5 great travelling tips that no one talks about
Monday, August 19, 2019
The internet is jam-packed with travel blogs and websites. All of them have one thing in common: they will all provide you with their best tips for travellers. We’ve gone through more than a few domains and noticed that there are a couple of almost-common-sense recommendations that tend to fly under the radar of most bloggers and writers. In an effort to fill the void, we’ve compiled them in this very short list of simple but insanely useful recommendations that will bring your trip’s level of comfort up a couple of notches.
The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available free of charge and is proof that you are insured in an EU country. Nationals and residents of EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and are eligible for a card if they are insured in their country of residence. When travelling to another EU country, regardless if you’re travelling for leisure, work or studies, you are entitled to health care under the same conditions as insured citizens of the country you are visiting. In case of an emergency, you can call the emergency services using the free number 112. The number is accessible anywhere in the EU. Remember to request your card if you’re insurance provider has not sent it to you already.
Earplugs
They literally occupy less space than almost everything else that might go in your bag. They may very well end up being the best thing you've taken on your trip. You never know when you might need them, but they could save you from a restless night if you’ve unknowingly booked a room in a party hostel or a more than uncomfortable long noisy flight. They come in handy when the temperature goes up and you are obliged to sleep with a window open. Worried you won’t hear your alarm because you’ve plugged your ears? Don’t sweat it, just make sure that your mobile will vibrate close to the bed or on your nightstand and we can assure you that you’ll wake up after a good night’s sleep.
Flexible travel dates
You might think that this is just common sense. However, very often we hear that people ask for their leave days before booking their holidays (flights included). If it’s possible for you and your job permits it, do it the other way around. Sometimes, flying one day earlier or later may save you up to 50% on flights. The same applies for booking accommodations and activities. And remember that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are, more often than not, the cheapest days to fly.
Stay hydrated
As is the case with the previous recommendation, this one feels glaringly obvious. Whether it’s the excitement of being away or the weather itself. Many travellers don’t drink enough fluids and that can lead to all manner of pains and ailments. It even helps you when you’re suffering from jetlag. That and some sunlight should do the trick. Take a reusable bottle and you probably won’t have to pay for water most of the times. Pro tip: empty it or drink all the water from your bottle before passing the security check and refill it once you have reached the boarding gate.
Claim compensation if your flight has been delayed, cancelled or overbooked
Not that many passengers know that they can claim compensation if their flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked and they end up arriving at their final destination with a delay of three hours or more. You can also use a service like Flight-Delayed to ensure that the airline pays out your compensation or proves without a doubt that the disruption was caused by an extraordinary circumstance. Check your compensation with our free calculator or learn more about your rights!
To close this tiny compendium of recommendations, we must leave you with a general piece of advice: enjoy your travels and never lose the sense of wonder that made you go to your destination to begin with! So let’s recap, here is the list of the best modest and uncomplicated travelling tips that don’t show up that often:
- Get the European Health Insurance Card if you’re eligible
- Earplugs!
- Flexible travel dates
- Stay hydrated (reusable bottle)
- Claim compensation when your flight is delayed or cancelled
Be smart, stay safe and, most importantly, enjoy your travels!
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