Travelling can be the most fun you'll ever have or difficult and expensive, and it's often down to preparation! Here are some tips to make your next trip easier. 

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* Print out your itinerary and flight tickets. You don’t want to rely on e tickets. Wi-fi fails!
* Keep a copy of your passport and DON’T keep all of your ID cards or credit/debit cards in the same place. You want a back up plan if you get robbed.
* Check in with friends and family so they know you’re safe. Tell them where you are and how long you plan to be there.
* Be patient and polite to airline agents. Call the agency if you’re having trouble in line at the airport.
* Travel in the low season to keep things cheap.
* I recommend using the Share-a-bill iPhone app when traveling with friends. It can be confusing to keep track of who owes what and this app simplifies that.
* Track your spending! Don’t be clueless about where your money has gone.
* Potentially set up a new account to use only when you’re traveling.
* Check with your bank account before you leave. Inform them that you will be traveling and discuss withdrawal fees. If may be worth it to upgrade to a premium account.
* Know the exchange rate!
* If possible have a small amount of the local money when you arrive. 
* Don’t go to currency exchange places. The rate is always terrible and it’ll save you money to go to the ATM and get out local currency that way.
* Buy food and alcohol at local grocery stores instead of bars and restaurants.
* Do you research and find a cheap, safe hostel before you arrive. Other options include AirBnB, VRBO, Craigslist, HomeAway, and Couchsurfing.
* Book international flights ahead of time, wait a few weeks, and then book domestic flights.
* Be flexible and understand that you don’t have to see EVERYTHING.
* Get out and about as much as possible. Orient yourself to the culture and the language of the new country.
* Ask the hotel/hostel desk for advice.
* Learn local names for foods.
* Have snacks (e.g. nuts, fruit, cliff bars) at hand so that you aren’t starving between meals.
* Be careful about fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled or cooked in developing countries.
* Pay attention to how people get around, like how people get a ticket for the train.
* If you have a car and you’re driving in an unsafe place, make sure your windows are up and your doors are locked.
* Always negotiate cab price BEFORE you go.
* Carry a dummy wallet. Don’t keep all of your cards together.
* Be alert and aware.
* Don’t get too drunk.
* Don’t wear jewellery or carry an expensive camera. Things like that practically scream “Rob me!”
* Drink lots of water, it’ll help with jet lag and it’ll help you stay healthy.
* And finally, smile! It makes an amazing difference!