Top 12 Must-Do Activities When Traveling Abroad

Every country, every region has its own unique form of public transportation such as buses, subways, cable cars, and more. Using these transport options gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals. It’s a great way to observe how people interact with each other and to discover a new aspect of the local culture. Try public transport at least once during your travels!

Forget about bustling shopping malls and head to vibrant flea markets where you can find authentic local goods. These markets offer an opportunity to hear fascinating stories, witness unique interactions, and perhaps discover a quirky item that perfectly captures the essence of the place. You might even find a one-of-a-kind souvenir that you never expected!

You definitely don’t want to get lost or stranded in an unfamiliar place right after arriving. Make sure to check the route from the airport to your hotel and consider the best transportation options, whether it’s a taxi, MRT, or bus. If you're using public transport to save costs, jot down the bus/MRT routes you’ll need to take. Additionally, plan your means of transport for the first day of sightseeing in the city. Preparing this in advance will help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Just like your first day, your final day of the trip should also be well planned. If your flight is early in the morning, consider staying near the airport the night before to avoid the risk of waking up late or facing traffic. Don’t forget to have cash on hand for last-minute expenses such as a taxi or bus fare to the airport and any meals. If your hotel offers breakfast, take advantage of it, but also set aside a little extra money in case you’re hungry later and want to grab something at the airport. Especially if you’re flying with a budget airline, remember there won’t be any meals served on board.

Your vacation could turn into chaos without a clear plan of where to go and what to do in a new city. To avoid this, gather as much information as possible about the city you're about to visit. The internet is full of resources, or you could ask people who have been there for firsthand tips. Find out what activities are worth doing, must-see spots, and foods you can’t miss. Jot it all down and create a travel plan. Having a detailed plan will make you more proactive, save you time, and even help manage your budget efficiently.

There are times when you won’t have access to WiFi or the internet, especially when you’re on a plane. So, it's a good idea to prepare for this by curating a great playlist to pass the time during the long journey. Before traveling abroad, make sure to download your favorite songs, videos, and movies to your phone or tablet. The time spent on the plane or in transit is a golden opportunity to catch up on movies you rarely have time for, or simply unwind with your favorite music or a good book.

Your smartphone is an essential travel companion, so make sure to leverage it to enhance your journey. Smartphones are packed with a multitude of apps that can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Here are some must-have apps for your phone:

• Booking flights and hotels: Traveloka, Agoda, etc.
• Music: Apple Music, Zing Mp3, Spotify, SoundCloud...
• Videos: YouTube, Netflix
• Photo sharing: Instagram, Facebook
• Photo editing: Instagram, VSCO, After Light… (a must-have for the photo enthusiasts)
• Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger
• Finding restaurants: Foody, Lozi, Zomato
• Booking rides: Uber, Grab
• Maps: Google Maps

Make sure you're aware of the weather at your destination so you can pack accordingly. For example, if you're traveling to Europe in the fall or winter, bring plenty of warm clothes. Heading to the beach? Go all out with bright, breezy outfits and bikinis. Also, be sure to keep up with the weather forecast leading up to your trip. If rain is expected, don't forget to pack an umbrella before heading out from your hotel.

How can you possibly remember everything you need to pack? Nine and a half out of ten people will inevitably forget something important. Let's hope it’s not your passport or money. There’s also a lot of small items that seem insignificant but will cost you if you forget them and need to buy replacements. The best solution? Make a checklist of essentials, like clothes, toiletries, cosmetics, medications, and gadgets, including chargers. A day before your trip, double-check the list and make sure you have everything. And don’t forget to keep your passport and money safe!

Find out where the highest point of the city is! It could be a rooftop bar, a television tower, or even a hilltop. These locations will offer you a breathtaking view of the city you’re visiting. Seeing the city from above allows you to take in the sprawling architecture from a completely different perspective. It’s in these moments that you can truly appreciate the beauty of the place you’ve arrived at.

Local food is the essence and unique identity of every place. I truly believe that if you haven’t tasted the best dishes of a place you’ve visited, you haven’t fully experienced it. Take some time to wander into different local eateries, chat with the shop owners, and try the traditional dishes. You’ll be surprised at the fascinating stories you’ll uncover. For example, you might hear about a hidden gem destination, or you might taste a dish you’ve only seen in photos. Remember, the local food will be the memory that stays with you long after your trip.

I'm sure you've prepared yourself physically for the trip, right? Every country has its unique traits, but I also believe that there’s always a distinct difference between daytime and nighttime in any destination. Instead of staying cooped up in your hotel, take a walk around the area you’re visiting after dark. The nighttime atmosphere will add a whole new layer to your travel experience, filling it with vibrant memories.