With the rise of social media and the internet, it seems like everyone has a list of travel tips for their readers. We’ve selected some of the best, so you can ensure that your next vacation runs smoothly:

Get Up Early

This may seem obvious, but often we can be tempted to sleep in since vacations are usually about relaxation. Commit to relaxing in the afternoon instead, and tell yourself you can take a nap or lie by the pool with a good book. Getting up early will give you magical photos since you’ll have soft light, and you’ll find far fewer people in your shots. You’ll also be first in line for key tourist sites.

Take Extra Cash

Whether you think you’ll need it or not, it’s never a good idea to get low on cash because that’s when your card is guaranteed to be eaten by the ATM or your purse is likely to get stolen. Take at least a couple hundred extra and spread the cash out into toiletry bags, around the frame of your backpack or suitcase, inside socks or under your shoe inserts. There are also some pretty amazing travel bras on the market which have small pockets attached to the straps.

Meet the Locals

This one may seem obvious, but often we get so wrapped up in seeing everything that we miss out on actually getting to know the locals and observing their culture. Speak to people in lines, in restaurants, and on public transport and you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to communicate- we’re lucky that so many people speak English around the world.

Picture by Moyan Brenn on Flick

Back-up your Documents

You’d be surprised how often mobile phones and laptop computers are stolen or left behind on public transport overseas. Back-up all your important photos and documents like copies of your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, health insurance information and visas, and keep your credit card details somewhere secure. There are great options for storing information like Dropbox or Backblaze, or you can use an external hard drive and commit to keeping it in a separate place from your laptop.

Smile

When we’re having trouble communicating, a smile can go a long way. Check your body language and be sure to smile and refrain from crossing your arms. Eye contact and a smile are a great ice-breaker, just check the cultural norms as in some cultures eye contact is disrespectful.

Keep an Open Mind

There’s nothing worse than hearing someone talk about how things work “at home” in an irritated voice while abroad. This makes other travellers look bad, and it’s simply a terrible way to behave. Don’t judge the culture or lifestyle of others, listen to opinions even if you don’t agree with them, and practice putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Remember, the best way to get the most out of travel is to embrace the experience and enjoy how different it is from home- you’ll be back in your bed soon enough!