Nov 22 · 5 min read
The Reluctant Adventurer’s Rules of Travel: A Survival Guide for the Anxious Traveler
Traveling is supposed to be fun, right? But let’s face it: if you’re like us—paranoid, hyper-aware of everything that could go wrong, and yet somehow still willing to hop on a plane—there’s a few things you should know. It’s a balance between fear of the unknown and the thrill of new experiences. So, if you’re looking to survive your trip with your sanity intact (or at least not totally gone), here’s your essential travel guide.
1. Know Local Emergency Numbers
Look, we get it. You’re probably not planning to get into an emergency situation. But let’s face it, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, you need to know who to call. In most places, 911 is the go-to number for emergencies in the US, but it’s different in other countries. Some countries have their own emergency numbers for fire, police, or medical emergencies, and it’s super important to know them. For example, in Europe, 112 is the emergency number you’ll want to remember. In Australia, it’s 000. Trust us, knowing this little tidbit could save your life—literally.
2. Why You Should Pack a Universal Travel Adapter
When you arrive at your hotel, there’s always that moment of horror. You walk into the room, look at the wall outlets, and suddenly realize you have no idea how to charge your phone. In some countries, the sockets look completely different. There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting in a room, half-unpacked, holding a charger in one hand and staring at an unfamiliar socket like it’s about to bite you. A universal travel adaptor is useful in this situation. When your charging options are restricted, this little purchase will save you a lot of hassles. Unless your device is dead, of course, you won't ever be without power again.
3. Pack Extra Essentials in Your Handbag
You know that feeling when you think you’ve packed everything, only to realize halfway through your trip that you’ve left something critical behind? It happens to all of us. And let’s be real: that moment you lose your luggage at an airport is always going to be a disaster. Imagine standing in the middle of Istanbul, trying to explain to a confused airport worker that your bag didn’t make it. It's not a fun time. For this reason, it's important to include a few extra necessities in your purse. Consider essentials like your phone charger, an extra pair of pants, prescription drugs, or anything else you can't go a day or two without. At least you won't be left without the necessities if something goes wrong. A small amount of planning can make a big difference.
4. Snacks: The Lifesaver You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re not prepared for it, hunger can strike at the worst times. We’re not talking about the “I’m hungry” feeling you get when it’s almost lunchtime. We mean the deep, soul-crushing, hypoglycemic rage that can happen when you’ve been on a plane for 10 hours or have been waiting in an airport for far too long. Trust us, you don’t want to be the person who loses their temper at the snack kiosk because the only thing they’re selling is a stale sandwich. Pack a variety of snacks: granola bars, nuts, fruit, or anything that will give you quick energy when you need it most. That way, you can avoid turning into a hangry monster. Plus, you’ll save money on overpriced airport snacks. It’s a win-win.
5. Hand Sanitizer: An Absolute Must
Okay, let’s talk about germs for a second. Airports, airplanes, and tourist spots? Not the cleanest places on earth. There are a lot of places where you’ll find yourself reaching for the hand sanitizer—public toilets, restaurant menus, or even the airplane tray table. A quick squirt here and there can help keep the germs at bay. And don’t forget tissues and wipes. Not every public toilet has the luxury of toilet paper (trust us, we’ve been there), and sometimes you’ll be faced with the dreaded "brown cylinder of doom." For the love of hygiene, carry tissues and wipes—because not everything should be handled with just hand sanitizer.
6. Pack a ‘Could-Be Weapon’—For Safety
Alright, this might sound a little extreme, but hear us out. When you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to carry something small and harmless but sharp enough to get attention if you’re in a tight spot. A nail file, a pen, or even a sharp pencil might not look like much, but they could be useful in an emergency. We know what you’re thinking: “I’m not going to get into any situations where I’ll need to fight someone off.” And sure, you might not need it. But in case you do, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just be careful not to stab yourself by accident. That would be the worst way to ruin your trip.
7. Don’t Ignore Motion Sickness—Carry the Pills
You might not get motion sickness. But your travel companion might. And we all know that motion sickness doesn’t care if you’re prepared or not. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a bumpy bus or a turbulent flight with someone who’s about to lose their lunch. Trust us, it’ll make the whole trip miserable for everyone. Make sure you pack some motion sickness pills or ginger chews (they work wonders!). Even if you don’t need them, your travel buddy will thank you. It’s the travel version of carrying an umbrella, just in case.
8. Don’t Haggle If It’s Not Your Thing
Some people love haggling. They can negotiate a better price for anything, anywhere. If you’re one of those people, great! But if you’re like us—someone who gets uncomfortable just asking for a discount—don’t feel obligated to haggle. Especially not in places where it’s not expected. Haggling can be fun if you’re into it, but it can also lead to embarrassing situations. There’s no need to stress about it. Just pay the price, thank the vendor, and move on. Trust us, it’s better than getting into a long-winded negotiation that might make you want to disappear into the ground.
9. Be Wary of Overbooked Flights
Overbooked flights are a reality, especially on popular routes. Airlines do this because they know not everyone will show up, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan. So, what happens? You end up standing at the gate, watching as they start asking for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for vouchers. If you’re stuck on an overbooked flight, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and see if they offer anything you’d be willing to take. Sometimes you can get free travel, meals, or even a night in a hotel. If you’re willing to be a little flexible, it could work out in your favor.
10. Expect the Worst, But Hope for the Best
The thing about travel is that no matter how well you plan, things can and will go wrong. Flight delays, lost luggage, miscommunications—these are just part of the travel experience. But you can handle it! You’ve been through worse (probably). It’s important to remember that expecting the worst means you’re ready for anything, but hoping for the best means you’ll enjoy the moments that do go right. Travel is an adventure, and it’s not always about the destination—it’s about rolling with the punches, laughing at the mishaps, and making memories along the way.
11. How Deals2Buy Can Help You Save on Your Travels
Traveling can be expensive, and while you’re busy following all these rules to stay safe and prepared, you might also be trying to keep your budget in check. That’s where Deals2Buy comes in! Deals2Buy is your ultimate travel companion when it comes to saving money. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or tours, Deals2Buy has a wide range of discounts and exclusive deals that can help you get the most out of your travel budget. Think of it as your secret weapon for finding the best deals without having to spend hours searching.
- Flight Deals: Looking for the best price on that next flight? Deals2Buy can help you find discounted airfares so you can save more for your actual vacation. The website collects the best deals across different airlines, meaning you can snag a cheap flight without the stress.
- Hotel Discounts: Whether you’re booking a luxury resort or a cozy Airbnb, Deals2Buy has access to special hotel discounts that can make your stay more affordable. No more worrying about how to pay for that charming boutique hotel when you’ve got Deals2Buy on your side!
- Activity and Tour Savings: Traveling often involves tours or activities—think city passes, sightseeing tours, or museum tickets. Deals2Buy provides discounts for these too, so you can explore the best attractions without breaking the bank.
- Packing Essentials: If you need last-minute items for your trip—whether it's luggage, adapters, or travel gear—Deals2Buy can point you toward amazing deals on all the essentials you need to make your journey smoother and more affordable.
