Travel Tips

This summer I will be spending a few weeks traveling around Europe (8 hours in an airport in London, 2 days in Barcelona, 11 days throughout France, 5 days in Stockholm, and 5 days in Denmark). To prepare, I have been doing research on important travel tips to keep in mind. Below is a list of what I have collected.

Packing Tips

• Put any loose items in small zippered bags.
• Put any liquids inside plastic bags in case they spill/explode.
• Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.
• Bring a reusable bag that you can store dirty laundry in.
• Wear your bulkiest clothes while traveling.
• Make packing lists well in advance to ensure that nothing is forgotten.
• Lay everything out on the floor or on your bed before packing it up.
• Make your luggage bag(s) stand out so they don't get mixed up with anyone else's.
• Keep all your chargers easily accessible in a mini bag.
• Make devices and liquids easily accessible to be inspected by TSA.
• Pack clothing that can be easily mixed and matched.
• Avoid bringing things that are extremely valuable or fragile.
• An liquids, creams, gels, pastes, or aerosols that are in your carry-on should be able to fit into a clear 1-quart plastic bag.
• Don't fill bottles or containers to the brim because they may explode at high altitudes.
• Pack light. Truly think about if you really need everything that you plan on bringing.
• Pick your outfits out ahead of time.
• Pack clothes that can be reworn without losing shape.
• Pack things that can be layered.
• Roll your clothes so they fit more compact in the suitcase.
• Leave extra space to bring new stuff home.
• Use a binder clip as a razor cover.
• Put plastic wrap under the lids of bottles to prevent leakage.
• Put a cotton pad inside any powder makeup to prevent it from breaking.

Airplane Tips

• Have snacks for the airport. Most airlines have no issue with you bringing fresh fruit or veggies on the plane. Dried fruit, nuts, and bars are all good options, too.
• Take a photo of your luggage before you board so you don't lose anything.
• Dress in layers. You'll likely be going through a range of temperatures.
• Stay hydrated.
• Check in for your flights online.
• Bring lotion and lip balm. Skin can get very dry at high altitudes.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• To help sleep on the plane, get less sleep the night before and take some melatonin. 
• Combat jet lag by adjusting sleep and eating patterns a few days before.

Vegan/Health Tips

• Bring some food that travels well (e.g., Larabars).
• Use your backpack as a weight to do workouts on the go.
• Research vegan-friendly restaurants beforehand.
• Know common non-vegan ingredients used in the cuisine of the location you're visiting.
• Have backup plan restaurants in hand fr the regions/areas that you are in in case you have difficulty finding somewhere to eat.
• Don't stress out about every food you eat. It's likely that there will be cross contamination or there will be mistakes. It doesn't mean you're not a vegan and it certainly doesn't mean you're a bad person. Shit happens and it's best to not stress should something accidentally happen.
• Wash your hands whenever possible.
• Stretch before and after each flight.

Green Tips

• Bring an empty reusable water bottle.
• Bring handkerchiefs/bandannas in your carry-on in case you need to blow your nose or wipe something up. 
• Walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. Not only does this save you money and get you a better view of the location you're visiting, but it drastically reduces carbon emissions.
• Buy local: both food and items. Support the local economy of the place you're visiting.
• Use reusable grocery bags when shopping.
• Recycle and compost whenever possible.
• Be a conscious consumer. It is absolutely okay to buy souvenirs but think about how important that item will be and its footprint may be.

Money-Saving Tips

• Avoid currency exchanges (ATMs are the best bet).
• Don't eat all of your meals in restaurants.
• Put your phone on airplane mode when you get on the airplane.
• Clear your computer's cookies before searching for flights or hotels.
• Utilize Airbnb and look for coupon codes online.
• Analyze your purchases and budget your trip.

Miscellaneous Tips

• To avoid getting mugged, never reveal your nationality, keep your hand over your bag in any crowded area, keep 'scammer' money (e.g., a few coins to hand over in case something happens) in one pocket and your other money in another pocket, travel with other people whenever possible, and most importantly, material possessions come and go but you want to hold onto your safety. 
• Learn the language of the place(s) you're visiting. If you can't be fluent, at least memorize a few key phrases.
• Honor local customs.