With thousands of islands, quiet rural mountainsides, and massive cities to explore, the Philippines travel tips is necessary. Planning your trip ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches, because there is a lot that you need to know before coming to the Philippines. A little research on travel tips for Philippines will go a long way, ensuring that you have a memorable and safe experience while reducing the risk for any unwanted and unexpected incidents.

Before you go, read up on these travel tips Philippines.

1. Visa

The very first thing you should do once you decide to come to the Philippines is to check if your passport requires you to obtain a visa. This is essential information and a visa must never be treated as an after thought. There are over 150 countries that do not require a visa to enter the Philippines for varying durations; for example, citizens of the European Union, United States, Australia, and members of the ASEAN (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei) are permitted to stay in the Philippines without a visa for 30 days. Check what your passport entitles you to, and once you have this taken cared of, you can proceed to planning the rest of your trip. If you intend on staying longer than 30 days, visas are generally easy to extend for a fee.

2. Medicine and toiletries

The largest cities of the Philippines, Manila and Cebu, have world-class hospitals and medical facilities. Drug store chains are easily found throughout the city, so if something should happen to you while traveling to these areas, you are in good hands.

Things are different in coastal towns and remote places; bringing your own medicine and personal effects is one of the top things to know for your trip. This is especially important if you have special health needs such as an inhaler for asthma, feminine products, or medicines that may not be available in the Philippines. The Mercury Drugstore and Watson’s chains are good one-stop shops while you’re in Manila, before heading off to more remote and beautiful destinations that the Philippines has to offer.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that it’s essential to always carry insect repellent wherever you go. Mosquitoes are present everywhere and aside from the obvious nuisances it brings, you’ll also want to avoid contracting dengue in the Philippines.

3. Hotel and flight arrangements

As a general rule of thumb, booking hotels and flights far in advance can result in substantial savings. The peak season in the Philippines runs from November to April, but the super peak seasons of Christmas and Holy Week means that hotels in top destinations (Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Baguio, Palawan) oftentimes triple their rates.

If you intend to travel to top tourist destinations during super peak periods, booking as far ahead as possible will save you money. The use of online travel agency services such as Agoda, Expedia, Booking.com, and AirBnB all offer an excellent assortment of accommodations throughout the Philippines to suit all budgets. If you intend to stay for at least 2 weeks in one destination, AirBnB typically offers long-stay discounts.

4. Weather

November to May are the dry months of the Philippines, while the other parts of the year are more prone to thunderstorms and rainfall. However, weather in the Philippines is extremely unpredictable. It’s always hot and humid especially in beach areas, but be prepared for a chance of rainfall. You’ll also want to consider getting travel insurance for your trip – Philippine weather can be unpredictable, and the country is prone to getting battered by strong typhoons which can lead to canceled flights.

5. Culture and etiquette

The Philippines is a very tourist-friendly destination, and with the hospitality that the locals are known for, making friends is easy. But foreigners need to be cautious of communicating with Filipinos who are extremely proud of their local culture but may also be very sensitive when faced with the straightforwardness that is accepted in western culture. It is always appreciated to show basic courtesy such as by saying “please” and “thank you” (salamat in the local language) whenever possible, but most importantly – smile wherever you go!

Filipinos are a happy people, so when you see someone smile at you, don’t forget to smile back. Keep in mind the Filipino value of “pakikisama” which means “getting along”, often displayed by locals to tourists when you are invited to join them in partaking of a local drink or eating with them. Additionally, always have a sense of propriety and display good behavior at all times particularly when you come in contact with Filipina women and elders. On some occasions, foreign men may be greeted by “Hey, Joe!”, but don’t take it personally – it’s just the Filipinos’ way of being friendly and associating Caucasian men with the GI Joes from the American occupation.

6. Money

Before visiting, speak with your local bank to advise them that you’ll be using your ATM and/or credit card while traveling in the Philippines. This way, any transactions done will not be considered fraudulent, which may result in your card getting blocked in the middle of your trip. ATM machines that dispense cash in the local currency (Philippine pesos) are easily found in the top destinations of the Philippines. However, if you will be traveling to remote beaches and rural areas, don’t expect ATM machines to be as available so make sure that you take enough cash with you. It also helps to always have small change (coins and PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100 denominations) when traveling to remote areas so that you can easily pay for transportation via a motorbike or tricycle.

