Destinations

Cruise and Container Ports: What Tourists Actually See When They Travel

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Seaports are more than just transport nodes, they are an integral component of travel, particularly in the case of cruise ships or coastal journeys. For a lot of tourists the port is the first point of contact with the city, which often shapes initial impressions of the country. However, few people consider how much difference between cruise and container ports is in their function, atmosphere, and appearance.

Why Ports Interest Tourists

Although container ports are not intended for tourist visits, they increasingly attract travelers interested in urban planning and modern infrastructure. Thanks to the top port site, you can learn much more and understand why each international port plays a key role in logistics and the reaction economy.

They reveal the size of the world’s trade and the functioning of the world economy in real time. The image is impressive, consisting of huge cranes, automated terminals and endless lines of containers.

Some analytical resources such as GetTransport have also been developed to gain insight into the importance of certain ports and why they are emerging as strategic points on the map of trade.

Key Differences Between Cruise and Container Ports

Cruise ports are created primarily for passengers. Their infrastructure is focused on comfort, quick access to the city and tourist service. These include terminals with shops, restaurants, waiting rooms and an orderly transfer to the downtown.

Container ports, on the other hand, are used only for logistics. Their role is to manage cargo, containers and international freight. These are closed industrial zones with a high degree of automation and strict access rules.

The main differences between these two types of seaports can be summarized as follows:

  • Cruise ports are focused on tourists and passengers;
  • Container ports serve global trade and logistics;
  • Cruise ports prioritize comfort and visual appeal;
  • Container ports focus on efficiency and speed;
  • Tourist access to container ports is limited.

These differences affect how the traveler perceives the city upon arrival.

How Ports Make a Travel Experience

The first impression of a place is usually from its port. Once a tourist reaches the cruise port, he/she would be in an organized tourist setting. All are geared towards making travel more convenient and familiarizing visitors with the city.

Container ports, by contrast, show the country’s industrial side. They are rarely included in tourist routes, but may be visible from the windows of trains, buses or while driving along the coast. Interestingly, such zones often reflect the region’s real economic power.

Where Tourists Can See Both Types of Ports

Some cities combine two types of port infrastructure. This makes it possible to observe how the tourist and industrial function coexist side by side.

Some of the most striking examples are ports in the following regions.

  • Barcelona. Here, the cruise terminal is located next to the cargo area;
  • Hong Kong. It is a dense combination of city, passenger and container ports;
  • Singapore. Today, it is one of the largest logistics hubs in the world;
  • Los Angeles. There is a clear separation between the tourism and freight sectors;
  • Rotterdam. It is the largest container port in Europe.

In such places, the contrast between the tourist and industrial part of the city is particularly noticeable.

What Tourists Should Consider

Travelers interested in ports should note that the accessibility of these zones varies greatly. Cruise terminals are usually open and integrated into tourist infrastructure, while container areas may be completely closed to visitors.

There are several important factors to consider before you travel:

  • availability of observation areas;
  • availability of tours in the port;
  • proximity of the port to the city center;
  • transport infrastructure;
  • seasonality of cruise routes.

Cruise and container ports perform different functions, but both play an important role in modern travel. The former creates a comfortable entrance to the city for tourists, the latter shows the scale of world trade and industry.

Australia, Australia and the Pacific, Blog, Travel Tips
Great Ocean Road

Why You Should Travel Australia by Campervan

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Australia is vast, wild, and breathtaking—home to some of the world’s most iconic landscapes and road trip routes. This country begs to be explored from the dramatic cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the red heart of the Outback and from tropical rainforests in the north to rugged coastlines in the south.

And there’s no better way to explore its constantly shifting landscape than in a campervan.

Campervanning is one of the most remarkable ways to see Australia, regardless of whether you’re an experienced van lifer or considering taking your first trip on wheels.

Great Ocean Road

🌏 Total Freedom to Roam

One of the most significant advantages of traveling by campervan is its freedom. You are not constrained by check-in times, hotel reservations, or train schedules. You can change your itinerary whenever inspiration strikes, detour down an intriguing side road, and stay longer in locations that captivate you.

Do you want to spend a few days surfing and eating seafood in a quaint beach town or chase the sunrise along the East Coast? With a campervan, everything is possible.

🏕️ The Best Way to See the Real Australia

There is more to Australia than its cities. Off-the-beaten-path locations include secluded waterfalls, starry desert skies, isolated coastal lookouts, and charming small towns. You genuinely experience Australia when you travel in a campervan.

