![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2025\/savvytraveler.jpeg\")
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Every industry has its own \u201cbest practices\u201d \u2014 proven rules and standards that guide the industry and the people in it. Travel is no different. There are many “rules to live by” that can help us navigate the unknown world with fewer mistakes.<\/p>\n
I have my own golden travel rules.<\/p>\n
Over the years<\/a>, I\u2019ve learned a lot of tips and tricks that have helped me thrive when I travel. When I first set out in 2006, I made a lot of mistakes<\/a>. (Ok, I still make some mistakes.)<\/p>\n And that\u2019s not a bad thing. If you don\u2019t make mistakes, you aren\u2019t trying new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.<\/p>\n Mistakes are going to happen. <\/p>\n But, over the years, I’ve developed a list of 27 golden rules for travel. These guidelines help me save money, make friends, stay safe, and fit into the local culture. <\/p>\n If you follow them, you\u2019ll become a master traveler<\/a>, able to travel the world with swashbuckling zeal and expert ninja-like knowledge… all without breaking the bank so you can keep cutting a path forward through the world for longer:<\/p>\n You only live once. You\u2019re going to get chances to do wild things you\u2019ve never dreamed of doing when you travel. Don\u2019t hold back. Count to three, say \u201cscrew it,\u201d and take the leap. You didn\u2019t come this far for nothing. Say yes when someone asks you to go rock climbing, salsa dancing, spelunking, or try the world\u2019s hottest pepper<\/a> despite not liking spicy food.<\/p>\n There’s no one around to judge you. No one cares what you do. No rumors will be spread. Push yourself to do something new and daring at least once. <\/p>\n Why give your money to the banks? Get an ATM card that doesn\u2019t charge any fees and use that extra money for more traveling. Over the long term those $3\u20136 charges really add up. I use Charles Schwab as my bank, but you can also find many others that offer no-fee accounts \u2014\u00a0or use one that is part of the Global ATM Alliance, and pay no fees within that network. <\/p>\n This article can show you how to avoid bank fees when you travel<\/a> (and includes a list of suggested cards too).<\/p>\n Why pay for travel when you can get it for free? Get a travel rewards credit card<\/a> to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for free travel. <\/p>\n You’re already spending the money anyway so why not get rewarded for it? <\/p>\n Travel credit cards<\/a> come with tons of perks and huge welcome bonuses that can be redeemed for free flights right away. Plus, you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees too. <\/p>\n Having one is an absolute must.<\/p>\n Here are some articles to help you get started with points and miles:<\/p>\n Always carry a backup bank and credit card in case one becomes lost, stolen, or compromised. That way while you are fixing the issue, you still have access to your money. Instead of the problem crippling your trip, it’s merely an annoyance. This has happened to me before and, I can assure you, you’ll be thankful you followed this advice! <\/p>\n When you leave to go out for the day, only carry the cash you need and one credit card. You don’t want to get robbed and lose everything. Leave the backups and extra cash locked back at your hostel! <\/p>\n You never know what could happen on the road \u2014 but something always does. I\u2019ve had to deal with lost baggage, broken gear, delayed flights, and even some pretty serious injuries<\/a>. Without travel insurance, not only would I have had to pay out of pocket for these expenses, but I would have been left to navigate them alone.<\/p>\n Buy travel insurance<\/a> so that if you\u2019re injured or you break your camera, you\u2019re covered. Plus, your friends and family will be able to relax knowing that, should something happen, you\u2019re covered. It\u2019s only a few dollars a day. It\u2019s worth the peace of mind. <\/p>\n Here’s the link to our resource page<\/a> with all our articles on the subject! <\/p>\n Few things are as liberating as solo travel. As a solo traveler, you\u2019re free to do whatever you want. When you travel solo, the world is your oyster. To me, it\u2019s the purest sense of freedom there is<\/a>.<\/p>\n But beyond that sense of freedom, solo travel actually teaches you a lot about yourself. Travel is an amazing personal development tool<\/a>, and solo travel is one of the best ways to learn and grow and challenge yourself.