Documents
Check your passport validity at least 6 months before departure. Make digital copies of all important documents and store them in a secure cloud. Some countries require a return ticket or proof of onward travel to let you in.
Traveller's guide
Travel tips
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your trip. Practical tips, field-tested by real travellers.
Before you go
Travel insurance
Never leave without insurance, even for a weekend. Compare offers by checking reimbursement caps for medical expenses, repatriation, and cancellation. SafetyWing and Chapka are popular among long-term travellers.
Vaccines
See a specialist doctor at least 2 months before departure. Some vaccines like yellow fever require an official certificate. Keep a copy of your vaccination record on your phone.
Banking
Notify your bank of your trip to avoid your card being blocked abroad. Open an account with an online bank with no exchange fees like Revolut or Wise. Always carry a second payment method in case of loss.
Flights & transport
Finding cheap flights
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner in 'whole month' mode to spot the cheapest dates. Browse in private mode to avoid price hikes from cookies. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly.
Strategic layovers
A long layover in an interesting city can become a mini-adventure. Check if the transit country offers a free transit visa. Some airlines like Icelandair or Turkish Airlines offer free stopovers.
Airports
Arrive at least 2.5 hours before an international flight. Download terminal maps in advance for large hubs. Priority Pass lounges are worth the investment if you take more than 4 flights per year.
Accommodation
Hostel vs Hotel vs Airbnb
Hostels remain the best value for solo travellers who want to meet people. Airbnbs become worthwhile from 3 nights or in a group. Local hotels not listed online are often cheaper on the spot in Asia and Latin America.
How to choose
Read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. Check the location on Google Maps rather than the booking site. Look at traveller photos, not the owner's. Good WiFi and a shared kitchen often make all the difference.
On the ground
Communication
Learn 5 basic phrases in the local language before you arrive. Download Google Translate offline for your destination country. A smile and patience open more doors than any translation app.
Local SIM and WiFi
Buy a local SIM at the airport to have internet everywhere. eSIMs like Airalo or Holafly work in most countries without changing your card. Compare the price per GB before buying — the differences are huge between countries.
VPN
A VPN is essential in China, Vietnam, and several Middle Eastern countries. It also protects your data on public WiFi in cafes and hostels. NordVPN and Surfshark offer a good price-performance balance for travellers.
Money
Cash vs card
Always keep some local currency cash for markets, tuk-tuks, and small shops. In Southeast Asia, cash is still king in many places. Spread your money across several different places just in case.
Bank fees
Withdrawal and conversion fees can reach 5% with a traditional bank. Wise and Revolut cards offer the real exchange rate with no margin. Withdraw larger amounts less often to limit fixed fees per transaction.
Currency exchange
Never exchange at the airport — the rates are the worst. In the city, compare several exchange offices and refuse those advertising 'no commission' with a poor rate. In some countries, the black market rate is better but beware of scams.
Health
Travel medical kit
Bring the essentials: anti-diarrhoea tablets, paracetamol, plasters, antiseptic, SPF50+ sunscreen, and insect repellent. Add oral rehydration sachets, especially in tropical areas. If you take regular medication, bring double the needed amount.
Water
Never drink tap water in a country where it isn't safe, even for brushing your teeth. Invest in a filter bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl. It also reduces your plastic consumption.
Food
Eat where locals eat: it's often fresher, cheaper, and more authentic. Avoid buffets left at room temperature too long. Always wash or peel fruit you buy at the market.
Meeting people
Meeting locals
Join local activities: cooking classes, markets, community events. Apps like Couchsurfing Hangouts help you meet residents. Be curious, ask questions about local culture, and show genuine interest.
Meeting travellers
Hostel common areas, free walking tours, and backpacker bars are classics. But the best way to meet travellers who share your vision is to use Orizn: you can see who's around you in real time and join live adventures.
Staying in touch
Exchange social media rather than just a phone number. Travel WhatsApp groups quickly become goldmines of tips. On Orizn, you can add travellers you meet as friends and stay in touch easily.
Photography
Gear
A recent smartphone is enough for 90% of travel photos. If you want to step up, a compact expert or lightweight mirrorless camera does the job without breaking your back. Invest in a good waterproof case rather than a second lens.
Practical tips
Shoot during golden hour (sunrise and sunset) for incredible colours. Include people in the frame to give scale to landscapes. Back up your photos to the cloud every evening to avoid losing anything.
Respect and ethics
Always ask permission before photographing someone, especially children. Learn about local restrictions in temples and sacred places. A stolen photo will never be worth a photo shared in a moment of genuine connection.
Solo travel
Advantages
Solo travel forces you out of your comfort zone and towards others. You decide everything: pace, destinations, budget. It's often solo that you make the most meaningful connections, because you're more open and available.
Precautions
Share your itinerary with someone and check in regularly. Avoid walking alone at night in neighbourhoods you don't know. Trust your gut: if a situation makes you uncomfortable, leave without hesitation.
Community
Solo travel doesn't mean travelling alone. Hostels, local Facebook groups, and Orizn let you find travel companions in minutes. You can alternate between moments of solitude and group adventures as you wish.
Long-term travel
Visas
Plan your visas in advance: some countries have processing times of several weeks. 'Visa runs' (leaving and re-entering to renew) are increasingly monitored. Look into digital nomad visas if you work remotely.
Budget
Calculate a daily budget and add 20% margin for the unexpected. In Southeast Asia, 30-50 EUR per day covers accommodation, food, and transport. Use apps like TravelSpend to track your expenses in real time.
Routine
Even while travelling, a light routine helps maintain balance: exercise, writing, reading. Change cities every 3-5 days to keep curiosity alive without exhausting yourself. Plan rest days where you do nothing touristy — that's travel too.
Ready to go?
The best tip: just go.
Join Orizn to meet travellers around you, discover unique spots, and share adventures together.