And that’s the beauty of traveling by campervan. You sleep under the stars every night, whether you’re in national parks, turquoise beaches, or among gum trees; you wake up to a different view every morning.

Kangaroos in Oz Beach

💸 Less Money, But More Options?

Let’s be honest—Australia isn’t the most affordable destination. But that’s the appeal of campervan travel—it can be surprisingly inexpensive.

You’ll save on hotels and expensive restaurant meals with your transport and accommodation combined. Many campervans come with basic kitchen setups, so you can cook your own meals—perhaps with local produce from a roadside stand or a market in a country town.

One of the perks of traveling by campervan in Australia is the ability to camp in some pretty incredible places—without always having to pay for a traditional campsite. Known as freedom camping, this is allowed in many regions (as long as your vehicle is self-contained and you follow local rules). Check the official Australian tourism guide for up-to-date regional regulations.

🛣️ A Few Road Trips You’ll Never Forget

Australia is practically made for road trips. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! Past travelers have mapped out some routes for you:

  • The Great Ocean Road (Victoria) – A classic for a reason. This winding coastal road takes you past jaw-dropping cliffs, the famous 12 Apostles, lush rainforests, and plenty of charming beach towns to stop in along the way.
  • East Coast Drive (Sydney to Cairns): This route Offers golden beaches, sleepy surf towns, and natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays. It’s perfect for sun-chasers.
  • Tasmania Loop – Tasmania might be small, but it packs a punch. This is a laid-back yet unforgettable drive from wild coastlines to cozy towns and ancient forests.
  • The Red Centre (Northern Territory) – If you’re craving an authentic outback adventure, head into the heart of the country. Visiting Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs by camper allows you to go at your own pace and connect with the land.

With so many choices, you can tailor your vacation to your tastes and enjoy it at your own pace.

Manly Beach Sydney

🚐 The Campervan Community

The van life community is unique everywhere, but especially in Australia. It is a laid-back culture that take you out of your everyday monotone life. You can meet fellow travelers who often share tips, stories, and meals at campgrounds or roadside rest stops.

In some regions, you can even find apps and Facebook groups that can help you connect with other travelers.

🌟 Are You Ready to Hit the Road?

Traveling by campervan in Australia isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a way of life. It’s about slowing down, exploring more, and waking up daily with a new view.

Let’s not wait any longer! Plan your perfect campervan trip with Campstar. With many choices and an easy-to-navigate interface, Campstar will help you choose your ideal campervan.

Life on the Road, Travel Writing

3 Surprising Reasons Your Ambitious Travel Plans Are Failing 

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Reasons Your Ambitious Travel Plans Are Failing 

It is easy to claim “I love to travel” but tricky to act on your claims. Many of us remain restricted to armchair travelling, perusing exotic destinations only on Instagram reels. 

You might put it down to general business – financial planning, kids’ schools, etc. You may resolve to go on that anticipated trip next year or the year after. But have you assessed if other reasons could be behind your travel plans getting shelved?

Here are three reasons you may not have perceived as active deterrents to travel.

#1 You’re Conditioned to Spend Money on Essentials

Travelling can involve considerable expense. You need money for flight tickets, hotel rooms, food, and sightseeing. Travelling with your family can involve further expenditure. Booking a toddler-friendly flight may be much more expensive than a late-night one. Paying these expenses becomes a hold-up when you view travel as “non-essential.”

It doesn’t help that the global economic market isn’t exactly reassuring. PwC’s latest “Voice of the Consumer” survey finds that most Australian consumers find inflation an overwhelming risk. Almost 48% of the respondents report actively looking for value for money. Justifying an ambitious travel plan can be difficult with this mindset.

However, it is time to acknowledge the far-reaching benefits of travel, from managing stress to understanding new cultures. How can spending on a trip that boosts your mental wellness be non-essential? 

Besides mental health, travel may also reap another stunning benefit. A Journal of Travel Research paper found that travel can slow down aging. It seems that favourable travel experiences help our bodies keep a low-entropy state. Travel encourages movement, learning and connections, all of which keep us young.

Moreover, budget travel has become much more accessible, even for grand trips. You can consider homestays instead of hotels, book well in advance to get cheaper flights and commit to eating the local cuisine.

#2 You’re Unable to Address Lingering Health Issues

A lower back pain that comes and goes, a migraine that starts randomly, or a skin condition that embarrasses you. We have a lot going on health-wise that we may not pay attention to or even view as restricting. But these concerns can keep you from executing the travel plans you have been toying with. 

