8 uncommon travels tips you'll wish you heard about sooner

A few things I’ve learned.

I went on my first cross-Atlantic flight when I was 3.

Since then, I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries across 5 continents.

Here are the best pieces of travel advice I’ve collected over the years most people don’t know about.

1. You’re losing money if you don’t do this

Whenever you pay with your credit card abroad make sure to always, always pay in the local currency.

For example, I have an American credit card and I was recently in Morocco. After I swiped my card to pay for breakfast the terminal presented two options — pay in Dirhams or Dollars.

Always select Dirhams (or other local currency).

Why?

Because if you pay in your home currency you’ll get a shitty exchange rate plus there’s often a markup of up to 4%.

Do this throughout your trip and you’ll lose hundreds of dollars.

2. Always pack these four items

There are four items I pack anywhere I go:

• Scarf:Even if you’re going somewhere hot, you never know when you’ll end up in a room with the AC blasting. Plus, you can easily use the scarf as a small pillow, or to protect yourself from the sun.
• Thin rain jacket:It barely takes up any space and if you find yourself in rainy weather an umbrella won’t always keep you dry.
• Sleep mask:If you’re sensitive to light when you sleep then this is a must — you never know what kind of curtains your hotel or Airbnb will have.
• Earplugs:Again, you can never predict how noisy your neighborhood or hotel will be — earplugs can make the difference between a full night’s sleep and waking up every few hours.

3. Take advantage of this little-known Google Maps feature

Say you arrive in a country where you don’t have data on your phone.

Back in the day, you could navigate your way around a city with a paper map, but now you’re unlikely to find one that’s detailed enough.

So what should you do?

Before leaving for your trip, download an offline Google Map of your destination so you’ll have a way to get around even when you’re not connected to the internet.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Search your destination city

Step 2:Open the menu and scroll all the way to the right

Step 3:Download the offline map

4. Don’t get in a taxi without first doing this

In many countries, taxis don’t have meters, and if you’re new to the city, you could easily get ripped off.

To avoid overpaying, research how much your trip should cost and agree on the price with the driver before you get in the cab.

You’ll save yourself a headache later on.

5. Need a break? Go here.

Say you have a few hours to kill.

You’re tired and want to relax with a book. Maybe even get some work done.

My favorite place to go isn’t a cafe; it’s a hotel lobby (especially 5-star hotels).

You can sit in the comfy chairs, use the Wi-Fi and chill out.

Just be respectful and usually no one will mind.

6. Bring a reusable water bottle

A lightweight reusable water bottle has been a lifesaver for me more times than I can count.

Refill it before your flight, when you’re out all day sightseeing and at your hotel or hostel.

You’ll save money and avoid plastic waste.

Bonus tip: If your hotel has a gym, you can usually find a water cooler there.

7. Go here to buy local souvenirs

If you’re in a country known for its chocolate, coffee, tea, or natural beauty products, the best place to shop is the local grocery store.

You’ll get great quality products for half the price.

Plus the packaging looks more authentic than the fancy stuff you get in souvenir shops.

8. Memorize your passport number

You fill out dozens of online and offline forms when you travel.

Memorizing your passport number and expiry date saves you from having to fish your passport out of your bag every single time.

Plus it makes you look like a secret agent travel genius.

Lyuba Golovina -Professional Copywriter turning life's adventures into stories about personal growth, writing & travel

Published in previously in The Chronicle

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