Travel Tips FAQ: Answers to Your Most Common Travel Questions

Planning a trip can feel overwhelming. 📝

And you’re not alone in that feeling.

There are so many little details to track and questions to consider. 🤔

“What should I pack?” 🧳

“How do I find the best flights?” ✈️

We get asked questions like these all the time. That’s why we created this ultimate Travel Tips FAQ—to give you clear, honest answers to the most common travel questions.

It doesn’t matter if you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned globetrotter, this guide will help you travel smarter, pack lighter, and plan with confidence.

• What’s the best way to find cheap flights?

  Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying mid-week or during shoulder seasons for the best deals.

  👉 Read our guide on how we book affordable flights every time.

• How far in advance should I book international travel?

  We like to book international flights 2–8 months in advance for the best prices.

  👉 See how we book our flights.

• Do I need travel insurance, and what does it cover?

  Unpopular opinion—but in our experience, not necessarily. Travel insurance is meant to cover things like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. But truthfully? We’ve never had much luck with claims actually paying out when we needed them most.

  This is a personal choice, and for some travelers it brings peace of mind. But we’ve learned to travel smarter by booking with companies that offer flexibility upfront. For example:

  • We prefer small, family-run tour companies with compassion—like Rabbie’s in the UK.

  • We also use platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide that offer pay-later options and free cancellation—so we don’t feel tied down or at risk of losing money.

• What should I pack in my carry-on bag?

  Include essentials like your passport, wallet, phone/charger, medications, a change of clothes, and travel-size toiletries.

  
  👉 Check out our packing checklist.

• How do I avoid jet lag?

  Adjust your sleep before the trip, stay hydrated, and get natural sunlight upon arrival.

  
  👉 Read our best tips for surviving long-haul flights.

• Is it safe to drink tap water abroad?

  Depends on the country—research in advance. You don’t want this to have a negative impact on your journey! Hydration is the most important tip we could give while traveling. We each never leave home without a refillable water bottle.  

• How do I keep my belongings safe while traveling?

  Use an anti-theft bag, stay alert, and store valuables securely.

  👉 Read more: Safety Tips for Travelers.

• What apps are essential for travel?

  Top apps we use include Google Maps, Viator, Get Your Guide, Open Table, and airline specific apps like United Airlines, Icelandair, etc.

• How much cash should I carry when traveling abroad?

  We like to keep a small amount of local currency on hand with us when traveling. You have options when taking out money:

  1. You can order the currency at your local bank.

  2. If your bank or credit accounts allow for it, you can usually get a better exchange rate by using an ATM when you get on location.

  If you’re booking tours in advance make sure they take cards or plan to obtain enough cash to cover your expenses.

• Should I get an international phone plan or a local SIM card?

  Local SIMs are usually more affordable but aren’t your only option. If wifi is available you can use apps like Signal or WhatsApp to stay in touch with loved ones at little to no cost.

• How do I plan an itinerary without overpacking the schedule?

  Limit yourself to 2–3 activities per day. If you need help planning check out our itineraries and guides.

  👉 See how we planned our 5-day Paris itinerary with balance.

• How do I handle language barriers while traveling?

  Learn a few key phrases, use translation apps like Google Translate, and most of all be patient.

• What documents should I bring on an international trip?

  Bring copies of your passport, visas, travel insurance (if you have it), and key reservations.

  Take pictures of the last page of your passport to keep in your phone in case you should loose your passport.

• How do I stay healthy while traveling?

  Hydrate, sleep, and carry basic medicine like tums, ibuprofen or Tylenol.

  We never travel without a pack of tissues or hand sanitizer!

• What’s the best way to prevent pickpocketing?

  Be aware of your surroundings and avoid bringing any extra unnecessary valuables.

More Questions

Do you have a question we haven’t answered? 🗺️

Let us help! 💫

Click the button below and send us an email. 📧 We’ll do our best to get back to you within 48 hours.

We can’t wait to hear about your next journey!