What’s worse, you may not realise just how these niggling health problems are interfering with your life. For example, for someone suffering from chronic dental problems, the thought of unfamiliar food and people judging them for bad oral health is awful.

In 2023, the Journal of Transport & Health published a fascinating report. It seems that people who perceive travel constraints outside their local area perceive their health to be poorer. Being unable to travel limits their social interactions, which adds loneliness to the equation.

Once you acknowledge that health is holding you back, consider dipping into your savings to find a solution. Tackling challenges like skin or dental problems is tricky as many insurance providers don’t cover them. 

Consider pursuing legal action if your problems stem from medical or manufacturer negligence. For example, many people have suffered caries and tooth loss due to long-term Suboxone use, an anti-addiction medication. Filing a Suboxone lawsuit can help you claim damages and get the required dental help.

On that note, a dentist who recommends multiple root canals, crowns, and fillings can be the very picture of dread. But things become manageable when you have financial help. TorHoerman Law notes that proactive action can help anyone who suffers because the relevant pharmaceutical companies didn’t warn them of the side effects.

You can also pursue this route if you have faced side effects from skin products that didn’t disclose their ingredients. Discriminatory treatment, like a doctor shrugging off chronic pain in women, also deserves putting down.

Taking charge of health problems, chronic or not, becomes imperative when they keep you from exploring the bounties of the natural world. 

a woman in a bikini does yoga on the beach
I mean, I don’t think I’d look quite as good doing this pose, but I’ve done my share of yoga on the road.

#3 You’re Stuck in an Organization With Poor Work-Life Balance

Your boss promised you could take annual leave in December. But when the month arrived, they claimed a last-minute emergency had struck, requiring everyone to step up. While you can understand such a situation happening once or twice, you should look deeper if it has become a pattern.

Some workplaces in Australia and beyond have a problem of poor work-life balance. Applying for leave and being allowed to enjoy it uninterrupted by phone calls and e-mails is a mammoth task. You will find it hard to materialise your travel plans in such a setting.

Consider talking to your supervisors about how your holidays are frequently cancelled. Is there a way to build a more employee-friendly leave policy? Annual leave in Australia went up to four weeks in 1974 but hasn’t grown since. Some unions like the SDA have been working on getting more paid days off. So, good news may be coming. 

Also, ask your manager if you can send an out-of-office response for communication during the trip and address emails upon return. It might be worthwhile looking for another job if the culture is not amenable to a balanced life. You could also explore hybrid work schedules to get more time to travel and work in far-flung places. Ta-da!

Seeing the world is the best way to widen your horizons and understand other cultures. It lets you gain a broader perspective on personal problems. Ambitious travel plans can be hard to finalise and execute, but the first step is to rule out subconscious roadblocks.

When you gaze awestruck at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or watch the Northern Lights illuminate the Finnish sky, you will realise everything was worth it.

Australia and the Pacific, Europe, North & Central America, Travel Tips, United States

Golfing on a Budget: Affordable Golf Destinations for the Traveling Golfer

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A sport that needs no introduction, golf is highly popular, capturing the hearts of some 35-40 million people. It’s also one of those sports which are known to be ‘classy’ of sorts, rather than being rugged like football.

Perhaps part of the charm here is that players get to connect with nature, explore different fields, and compete in friendly matches with peers. More and more turn to it, with influence reaching younger audiences as well. This can be attributed to instances of celebs playing it or TV serials and movies showing golf.

What’s interesting is that golf’s appeal is more nuanced than simply partaking in the activity. It also has a travel culture associated with it. Since golf games are a beloved pastime of many, they enjoy their company when traveling, whether for leisure or business.

Many tend to search for suitable destinations to fuel their golfing desires, however, the issue of budget often causes a pitfall for some. Despite being termed classy, one does not have to spend a fortune necessarily to enjoy this sport. In this article, we’ll discuss the best affordable golf locations in detail so that you can enjoy yourself as much as you like without it being heavy on your pocket.

Teeing Off in Southeast Asia: Affordable and Scenic Getaways

There are plenty of opportunities for golfing should you happen to take a tour of Southeast Asia.  Besides the budget-friendly places, you’ll be greeted by scenic views you can admire while striking birdies.

