1. Always have a plan.
Plan things out, at least to an extent. Do your research. Use common sense.
2. ...but be okay with letting go of that plan and going with the flow.
Sometimes things go wrong or end up different than we thought it would be. Be open to spontaneous decisions and wild experiences.
3. Don't have someone to go with? Go solo.
You may be surprised that it's not as lonely as it sounds! You're more likely to meet people when you travel solo, because it pushes you to get out of your comfort zone.
Plus, if you're working abroad, you'll already have a built-in social network: your team!
4. You can also find connections by meeting people through online communities.
Backpacking or moving abroad solo, but without a job that has a team? Find travelers and locals in your area through Facebook groups, Couchsurfing events, and Meetup events.
5. Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
What things in life make you happy (not including money or material items)? Is travel one of them? Make travel part of your life. Make money for a living, but don't let your work get in the way of the things you love.
6. Find the best flight deals on these websites.
The less you have to pay for airfare, the more cash you can use on the fun stuff!
7. Yeah, traveling usually costs money; here are some tips that are actually doable on how to save money for travel.
8. ...but the most financially stable way to travel is to work while you do it.
Trust me, it's fun! I've held three international travel jobs in Europe and Asia which were definitely the highlights of my life over the past two years. They were rewarded positions that also covered most or all of my travel expenses.
9. ATM fees are always going to be a better deal than exchange counters.
If you need cash while traveling, ATMs are always going to be a better deal. Also, look for a bank that has no foreign transaction fees and/or reimburses ATM fees.
Side note: if you can, try to get your currency exchanged before you go at your bank.
That way, if you need to for example take a taxi from the airport and they only accept cash, that's one less thing you have to think about when you arrive.
10. If you've just taken a long-haul flight, stretch for at least 10 minutes or so when you get a chance.
Your body was sitting for hours on end, and in addition to jet lag (and likely a lot of walking if you're exploring a new destination), your body may be a little sore and dehydrated.
11. Beat jet lag fast by sticking to a schedule right away.
If you can, schedule certain activities your first couple of days to make sure you keep up with them when a long nap is oh-so-tempting.
Being outside in the daylight, even if it's not sunny, significantly helps your body's internal clock adjust.
Even if you just make yourself take a stroll around a park or grab a quick espresso, your adjustment will be much faster.
12. Pack light, especially if you're visiting multiple cities in one trip.
I promise you it will make everything loads easier.
13. Always put your most valuable items in your carry-on bag.
Special jewelry, your camera, laptop/tablet, as well as any medication, contact solution, etc. should go in your carry-on.
This way, you are the one in control of what happens to it and will probably handle your bag much more carefully than the staff who throw the checked bags onto the bottom of a plane.
Plus, if you're flying carry-on only, you have less stuff to worry about getting broken, stolen, or lost!
14. Go somewhere new.
I met a British man in Istanbul, who had been going to Croatia once a year for the past 20 years. That year, he decided to also go to Istanbul.
He said it ignited this new spark for traveling and seeing new places, and while he loved Croatia, from then on he chose to keep his travel itinerary fresh with more destinations every year.
What is that one place in the world you've been dreaming about? Make that your next goal, even if it seems impossible. You'll be surprised that it may be easier than you think.
"I am not the same seeing the moon shine on the other side of the world." - Mary Anne Radmacher
15. Say YES to things that excite you.
You won't regret it.
16. Get travel insurance.
You can't predict whether or not something will happen, but if it does, you'll be glad you had it.
Also keep in mind that your health care plan may not work in foreign countries. When I was traveling abroad I went to the doctor and had to pay the fees all out of pocket (and they were stupid expensive because I didn't have travel insurance).
17. Travel during the shoulder season to beat crowds and sky-high travel costs.
The shoulder season varies based on where you're going, but is typically during the few weeks before/after the peak tourist season while the weather is still comfortable.
For example, shoulder season in most of Europe is late spring or early fall.
18. Save even more money by traveling during the off season.
My dad came to visit me for Christmas when I was living in Italy, and there were literally no museum lines in Florence the week of Christmas.
But in May, June, or July? You'd be in line for hours!
Keep in mind, however, that usually "off season" isn't the typical "preferred" weather, or some attractions may be closed. Do your research beforehand to see if you're able to do the things you want to do.
19. Envision your life with more travel in it.
Where would you go, what you be doing, and what emotions would you feel, if you were traveling more?
What steps are you going to take to make your travel dreams come true?
20. Use mobile apps on WiFi to call back home.
It's FAR cheaper than using the international roaming/calling rate, and the quality is often much clearer.
My favorite calling apps are Skype, MagicJack, and FaceTime.
21. "The work you do while you're procrastinating is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life."
What do you do when you procrastinate? Is it daydreaming of traveling, reading destination blogs, travel books, anything that will ignite your wanderlust?
If that sounds like you, then it's time to travel.
22. Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.
If the answer is no, start now.