it's not all that hard to find travel tips, but it's sometimes a bit harder to find travel tips that don't stop you from enjoying your vacation. Lots of them tell you to have an itinerary, but having a strict schedule can make it hard to enjoy your vacation, it almost makes it like school. When you travel, you want to have fun, you don't want it to be work. You want to have a general idea of what it is you want to do, but you also want to let the trip take you where it does. Go with the flow, but have an idea, and read this real quick to help you out with it.

1. Read blogs from people who live in the area, not travel writers

If you don't want to have a 'basic touristy' trip, then don't read a blog for tourists. Read a blog from someone that actually lives there, because they'll give you insight into where you are going and suggest some places that you wouldn't normally find. Sometimes those places are cheaper, and sometimes they'll be the best places that you go while on vacation. When I want to Italy, my favorites were https://survivinginitaly.com and https://anamericaninrome.com/wp/.

2. Learn a few phrases to help you out

If you're going somewhere that speaks another language, you should learn just a few phrases in it. You don't need to be able to speak fluent Spanish if you're going to Mexico, but know how to ask people if they speak English and ask for directions. When in doubt, download a translating an app and use it throughout your trip.

3. Pack lightly

I hate doing this, but I do understand te benefit in it. If you're going to a lot of different places, and if you don't want to pay for more luggage, pack lightly. Find items that you can rewear at least twice without washing, and see if your hotel has a laundry room. If it does, do laundry halfway through the trip and save some room in your suitcase.

4. Learn a little bit about the culture

You don't want to be rude or stick out as an American tourist. Before you go somewhere, spend a little bit of time doing research into the culture and it least the basic etiquette in the country. Basic things like table manners are always good to know, because the last thing you want to do is come off in a bad way.

5. Find something that you want to try everywhere that you go

If you're going somewhere and find out that they are famous for something specific, absolutely you should try it. When I was in Tuscany, I found out that the area I was in was famous for a certain kind of red wine and olive oil, and made it my mission to try it. .Everywhere is famous for something, and you'll kick yourself later if you don't try it while you're there.

6. Travel Alone

It seems scary, and it kind of is, but try it. Maybe don't do the whole thing alone, maybe plan a vaction with a friend but tell them that you'll leave a day early and explore a city near it before meeting them. Try traveling alone, because you can learn a lot about yourself if you do it. Trust me.