Things to Know

Everyone is posting pics from exotic destinations and living their best life, while you are wondering how you’re going to survive a 12-hour flight.

You’ve picked a destination, a place you’ve been dreaming of going for so long. And you want to go, but preparing for travel can be really overwhelming. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wanderer. Even I still barely sleep the night before a trip and I’d say I’m a pretty broken in solo backpacker.

What to pack for my trip? How to plan a trip? What to do before, during and after?

Aargh, there are so many questions when it comes to travel!

How do hostels work? Is it safe to travel alone? Will I make friends?

Worry no more, because I’m here to tell you it’s going to be okay. Traveling seems scary, but it doesn’t have to be. No one starts out an expert and we all learn from our mistakes. The key to travel is preparation, doing your research and going with the flow. There are just a few things you need to know about travel. So relax, take a deep breath and following my travel tips:

General Travel Advice

Why I Love Staying in Hostels

I’ve probably stayed in close to a 100 hostels. I love them! They’re such a fun and afforable way to travel, especially as a solo traveler. Not sure about this type of budget accommodation? Let me tell you why I love staying in hostels and I think you will too. … More Why I Love Staying in Hostels

My Favorite Places I Visited in 2019

2019 was once again a great travel year for me. I traveled to 15 countries, of which 6 I had visited previously. People often ask me about my favorite destinations, but with so many places to choose from, picking just one is really hard. Each place I go has so much to offer. So to reflect on the past year on travel and hopefully inspire you for your next trip, these are my favorite places I visited in 2019: … More My Favorite Places I Visited in 2019

Things to Know about Staying in Hostels

Over the last few years, backpacking around the world and being a digital nomad, I have stayed in a lot of hostels. Having experienced hostels from both the guest and staff side, I feel comfortable calling myself something of a hostel expert. Whether you’re a novice backpacker or already converted to the hostel life, here is everything you need to know about staying in hostels: … More Things to Know about Staying in Hostels

Basic Hostel Dorm Etiquette

Hostels are a fun and affordable form of accommodation. But since you’re sharing a space with complete strangers, there is a specific code of conduct for staying in hostels. Most of this I would consider common courtesy, but you’d be surprised what some people think is acceptable behaviour. So for everyone who wants to stay in hostels, here is my basic hostel dorm etiquette guide … More Basic Hostel Dorm Etiquette

Things to Know About Hostel Cooking and Travel Meals

By cooking most of my own meals I save a lot of money on food while I travel. Instead of spending a ton of money on every meal, I save my hard-earned cash for street food, snacks, drinks and the occasional splurge. Cooking your own meals can seem a bit daunting, but cooking cheap, healthy and easy meals as a backpacker is actually not that hard. I’ll share my tried and tested tips on hostel cooking and saving money on food … More Things to Know About Hostel Cooking and Travel Meals

How to Deal With a Jet Lag

Travelling is great, but changing time zones isn’t. A bad jet lag can really mess up your trip, something I experienced on my current trip to Vietnam. I used to be one of those people who never really got jet-lagged, but that, unfortunately, wasn’t the case this time. I felt groggy and miserable for a good two days trying to get my body to catch up to my new location. Some people are more sensitive to jet lags than others, but luckily there a few things you can do to limit the damage. … More How to Deal With a Jet Lag

Tips for Selfcare When You Travel

While travelling is absolutely incredible, it is also exhausting. This travellers fatigue is a common problem that we don’t talk about enough. It is important to practice self-care when you are travelling. So, learn from my mistakes and use these tips to either avoid or remedy travellers fatigue: … More Tips for Selfcare When You Travel

How to Stay Safe When You Travel

Travelling can be scary. Especially when you go far away to a place where you don’t know the culture or language. It can seem daunting and your mom is likely worried. People might be trying to give you well-meaning advice about how dangerous it could be. But it isn’t. Travel isn’t dangerous, it isn’t scary. As long as you keep your wits about you, there is only adventure. So calm your nerves (and your moms) by following these tips to stay safe while you travel. … More How to Stay Safe When You Travel

