"Buy the ticket, take the ride"
Hunter S. Thompson

I remember all those long years ago when I was 17 and got on a plane by myself and went to Osaka, Japan. I was so green! But, so full of enthusiasm, 12 hour layovers filled me with excitement instead of dread. Fast forward 37 countries later and I am a bit more suspicious of long layovers, but I still have that same great enthusiasm and I have even learned a few things along the way!

Here are my personal top ten tips

Be brave

Just get out there and do it. Get that ticket. Smile! Say "Hi" to people. Make new friends and let them in on your adventure. Even if you will only be friends for a short time that connection and memory can last a lifetime. Open yourself to the experiences that life has to offer. This IS what traveling is about.

Alex and our good friend exploring the temples - Cambodia

Diversify your money

Never travel with just one card. Take a combination of cards one Visa and one Mastercard and keep them in different places. Also have some easily convertible cash (like US dollars or Euros) hidden somewhere like inside the lining of your bag in case of emergencies.

Buddha knows that it is easier to be zen when you spread your risk - Sri Lanka

Look for deals

There are so many resources to find a place to stay these days it is easier than ever before. but do shop around before deciding on anything. You can get a better price, but also find something cooler for the same price. Skyscanner is a good place to start your search. Airbnb is awesome for finding unique places. Set up price alerts for airfares and be patient.

Our first Airbnb - Thailand

Learn the language

Nothing is more fun than going to a country opening your mouth and having sounds the locals can understand come out. The smiles are worth all the effort. There are so many awesome resources available these days too. Before our trip to Italy I did a crash course using Duolingo and a grammar book we had laying around. Or take it to the next level and enrol for a course in the country you want to travel in. 4-6 weeks should be a good amount of time to get the basics down and have an awesome time doing it! Programs can be super affordable too, for example Spanish in South America.

Understand the world around you, don't just see it, know it - Russia

Make sure your cameras and phones are charged

Sadly I have missed many a photo because of dead batteries. Don't make that mistake. Get an adapter and don't get caught unprepared, because you never know what will be around the next corner. Also back everything up on a cloud and on a USB just in case! Camera theft happens. BACKUP EVERY DAY!!!!!

Many hours of walking would have been forgotten without a well charged camera - Georgia

Get there at the right time

Some places are ridiculous like Rome's Trevi Foutain because there are thousands of tourists at any given second taking selfies. Doesn't really let you feel the magic of the place or get your own sweet selfie! But make sure you know when is a good time to enjoy the place. For example some places get flooded with tour buses as soon as they open, so come later in the day. other places get crazy from midday, so come early. You get the idea. Ask the receptionists at your hotel or hostel and they can usually let you know.

Amazing photo point - Estonia

Choose the right clothes

I know this sounds obvious, but keep in mind that trekking in flip-flops sucks, or that those cool city shoes you wear to the office will kill your feet after 6 hours of sightseeing. Always have a jumper or something with long sleeves in your bag for summer nights. In winter or more unpredictable weather destinations like New Zealand make sure you have a hat and gloves, and a swim suit, and rain jacket (even one of the super cheap ones in a bag will do). Trust me when you need it, you won't regret having carried it.

it was damn cold and wet that day, but well worth the effort - Armenia

Check the local guides

in the days of the internet we sometimes overlook the value of tourist magazines, flyers, and info centre maps which can have a lot of useful information which may be hard to find because of language barrier. Every hotel and hostel will have these around.

Checking the map - Sri lanka

Ask locals about prices

Nothing worse than paying way too much for something because you don't have an understanding of prices in the country you are visiting. Well..., ok, maybe a few worse things, but keep your eyes open for over charging scams. Taxis are the worst offenders. Demand the meter or ask someone to call a reputable company for you, most locals are happy to help. Be careful at markets with prices too. Most people are totally honest so don't be paranoid but watch out for things that may cost way too much. Ask at your accommodation to get an idea. It is also very important to know if you need to bargain and if you need to tip. Bargain hard if you need too, and tip generously if it is the custom. The market sellers will respect you, and the waiters will remember you.

This Durian was AMAZING! - Indonesia

Be prepared

There are little things that you need to have with you. This list will be different for everyone but make sure you have your tools. For example I always carry a swiss army knife and thermos of water. I even took a picture of Sean Connery on a trip once, seriously this was essential gear!

Sean and I - Vietnam

I hope you have found my tips useful. Please add any of your tips down below!