For starters, Southeast Asia holds countries like Thailand, which attracts not only tourists but also people who enjoy a nomadic lifestyle, having a landscape mix of mountains and coasts. A popular choice here is the village of Hua Hin where dry weather is found during the low season which runs from June to September, making it ideal for golf. Another country in Asia, Vietnam has an attractive coastline and bright city life, and places like the Central Coast here boast notable courses.

The weather varies throughout the year as the high season sees lower temperatures, while the low season may offer better savings but also has chances for rain that can affect the golf game. In Thailand, you’ll get by in around $300 which would cover pretty much your whole golf tour while Vietnam runs cheaper as a round may cost between $50 to $100.

Australia’s Hidden Golf Gems: Stunning Landscapes for Every Budget

The ‘Land Down Under’ hosts hidden gems for golf fans, complete with stunning backdrops that fit well in any traveler’s budget. Since Australia has a varied geography and spans a huge size, you’ll be treated to many backgrounds like coastal courses with views of the ocean. These are located in New South Wales and Victoria to name a few, and feature holes that play alongside cliffs and sandy pits.

There are also opportunities for inland and desert courses depending on your preferences which are amid green forests and arid vegetation. These offer unique perspectives and a challenging game as well.

Golfing in Australia is surprisingly affordable, with it being possible to enjoy a quality game with less than $50 in fees. Factoring in the whole trip may mean a budget of 100 to 200 dollars per person but that would include the golf fees, transportation, and meals in between. A good advice to maximize savings is to play on weekdays rather than the weekends.

A North American Adventure: Affordable Fairways Across the US and Canada

North America is no less than a treasure chest for golf enthusiasts, waiting for travelers to stumble upon it. The climates and regions are varied according to personal choices as well, with California having sunny coasts while lush forests are to be enjoyed on the Northeast side where states including New York are particularly enjoyable in the fall season.

The Midwest region has expansive farmland regions with natural terrain that are thoroughly maintained. These prove to be affordable and generally fall away from the public eye meaning you get to enjoy without crowds.

The weather needs to be taken into consideration as in the Southeast side during the spring or fall mild temperatures would be your best bet to golf. In comparison, northern states have short summers but perfect conditions for the game all the way from spring to fall. Note that this is considered the peak season and prices may get higher.

Green fees for public courses fall around $30 to $70, but if playing during off-peak hours, this can fall a further 20%. For travelers, accommodation needs to be factored in and this can range. For example, in remote areas, this would be cheaper but in tourist cities, it’s often high.

European Charm: Budget-Friendly Golf in Portugal and Spain

A golfing enthusiast on a budget in Europe? Portugal and Spain offer the perfect experience, combining affordability with the classic charm of Golf.

Algarve in Portugal offers stunning views of the ocean, thanks to coastal courses like Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo. Known as a golfer’s dream, this place offers deals with a 3-night stay and 2 rounds of golf starting from £149 only.

Moreover, places like Costa del Sol in Spain are suitable for golf all year round due to the mild winters. The Andalusian courses such as Valderrama and La Manga offer historical value and suitable playing conditions.

With Europe’s delicious food and heartwarming hospitality as a bonus, one can enjoy a memorable golfing getaway.

Conclusion

While golf is usually associated with money, this proves to be a false narrative. The game can be enjoyed all over the world on a budget, from Asia to America. By picking lesser-known locations on your golf trip, you would get the most bang for your buck.

Additionally, there are also seasonal rates and group discounts to take advantage of. Pack your clubs and embrace the adventure as you venture off to your next round.

Travel Tips

Packing for Long-Term Travel: A Guide for Manly Men

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Packing for Long-Term Travel

Packing for an extended trip abroad can be stressful, especially when you are visiting multiple destinations with different climates.

It would be perfect if there were some kind of ‘ultimate packing list’ that applied to every destination and variable, but that’s not the case.

Instead, I thought I would share the ‘wisdom’ I have amassed over the last ten years on the road.

And, as I set off for three months in Tanzania, three months in Vietnam, three months in Australia, and three months in the US – I’ve been putting all of this into practice.

So, here it is, the ultimate guide to packing for long-term travel!

1 – Choosing the Right Luggage

Before you start packing for your big trip, it’s probably a good idea to have something to pack into. Airports tend to frown on you simply tossing an armload of clothing onto the baggage scale.

Ideally, you’re going to want a large suitcase or backpack for your belongings plus a smaller day-pack for when you don’t fancy lugging your entire wardrobe on your back. So, what kind of luggage do you need?

Travel Backpack vs. Roller Luggage

The debate that has been destroying relationships and ruining Christmas dinners since time immemorial: are you a backpack person or a roller bag person?

