Ten Travel Tips From Bordersology
Travel Tips From Experienced Globetrotters
1. Buy Travel Insurance & Digitize Docs
Make sure you are protected if injuries, illness, or theft occur during your trip.
Bordersology has used but does not have a partnership with, World Nomads. Their flexible travel insurance allows you to select the specific countries and activities you need insurance for. Get a quote from World Nomads and then check with your benefits provider or bank to see if they offer cheaper or more extensive options.
Having a valid passport is essential and make sure it does not expire within 6 months of your trip. Digitize your travel documents on a cloud service because you do not want to spend multiple days at your Embassy sorting out lost or stolen documents.
2. Diversify Your Cash & Payment Options
Cash, debit cards, & credit cards are all essential.
Make sure you have the available funds to maximize safety, opportunity, and efficiency.
Arrive with enough local currency to purchase a couple of days worth of essential expenses (eg. food). You can buy foreign currencies at your local bank or at the airport for an exchange fee.
Bordersology recommends but does not have a partnership with, Wise. Opening a no-fee Wise Account allows you to purchase, convert, and store dozens of currencies across 175+ countries. They even offer direct deposit (local bank account #s) in the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand. Contact Bordersology for a 300-800$ free transfer promotion.
Access to cash through ATMs can be a frustrating and expensive experience if you are not prepared. Most major banks charge between 5-15 USD per withdrawal in fees. Choose a debit account with low or no withdrawal fees, especially if you are planning a multi-week trip and will be making multiple withdrawals. For Canadians, Bordersology recommends but does not have a partnership with, Tangerine Bank. Tangerine offers no-fee chequing and savings accounts. Tangerine has free withdrawals at over 40,000 banks across 40+ countries through the Global ATM Alliance. Earn $50 by signing up with Orange Key (55627624S1). Through the Refer a Friend Program, earn $50 by maintaining a minimum balance of $250 for 60 days. Sign up three friends and earn up to $150.
3. Go On Free Walking Tours
Why pay for an awful guided tour when you can determine the quality and price of your tour?
Many companies around the world offer free walking tours where participants “tip” the guide at the end.
Free tours are also an excellent way to meet like-minded travellers looking for experiences and friends.
Sandeman’s offers free tours in dozens of major cities. Another great place to start your research is Free Tour, which offers booking for many free tours.
4. Research Local Events
Use Google search and Facebook events to find local experiences.
Most cities hold seasonal festivals for food, culture, history, etc.
Look for concerts, festivals, parades & conferences.
5. Eat Local & Indigenous Food
Avoid chain restaurants you would see at home or in other cities. Prioritize local restaurants, chefs, recipes, foods, and flavours.
Look on EatWith to book a cooking class with a local chef or family.
Avoid imported foods and eat Indigenous plants, animals, seafood, herbs, etc.
6. Buy SIM cards & Keep Phone Charged
Use battery banks and electrical converters to keep your tech charged. You never know when you will need navigation, translation, online banking, phone calls, or a simple Google search.
Buy a sim card to have access to calling, texting, data, and local two-factor authentication.
Bordersology uses but does not have a partnership with 3 UK and Orange (France/Spain). These pre-paid sims give you a local phone #, calling, texting, and data. You can get up to 20 GB of data roaming for less than $40 USD. The sim cards work anywhere in Europe, and in 3’s case roaming in 70+ countries.
North American cell providers generally have higher prices and fewer options than European, especially in Canada. Check multiple companies to compare prices and sim packages.
Be mindful of two-factor authentication, many of your accounts will be locked to your regular phone number. Stay tuned for a future blog post where we will explore the two-factor authentication issue in more depth.
Be mindful that if you have an older cell phone it may to locked to a particular network. Check with your provider to ensure your phone is unlocked, as most countries have made locked cell phones illegal.
7. Wear Appropriate Footwear & Clothing
Sore feet and lower back pain can ruin a trip so plan accordingly. What does the terrain you will be walking on look like? Hilly or flatlands?
Cobblestone streets can have serious impacts on your lower back if you are not wearing proper shoes.
Being prepared for the activities you are planning can save you stress and increase enjoyment.
Summer or winter? Rainy or dry season? Plan accordingly!
Not preparing for the elements can turn a wonderful adventure into prolonged suffering and regret. Plan for adaptability.
8. Consider Hostels
Even if you are travelling with a group, consider private hostel rooms.
Hostels usually have some of the lowest prices and best amenities for travellers.
Most hotels do not offer kitchens or laundry for guest use, hostels do.
Hostels also organize walking tours, excursions, and pub crawls.
Bordersology uses Hostelworld for our hostel bookings and research.
9. Be Mindful About Luggage Choices
One of the biggest upfront investments is luggage. But, doing the research will save you time and frustration. Aim for carry-on + personal items.
Bordersology recommends a carry-on size backpack and personal items. A 30-minute walk to your hostel can be relaxing with a backpack but challenging when you are trying to drag a wheeled suitcase across cobblestones.
If you must use a wheeled suitcase, get a hard-shelled one with four wheels. The hard shell protects your clothes and equipment from damage and the elements. Four wheels make transport on flat ground extremely convenient.
Put stickers, tape, flags, etc, on your bags for easy visual identification.
10. Use Blogs, Podcasts, & Guides
Social media is very effective at promoting travel vibes and stories. But is that popular reel you saw a great source of information?
Engage with the content of travellers who have been to your location and consider if it changes your perspective.
Bordersology aspires to expand into a community of travellers who share stories, experiences, advice, photography, and more.
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