My Top 6 Pieces Of Travel Advice For 2023

PART ONE

Traveling is one of the most extraordinary ways to live life. It allows you to find yourself when you travel solo, deepen your bond when you travel with someone, and live unforgettable moments that wouldn’t happen if you stayed home.

But of course, it’s easier said than done. Sometimes you need a little advice to actually know how to make it a great experience.

One day I was talking to one of my friends about traveling the world, and after I shared a story of when I went to Europe for the first time, he asked me a very interesting question. He asked:

Gabe, if you could give me any piece of travel advice, what would you say?

He knows that I’ve traveled to almost 30 countries and that he could rely on my experience as a world traveler to get some wise advice so he can then avoid the mistakes I have made. Then, I went on and on telling him what I think every single traveler should do when going somewhere.

So here are my top 6 pieces of travel advice. If you want to live your travel experiences in 2023 in the best way possible, don’t forget to follow these steps that I consider to be extremely crucial when on vacation.

6- Leave expensive things at home

My biggest mistake was taking my expensive watch on a trip and ending up losing it and forgetting my $500 sunglasses at a bar in NYC after having a few drinks.

I’ve heard stories of horrible experiences of people who had had their expensive pieces of jewelry lost or stolen while on vacation, and people who weren’t that lucky with their expensive branded bags and stuff.

Traveling isn’t about showing what you got. It’s about exploring new cultures, living amazing moments, and making new memories.

So leave your expensive things at home. It will save you from all sorts of headaches.

5- Carry minimum luggage if possible. Pack as light as you can

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I traveled internationally for the first time was to take 2 big suitcases with me. The itinerary was to go from Brazil to the U.S., then from the U.S. to Europe. Before doing all of this, I had planned to visit London, Scotland, Paris, and Italy when I reached Europe, but I soon realized it was going to be “impossible” to do that because of how much luggage I had with me. I was just too uncomfortable carrying all those heavy bags everywhere I went.

When I arrived in London, I realized how much of a pain it was if I wanted to visit other places nearby. Plus, it would not only be uncomfortable but also too expensive, taking into account that flights within Europe are considered “domestic flights”. So, it didn’t take me long to realize that I should have packed lighter.

I see people who take thousands of items on their trips, and they end up not being able to enjoy them as much. They end up having to pay a lot more for their checked-in bags and waiting long hours at baggage claim areas so they can retrieve their bags.

All these things influence your trip. The waiting, the fees you have to pay… Simply everything.

The best thing I learned about flights was that the less luggage you have, the cheaper the flight can be. When I traveled from NYC to Paris in 2019 I only paid $180 for the flight. $75 from Italy to Barcelona. $95 from NYC to LA.

Today when I’m living in Ireland, I see that a flight which only includes a personal bag will cost 20 Euros. The one that includes a carry one will cost 60 Euros. And if I want to check in a bag, it can cost 100 Euros or more.

So, to avoid all the waiting and all these expensive fees, I have adopted a travel style that makes me pack the lightest as possible.

4- Carry one or two portable battery chargers with you

Cell phones are more than just for photos. They are tools that can be used for GPS, internet, calls, for all moments of a trip, especially emergencies.

So, how are you going to rely on the battery of your phone when you know it won’t last forever? (Especially if you have an iPhone). How will you leave your hotel room early in the morning and come back late at night and expect your battery to last for all this time? (Especially when your phone is exposed to different climates).

We know that phone batteries can drain so much faster in cold, or very hot weather, and when you use your phone a lot for social media, photos, GPS, and other apps. All these things can make them drain even faster.

So, a portable power bank/charger will literally save your life by allowing you to charge your phone when you need it.

3- Learn the basics of the native language of the country you’re traveling to

We all know that English is a global language. But I find it rude when native-English speakers visit South America or other non-English speaking places and demand the local people to speak English with them. It’s not our native language and if you’re traveling to my country you should know at least the basics. It will not only be more respectful but it will also be easier for you.

Learning how to say “Please”, “Thank you”, “Where is this and that place”, “How much is it”, “Excuse me”, and other common sentences will help you have a better travel experience. Plus, the local people will appreciate you being there more and they will feel more eager to assist you whenever you need help getting to places.

2- Have a basic plan, but leave plenty of time for last-minute/spontaneous adventures

Most of my friends know that I don’t plan a travel itinerary, and when I do, I don’t do half of what I plan. And one of the biggest reasons is this: I love the spontaneity of traveling. I love waking up in the morning and asking myself what I feel like doing instead of forcing myself to do what’s on my travel itinerary. I have a clear goal of what I’m looking for, and I’m aware of what the city that I’m visiting offers, but I don’t enjoy forcing myself to stick to an itinerary.

Why do we have to stick to the plan so strictly?

Have a basic plan, but go do something you just found out someone at your hostel is going to do. Maybe even join them. Don’t stick too much to your plan.

I have found out that last-minute plans have become my favorite travel memories.

1- Get out of your resort, hotel room, and Airbnb

I’ve already traveled with people who wouldn’t leave their Airbnb in the Dominican Republic, their resort in Orlando, or their hotel in Atlanta. Why did you bother to travel then?

Travel agent Jason Coleman of Jason Coleman, Inc., said something in an interview that I’ll never forget: “If you want the comforts, service, and experience of home … then stay home. Travel is about opening yourself up to new experiences. You will encounter different ways of living, of eating, of serving.”

People keep asking me if the reason why I stay at hostels most of the time is that I’m young, and I normally say that this is far from being the reason. Why should I spend hundreds of dollars on a room that I won’t even be in? If I’m traveling it’s because I want to be outside of my room. I want to explore, eat new foods, and do stuff. I want to leave the room early in the morning, and return at midnight or even later after having explored the place like a traveler should do.

So, go out there and live the best moments of your life.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for PART TWO.

P.S. — Thanks for reading! If you found this article to be valuable, please clap and follow me! 👏👏👏