7 Unique Travel Tips

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Some you don't see too often

Since retiring, I've been to Europe a number of times. Traveling seems very different now than it did while we were working and everything felt rushed. These days, I take it slower ... just because I can. And I find it way more enjoyable. Here are some things I've learned along the way. These are tips I haven't seen many other places. Maybe you'll find them useful. (It's also worth noting I've taken a couple of solo trips which require me to solve all of my own problems.)

1. Create a detailed plan for activating your smart phone before you leave home
   During a solo trip to Paris last year, I was able to watch YouTube videos before leaving. They showed me exactly what to do when I landed in Paris to be sure I could access and activate an inexpensive SIM card upon arrival. It worked like a charm. Earlier this year, when I went to Rome alone, I figured I'd do the same thing. But guess what? The process wasn't the same, and that meant I spent the first 24 hours of my trip searching for a SIM card, and I was lost most of the time I was searching. It seems funny in hindsight, and I didn't have a bad time searching, but being prepared would have been better. 
   In summary: Do your research and have a plan ... before you leave home.
   
   
2. Download maps before you leave home
   Honestly, this is something I've only regretted not doing in the past. Next time I travel, I will definitely download maps that enable me to navigate my way from the airport to my Airbnb/Vrbo apartment and around "my" neighborhood.
   
   
3. Use a compass app
   There are lots of free compass apps available, and if you're at all like me (i.e. directionally challenged), this can be a life changer. I received this tip from a friendly couple in a c​afe in Rome and have found the advice very helpful!  (I use Just a Compass.)
   
   
4. ​​Bring (or buy) a bag for groceries
   ​​Apparently grocery stores in Europe don't always provide bags for customers. I purchased an inexpensive and very light "pocket" bag from Franprix in Paris and carry it in my purse most days while I'm traveling. It has the added benefit of making me look a bit more like a local when I use it. (Photos below)
   
   
5. ​Leverage YouTube
   Before you leave home, watch YouTube videos to simplify the unfamiliar processes you'll encounter. You can find videos that show you how to navigate various airports, purchase and install SIM cards, purchase train and metro tickets, and more. Once you've arrived, if you're like me and have more data on a SIM card than you'll be able to use, you may enjoy listening to YouTube videos explaining various points of interest as you experience them. Once in a while I have to ask others what I'm looking at, but once I know where I am, I can can pull up YouTube videos and learn a lot. (There are downloadable audio tours that work well too. Rick Steves offers some good ones and they're free.)
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6. Make a shower plan and arrive prepared
   Is it just me, or can European showers present challenges for those of us from the US? I created a shower "kit" for my last trip to Paris and it worked like a charm. It's described in a separate post called Upgrading a Paris Apt Shower, and this is a practice I will definitely continue.
   
   
7. Use restaurant reviews and increase your meal budget - just a little
   Instead of popping into an obvious restaurant, use Google Reviews or Tripadvisor to find a recommended place that's off the beaten path. And be willing to increase your budget ... just a little. I've concluded that increasing my meal budget by just € 5, returns way more than € 5 worth of value. Of course this is a highly personal suggestion, but try spending just a bit more to see if it's worth it to you.
   
   
8. Don't bring expensive jewelry
   This tip isn't too unique, but seems like it's worth repeating. There are so many little things to keep track of when traveling, so I don't want to worry about jewelry - even my own wedding band. Instead, I wear a very inexpensive band. (I purchased 10 of them for $5.00.) If I lose it, it just doesn't matter. And that's one less thing to worry about while I'm on the go.
   
   

There are many more travel tips out there, so these are just a few that you don't see too often (if at all). If you have additional unique suggestions, please leave them in the comments. Thank you!

-- Kathy

Related reading:

• 5 Reasons I Love Solo Travel
• Expect the Unexpected

Grocery Bag (in its pocket)

Grocery Bag (opened)