, Trip Advisor is a great tool for finding good restaurants. It’s okay to forget about counting calories every once in a while!

-PLAN A RELAXING TRIP

Don’t over-plan! Cramming a thousand activities into one day seems doable while planning a trip, but, travelling is exhausting. Give yourself a break: see sights in the morning/afternoon, go back & take a quick nap, then go out for dinner & see the town at sunset & night, you will thank yourself!

Following these tips will help make your travel prep and trip a little less stressful, but the most important tip is to see the beauty in every moment of your trip (good or bad). When you're done, you'll have a whole new list of travel do's and don't of your own!