Looking at those old pictures we were something to look at (I do not want to use the word spectacle, because that sounds a bit like  a circus, but over the years we have refined our travel kit and way of travelling that suits us.  

So, what did we learn over 20 years?

• Travel with an open mind.  First and foremost, do not expect things to be like at home.  That is why you travel.  To experience different places, cultures and perspectives. 
• Be flexible.  Being flexible can save you some money.  It is costly to change pre-booked activities or flights.  Costs which can go towards you dream holiday.  Pick off-season times to visit popular holiday destinations.
• Look out for good deals.  If you are flexible you will also be able to access special holiday deals that can save you some bucks.
• Use reward programs.  Be it from the airline or by using your credit card to qualify for free travel insurance. 
• Do self-catering.  Excellent sites are Air B&B, Bookings.com, Agoda and Skynscanner.  Take time to search these sites and you will find good deals.  You can even share accommodation with friends to cut the costs.  By doing self-catering you can also do your own laundry and save.
• Try local food.  Street food is much cheaper that buying dining out.  When we visited Thailand we only ate street food!
• Talk to the locals.  Why?  Because they know the best places in their region.  I find reviews on Tripadvisor very helpful, because it is really people that share their experiences – good or bad.
• Pack smart when picking your clothes.  Know what activities you are going to do and pack accordingly.  Mix and match colours and styles so that you will have an outfit that is suitable for every occasion during the trip.
• Wear your heaviest item of clothing on the flight.  This way you make sure that you will not pay excess charges on an overweight luggage item.
• Pack a sarong.  It can double up as a tablecloth, towel, picnic blanket, a privacy screen or provide shade.
• Get up early.  By doing this you beat traffic congestion that wastes your holiday time.  You can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise at a special place like Angkor Wat in Cambodia without the crowds.
• Make your money accessible.  Spread your money across debit and/or credit cards and between partners.  This ensure that you always have access to money should something unforeseen happen like losing a bank card.
• Notify your bank that you will be travelling to another country.   If the bank notes some out of the ordinary transactions on your account, they might just block further transactions. 
• Do not spend too much time behind the camera.  (I am guilty of that!)  You tend to forget to enjoy the special moment, because you are trying too hard to capture it. 
• Blow the budget.  Once in a while you need to blow the budget to have an once in a lifetime experience, be it ziplining, a hot air balloon ride , a sunset cruise or whatever your dreams are.
• Make travel a priority.  Channel your energy and focus to travel.  Sell unnecessary items that became redundant in your home and put the money towards a trip.

I hope that this inspired you to explore and travel the world.  See you out there!

Also head over to 10 Airport Hacks for some more inspiring travel tips.

*** To be inspired is great …. To inspire other is incredible ***

The post BEST TRAVEL TIPS TAKEN FROM 20 YEARS OF TRAVEL appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.

• Research the airline before you book your flight. I find “Seat Guru’ handy to have a look at the layout of the plane to decide what seat to choose.  I hate sitting in the row directly in front of the toilets.  There is a constant flow of passengers to and from it and I never fall asleep on a night flight. 
• If you are prone to always being cold, book an isle seat. Normally the general cold air circulations is along the window seats. 

• Spend money on quality luggage. You will not regret it. Just have a look at how they handle the suitcases when they unload and you will understand.  You do not want to be the one with the suitcase with the broken zip or detached wheels.  Small things can turn your trip into a nightmare. 
• When you have packed your bag, weigh them before you leave for the airport. This will spare you the embarrassment to open your suitcase in view of everyone and to decide what to leave behind.    It is especially important if you plan to have a drop and go lift. 
• Print your boarding passes at home – it is less stressful. It is better to arrive prepared at check in.   I know these days it is not important anymore as you will probably get it on your smart phone, but it gives me great reassurance.
• Put your ticket, boarding pass and passport in an easy to reach, but secure, pocket so not to fumble for it when you have to check in or if there is a disagreement on your booked seat in the aircraft.

• Do not drop off your bags too early. The first one in is also the last one out when unloading on the other end.
• Identify an “airport outfit”. For me it is easy slip-on shoes, comfortable pants (you will be sitting for long hours in the aeroplane, no metallic jewellery, a belt with a plastic buckle, etc).  The less you have to take off at security, the less chances there are for getting things lost in the process and slowing down the line behind you.  I never wear a skirt/dress – what if you have to get patted down?  Wearing pants avoid embarrassing situations.
• Set your phone alarm for boarding time. When browsing around  in duty free it is easy to get distracted and lose track of time while browsing. 

• Sanitize your seat tray. There is no time between flights to wash every single one.  Use your “wet wipe” for cleaning the tray after you used it for your hands.  Remember mommies change their babies diapers on it too and people with infections sneeze over it ….

I hope these hacks make your life easier when arriving at the airport and on your next flight .  Most of all, remember the trip starts at home already – relax and enjoy travelling!

The post 10 AIRPORT HACKS appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.

1.  Setting up a budget

For me this is the number one in the planning process.   This normally determines where I can go in the world, what to do, what to see, etcetera. For me as a South African certain countries are just too expensive to visit due to the FX rates and travel times, visas, etcetera.  Setting the budget eliminates those countries immediately, although it is on my wish list and I religiously check them out every single time in the hope that something changed from the previous planning session.

2.  Sign up for e-mails

I know singing up for e-mails can be annoying, but by doing this you are notified of limited seat offers on specific days, flash sales and the likes.   This really can save you a couple of bucks if you can fit your plans to that.  Just think what  you can do with that extra money on your trip ….

3.  Join rewards programs

In joining your favourite airline’s rewards program you can earn travel miles every time that you fly with them.  By accumulating miles every time you fly you can save on your next trip by using the miles when booking a ticket.  In the past this has bought me a ticket or two already.

4.  Be flexible

During all our travel planning and scouting for some bargains on airfare I  found that midweek fares are normally much cheaper than Friday and Sunday flights.  This obviously only comes in handy when you are flexible with your travel dates, but what you can save on airfare you can add onto your spending money – think about that.

5. Check multiple sites

Make sure you search multiple sites to get the best travel deals on accommodation.  I normally scout on Booking.com, but routinely check out AirBnB and Tripadvisor to get some real comments from travellers.

6. Plan your activities

Remember that in some parts of the world museums and tourist attractions close totally or have limited access hours during winter or the rainy season.  Sometimes discounted entrance fees are applicable in the non-tourist season and for a late afternoon entry.  Determine what you want to see and how you are going to spend your time abroad in the planning stages already.

7. Pack light

Staying within the weight restrictions means you do not have to pay for excess charges.  It is anyway easier to move on public transport if you limit your luggage that you can carry yourself.

8. Stay for free

There are various organizations/websites which you can peruse for alternative methods of accommodation if you do not mind being social and sharing accommodation.  This is however not for me, but it works well.  Have a look at Couch Surfing and WWOOF’s websites to investigate the possibilities.

9. Share costs
   

On Facebook you will find various groups to join where you can ask/request to share a ride and costs in a specific area to some tourist attractions and destinations.  You need to have a social and likeable demeanour to use this method of transport as not to spoil your travel companions’ holiday.  Check out the possibilities.

10. Eat local

Do not dine out every night or for example buy McDonalds when you are in Vietnam.   Buy some local street food or prepare it yourself where possible.  For me this is part of the total holiday experience to visit the local market or supermarket to find some local food.  Unless you have money to burn, dine out every night.  In Zanzibar we went local and found some interesting dishes on a well-read menu!

Oh, how I love it when the planning comes together!  

Travel is the only thing that you can spend money on that will make you richer

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