5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going On A Trip

They say, ‘Confidence comes from being prepared,’ and this holds especially true when you’re traveling solo. Unlike my past experiences traveling with family, solo adventures require you to stay on top of things. Here are five best practices I’ve learned along my journey that will make your trip go as smoothly as possible.

  1. Always check your travel dates. Before you book that ticket, check if there’s a local holiday. Trust me, I learned the hard way in Hong Kong when we visited during their National Day. The airports, terminals and literally, EVERY.PLACE.WE.VISITED was packed. If you want to avoid crowds, plan around holidays and peak seasons for a more relaxed vibe, unless you want to be greeted by a swarm of tourists/locals pushing their way in at the airport/terminals.
  2. Make a checklist of the things you need to pack. Whether it’s on your phone or planner, jot down what you need. In the world of travel, your luggage is your lifeline. Prepare a comprehensive packing list categorized by necessity and day. Mental notes NEVER work, so having a tangible or digital checklist ensures you have everything packed.
  3. Book your reservations in advance. Most travel destinations are easy to book online nowadays, so take advantage of early reservations. Sometimes they offer discounts! Be on the lookout for them. Every time I’m traveling, I surf on Klook.com months ahead for activities/places I want to book for an upcoming trip. Then, soon enough, you’ll be notified that this activity is on sale. For this reason, I allow email notifications and promotions so I’m always updated. Platforms like Klook offer a seamless booking experience. Because you’re reading here, I’m sharing with you a 5% OFF for your next adventure using my code: KATECINDY5OFF.
  4. Plan your budget ahead. This is a no-brainer. Here’s another tip. Always bring cash. I know everything is digitized nowadays, but most countries in Asia still operate on a cash basis. My style is to budget my money per day and ensure I don’t go over the budget as much as possible. I allocate money for food spending and a little shopping. If you are bringing your credit card, make sure to notify your banks that you will be traveling and using the card on those dates.
  5. Be open to spontaneity. While planning is important, try to leave room for flexibility. Some of the best travel moments come from unexpected adventures. Be open to detours, unplanned discoveries, and impromptu decisions—these often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.

There you go, thanks again for stopping by and I hope these simple tips can help you plan your trips seamlessly. Happy travels!


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