When it comes to budgeting, it will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do. Food and drinks in big cities can rack up a serious bill, but one of the best things about traveling to the Philippines is that there is always a more affordable option available. Generally, budget travelers can do away with PhP 1,000 a day, mid-range travelers can spend between PhP 1,000-2,500 a day, and more for luxury travelers. It’s important to factor in the transportation involved for each day of travel, as well as the kind of food and drink you want to enjoy.

7. Tipping

It’s always practical advice to leave a tip of at least 10% if you are happy with food and services throughout the Philippines. Tipping is generally expected from tourists, especially in touristic areas and beach resorts. These are largely appreciated by service providers in the tourism industry in the Philippines since many of those employed in the industry earn minimum wage and it can make a significant difference in their life. Most restaurants and hotels already factor in a 10% service charge (printed as SC on your bill), which means that there is no longer a tip necessary but feel free to be generous especially if you had a very good experience. Some establishments may be stingy in distributing tips to staff, so if someone did a good job serving you or cutting your hair, make sure that the tip goes directly to the person who worked with you whenever you can.

8. Transportation

Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is notorious for traffic. But travelers these days are luckier: the advent of on-demand ride sharing apps such as Uber and Grab have replaced taxis, although they’re still around. These apps provide a safer, more reliable, and hygienic transportation experience within city destinations (Manila and Cebu city). A short ride on one of these services can cost around PhP 100, but these prices can increase to as much as PhP 350 particularly during rush hour.

Private car services may be availed of; the starting rates are around PhP 3,000 with a driver for 8 hours although these rates may be negotiated. Jeepney rides only cost around PhP 10, but they high-risk modes of transport in the city because they are prone to pick-pockets.

In remote areas and provinces, it’s important that you understand that the forms of transport prior to travel especially in rural areas where ride-sharing apps and vehicles are not available.

Motorbikes (locally known as habal-habal) and tricycles are more common in remote areas, including Philippine beaches. They are the main mode of transportation here, and are generally safe; they cost PhP 20 and up for one way depending on the distance and the destination itself. Island-hopping tours are always done via outrigger boat in the Philippine islands; they can cost anywhere from PhP 300 up depending on the destination, and the attractions to be seen.

9. Safety

Generally speaking, the Philippines is as safe as other destinations within Southeast Asia. However, since Philippine President Duterte began office on June 30, 2016, the country has been considered unsafe especially in poor areas where the government’s efforts on the war on drugs continues to plague society. The war on drugs targets local drug syndicates and suspected drug pushers, so it’s still safe for tourists. There are no safety issues to be concerned about in tourist destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, Baguio, Palawan, and Bohol. Just be wary of pick-pockets during your travels and read up on the state of the country especially if you are travelling independently. Avoid the areas of Southwest Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga, locations which are at high risk for terrorist attacks.

10. Language

Next to Tagalog, the local language of the Philippines, English is the most widely spoken language. There are over 100 dialects spoken in the various provinces of the country, although getting around and communication shouldn’t be a problem especially in developed tourist destinations. Most service providers can speak at least a little English, and communication isn’t considered a problem at all.

11. Food

Taking care of the food and drink you consume is one of the most important tips for planning travel to the Philippines. Travelers with sensitive stomachs, or those who haven’t been exposed to other countries in Southeast Asia, may come down with a stomach bug if certain foods are eaten, especially street food which is popular throughout the country. Street food, although cheap and considered delicious by many foreigners, are not manufactured with the food standards in mind, which increases the risk for getting sick. If you have a sensitive stomach, make sure to always bring medications with you. Tap water is not potable, and instead of drinking service water ask for bottled water instead to minimize the risk for contracting food-borne illness.

All restaurants in the Philippines are required to undergo hygiene inspections and training, but international standards are not always enforced especially in small towns. It is best to use your judgment when deciding on what restaurant to eat in; look for those that appear clean and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked.

12. What to pack

Packing well is a must know Philippines tips. People in Manila and Cebu dress very well, given that these are large cities with a massive expat population. Hotels and restaurants have dress codes in these areas, and wearing shorts especially in high-end establishments may cause you to be rejected at the door. If you’re traveling to beaches and remote areas, the dress code is almost nonexistent; flip flops are common and light materials (cotton, linen) will keep you cool despite the heat.

Although many travelers commonly wear as little as possible, it’s best that women avoid wearing anything too revealing (plunging necklines, see-through material) since this can attract cat-callers and improper behavior from the opposite sex, local or otherwise.

Pack light if you can since laundry is easy and inexpensive throughout the country. Sarongs and pashminas are a versatile piece of clothing that can be used in the beach while keeping you cozy during long bus or plane rides. Cover up if visiting any of the Philippines’ churches, especially shoulders and legs.

