Travel

Travel Tips and tricks I've learned over the years. This is a more focused version of my Things I use post. (opens in a new tab)

Sunset from the Haleakalā Summit

My travel ethos

Travel often and travel light.

• Don't check a bag unless you absolutely have to

• Pick an airline and default to using them, achieving status makes the experience better

• Get extra leg room if the flight is over 3hrs (I'm reasonably tall so this is important to me)

• When renting a car, choose one that can be picked up at the airport

• Get travel insurance when going abroad

• Choose a direct flight over a cheaper flight with a layover

• Buy plane WiFi

Staying with Friends

One of the best ways to travel is to stay with friends, not only is it economical but you also get a local travel guide too. It's important to be a good guest if you want to be invited back again, here are a few tips I've learned over the years:

• Don't overstay your welcome - this is the most important tip, your host is doing you a great favor so don't stay too long, I think 2 nights / 3 days is optimal.

• Respect the space - remember you are a guest in someone's home, treat the place with respect by keeping your belongings neat and clean up if you make a mess.

• Bring a token of appreciation - a box of chocolates, flowers or some wine go down great. If you can stretch your budget, a wonderful gesture is to buy your hosts dinner before you leave.

• Help with the clean up - take the sheets and towels to the laundry, put away the bed and take out the trash, it takes five minutes but will leave the stay on a positive note.

• Return the favor - if you have the capacity to host people yourself then offer it up to your hosts.

What's in my bag?

First, what bags do I use:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L (opens in a new tab)

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L Black (opens in a new tab)

• NINETYGO Carry on Suitcase - Discontinued

Carry on items

• Perilogics Phone Mount (opens in a new tab) - I use this to prop up my phone so I can watch movies on the plane

• Hydrapak Stash collapsible water bottle (opens in a new tab)

• Anker PowerCore 10000mAh power bank (opens in a new tab)

• Small Eagle Creek Packing Cube (opens in a new tab) for my chargers and cables

• EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (opens in a new tab)

Services to make traveling easier

• Airalo (opens in a new tab) - download an esim and pick a plan before you depart

• Global Entry / TSA Precheck

• ExpertFlyer (opens in a new tab) - get alerted when a particular seat you want becomes available

• Flighty App (opens in a new tab) - accurate flight updates

• Revolut - Multi currency accounts allow you to spend money like a local