<\/p>\n Without anyone around you, you have to solve the problems you face on the road. You have to figure out how to get from point A to B, deal with people who speak a different language, get comfortable eating alone, find things to do, and work out problems that arise. It\u2019s you and your wits. That forces you to grow in ways you won\u2019t in the comfort of your home or with a group. <\/p>\n While it won\u2019t be for everyone, I still encourage everyone to try solo travel at least once. Even if you don\u2019t love it, you\u2019ll learn a ton about yourself in the process. <\/p>\n Locals don\u2019t expect you to be an expert in the local language, but learning a few basic phrases<\/a> will bring a smile to their face, just by the sheer fact that you tried! \u201cHello,\u201d \u201chow are you?\u201d and \u201cthank you\u201d go a long, long way no matter where you go. And if you need help, such as getting directions, people will be much more likely to go out of their way to help you if you show that you’ve gone out of your way too!<\/p>\n Get to know other travelers and experience the communal spirit of traveling by staying in hostels<\/a> a few times. They aren’t all the dirty party places you see in movies. Most hostels are very clean, offer breakfast, have comfy beds and Wi-Fi, organize events, and know the local area very well. They also aren\u2019t just for young backpackers; you\u2019ll find people of all ages (and even some families) staying there. Try them out. You may like it.<\/a> <\/p>\n Here is a list of the best hostels in the world to get you started<\/a>!<\/p>\n If you’re planning on backpacking Europe<\/a>, it’s worth getting HostelPass<\/a>, a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe (use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off when you sign up). I\u2019ve always wanted something like this, so I\u2019m glad it finally exists!<\/p>\n Local tourist offices are a wealth of knowledge. When you get to a new destination, visit the tourist office and ask the staff an insane number of questions about the place. They exist solely to help you get the most of your visit and it’s their job to know everything and everything about a place. Plus, they often have tons of discounts not found anywhere else. <\/p>\n Visiting one is often one of the first things I do in a new city.<\/p>\n Culture is often best experienced through food. Don\u2019t be afraid to try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and experiment. You might actually like it (those fried caterpillars in Zambia were delicious!). And contrary to popular belief, dining out while traveling can absolutely be done on a budget!<\/a><\/p>\n Travel is a series of happy accidents with way leading to way. Don\u2019t skip going to that random city with the friends you just met because your itinerary says something different. You\u2019ll regret it. <\/p>\n Go with the flow and be open to new things<\/a>.<\/p>\n This will make your travels a lot more stress-free. <\/p>\n Take it from a former over-packer: you never need half the stuff you take. Put everything you think you need in a pile and then remove half of it. Even better, get a small backpack or suitcase so that you won’t be tempted to overpack in the first place. The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. <\/p>\n I love Unbound Merino<\/a> as their travel clothing (made from Merino wool which has natural anti-bacterial properties) can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and look stylish too.<\/p>\n Here are some suggested packing lists:<\/p>\n Something always happens that you never planned for that will cost you extra money. I never thought I would fly last-minute to Fiji, need to replace my camera in Italy, or buy an extra iPhone cable in Australia. Always take extra money just in case. You may not need it, but you don’t want to be without a little extra when something bad happens. When you start planning for your trip, set aside an emergency slush fund for anything that might go wrong (and still get travel insurance). <\/p>\n Meander through a new city without a map. Get lost \u2014\u00a0because in the end, you aren\u2019t really getting lost, you\u2019re just discovering new experiences. So put down the map and wander. Eventually, you\u2019ll find your way.<\/p>\n Your family and friends miss you. Don\u2019t forget to call and say hello.<\/p>\n I love taking walking tours when I travel. They give you a great orientation and background of the city you are visiting, which is why I normally take them in the first few days I visit a place. On a walking tour, you get to pepper the local guide with questions, meet other travelers, and learn a lot about the city. <\/p>\n Most major cities have free walking tour options, just be sure to tip your guide at the end (it’s how they get paid). And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Here are my favorite walking tour companies and resources: <\/p>\n This isn\u2019t a race or a competition. I know you want to get a lot in with your limited time, but you see a lot more when you see a lot less. Travel slowly and experience each place. Don\u2019t race from train station to station; that will set you up for a stressful, unenjoyable time. With travel, less is more.