Almost every frequent traveler would like to believe they are ‘smart’ about travelling, but the truth is, becoming a smart traveler is not determined by how often you go on the road or how much money you save on trips, rather it is determined how much you know about traveling in the shrewdest, most stylish way possible. The good thing about travelling smart is that it makes us better and wiser people.
If you are in Nigeria and you are interested in finding out how to be a smart traveler,Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal has put together 10 key things you must know.
How to launder clothes in a sink.
Most hotels offer dry cleaning and laundry services, but if you think about it, the cost per garment is usually overpriced. Every clean person’s little secret is being able to wash clothes on the go and the best way to do that is by using the sink in the bathroom of your hotel room. From luxury to budget travelers, everyone is bound to experience a laundry emergency at some point and forced to launder our own clothes effectively and quickly. Knowing how to wash your own clothes comes in handy.
How to thread a needle and sew.
The idea sounds extremely tedious and truth be told, most people do not just bother to learn how to sow. However, when traveling, unpredictable things occur. You may have a little accident with your clothes or even luggage and may need to repair them. Learning the fundamentals of sewing, like how to sew on a button can becomes an asset.
The art of haggling.
Sometimes, it might just be easy to pay a vendor whatever price he demands, but most times, doing that might cost you much more than you imagine. Vendors have an eye to detect tourist or first timers and so they usually hike up prices for more gain. As a smart traveler, it is important to learn the practice of haggling as it is a vital skill to possess even in Nigeria as a country.
Know how to say “No, thank you,”
Saying “No, thank you” is not necessarily rude, cold or offensive. In most cases, the phrase comes in handy when warding off salespeople or buskers. Also, as a smart traveler, it is important to know that you should not be made to do things that you do not want to do or waste time on experiences that are not important to you.
How to travel light.
You do not want to be saddled with more luggage than you can carry on any trip…except you are relocating, in which case a moving company might be a better option. No matter where you go and what you do, learning how to be an efficient packer is a very valuable skill. Travelling light saves you a lot of stress and reduces the risk of lost luggage or other related travel nightmares.
How to pack right.
There is no glory in travelling light if you have not packed the essentials to your trip. For every journey, whether business or leisure, there are basic things you will need to pack. It should include cash, official documents, medication and cosmetics. A resourceful traveler must know how to make a checklist and ensure that the vital items are not forgotten.
The importance of travel insurance.
The necessity of having valid insurance when you embark on a journey cannot be overemphasized. There are a lot we cannot control, so it pays to either be prepared for them or at least have insurance for when these unexpected cases occur. With the practical cases of travel delays and disruptions, medical, theft and loss; picking an insurance plan that will protects you is a smart move.
How to sleep anywhere.
It is normal for people to find themselves in cars, planes or trains with free time. At such times, a nap is usually the next best thing to do as a few minutes of sleep can mean the difference between sanity and going nuts. If you have trained yourself to fall asleep anywhere in any situation, traveling should be easy for you.
How to give basic first aid.
Accidents are unpredictable; you never know when or where it will happen. Regardless of the uncertainty, smart travelers try to be prepared. Learning how to give basic first aid is not an complex study as you can simply do some online research on offering CPR and the Heimlich maneuver or you can take a first aid class. This way, you could save a life…maybe even yours.
How to take a decent photo.
Most travelers like to capture beautiful or memorable moments while on a trip in pictures. Unfortunately, while almost everyone can take a photograph – thanks to all the smartphones with cameras, not everyone takes ‘great’ photos. A smart traveler knows it is important to brush up on the basics of photography, that way there will be no need to ask a stranger –who may run away with your gadget – to take the picture.
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