My Favorite Travel Apps

Technology has made travel even easier. And though some may prefer to rough it old-school, I like to combine my Lonely Planet travel guide and smartphone for the best travel experience. Some apps help you get from to A to B, others keep you occupied during transit or help you once you’re at your destination. These are my favorite and very useful travel apps you should download before your next trip. … More My Favorite Travel Apps

How to Stay Healthy While You Travel

Staying healthy while you’re travelling can be challenging. Whether it’s the heat, exhaustion, foreign cuisine or a nasty bug, there are plenty of health hazards to keep an eye on when you’re on the road. But that certainly shouldn’t deter you! As much as I hate getting sick on the road, I’d still rather be sick … More How to Stay Healthy While You Travel

Sustainable travel

Small Sustainable Travel Swaps That Make A Big Difference

The travel industry, and especially mass tourism, can be very unsustainable. Carbon emissions, endless consumption, pollution, economic and social exploitation, etc. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
There are lots of little ways we can change our habits to be more eco-friendly. These small sustainable swaps for travelers make a big difference. … More Small Sustainable Travel Swaps That Make A Big Difference

How to Travel on a Plant Based Diet

It’s not always easy to maintain a vegan lifestyle while traveling. Depending on where you are, you may not always have access to plant-based meals or alternatives. But hard does not mean impossible. It is definitely doable to explore the world as a vegan. It just takes preparation! With these tips, you’ll be able to travel on a plant-based diet. … More How to Travel on a Plant Based Diet

Things to Know About Traveling by Long Distance Bus

I’ve been on many long distance buses and night buses in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. During all those trips, I became somewhat of an expert on long-distance bus travel. I learned how to find the best transportation, be as comfortable as possible, how to stay safe and get the most optimal sleep. Let me share my experience in overnight bus travel with you. Here are the most important things to know about traveling by long distance bus. … More Things to Know About Traveling by Long Distance Bus

How to Practice Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable travel is about more than eco-friendly travel, it is also about responsible tourism and ethical travel. Traveling in ways that benefit local communities and support equality. And sustainable tourism isn’t hard! All it takes is a bit of education, mindfulness and making better choices. So, here are a few ways you can practice sustainable tourism: … More How to Practice Sustainable Tourism

Alternative ways to Travel Without Flying

In my efforts to be a more sustainable traveler, I made a resolution last year to fly less. It turned out to be a lot easier and a lot more fun than I had anticipated. Traveling over land allowed me to really enjoy the journey and see much more of the place I was visiting than just aerial views. For your next trip, instead of immediately booking a flight, why not consider one of these alternative ways to travel without flying? … More Alternative ways to Travel Without Flying

Tips for Green Travel

There are few things so buzz worthy in the travel industry right now as “sustainable travel”. The harsh truth is that we live on a gorgeous planet, but the way we’re traveling is destroying that. So, if you love this planet and want to see it in a way that benefits rather than harms the environment, there are lots of things you can do to travel sustainably. Join the green travel movement with these easy tips: … More Tips for Green Travel

Solo (Female) Travel Tips

How to Travel Alone

I’ve been traveling alone my whole adult life and I can truthfully say that it is the most empowering and rewarding experience ever. I think the trick to a successful solo trip is your mindset. Solo travel requires a little bravery and above all a positive attitude. Follow my tips for getting in the solo travel mindset and you too can learn how to travel alone. … More How to Travel Alone

Things I Do on Every Solo Trip

I don’t believe in running down a check list of “must sees”, but would rather let the advice of locals and plain chance lead me. There is nothing like getting lost in a foreign city and stumbling upon hiden gems. This doesn’t mean I don’t do any research or don’t plan anything. I always look up a few can’t miss highlights, save them in my phone, and read up on local customs and culture. And there are a few things I like to do in every place that I visit. Even if I miss out on most of the main tourist attractions, by doing these things I know I’ll have an amazing solo trip: … More Things I Do on Every Solo Trip