<\/p>\n Stop at least once. Get to know a place. Learn the language. Make local friends. Explore. Become the local. Living in a foreign place gives you a different perspective on life<\/a> and a real sense of what it\u2019s like to be an outsider.<\/p>\n Plus, living a foreign place and surviving will help you gain a lot of confidence. <\/p>\n They cost a lot. Don\u2019t use them unless you don\u2019t have any other option.<\/p>\n Not only are all those disposable plastic water bottles bad for the environment<\/a>, but the cost adds up over time. A water bottle here, a water bottle there, and you\u2019ve spent $50 on water alone. Get a reusable bottle and drink the tap water in conjunction with a SteriPen<\/a> or LifeStraw<\/a> water purifier. <\/p>\n Flights are one of travel’s biggest expenses, so save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. The best websites for finding travel deals are:<\/p>\n Cuts and scrapes happen, and you can get what you need most anywhere in the world, but it\u2019s still good to carry bandages, antibacterial cream, and some hydrocortisone cream in your first aid kit just in case. Also, carry duct tape \u2014 you\u2019ll never know when it\u2019ll come in handy.<\/p>\n Here are some tips on how to pack a suggested first add kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n London<\/a>, Paris<\/a>, and the temples of Kyoto<\/a> are all amazing for a reason, but get off the beaten path, go away from the crowds, and explore on your own. Find something new, stick out, meet the locals, and discover. The road less traveled is usually a good one.<\/p>\n Years from now, you\u2019ll want to look back at your younger self and see all the people who changed your life. Nostalgia can be a wonderful thing. Make sure you take photos of your friends. You\u2019ll want them later.<\/p>\n The rise of the sharing economy<\/a> has made backpacking so much easier and cheaper. From ridesharing, house sharing, and meetup websites, there are so many ways you can get off the tourist trail and experience day-to-day life with locals! Here are some suggested websites:<\/p>\n And finally, the most important tip of them all….<\/p>\n It\u2019s your trip. Go where you want, when you want, and for how long you want. Don\u2019t worry about this or that. Make mistakes. Learn. Make more mistakes. Have fun and become a better traveler. At the end of the day, you won\u2019t look back and think \u201cif only I had more miles\u201d but instead \u201cdamn, that was a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n So get out there and have some fun!<\/p>\n You deserve it. My New York Times<\/em> best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you\u2019ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It\u2019s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the \u201cbible for budget travelers.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here to learn more and start reading it today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong> Need a Rental Car?<\/strong> Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong>1. Be adventurous<\/h3>\n
2. Get a no-fee ATM card<\/h3>\n
3. Get a travel credit card<\/h3>\n
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4. Always carry backups<\/h3>\n
5. Only carry what you need<\/h3>\n
6. Buy travel insurance<\/h3>\n
7. Travel alone at least once<\/h3>\n
8. Learn basic phrases<\/h3>\n
9. Stay in hostels<\/h3>\n
10. Visit the tourism office<\/h3>\n
11. Try new foods<\/h3>\n
12. Be flexible with your plans<\/h3>\n
13. Pack light<\/h3>\n
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14. Take extra money<\/h3>\n
15. Get lost<\/h3>\n
16. Call home<\/h3>\n
17. Take walking tours<\/h3>\n
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18. Travel slow<\/h3>\n
19. Live somewhere once<\/h3>\n
20. Avoid taxis<\/h3>\n
21. Bring a reusable water bottle<\/h3>\n
22. Sign up for flight deals<\/h3>\n
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23. Bring basic first-aid<\/h3>\n
24. Get off the beaten path <\/h3>\n
25. Take photos of your friends<\/h3>\n
26. Use the sharing economy<\/h3>\n
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27. Ignore all my tips and do whatever you want<\/h3>\n
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\nHow to Travel the World on $75 a Day<\/span><\/h3>
![\"How](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/bookimages\/HowtoTraveltheWorldon75aDay.jpg\")
<\/div>\nBook Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nFind a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nTravel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n
\nDiscover Cars<\/a> is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n
\nGet Your Guide<\/a> is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n