Top Travel Tips for a Smoother, More Magical Trip

Hey, fellow traveller!
Welcome to the very first post in the Travel Tips corner of my blog — the part where I spill all my best advice, stories, and oops moments from life on the road. Whether you’re packing for your first big adventure or you’ve already filled pages of your passport, I hope these tips make your journey easier, safer, and a whole lot more magical ✨

Trust me, I’ve made every rookie mistake in the book — including one trip to Thailand where I dislocated my knee and, in a panic, begged my boyfriend to pop it back in (don’t ask). No travel insurance, no clue what to do. It worked — but it’s also the last time I ever travelled without insurance. 😅

So here it is, straight from my backpack to yours — my tried-and-true travel tips I live by 💛

✨ 1. The Magic of the Multi-Purpose Scarf

If I had to choose one item that’s always in my day bag, it’s my oversized scarf or sarong. It’s the Swiss army knife of travel — a blanket on freezing buses, a respectful temple cover-up, an impromptu beach towel, a picnic blanket, even a knotted beach dress in a pinch.
I’ve wrapped mine around my shoulders while sipping luwak coffee in Ubud, and draped it over my head for shade during a blinding-hot temple walk in Cambodia. It’s light, versatile, and makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even when you don’t).

Pro tip: Choose a lightweight fabric in a neutral pastel — it’ll match every outfit and photograph beautifully too!

🗺 2. Download Offline Maps Before You Leave Wi-Fi

If I had a dollar for every time I found myself spinning in circles on a street corner, hoping Google Maps would load… well, I’d probably have enough to buy a fresh coconut.
Now I always download offline maps of the destination before I leave the hotel. It’s such a game-changer when you’re navigating back alleys in Hanoi or trying to find that hidden waterfall in Bali. Even without signal, GPS still works, and you’ll never feel too lost.
I always download offline maps using Google Maps.

Bonus: You can also save must-see places (cafes, temples, beaches) as pins so you can wander with a purpose.

🎒 3. Pack Light — No, Lighter Than That

Let’s talk packing — the struggle is real, I know. But here’s the truth: you don’t need as much as you think.
When I first started travelling, I packed “just in case” outfits and three types of shoes. Now? If I’m not 100% sure I’ll wear it at least three times, it doesn’t come. My goal is always to travel as light as possible (especially for Southeast Asia), and every time I leave something behind, I never end up missing it. Less weight, less stress, and more room for souvenirs (and new cute clothes you know you will buy!)

Think quality basics, mix-and-match pieces, and fabrics that dry quickly. And trust me — you won’t need that second pair of jeans.

🌅 4. Sunrise Is Always Worth It

If you take one thing from this top travel tips, let it be this: set your alarm at least once for sunrise. The world feels different at dawn — peaceful, golden, and all yours.
I’ll never forget walking through the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud just as the sun crept over the horizon. The birdsong, the scent of wet earth, the silence before the scooters start buzzing — it’s a different kind of magic. Not to mention, you’ll beat the crowds and get the best light for photos. Win-win!

Grab a coffee, take a slow breath, and soak it in. Morning adventures always end up being my favorite memories.

🩹 5. Travel Insurance: Don’t Learn the Hard Way

I’m going to get real for a second: please don’t skip travel insurance. I did — once. In Thailand.
Sometime in the middle of the night, after days of waterfalls and jungle trekking, my knee gave out while getting out of bed(!), dislocated with a loud pop, and I was crying in pain with no idea what to do. I was scared, in pain, and I didn’t have insurance. So, in a panicky moment of desperation, I asked my boyfriend to pop it back in. (Spoiler: he did, and I screamed louder than a Muay Thai match.)
Never. Again.

Get the insurance. It’s boring, usually you won’t even need to use it, but when things go wrong, you’ll be SO glad you have it.

📂 6. Keep Digital & Physical Copies of Everything

Ever been stuck at a border checkpoint with 2% battery and no internet? Not fun.
Now I keep digital copies of everything: passport, visa, flight bookings, hotel confirmations, insurance docs — all stored in a cloud folder I can access offline. Also, I’m usually sending a one set to my sister’s email. I also keep one set printed and tucked in a safe spot in my backpack, just in case my phone decides to die at the worst possible time (which, of course, it will).

Organize it by trip and label clearly — future you will thank you.

🗣 7. Learn a Few Local Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent — just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much?” in the local language can completely shift your experience.
People light up when you make the effort. I’ve had street vendors in Vietnam hand me extra spring rolls just because I greeted them in Vietnamese. It breaks barriers, sparks smiles, and makes you feel way more connected to the place.

Download Google Translate offline and practice a few phrases while waiting at the airport — it’s the smallest effort with the biggest reward.

🌧 8. Embrace the Unexpected

Here’s the thing about travel: things will go wrong. Buses will break down, flip-flops will get stolen by monkeys (don’t ask), and it might rain all day during your island getaway. But those unpredictable moments? That’s where the best stories live.
The time I ended up on the boat delivering ice to the fisherman in the middle of the sea in Cambodia as my transport to the Koh Rong? Unforgettable. Travel teaches us to let go and lean into the moment — even when it’s messy, muddy, or just plain weird.

Let go of perfection. The magic is usually hiding in the detours.

💬 9. Say Yes to Adventure, But Trust Your Gut

Say yes to the spontaneous road trip. Yes to the weird fruit at the market. Yes to dinner with new people.
These “yes” moments have led me to hidden waterfalls, wild scooter rides, and some of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. BUT — never ignore your gut. If something feels off, it’s okay to say no, walk away, or change your mind. Solo travel especially teaches you to tune in — to yourself, your intuition, your energy.

Your safety and comfort are never worth compromising. Be open, but stay grounded.

📖 10. Keep a Travel Journal (Even If It’s Messy)

You think you’ll remember everything — but you won’t. The smell of that street food stall in Saigon, the sunset you watched alone on Gili Meno, the way you felt the first time you saw the ocean sparkle in Bali — it all fades. Unless you write it down.
I don’t keep a fancy journal. Sometimes it’s messy notes, sometimes it’s dried flower petals tucked between pages. But those scribbles are my story. They ground me, remind me, and bring the magic back when I’m home again.

Start with one line a day. Just one feeling, one moment. You’ll treasure it later.

💌 Final Thoughts

These are the top travel tips that I’ve learned through trial, error, and a whole lot of laughing at myself along the way. If even one of them makes your next trip smoother or more magical, I’ll be doing a little happy dance over here 💃