Okay, here are my TOP TIPS for travelling, just some useful stuff I've learnt along the way...
1. I don't actually own one of these, but if you can find a backpack with wheels, GET IT, seriously, such a good investment when you're walking around the airport for hours and you want to avoid the whole sciatica vibe, or just get a really small one that's okay to carry on your back.
2. If you're staying with someone... bring a gift. Do it because it's the right thing to do, you'l probably be invited back (top score) and your Mum will be SO proud of you.
3. Don't pack clothes that require ironing, hell, don't BUY clothes that require ironing.
4. Don't go to McDonalds, seriously, no matter HOW hungry you are, it's just shameful. I don't care if you're petrified and starving, McBaguette is NEVER a viable option. Find a local restaurant and stick to the vegetarian option, it's always MUCH cheaper (and healthier).
5. If a menu is written in more than three languages then it's probably going to SUCK, go somewhere else.
6. Scan and email a copy of your passport to yourself (very NB.)
7. Make an effort to just TRY speak the local language. Especially in France, they get SERIOUSLY pissed off if you don't even try and generally appreciate it when you do. Whatever you do, don't tell them you're English, just say you're African, it flys a lot better (they HATE the English).
8. When you get up from somewhere (train, taxi, park bench) ALWAYS look back to see if you've left anything.
4. Don't go to McDonalds, seriously, no matter HOW hungry you are, it's just shameful. I don't care if you're petrified and starving, McBaguette is NEVER a viable option. Find a local restaurant and stick to the vegetarian option, it's always MUCH cheaper (and healthier).
5. If a menu is written in more than three languages then it's probably going to SUCK, go somewhere else.
6. Scan and email a copy of your passport to yourself (very NB.)
7. Make an effort to just TRY speak the local language. Especially in France, they get SERIOUSLY pissed off if you don't even try and generally appreciate it when you do. Whatever you do, don't tell them you're English, just say you're African, it flys a lot better (they HATE the English).
8. When you get up from somewhere (train, taxi, park bench) ALWAYS look back to see if you've left anything.
9. Don't bring TWO fancy outfits, seriously, one is enough. Black is always a good colour, you can mix and match with colourful accessories that don't take up much space and it'll look like you're wearing a whole new outfit.
10. The SECOND you think of packing something... GO PACK IT. If you wait, you'll forget.
11. By some dry shampoo, for when you don't have time to wash your hair but still want to interact with humans.
12. Don't pack anything that you would be REALLY upset if you lost and don't get too attached to anything, you WILL lose stuff, it's a given.
13. Border control chaps do NOT get sarcasm.
14. Don't bring more than two bags with you. A backpack and then a small purse is enough (but only ONE, no one NEEDS more than one purse)
15. This is an old one, but pack your bag, and when you're done... take half of it out (and you'll still have enough stuff, trust me)
