1. Read your medications carefully! — Picture in your mind, being at the beach roasting under the scorching sun in tropical South East Asia only to read the fine print on your prescription that your medication can cause severe burning! Yes, that happened to me and it’s something every savvy traveler should be aware of before they pack their bags for their next beach holiday on another side of the globe. Read the fine print and do your research before you end up sunburnt like me. Read more here about my tender situation.

2. Double-check your tickets before paying — Imagine the horror. You’re sitting on the bus headed to your next exciting location when the bus stops, and the driver tells you to get off because your ticket is for tomorrow’s bus! Unfortunately, I’ve made this awful mistake, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Take the extra few seconds when you buy a ticket to verify that the price, seat numbers, date, and location are all as you intended. Read more here about my misfortunate.

3. Pack an umbrella. — and pack it in your day bag! You might think: umbrella – rain, rain – umbrella but I learned an umbrella can improve your day and your spirit. Keep it handy at all times. By the way, in some parts of the world, it is natural to have your umbrella open on sunny days. You won’t be alone. Read here to see how handy it is for me.