Happy 2025 everyone! Although it’s already mid-January as I’m writing this, I believe it’s never too late to share the travel tips and tricks we’ve learned over the past year on the road.

This last year blessed us with many things, but one of the most valuable was the crucial trial-and-error experiences that taught us lessons we’ll carry into every future journey. With these experiences in mind, we’ve compiled our top tips and tricks that we believe every traveler should embrace in 2025.

Plan Smarter, Not Harder:

#1: Plan your Trip around the Deals
When planning a budget-friendly trip, strategy is key. Booking flights and hotels is a prime example— Scoring great deals on flights and hotels can make a big difference, and sometimes all it takes is being flexible with your travel dates (it sounds simple, right?). Let the deals guide your itinerary: book that bargain, then shape your schedule around it. When we first started traveling, sticking to our ideal dates wasn’t an option—we simply couldn’t afford it. But even now, we’d rather snag the cheap flights and accommodations and figure out the rest as we go. It’s a small compromise for big savings!

#2: Research Transportation
Know Your Transportation Options Before you hit the road (or the skies), do some research on how to get around. Every country has its own style when it comes to transportation. Local apps like Grab or Gojek and many more can save you from overpriced rides—trust us, we learned this the hard way on this. However, public transport is usually your best bet for keeping costs low, so make sure to check what’s available in your destination.

#3: Search for the Best Exchange Rate
Hunt for the best exchange rates! Whether it’s using cash, cards, or finding the right exchange shop, rates can vary a lot. In ways, it can definitely feel like a game of chance. We would recommend doing some homework on what option will give you the most for your money. If you spot a good rate, take advantage of it! There’s no guarantee it will come around again so grab it while you can.

Pack Like a Pro:

#4: Gotta Have your Flight Essentials

Unless you are lucky enough to be flying first class (which we never are), long flights stink! There is no way around it, but with the right essentials you can make your dreaded flight as comfortable as possible. First on the list: noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, and a neck pillow. If you’re even remotely thinking about catching a decent nap on a plane, these are non-negotiable. The next essential is a charging cord that has a USB end. Most planes aren’t equipped for the latest Apple cords (super annoying, we know). Another underrated essential is grippy socks. Seriously, they’re a game changer. Walking around the plane is so much better when you’ve got a little traction on your feet. Finally, make it a priority to get up and stretch or walk around whenever you can. Trust us, you’ll regret it the next day if you don’t!

#5: Don’t overpack.

It’s easy to get carried away when packing for a trip. I mean, who doesn’t want to look stylish while on vacation, right? But here’s the thing, you really don’t need all that stuff! Remember, you can always buy things you’ve forgotten when you get there. Packing light and staying organized will make your travel days way smoother. If you are struggling to keep everything in order, packing cubes have been a huge life saver for us. They are a great way to stay organized without overpacking your luggage —I would highly recommend.

#6: Prioritize comfy shoes

Whether you are walking through an airport or exploring a new city, comfortable shoes are an absolute must! There’s nothing worse than aching feet at the end of the day, only to have to do it all over again the next day. Keep your feet happy and just wear the dang tennis shoes.

Live Like the Locals:

#7: Learn the Basics of the Language

Even if you only pick up a few key phrases (hello, goodbye, thank you, delicious) learning the basics of the local language is a great way to connect with the local people. It shows respect for the culture and opens the door for more authentic interactions In our experience, talking with locals has often led to discovering the best travel tips and hidden gems we wouldn’t have found on our own. Not to mention, the locals will appreciate the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation.

#8: Use local products

The local products are just better! There is no other way to put it. From sunscreen to sports drinks, and even bug spray, the local products have always worked better for us. It’s almost like they are tailored to the exact environment you are in (duh, makes so much sense). Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you’ll probably save yourself from a nasty sunburn while you’re at it.

#9: Get to know the Local Culture

Understanding the culture can go a long way in preventing accidental disrespect in differing cultures. It’s helpful to know things like whether it’s acceptable to spit in public (spoiler: just don’t do it, to play it safe) or if eating while walking is considered rude (we learned this the hard way in Japan after getting a lot of strange looks). Paying attention to these small cultural details can help you blend in and enjoy your travels without any awkward encounters—or, worse, getting locked up in a foreign prison. Yikes!

Be Ready for Anything:

#10: Bring Toilet Paper Everywhere
Trust us, it’s always better to be prepared. While a lot of places will have some it is not always guaranteed. You’ll be grateful you packed an extra roll when you find yourself in a situation where public restrooms are lacking. Always have a stash!

#11: Keep snacks on you

Finding food can sometimes be surprisingly tricky, especially in less touristy areas or during off-hours. Whether it’s because restaurants are scarce or the signs are in a language you can’t read, food scarcity is a real challenge. To avoid those hunger pains when you’re far from a restaurant or store (and trust us, it will happen), always keep some snacks on hand. A little preparation can save you from a hangry stomach in the middle of nowhere!

#12: Be Spontaneous and Flexible

Travel rarely goes as planned, so embrace the unexpected or the “curveballs”. From last-minute schedule change to an impromptu detour, staying flexible will make your trip that much more enjoyable. Sometimes, the best experiences and hidden gems aren’t on the itinerary but are discovered once you arrive.

Side Note: I’ve lost track of how many times Connor has looked at me and said, “can I throw a little curveball at you,” and then proceeds to change all our plans—although it’s always for the better.

The Money Game of Travel:

#13: Understand the Consumer Market You’re In

Every destination has its own way of handling transactions. Whether it’s bartering, trading, or firm pricing, knowing the local customs can save you money and help you avoid awkward situations (aka, bartering at a fixed price). Take the time to learn the rules of the game so you can make the most of it.

#14: Utilize Travel Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs

There’s free stuff everywhere if you know where to look and how to use it. Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your wallet when you tap into the power of travel credit cards and loyalty programs. By earning points and miles through smart spending, you can stretch your travel budget further than you ever imagined. Add hotel loyalty programs to the mix, and you’ll enjoy free nights, exclusive perks, and VIP treatment (you’ll feel like such a savvy traveler). The great news is that most programs are free to join, and the rewards stack up faster than you think. Stay tuned! This month, we’ll be sharing a full blog post on our favorite cards and programs that have seriously enhanced our travel experiences. You won’t want to miss it!

#15: Bring Cash Everywhere

While credit cards are widely accepted in many places, there are still plenty of spots that operate on a cash-only basis. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s essential to carry some local currency for small purchases, transportation, and tips. You don’t want to miss out on an experience or find yourself stuck simply because you don’t have cash. If you’re traveling to a region where your currency is valued highly, it’s a smart backup to have a small amount on hand. Pro tip: bigger bills tend to have a better exchange rate, so you’ll get more bang for your buck!

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