First, always check the rules and requirements for entering the country you are going to. There are often changes in visa regulations, vaccination requirements or quarantine measures. For example, in some countries a passport is sufficient, while in others you may need a special visa or health insurance. Familiarize yourself with these rules in advance so you don’t end up in an unpleasant situation at the border.

It’s also worth remembering about chargers and adapters. Despite the fact that cell phones and other gadgets have now become an integral part of travel, many people forget about outlet adapters. Before traveling, check what outlet standards are used in your destination country and bring an adapter if you need one.

Don’t forget about insurance. Very often it is ignored, thinking that nothing will happen to them. But a case of lost luggage, injury or sudden illness can turn out to be a significant expense. It is better to spend some money on insurance than to risk your comfort and safety.

One of the most common mistakes is planning an itinerary that is too tight. I used to make this mistake of trying to see everything in a few days. But this only causes fatigue and frustration. It’s better to plan your days more loosely, giving yourself time for rest and spontaneous discoveries.

Another important rule is not to forget about local currency. Bank cards are convenient, but don’t always work in remote locations or markets. It’s better to have some cash so you don’t get into an awkward situation where you can’t pay with a card.

Equally important is the consideration of travel time. Many travelers do not pay attention to seasonal price fluctuations and tourist flow. High season attracts crowds of tourists, and prices for accommodation and food can be many times higher. By planning a trip in the off-season, you can avoid this and have a more relaxed and enjoyable experience of the place.

Another useful habit is to check your reservations. Always make sure your reservations for lodging, transportation or excursions are still valid before you depart. There are often mistakes or problems with reservations that can be corrected in advance.

In the end, traveling is not only about beautiful pictures and new experiences, but also about thinking through all the details in advance. Avoiding these mistakes will allow you to focus on the real adventure and enjoy every moment of the journey.

The post How to Avoid Travel Mistakes: Personal Tricks and Tips appeared first on MK Travel With.

The first thing you should pay attention to is booking accommodation. Sometimes you can find secluded rooms from locals for the price of a cup of coffee at an expensive cafe. Another tip: book accommodation in advance, but not too early – prices can change and you won’t always have time to take advantage of discounts.

Transportation is also an important aspect. Lowcosters are a great way to travel cheaply. Sign up for airline newsletters so you don’t miss out on promotions. You can often find cheap tickets months in advance, but there are also last minute bargains to be found. Within the city, choose public transportation over cabs. Local buses and subways are much cheaper and often allow you to see more than traditional tourist routes.

Don’t forget about food. Instead of restaurants, opt for local markets and street food. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more authentic. I always look for places where locals eat rather than tourists, as the food there can be tastier and cheaper.

If your goal is not just to see, but to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, check out the free attractions. Museums often offer discounts or free admission on certain days of the week. Strolling through city parks, old neighborhoods or along waterfronts is also cost-free, but will give you a lot of impressions.

And, of course, try to avoid long-term tours with included excursions. Independent travel is often much cheaper. Use maps and mobile apps to avoid paying for group excursions.

By following these simple rules, you can significantly reduce costs and make traveling more affordable. Remember: the main thing is not how much you spend, but how much new impressions and knowledge you get!

The post How to Travel on a Minimum Budget: My Secrets and Lifehacks appeared first on MK Travel With.

1. Don’t bring too many clothes with you. The secret of travelers who always look stylish is versatile pieces that are easy to combine with each other. It’s better to have a few quality but comfortable pieces than suitcases full of clothes you’re unlikely to wear.
2. Sample local food at markets and street stalls. Not only is it cheaper, but it also gives you a chance to try the real cuisine of the country rather than tourist adapted dishes. Locals know where the best food is cooked.
3. Don’t forget about “initial surprise”. For the first few days in a new place, don’t plan any elaborate activities. Just walk around without a map and enjoy discovering the city, feeling like a child exploring the world.
4. Use local sim cards for internet. They are cheaper than international roaming and often offer good packages for travelers. This will help you stay connected without overpaying.
5. Travel in the off-season. High season tours and hotels can be overpriced and overcrowded with travelers. In the off-season, you’ll get much more for less money, and tourist spots will be less crowded.
6. Don’t be afraid to get lost. Once you get lost in a new city, you are more likely to find those hidden corners and authentic places that you won’t see in a guidebook. This gives you the feeling of a real journey.
7. Don’t neglect overnight trains and buses. It’s a great way to save money on overnight accommodations while still traveling to new places. Oh, and traveling at night is usually much more relaxed and comfortable.
8. Leave room for the unexpected. Discoveries often happen exactly when you didn’t plan. Sometimes it pays to just follow your intuition rather than rigidly sticking to an itinerary.
9. Take care of your feet. Especially if you love walking, quality and comfortable shoes are your best friend when traveling. Sneakers or comfortable boots can save you days, and your feet won’t thank you for a new pair of fancy shoes.
10. Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals. People around the world are usually very friendly and always willing to help. Even if you don’t speak the language of the country, a smile and a couple of phrases in English (or using gestures) can open doors to completely different worlds.

These simple but effective tips can significantly change the approach to traveling and make it not only cheaper, but also much brighter. The main thing is not to be afraid to try new things and go beyond the usual!

The post 10 Unexpected Travel Tips for Travelers That I Learned From My Experience appeared first on MK Travel With.

The US is a year-round destination in the Northern Hemisphere, so while there may be spikes and dips in prices according to the month of the calendar, none of them will take you by surprise. School vacations are more expensive for travelers than the weeks when the kids are in class; winter sun in Florida is more affordable in November than in the weeks leading up to Christmas. But beyond the financial factor, there are few restrictions on when to travel. Obviously, traversing the wilds of Alaska in the depths of winter would be foolish, and even states in the upper reaches of the “main” 48 (Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana, etc.) are not plausible options for airplane travel between November and February. Likewise, it doesn’t make sense to visit Vermont or Maine to see fall foliage in the height of summer. But if you want to drive through California, the deserts, or any of the southern states, you can hit the road anytime.

How much does it cost?

A road trip is the kind of vacation where you can expect to get about what you paid for; the longer the trip, the higher the cost (in car rental days, number of nights in a hotel, gasoline needed, etc.). The principle at work here is this: the more time you spend on the road, the higher the figure will be. In general, expect to pay around $800 per person for each week of stay (not including gas and food expenses).

Insider Tips

If you’re planning a time-honored trip on California’s “Highway 1,” it’s better to start from San Francisco and head south than from Los Angeles and head north. Whether it’s rushing at high speeds or stuck in four fixed lanes, LA traffic can make your journey uncomfortable – whereas San Francisco will bring you up to speed more gently.

By the same token, New York City can be a difficult and terribly congested launching pad for a road trip, especially if it’s your first time driving in the United States. It’s better to depart from the quieter Boston to New England; from the broad Washington, D.C., if you’re heading south.

Avoid crossing borders. While it may be tempting to drive into Mexico from Texas, Arizona or California, or into Canada from Maine, Michigan or Montana – America has tightened its borders considerably. Unless you have specific plans to travel far to her southern or northern neighbor, lines and questions rarely justify a day trip.

Travelers who like the idea of Las Vegas and its slot machines but are drawn to the heat and music of the Deep South can find a compromise of sorts by driving along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where Biloxi is an unexpected casino enclave by the sea.

The post How to Do It – Insider Tips for Successful Travel and Adventures appeared first on MK Travel With.