The Roaming Gnome’s DOs and DON’Ts of Traveling

DO remember these wisdoms on your next trip. Wander wisely with the Roaming Gnome.

1. DO treat yourself to a nice flight by booking on a less popular travel day.

The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, so try to snag a flight then. Most expensive travel days? Fridays and Sundays.

2. DON’T be that guy during the check-in process.

Find out how many bags you can check beforehand, make sure your kiddies are behaving while in the airport lounge, and be courteous to everyone who works there.

3. DO leave early to beat the traffic.

Make sure you check in online 24 hours in advance and download your boarding pass in addition to printing one out, in case your phone decides to die on you.

4. DON’T trust your memory on where you parked at the airport.

Snap a photo on your phone of your section at the airport parking lot to spare yourself a bad mood when you come home.

5. DO pack wisely.

Bring anything you’ll need to have a good time, especially items you won’t be able to find easily (or affordably) at your destination. Save some room by checking with the hotel concierge to see what items they offer free of charge for guests!

6. DON’T bring anything you wouldn’t be able to replace.

Your favorite pair of sneakers? Bring it! Your antique engagement ring from bae’s great-great-memaw? Leave it.

7. DO fill your social media feeds with selfies.

Take photos at every juncture of your trip. You’ll be glad you did later on. Remember to back up your phone and files as you go!

8. DON’T risk your life for the selfie, though.

And don’t ever swim in unauthorized or unguarded waters!

9. DO experiment with different modes of transportation.

Part of the excitement of travel is experiencing as much as you can the way the locals do it. The best way to find out how? Research the region’s customs regarding politeness, befriend some locals, and smile!

10. DON’T forget the rental car insurance.

Also be sure to check if any health insurance you have will follow you in your travels outside of your home country — if not, travelers medical plans are a smart thing to have.

11. DO pack earplugs.

You want your flight and the night after a long travel day to be as restful as possible to keep you in good traveling health. You never know how truly noisy your trip may get, so earplugs are a good thing to pop in your pack.

12. DON’T complain about the noise when you’re traveling through party central.

Traveling is the best excuse to live out loud and embrace the energy of your destination!

13. DO pick up an authentic souvenir or two.

Splurging is encouraged at least once during your travels. You won’t regret doing so on something you can keep forever that will remind you of your worldliness.

14. DON’T count the trinkets you can get anywhere as “souvenirs.”

Pro tip: If they were made in another country than the one you’re visiting, they’re not worth it.

15. DO try to haggle with merchants at the market.

And don’t forget to always have cash on you, in your currency and the local currency. Try slipping your spare bills in socks and underneath shoe inserts!

16. DON’T try to haggle with TSA agents at the airport.

 

Be kind. Be courteous. And remove your jacket and shoes without complaint.

17. DO gorge on tasty new foods.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is to try the local cuisine and delicacies. The more unusual to you the better, in fact.

18. DON’T spend your entire vacation in a food coma.

There’s just too much to see!

And finally: DO the wise thing by booking your next trip with Travelocity.

 

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.