As a general rule, I prefer to use a backpack for a few reasons:

  • More lightweight than a roller bag;
  • Roller bags struggle to roll on beaches and uneven terrain;
  • You look more like you know what you’re doing;
  • Free shoulders and back work out!

While it might look like you can fit more into your roller bag, it’s worth remembering that a roller bag typically adds 2 – 5 kgs to your total. So, while you might have extra space to pack your stuff into, you’re going to run into problems when it comes time to weigh in.

With that being said, I’m currently traveling with a roller bag while I’m in the market for a new backpack. I can’t even follow my own advice! Discover essential tips for effective travel, luggage & bags management to ensure a smooth long-term journey.

What Size Do I Need?

This is all a matter of personal preference + understanding how long you’re going to be traveling.

  • For a serial over-packer like me, having my large Osprey 70L travel backpack might give me ample room, but it’s also going to encourage me to pack more than I need. I’ll also be more inclined to pick up random shit that I don’t need along the way – but for longer trips this bag has been amazing to use!
  • If you’re wanting to avoid paying for checked baggage, consider getting something smaller like a 40-55 travel backpack. Anything larger is unlikely to qualify as carry-on.

Backpack for Long-Term Travel

The All-Important Day Pack

It might seem counter-intuitive to bring along a second bag, but a day pack is essential when you’re traveling for an extended period of time.

Few and far between are the days where you’ll want all of your belongings with you, but there will be plenty of days where you’ll want to be able to bring along a change of clothes and a few other essentials. That’s where a good daypack comes in.

When I travel long-term I wear my larger backpack on my back, and then my day bag/carry-on essentials on the front. It’s the classic backpacker style, and works like a charm!

I’ve been using the fantastic Berghaus 30L Day Pack for a few years and it’s been perfect. Large enough to hold my 17″ Acer Predator laptop and all of my other electronics, it’s also water resistant enough that I could use it while hiking the Kumano Kodo, going orangutan trekking, and trekking for gorillas.

2 – Packing Cubes For Long Term Travel

For the longest time, I resisted the urge to be one of ‘those’ people who use packing cubes. I’m a man, dammit! I don’t need little cubes to help me organize my suitcase.

Except, I do need that. I really do.

My girlfriend, Adventures Around Asia, is obsessed with packing cubes and finally brought me into the fold when she brought me an Eagle Creek starter pack for Christmas.

With one cube for button-down shirts, one for t-shirts, and one for underpants, my luggage has never been more organized!

Packing Cubs for Long Term Travel

3 – Packing the right amount of clothing

This is where I’ve always had my biggest weakness. How do you pack for a trip of undetermined length and without knowing exactly what destinations you’re headed to?

First things first, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

  • What climates are you going to be in?
  • Do you need any specialised attire for formal occasions, scuba diving, hiking etc?
  • How often are you going to be able to do laundry?

Obviously, all of these questions are going to help you figure out what you need and how much of it you need.

For my recent trip to the United States, I knew I’d need to attend a wedding, so my suit had to have its place in my bag. I also knew I’d be doing some hiking, so hiking boots and gear had to make the cut.

Thankfully, my travels are keeping me away from colder climates, so bulky jackets and cold weather attire have been limited to a hoodie and a spray jacket.

What Do I Need to Pack For Long Term Travel?

When I pack for an extended trip, I try to limit myself to the following:

  • 6 t-shirts
  • 2 button-up shirts for more formal occasions
  • 2-3 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 pair of khakis or trousers
  • 1 hoodie or jacket
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 10 pairs of underpants
  • 1 pair of board shorts or other swimming attire
  • 1 pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes
  • 1 pair of semi-formal shoes or boots
  • 1 pair of sandals, thongs, or flip-flops

This is in addition to any specialized attire you might need. As I said, my packing list also includes a nice leather jacket and a pair of hiking boots. Thankfully, I’ve been able to leave my suit with my in-laws.

4 – Accessories

In addition to the all-important clothing, you’re also going to want to pack a few additional accessories. I never leave home without the below:

Travel Jacket

Boring Essentials

Then there are the other essentials that don’t necessarily need day to day use, but might be handy to have in a pinch. I never travel with a first aid kit, but probably should given my track record with broken arms and giardia…

With these tucked away in your suitcase, you’re covered for all but the most grisly of eventualities.

When it comes to medical stuff, it’s always best to chat with your doctor about what vaccinations you might need for the year to come.

