Over the years (and many, many trips), I’ve picked up a few tips that made traveling a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. Here’s the insider scoop:
1. Always Have Snacks
And snacks—this isn’t just for kids! Trust me, grown-ups get hangry too. A pack of nuts, granola bars, or biscuits can save you from paying too much for airport food or having a grumpy meltdown. My go-to snacks are bananas and travel-sized Snickers or Mars bars. Bananas are great because they come with their own “packaging” (the peel), they’re high-energy, and super filling. If you get ear pressure during flights, pack some sweets or mints to chew on. I always go for Mentos in all kinds of flavors. And don’t forget, if you run out of snacks, restock at the local grocery stores or buy some local fruits wherever you’re traveling. Here are some of my favourites snacks to bring from home, click here to see my list.
2. Google Maps Is Your BFF, But Don’t Rely On It Completely
Maps are helpful, but sometimes they lead you down a mysterious alley that doesn’t exist. (Been there!) Always have a backup plan—like giving yourself extra time in case something goes wrong, so you’re not stressed about keeping up with the schedule. And if things don’t go as planned, don’t hesitate to ask a friendly local for help. You’d be surprised how much more you’ll learn about the area this way.
3. Bring a Power Bank , Adapter and Extensions – Always
No one wants to hear, “Battery low!” when you’re trying to capture the perfect shot or navigate your way back to the hotel. Just bring it. You’ll thank yourself later.
The power banks from Orashare are super cute and small enough to fit in your bag. They come in two versions: one with a built-in Type-C cable and one without. Either works fine, but personally, I’d be okay with the one without the built-in cable since I always carry multiple cables for my gadgets. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it’s good enough to last you through a day out.
If you’re someone like me who carries multiple gadgets, consider a power bank with higher capacity, like the Ugreen (25,000mAh) or Orashare (60,000mAh) options. Just a heads-up—the bigger the capacity, the bulkier and heavier the power bank will be. Keep that in mind since you’ll be carrying it around all day.
Powerbank with bigger capacity will last longer and can accomodate more gadgets. But bear in mind, the higher the capacity, the bulkier and heavier it could be.
Ugreen power bank—has a bit more capacity at 25,000 MAH but still a good size to carry around.
An adapter is a must if you’re traveling abroad. Different countries still have their own electrical standards, and not much has changed about that. Trust me, it’s frustrating when you can’t charge your devices because you forgot an adapter. Save yourself the headache and always have one ready when you’re traveling.
Philips Travel Adapter Plug 15W
For my peace of mind, I prefer to buy my adapter from a known brand like Philips. If you are already bringing an extension cord, one adapter should be enough provided you bring the cable and its power adapter.
Let’s talk about extension cords! These days, we all have stuff that needs charging, but hotels—especially older ones—don’t always have outlets where you need them. Sometimes you’ll have to unplug something or deal with an outlet that’s way too far from the bed. And honestly, that’s the worst when all you want to do is chill in bed and scroll on your phone.
A cheap, lightweight extension cord fixes all that. It gives you extra outlets and makes your charging cable longer, so you’re not stuck sitting near the wall. It doesn’t take up much space, and I always keep one in my luggage so I don’t forget it. Honestly, it’s saved me so many times—you won’t realize how handy it is until you need it.
4. Pack Light, but Smart
I know, I know, easier said than done and I myself am not the best at packing light. But the fewer bags you carry, the more freedom you’ll have. Stick to essentials and versatile outfits. Shoes? One comfy pair for walking and one dressy pair. That’s it, because there is nothing much I can share here since I always failed at packing light.
5. Set a “Chill Day”
This is something I can really talk about. Every trip needs at least one chill day. No tight schedules, no rushing around. Sleep in, enjoy your accommodation, or just find a café, bring a book, or just sit there, and watch the world go by.
Honestly, some of the best travel moments happen when you slow down, soak in the vibe of a new place, and just people-watch. It’s one of those times when you realize how different everyone and every place is. Traveling like this really opens up your mind and makes you more accepting of people who aren’t like you.
But hey, not every chill day has to be so deep. Sometimes, it’s just about taking a break, winding down, and giving yourself a moment to truly relax—and that’s more than enough.
6. Have a Small Bag of Essentials
Keep a small bag for everyday use with wet wipes, tissues, a mini hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle, insect repellant and a notebook to take with you everywhere you go. Oh, and lip balm – you’ll need it more than you think.
Adjust this bag according to your family’s need, a travelling family with small kids might need extra diapers, another set of clothing and small blanket for nap time.
7. Book Tickets in Advance
For big attractions, always book ahead if you can. Nothing ruins the mood more than standing in a long queue when you could already be inside enjoying the experience. For flights and hotels, early birds always get the better deals. And always compare before booking any flights or accommodations.
It’s worth it to check out apps like Klook and Trip.com
Don’t forget to check for bundle deals or promo packages—they might end up being cheaper. For example, Malaysia Airlines offers better value if you book flights and hotels through MH Holidays.
Here’s a trick my friend uses: she only books a few nights’ stay through MAS Golden Holidays to get the discounted flight, and then books another hotel for the rest of her trip. That way, she still gets the cheaper flight rate but has more flexibility with her stay.
We used to book our flights, hotels, and tickets to attractions months in advance to save some money. Luckily, these days you can do almost everything online without even leaving the house.
8. Get Insured, Always
I’m not even kidding. Travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense until you realize how useful it is when things go wrong. Better safe than sorry, right? Make sure you sign up for a plan that offers a Guarantee Letter, so if you need to be hospitalized, you won’t have to worry about paying the bills upfront and claiming it later.
Here’s a cautionary story: A few years ago, one of our colleagues got really sick during a trip to Europe and had to be hospitalized in the ICU for over a week. The bill came up to RM500,000, and his family had to pay it upfront before they could claim it back from the travel insurance provider because his travel insurance didn’t offer a guarantee letter.
He couldn’t be discharged until the full payment was made. One thing to keep in mind—most countries charge foreigners the first-class rate with no subsidies, even in government hospitals. Subsidized treatments are usually only for citizens, just like in Malaysia.
9. Check the Weather, But Be Flexible
Planning for sunny skies? Pack an umbrella or light raincoat anyway. You never know when the weather will surprise you. (Also, rainy days make for the best café-hopping!)
Always have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor activities. If you’re planning something outdoorsy, make sure to also have some indoor options lined up. We learned this during our recent trip to Cameron Highlands. We wanted to do something outdoors, but the weather wasn’t great until late afternoon. Luckily, we had a list of indoor places to visit for rainy days, so it worked out in the end.
10. Travel With a Reusable Bag
Handy for groceries, market finds, or even carrying all the rocks and pebbles your kids decide are “souvenirs” and all the laundries when you get back home.
11. Leave Room in Your Luggage
For souvenirs, snacks, and whatever cute knick-knacks you inevitably pick up along the way. Trust me, you’ll need the space.
If you want to save space, a simple trick is to stack your luggage like a Russian doll—one bag inside another.
12. Send your clothes to laundry
Use a coin laundry or regular laundry service if available to avoid packing too many clothes or dealing with a pile of dirty laundry when you return home.
13. Take It Slow
Not everything has to be ticked off the itinerary. Sometimes, the best moments are the unplanned ones – like stumbling upon a cozy little café or finding a hidden park.
Traveling doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. It’s about soaking up the moments, even the messy ones (hello, getting lost!). So pack up, stay curious, and enjoy every step of the way!
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