Solo Traveler Tips

 Travel Tips for Solo Travelers and everybody else that travels

We are still learning how to Travel better and easier
Below are a few of the things we have learned so far

Fights

Number One Tip
Relax and go with the flow
Plans will change and you need to adjust with it.

Remember you are on Vacation

Normally book toward the back of  seat class (everybody normally books toward the front of a class)

Books a Window and an Aisle (most people will not book a center seat between people)

If it is a full flight this does not work - one of us then moved to the center seat - no big deal.

Normally works out great for us.

Talk with the flight crew (if they have time) and other passengers, some are probably locals

On our New Zealand Trip Waiheke Island (outside Auckland) was recommended by the flight attendant on the plane, along with Charlie Farleys Restaurant / Bar.  As his favorite place to go around the Auckland area.  His jump seat on the plane was right in front of us, so we talked whenever he was seated - very nice person - like most people we meet when traveling.

Reviews

It is always important to look at reviews, but also to see if any negative reviews are things you care about, one bad review for this place was that the 3 minute boat ride was a major problem for someone where we thought is was special - also they took care of your luggage and the wait for the boat was always under 5 minutes as it just ran back and forth all the time.

Equipment, Power, Phones etc.

Phones are becoming critically important to travel

If possible get a second phone that is activated.

Or have your phone cloned to another unlocked phone that is inactivated (no month fee)

I have a second phone that is active and not very much per month

If need you could get a local sim card and have access to all your apps. 

Pack a small bag of Carry-on needed cords and other used stuff.

Pack other cords and stuff you will not need while in flight in your checked or big carry on.

This will make it easier to get to a small number of most used items without going through a bigger bag.

Power bricks that you plug in:

Get ones with the plug of the county you are visiting and use an adaptor for US Plugs.

That way you aren't using an adaptor all the time, but only in the US coming and going. 

If you need an extension cord, get a USB extension cord, much smaller then a electrical extension cord.

Coming and going

Double or Triple check that you don't leave anything behind and after that turn the light in the room off to indicate you are satisfied with the checking of that area.

Check all the places even if you are sure you put nothing in that drawer or cabinet.

Some times you forget and sometime staff will put stuff in a drawer when cleaning your room.

Money and important paperwork

Make copies of all paperwork needed for travel.

Keep a set in all your luggage.

Especially your ID and Passport.

Credit Card info and phone numbers, if you lose a credit card you can't call the number on the back to cancel it.

Also keep a electronic copy on phones, laptops, tablets and etc.

Divide your money and credit cards up:

Wallet

Phone Case

Carry on backpack

If there are two people traveling don't both carry all the same credit cards because one wallet or purse missing cancels all your cards, both carry the main one you are using and two other different ones

and other things that you keep in your possession all the time when traveling

Lock part of your money and credit cards in the safe in the room instead of carrying it with you.

Don't expect things to be the same as at home

It is the reason to travel to experience new things.

Don't expect food, hotels, people to be the same, enjoy the difference.

Try and learn and understand the cultural differences.

As an Example it is rude in most country to not greet someone before you ask for something.

In the US you can walk up and ask someone for a beer and where the Rest Room is without even saying hello and it is fine.

But that is incredible rude in most counties, which it you think about it is a better way.

Story

I once walk up to two bar tenders and ask where the Toilet (Restroom is not understood unless they are experienced talking with Americans) was, as soon I did that I realize how rude I had been, at the same time the two lady bar tenders started to explain to me I was the rudest person on the planet, I said Hi, you are right that was incredibly rude, asked them how their day was going other then dealing with the rudest person on the planet.  They said their day was going good and the toilet was right around the corner.

Another Story

In some Countries being a waiter is an honored profession sometimes third or fourth generation waiter.

We sometimes do not treat them with the respect they deserve.

We are use of waiter being high school or college kids, but maybe we should also treat them a little better by saying hi and asking how there day is going.