5 – Condensing your toiletries

As a guy, I tend to travel with considerably fewer toiletries than my fiancee, but that doesn’t mean I’m traveling light.

Once you factor in the toiletry essentials such as toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, sunscreen, a razor, and some cologne, my toiletry kit is already a hefty addition to my luggage.

  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Deodorant
  • Razor
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Nail clippers
  • Razor
  • Cologne
  • Travel soap/shaving cream
  • Insect repellent (DEET 40% if you’re headed to the tropics)

Being a beardy git who shaves his head, I also have to bring along the various accouterments that help to make me the handsome creature that I am.

I also travel with a lightweight electric razor, as I need to shave my head every week or so to hide the fact I’m bald (by making myself balder).

6 – Travel Electronics

I’ve written before about how I’m an unabashed addict when it comes to travel gadgets. My day pack doubles as a veritable high tech lab when it comes to the number of cameras, computers, and various other electronics I cram into it.

For this upcoming trip, I’ve even got needless extras like a laptop cooling pad, Razer Naga, and vintage Nintendo 64 packed. A boy has got to stay entertained while living on a farm in Tanzania, guys!

For more practical purposes, I try to limit my travel electronics to the following:

As you can see, it’s a pretty extensive list, but I’m a content creator and somebody who can’t stand to be bored.

If you aren’t necessarily creating content for a blog or needing to be permanently connected, you could quite easily cut this list back to a few essentials such as the smartphone, universal adaptor, and a camera.

Drone for Travel - Photo

7 – Travel apps and guidebooks

In days gone by, it wasn’t uncommon to leave home with a Lonely Planet guidebook or ten crammed into your carry on.

Thankfully, with the advent of smartphones and pocket-sized eReaders, it’s never been easier to have all of the information you need right at your fingertips.

Loading a few relevant travel guidebooks on to your Kindle is always handy, as you might not have WiFi or 4G to access Google from your phone.

In addition, I always download a few travel apps ahead of a big trip such as:

That’s in addition to the obvious ones like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat etc.

If you’re looking to edit your photos on the run, I can’t speak highly enough of Enlight. I also use Swarm to keep track of everywhere I go while I’m on the road. You never know when you’re going to want to remember the name of that Thai place you ate at in Queenstown.

8 – Travel Documents

These probably go without saying, but you probably shouldn’t leave home without:

  • Your passport
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy
  • A printed copy of your itinerary
  • Any vaccination cards you might need
  • Passport photos
  • Proof of onward travel 

Another huge travel tip I have for long-term travelers is maximizing credit card rewards! When I see people use debit cards while I traveling I sigh and immediately think to myself, wow you’re really missing out! Being an Australian I regularly check CreditCardCompare.com.au for different sign-up bonuses for travel credit cards.

For my American based readers, I’d recommend looking into The Points Guy & View From The Wing for more information. Travel Hacking is so fun once you learn how to do it properly! Never spend a dime without earning points! 

ALSO – look out for a card that offers a membership to Priority Pass – this is an AMAZING airport lounge membership that I’ve gotten a lot of use out in the past few years.

Cape Town Drone Photo

9 – Travel insurance

Take it from me: you’d be an idiot to travel without insurance.

Before you head out, it makes sense to do your research and choose the right travel insurance for you.

If you’re looking to rent a car through a site like Holiday Autos, make sure that your insurance is going to cover your rental car.

I personally use World Nomads whenever I am traveling, and have recently started paying a little extra to insure my higher value items such as my Canon SX60 and my Acer Predator.

10 – Travel Esim

One of the most important aspects of traveling in the modern era is staying connected to the internet, and thankfully due to the advances in Esim technology it has never been easier. I’ve become a huge fan of Truely Travel eSIM as they have coverage plans all over the world for extremely affordable prices.

It’s very easy to install and you can be connected the minute you land in your destination! 

Additional Travel Accessories

Once you’ve packed all of your essentials: your clothes, medications, and electronics, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not you have room for a few fun extras.

For me, that’s usually a lightweight card game like Fluxx or Superfight or a big boy toy like a Nintendo Switch, but you know what you like better than I do.

Other fun little travel additions could include:

As I say, you know your tastes better than I do, so you’ll know best what little extras will make your trip a more enjoyable one.

Your Say

What are your expert travel tips?

What can’t you leave home without?

Have I missed anything or made a glaring rookie error that needs to be remedied?

Don’t hesitate to leave your questions and feedback below! I’m always checking my comments, so you’ll hear back from me!