Buzz
Avoid currency exchange at the airport
Never exchange cash at the airport unless in an emergency situation, as most airports will offer you very low rates.
For better rates, use ATM cards, credit cards, or go directly to a bank in the city center.
Avoid carrying traveler's checks
Traveler's checks - a type of designated check, allowing travelers to pay for services and goods without cash while traveling. Traveler's checks are only put into circulation when the paying bank has received the corresponding amount of the check.
Traveler's checks are often seen as a convenient and secure means of payment, as reliable as cash; they can be used in multiple countries and are safe, serving as a replacement if lost or stolen.
However, nowadays, with ATM cards and credit cards being widely used and more popular, traveler's checks are no longer accepted by banks. You will almost certainly not have banks resolve any issues related to traveler's checks anymore, such as loss or theft.
Don't overlook travel insurance
Travel insurance is extremely important, especially for long trips. You can't anticipate the risks you might encounter, such as accidents, lost luggage, natural disasters...
Travel insurance will protect you on long journeys. Without purchasing insurance, in the event of an accident, you may have to spend a lot of money to cover expenses.
Don't 'stereotype' budget accommodations
In movies, budget accommodations are often depicted as dirty, damp, and only for the poor or undesirable guests.
Meanwhile, nowadays, many guesthouses around the world are relatively clean, providing basic services at more reasonable prices than hotels.
Moreover, this is also where you'll find people with similar interests in independent travel and learn more about local life thanks to the friendly atmosphere.
Avoid taking taxis
In many countries, to reduce traffic congestion, the government charges very high fees for services like taxis. Download a map of your destination and research public transportation systems - this is a reasonable and economical choice.
However, use suitcases with four wheels to pull because carrying heavy luggage to walk through stations is quite a hassle.
Don't forget travel apps
Instead of staying alone in a hotel room, apps that provide accommodation with locals like Couchsurfing, Servas, or Be Welcome allow you to immerse yourself in more cultural exchanges and find accommodation at very low prices.
Staying with locals also helps you learn more information about your upcoming destination and travel tips.
Avoid being too frugal
Use money wisely. Don't overspend on meals at restaurants near tourist areas, but also don't hesitate to spend $2 on a bus instead of walking nearly an hour, then returning to the hotel exhausted and with sore feet to the point where you can't visit other places.
Don't overlook local travel companies
Local travel companies are the best places to advise you on events, festivals happening in the area you're visiting.
When arriving in any city, the first thing to do is to stop by a travel company and inquire about what to do, where to eat, and even about tours that are currently on promotion. They always have maps, information, and can even assist you in finding accommodation.
By Binh Minh/Tuoi Tre
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourDecember 12, 2017