Don’t forget the sunscreen: it can get very hot in the Philippines especially during the dry months.

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Traveling in the Philippines will bring about many pleasant surprises. It’s not uncommon for foreigners to never leave after their first stay, because it’s hard to resist the hospitality and warmth of the Filipino people. Keeping these travel tips in mind will ensure your trip is smooth sailing all the way.

After being cooped up for so long, you probably can’t wait to feed that travel bug. But as you make plans to hit the sky or the road, you’ll want to factor in how the spread of COVID-19 could affect your itinerary, especially now that the delta variant is surging across the country.

Traveling during a pandemic requires a more detailed and cautious approach than before, but it can be done while minimizing risks to you. We spoke with pulmonary and critical care physician Joseph Khabbaza, MD, about how to approach travel right now. Keep reading to find out what he has to say and to discover tips that can help you stay safe whether you’re in the car, on a plane, in a cabin or at a hotel.

Things to consider when planning your trip

As you’re planning your trip, it’s good to be mindful of every possible scenario you could encounter. By taking a proactive approach, you can help keep yourself and those traveling with you safe.

Here are a few questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider as you’re creating your itinerary.

• Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re headed?
• Is COVID-19 spreading in your community?
• Will you or the people who you are traveling with be within six feet of others during or after your trip?
• Are the people who are traveling with you at high risk for COVID-19?
• Do you live with someone who is at high risk?
• Will the state or local government where you live or at your destination require you to stay home for 14 days after traveling?
• If you get sick with COVID-19, will you have to miss work or other obligations?

“As long as we apply our everyday precautions to our travels, the risks can be minimized significantly,” Dr. Khabbaza says. “We can do this by maintaining distance and wearing a mask around those who are outside of our small circles, keeping our hands sanitized and not touching our eyes, nose, or mouth if our hands are not clean. Being in environments where mask compliance is strong is also important in minimizing risk and keeping occurrences of COVID-19 transmission low.”

How to protect yourself from COVID-19 while traveling in the car

Considering our vehicles are familiar and comfortable to us, it makes sense to embrace the road warrior approach for vacation. “We tend to take road trips with those in our immediate circles, so driving will be the safest route of travel during a pandemic,” Dr. Khabbaza adds.

But in order to avoid riding in style with germs, there are some precautions you should take before you hit the road.

Start by cleaning and disinfecting your vehicle thoroughly. Wipe down all high-touch surfaces and parts (windows, seat belts, the steering wheel, door handles, controls, etc.). And be sure to keep antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer in the car so you can wipe down everything and passengers can clean their hands after each stop.

Don’t bring too many people along for the ride

When it comes to passengers, the CDC recommends limiting the number of people in your vehicle if possible. And since you all can’t be six feet apart, it doesn’t hurt to wear masks in the car, especially if you’re traveling with someone who is at high risk for COVID-19. Dr. Khabbaza also recommends wearing a mask in the car especially if you’re traveling with someone who is outside of your immediate circle.

Before stopping for gas or food, designate a runner for travel-related tasks. Have one or two people who aren’t at high risk go in to grab snacks or buy gas if you don’t want to pay at the pump. Just make sure your designated runners mask up and clean their hands thoroughly before getting back in the car. And as you’re filling up, avoid scrolling through your phone while pumping gas to minimize the risk of any contamination.

As you’re cruising to your destination, keep the windows open if possible to let fresh air in and boost ventilation. If you’re headed to a warmer area and air conditioning is a must, set the air ventilation or air conditioning to non-recirculation mode.

How to stay safe in ride-share vehicles

Ride-share services have made it much easier for us to get around whether we’re at home or out of town. Before you hop into a ride-share vehicle, make sure you have hand sanitizer with you to use once you arrive at your destination. Also, it’s not advisable to accept complimentary drinks, magazines, candy or anything else that sometimes is offered to riders.

“When getting in a ride-share vehicle, it’s important that both you and the driver wear masks, especially since you’re in a small space with a stranger for a good amount of time,” Dr. Khabbaza says.  “You can even wear eye protection in this setting to minimize the risk of infection or transmission.”

Pump the brakes on the carpool option

The carpool option with ride-share apps might allow you to save big during certain times of the day, but right now, it’s not worth it given the increased risk that comes with being in close proximity to a stranger.

So, keep rides limited to you and the people you’re traveling with. And when possible, ride in the back seat instead of the passenger’s seat to keep a little distance between you and the driver.

