Traveling smart is optimizing time, money, and comfort. Get the most out of the visit and the experience. Traveling intelligently to optimize time and money. Get the most out of the visit and the experience.

These are my 13 tips to travel smart

1.Travel in low season

When work permits, it is best to travel out of the holiday season. The prices are more accessible and there are much fewer people. Eye! Not all destinations have the same seasons. Spring and fall are great times in most destinations.

2.The hotel to your measure

You don’t always have to look for the cheapest. You have to know how to spend money and take advantage of it. The hotel is perhaps the most important decision is a trip. If you visit a city make sure it has a good location and preferably has breakfast and  WiFi included. If you visit a beach or rest destination, it is worth investing in a hotel that has good quality facilities, beaches, and good services.

3. Go Local

Leaning towards local products is an extremely smart decision as well as an ecological one. Transporting products from other countries or localities always pollutes and the price will be paid at the end by the visitor.

Discovering local wines or dishes from the region is part of the traveling experience. Forget the chains and visit the local coffee shop and classic restaurants at each site.

4. Travel light

Carrying a backpack or industrial size suitcase is never recommended. In addition to how heavy it can be, there are many factors to take into account.

• Weight allowed by the airline.
• If you travel in a group, those suitcases will have to be accommodated in the car and many times they will end up paying another taxi to carry only the suitcases.
• If you go en route, it is impractical to carry large luggage.

5. Use WiFi

Many people ask me about the data packets of the telephone companies. I have used them and they are usually useful if you need to be connected to the internet all the time, but they seem very expensive. For me the best option is  WiFi. In many countries, free WiFi is very common in hotels, restaurants, and even parks. The WiFi finder app can help you find open networks to connect to and share your trips on social media.

6. Do your homework

Planning is the best way to save money and time on a trip. The more you know your destination before stepping on it, the more you will enjoy the experience. Look for many hotel options, decide before you arrive the places you want to visit, and always have a plan B in case things do not happen as you planned.

7. Treat yourself

At least one night during your trip, treat yourself and visit a good restaurant. Get ready, book, and enjoy. Find places that offer a unique culinary experience and let yourself go. The flavors are also a journey.

8. Souvenirs

I have told you before about my opinion regarding souvenirs. My advice is to get away from the typical “Made in China” souvenir and look for something more original and special. Some local designers offering clothes you won’t find anywhere else. Crafts made in front of your eyes. The possibilities are many but generally not at first glance.

9. Fewer countries more cities

Although I know that not everyone has the opportunity to travel constantly. I strongly recommend not visiting more than two countries in one trip. Doing those tours where you visit 6 countries in two weeks seems like an outrage to me where you don’t know anything and you only see everything happen.

My recommendation is to focus preferably on a single country as far as possible. Soak up its culture, visit various cities and look for little-known corners. See everything calmly and enjoy.

10. Don’t look for the famous, look for what you like

It is difficult to resist the photo in the most famous places in the cities. Visit well-known museums or the squares that the books talk about. But actually traveling is a personal experience and has to do with taste.

If you love food, focus on looking for unique and recommended restaurants. If you love art, dedicate more time to a museum that you like or sign up for a temporary workshop. Don’t be afraid to get off the traditional tourist trail and look for something that is special to you.

11. Use coupons and discounts

Many attractions, restaurants, and even hotels have promotions and discounts or try coupon sites such as Priceline coupons. Use them in case they are useful to you. Most museums offer free admission one day a month and all have special discounts for students, senior citizens, etc. Visit the websites of the places you want to visit and find out.

12. Take advantage of loyalty programs

If you are a frequent traveler and accumulate miles or points in hotels, do not hesitate to use them. They generally expire and it is good to take advantage of them. Make the most of loyalty programs by informing yourself about all the options you have and have it as an option when looking for a hotel or flight.

13. Be responsible

The most important thing I think is to be responsible when traveling. The biggest difference between a  traveler and a  tourist is that the former is usually generous and the latter selfish. I explain. The tourist is generally not very aware of the impact that his presence has in the places and tries to do everything at home. In total, he spends a few days or a few hours in the city and he does not know if he will ever return in his life, so what does it matter if he does not behave up to the task. The traveler, on the other hand, is more respectful and wants his presence to be helpful.

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