Looking Back on a Decade of Solo Travel

Can you believe we have just entered a new decade? Time really flies when you’re having fun! Of course, I also traveled a ton in the last decade. In fact, although I’ve been traveling all my life, it wasn’t until the last decade that I started traveling solo. That I discovered how incredibly freeing and empowering solo female travel can be. And if you’d be so kind to come along, let me take you through my whole decade of solo travel: … More Looking Back on a Decade of Solo Travel

Things to Know about Solo Female Travel

Solo travel is the best!
The freedom, the empowerment, the fun: there is nothing like it. Traveling alone is the best decision I ever made. If you are considering giving in to your wanderlust and exploring this beautiful planet alone, allow me to tell you what you need to know about traveling alone as a woman. … More Things to Know about Solo Female Travel

Why I Love Traveling Alone

Solo travel.

Two small words that scare a lot of people.

They used to scare me too. I let a lot of travel opportunities pass me by because I had no-one to go with. But once I tried it, I loved it. As with everything in life, solo travel only seems scary before you do it. But it is such a rewarding experience. So go out there and give it a try. … More Why I Love Traveling Alone

Destination Guides

Things to Know Before You Visit Austria

I love Austria (except for the current political climate). I think it’s an underrated travel and vacation destination, especially the countryside. Austria is absolutely stunning, with mountains, lakes, charming little villages, and beautiful cities. The food is delicious, and the people are kind. I spent three weeks this summer backpacking through Austria, exploring different parts … More Things to Know Before You Visit Austria

Things to Know Before You Visit Italy

I love Italy. I know, not exactly a controversial opinion. History, culture, art, food, sun, beautiful landscapes and charming people, Italy has all the elements of paradise. But it also has its downside. It’s a country of irregular public transportation, a slowly increasing English proficiency and especially in the south, dirt and crime. But I’m not trying to scare you away. Instead, just prepare yourself with these tips below so that you can fall in love with Italy as deeply as I have: … More Things to Know Before You Visit Italy

Packing Tips

My Packing List for Europe

Packing for a trip can be a real challenge, especially packing light. What you need depends on where you’re going. So here are my tips for what to pack for a trip in Europe, including packing list for Europe for female travelers! … More My Packing List for Europe

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light

I have been traveling my whole life and over the years I have become somewhat of a packing expert. I used to be one of those girls who brought a full-size suitcase for a week at the beach. Now I can travel for six months with just a carry on! I know it sounds almost impossible, but you can just follow this guide to packing light. … More The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light

What to Pack on a Night Bus

I love night buses, I think they are a great way to get around. They are cheap, convenient and you save money on accommodation. But surviving a night on a night bus seems daunting. With my tips and tricks, you’ll be just fine. … More What to Pack on a Night Bus

My Favorite Travel Gadgets

Packing for a long trip can be overwhelming. There are so many travel gadgets out there and they all seem handy. But which ones are actually worth taking? I tested them out for you, so check out my verdict.. … More My Favorite Travel Gadgets

Budget Travel Hacks

Tips for Budget Travel in Europe

Budget travel and Europe are two things that don’t seem to go together. Everyone knows that Europe is crazy expensive. Right? Wrong! Sure, travelling in Europe can be expensive. Cities like London and Paris are known for it. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it is entirely possible to explore Europe without breaking … More Tips for Budget Travel in Europe

Travel Inspiration

The Best Travel Books by Female Authors

Anyone can travel and anyone can travel solo. These great female authors prove that being women should not be a limitation to a life of adventure. These books massively inspired me and stuck with me because of their great writing and unique stories. Here are a few great travel books that will make you want to pack your bags and explore the world of solo female travel: … More The Best Travel Books by Female Authors

One thought on “Things to Know”

  1. Pingback: How to Practice Sustainable Tourism – Just Heading Out

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Google photo

You are commenting using your Google account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s