Dr. Khabbaza points out that some ride-share drivers have added a partition between the front and back in their vehicles. This minimizes risk of transmission significantly. He suggests doing a little research on each ride-share company beforehand so you’ll have a better idea of the safety features that are available in the area.

Is it safe to fly right now?

Those cheap flights are pretty darn tempting right now. If you decide to take to the skies, keep in mind that staying safe on a plane requires far more than just wearing a mask. Before you even get to the plane, you have to contend with check-in terminals and security lines. This means coming in contact with frequently touched surfaces and being around a lot of people. While your concern might be centered on staying safe on the plane, you should focus more on protecting yourself before boarding.

“The wild card with modes of travel like flying is that you have no idea who will be seated next to you,” Dr. Khabbaza explains. “If masking is enforced during the flight, hands are kept clean and you avoid touching your face, the risk to you is low.”

As of January 21, 2021, it is a violation of federal law not to wear masks on public transportation according to the CDC guidelines. So any commercial airline you fly should require all passengers to wear a face mask. This includes children age 2 and older.

According to the CDC, most viruses don’t spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, many airlines have taken necessary precautions to keep their planes sanitized and safe for travelers.

Airplanes these days have HEPA filters and clean outdoor air as well as recirculated air passes through them. Many airlines are thoroughly cleaning and even fogging planes with an electrostatic disinfectant that clings to seatbelts and other high-touch surfaces. Some airlines have even adjusted seating arrangements to allow for more room between passengers.

As for personal protection, a number of airlines require face coverings to board flights. Some are even providing antibacterial wipes for passengers. The TSA is currently allowing one 12-ounce container of liquid hand sanitizer in carry-on bags until further notice. This is good news because you can always use your sanitizer or wipes to clean armrests, seats, light buttons and even the bathroom door handle for extra peace of mind.

Should you fly right now?

Ultimately, it’s up to you. Just keep the risks in mind when making the decision. If you’re sick or at higher risk for the coronavirus, it is probably best to stay on the ground. The same goes for any friends or family members who want to travel with you. “The decision on whether you should fly depends on your personal level of risk tolerance and being aware of the local rates of COVID-19 at both your starting and final destinations,” says Dr. Khabbaza. “If you do choose to fly, it can be done safely by sticking to the basics.”

How to protect yourself from the coronavirus when camping

Not being able to frequent public places that we were accustomed to pre-pandemic has caused many of us to turn to our local parks. This is not a bad thing as being in nature can help reduce stress and allow us to reconnect with ourselves.

DO:

• Visit parks that are close to your home.
• Check with the park or recreation area in advance to prepare safely, to find out if the bathroom facilities are open and to get a better idea of what services are available.
• Stay at least six feet away from others you don’t live with and take the necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19.
• Carefully consider the use of playgrounds and help children follow guidelines.
• Play it safe around and in swimming pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds by keeping space between yourself and others.

DON’T:

• Visit parks if you are sick with, tested positive for, or know you were recently exposed to COVID-19.
• Visit crowded parks.

And of course, stay on top of hand hygiene like you would if you were at home.

This city has endowed with a wide range of iconic attractions and quite often, it has always been voted as the most livable and beautiful city on the globe, filled with beautiful coastline, natural harbor, and warm climate. And the greatest way of seeing the majesty and breadth of the Sydney iconic attractions is by touring Sydney. For an incredible Sydney experience, we advise capturing the below famous landmarks in Sydney by taking a flight into this city using Cathay Pacific airline.

1. Bondi to Coogee Trail

The coastline walk is a spectacular 6km extension over Sydney’s eastern beaches. The journey starts at the Bondi Icebergs Pool, which sits on the hillside and finishes over Aboriginal rock at Marks Park. Besides, you’ll walk through Waverley Cemetery that was opened in 1877 – which is known for its largely intact Edwardian and Victorian monuments. It is often depicted as one of the most popular cemeteries in the entire world. The walk also allows you to swim along as you circumnavigate the terrain.

2. The Blue Mountains

About 50km West of Sydney, the renowned Blue Mountain stretches over a 250million hectares of inaccessible and remote land and boasts 13-percent of the well-known eucalyptus trees in the world. Reputed for its rock development named the Greater Blue Mountain and Three Sisters, which are a class of a World Heritage Area. The Blue Mountain has a blue tinge that is caused due to the dispersion of oils that are given out by eucalyptus trees. When the oils interact with light waves, water vapor, and dust, it culminates in a blue haze. This mountain has been a well-known spot for climbers, walkers, hikers, and abseiling.

