I've posted several travel tips throughout the blog posts, but here is an extensive list of tips for all your travels:

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 1. Travel on a budget

• Set a budget and stick to it; also stick to the itinerary as best you can

• Create a separate account or travel fund just for your trips and plan to only use that money while traveling

• Buy food items at a local grocery store to prepare meals instead of eating out every day

• Exchange your currency early on in your journey, most airports usually have currency exchange

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 2.  Travel Safe

• You are safer in numbers when traveling to most places, especially at night, so try your best to travel with at least one or two others.

• Avoid consuming alcohol before getting into a taxi or Uber alone

• Always keep a close eye on your personal belongings; pick pocketing is rampant in certain countries

• Avoid asking too many random people for directions, instead utilize your own resources like searching Google or asking a security guard/police officer for directions

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 3.  Make connections

• Don't be afraid to meet other travelers during your journey! This is one of my favorite things to do while traveling; friends you make along the journey can be lifelong connections. You never know other people's reasons for traveling, so introduce yourself, ask questions, and keep in touch. 

• Many of the locals are happy to give you recommendations for places to eat, go out, and shop. This can be another way of making connections during your trip.

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4.  Be Flexible

• Plans often change, so be prepared when they do.

• Be spontaneous and open to new experiences as they come.

• Try something new: don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!

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• Passport and photocopies of your passport

• Portable charger/Portable battery

• Universal Travel Adapter (this covers you for all of the different outlets you'll find in various countries)

• Backpack or Fanny-pack

• RFID-blocking wallet or purse (these are useful in protecting you against fraud or skimming)

• First aid kit that includes bandaids, pain medication, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine (something like Benadryl in case of any allergic reactions), and antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)

• Bug spray or insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Extra washcloths and/or towels (you never know how many extras a hostel or Airbnb may have)

• Snacks (for those late-night and early-morning cravings)

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• Today I will explore ____________

• I am going to try  (insert something you've never tried before).

• I am looking forward to experiencing _________

• Take a walk outside today and journal about what you see. Write down notes about your surroundings: what do you feel? what's unique? how do you connect with those around you?

• Write about how you felt while you were en route to your destination: were you nervous, excited, anxious?

• Write a reflection on your trip once you return home: reflect on things you learned, adevntures you experienced, food you tried, and the places you visited