3. Sydney Harbor

This is one of the deepest harbors in the globe with about 50400 mega-liters of water. Sydney Harbor boasts a depth of 9M or even more at low water, with a max depth of 24.4M at the harbor entrance. The harbor has over 240km of foreshore and stretches over 55 sq km. There are over 20,000 boats that are registered in the harbor, which is about 52 per sq km. Besides, there are over 20-swimming beaches in the harbor.

4. Opera House

The Opera House is a growing hub of history, culture, and art. It is noted that the Sydney Opera House cost about AUD102 million, which was 14-times the initial estimate. The roof is known to have taken about 1,056006 tiles. The attraction site is estimated to attract over 7 million visitors every year and hold a min of 3000 shows every year.

5. Sydney Tower

When it was opened in 1981, Sydney Tower was the known tallest structure and now, it comes as the second tallest tower in Sydney. This freestanding unit in Australia is 1001 feet over the CBD of Sydney. The tower offers 360-degree views of the Blue Mountains, Darling Harbor, and the Sydney skyline in the distance. This is a wonderful destination to be with your friends and family members.

6. Sydney beaches

Sydney is surrounded by some cute beaches, headlands, unique estuaries, and protected bays. These landmarks remain to be the best places to visit with your friends or family members for more fun. You can perform a wide range of activities such as fishing, surfing, boating, swimming and many more. Sydney features up to 34 beaches that you can always visit and spend your time on. Many Cathay Pacific airlines incorporate most flights that fly over these coastal sea cliffs that allow you to watch these beaches. This includes Manly Beach and Bondi beach just to name a few.

7. Mrs. Macquarie’s chair

If you are looking forward to the best vantage points, Mrs. Macquarie’s chair remains to be the best option. This is well known to be carved from a rock mainly for Governor Lachlan’s wife Elizabeth. Back then, she used to love visiting the place most of the time to enjoy the excellent view of the harbor. It is one spot you can always visit when out for picnics or when you need a more expansive look at the Sydney harbor.

8. Sydney Harbor Bridge

Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of the largest wide-span bridges and the tallest arch bridges in the entire world. Moreover, it remains to be the 5th longest spanning arch bridge on the globe. Most of the locals usually call it ” the coat hanger. This is because it has a unique shape brought about by well-trained engineers that initially opened it back in 1932. Due to the heating and cooling effects, this arch can rise or fall by 18 centimeters. Its establishment was done back in 1932. Also, it is believed that about 272,000 liters of paint were used during its first coating. You can always watch these beautiful arch bridges whenever you are flying over and visiting Sydney.

9. Royal Botanic Gardens

These royal botanic gardens are just a few minutes walk from the Opera house. It is located in 30 hectares of differently themed gardens. Additionally, it is well known to host various scientific research and many educational programs. You can always spend your time walking through the paths or get free guided walks through the garden. Also, it offers you Aboriginal heritage tours if you are interested in one. You can as well enjoy the iconic view of these gardens as you fly to Sydney.

10. Watsons Bay

Watson’s bay is one major landfall that occurred back in 1788. This was where captain Philip and his colleagues camped overnight. Whenever you need to experience the best sunset, Watsons Bay remains to be the best place to always visit to see the sun setting down to the west over the Harbor Bridge. You can always watch the beautiful beaches and unique harbors.

Conclusion

With guided tours through Sydney, you can always watch the above landmarks in Sydney. They are indeed the best places to visit with your loved ones to have fun. Therefore, with a guide airline, you can capture them from a certain perspective to give you a better impression. This makes Sydney a place for the locals and tourists to spend time.

From packing light to keeping a routine. Travelling for business is not all that glamorous as some people imagine it to be. These 20 tips can make business travel more bearable, less stressful and more productive.

1. If you’re heading to a new airport, look up terminal maps, food options, shopping, and activities in case you are delayed. Some shopping or a delicious meal will keep your mind off the fact that your flight has been delayed (yet again) and will help to reduce your stress level. Bonus tip: keep an open and flexible mind and mentally prepare yourself for these situations. Life happens and it’s not worth the stress, nor the headache. After all, there’s nothing you can do about it, so you’d better make to most of it!
2. Invest in decent noise-cancelling headphones. They are worth every penny, especially on long flights.
3. Pack at least one change of clothing and a few toiletries to take with you on the plane. If your checked luggage is lost, you’ll be glad you don’t have to attend a meeting in yesterday’s clothes.
4. While flying, stay hydrated, especially on long-haul flights. Buy a big water bottle after check-in (or bring your own empty flask) and ask the attendants nicely if they can refill it. Reduce or eliminate alcohol and coffee consumption. It will dehydrate you and increase jet lags. Also, your sleep will be disrupted considerably. Instead, drink a cup of chamomile tea to ease yourself to sleep.
5. Make sure you have your travel information available in your carry-on or handbag beside your phone. Your phone could easily get lost or break during travel. And the other way around too. Make a digital back up (the cloud) of the important documents (passports, boarding passes, booking confirmations) so you’re covered in the event of loss or theft. Bonus tip: Download your airline’s app, so you can easily access your mobile boarding pass, gate information, and so on.
6. If possible try to book with the same airline company (or within the same group) and save up your miles of every flight to enjoy perks and advantages during travelling (upgrades, etc.). Bonus tip: Use Rocketmiles.com or Agoda to book your hotel. These sites allow you to earn frequent flyer points while making a reservation.
7. Book directly at the rental agencies’ website instead of booking your rental car through the airline to avoid misunderstandings. And download your rental car agency’s app. Many allow you to check in online and skip the counter when you arrive.  Bonus digital tip: download offline area maps beforehand or on the wifi to limit your mobile data usage/expenses.
8. Invest in luggage: choose a durable piece of luggage and laptop bag. Make sure it has a lot of padding, distributes weight evenly and has sturdy wheels. For a laptop bag, we recommend a strap on the back so you can securely place your bag on top of your luggage on the telescopic handle. This will provide an easy way to carry it all at once without fumbling with different pieces of luggage.
9. If possible, use only a carry-on luggage. It’s easier and you don’t need to wait for your luggage at arrivals. In addition, it will reduce the chance of losing your luggage. Bonus packing tip: if you only use a carry-on, you can roll up your clothes to save more place in order to take even more clothes with you!   Place your undies and socks (small garments) in a plastic ziplock bag for further luggage organization and easy access.
10. Pack workout clothes: working out reduces jet lag, stress and has many other benefits for business travellers. Bonus Workout tip: Why start working out when you are at your destination? Begin your workout even before you board the plane. Walk around the terminal or up and down the plane, roll your neck and shoulder while seated or twirl your feet. Keep your blood flowing with these exercises, even when seated.
11. If you are on a long flight, we recommend putting on (or bringing a set of) comfy pants, a loose shirt and a cosy sweater. You will thank us for that tip around the 3^rd hour you are seated on an 8+hour flight! Besides, these days, you can find comfy clothes that are also stylish. Bonus tip: Dress in layers so you can easily adjust to the temperature switch between aeroplane and terminal.
12. Make a master packing list and use it every trip to ensure you won’t forget anything wherever you go. Packing Tip: Pack extra underwear. You never know what happens. So in case, you need to extend your visit, at least you have a fresh pair of knickers.
13. Consume healthy food. Buy or pre-pack healthy snacks for your flight and order the vegetarian option for a light and healthy(ier) meal.
14. Keep your routine. Follow your home routine on the road, as much as possible. If you are an early riser, book an early flight. Travelling is stressful as it is. Make it easier by sticking to your routine.  If you work-out in the morning at home, do the same during travelling. The same counts for your bedtime routine.
15. Put electronics, medication, a toothbrush and an extra pair of underwear in your carry-on bag. Bonus tip: Beware to check what kind of plug you will need for your electronics. Should you need another outlet plug, you can buy these in the airport when you arrive (or pre-order them before your flight).
16. Save your room number and hotel address in your phone for easy access. Preferably in your notes app for easy access, even without wifi.
17. Take pictures! It is advised to take pictures not only as personal souvenirs but as a memory support/reminder. At the airport, take a picture of the location where you parked your car. After a long-haul flight, you might not remember the place exactly. Bonus Tip: Take pictures of the outside of your hotel and any landmarks around it. It will make it easier explaining to that one taxi driver who doesn’t speak any English, where you need to go.
18. Check the expiry date of your passport on time. Update it, if necessary, to avoid potential delays.
19. Make sure your hotel provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, airport shuttle or even a shuttle to the city centre, or other services you might need. This will also prevent you with the shock of additional, unforeseen costs at the end of your trip.
20. When you are going to a lunch or dinner meeting in a foreign country, it won’t hurt to check the eating etiquettes of that country. Every country has its own culture and it would be unfortunate to leave a rude impression, even if it were only by accident.