The 13 travel tips you need to know

WANT to save time, money, pain and frustration? From bringing your own toilet paper to dealing with taxi drivers, here are 13 sneaky hints for travel.

You will have to be brutal with packing. Picture: Thinkstock

WANT to know how to save time, money, pain and frustration on your next trip?

From bringing your own toilet paper to negotiating with taxi drivers, here are 13 sneaky hints to make your holiday go without a hitch, according to long-term Australian traveller Peter Shaw.

1. Toilet paper

In many countries around the world toilet paper isn't available, or can't be flushed. You might have to buy it before entering the toilets, or it may not actually be available at all. So I always have a handy pack of travel tissues in my day pack to try and avoid that awkward moment of reaching over only to find you are grabbing air.

2. Taxi advice

This is a rookie mistake yet it's super-common: always negotiate upfront exactly how much a taxi ride will cost (or the use of the meter), never just get into a taxi and expect to be driven somewhere without finding out the price first. It's the best way to get ripped off.

3. Money changers

Stay clear of money changers in the very touristy areas of a city; they'll charge extortionate fees, even when there's a huge sign saying 'no commission'. The best places to change money are always local banks - they're easy to find and generally have the best rates. A rule of thumb to see how much a money converter is charging you is to compare the buy and sell prices. The bigger the difference, the bigger the commission.

4. Pickpockets

Yes it CAN happen to you and NO you won't feel or notice a thing. So make sure to keep a firm grasp on your valuables while in any busy area like markets or crowds. Same goes when sitting at restaurant tables, while taking pictures, chilling in parks or drinking at bars, as your possessions are fair game for thieves. Keep your items in FRONT of you, keep your hands on valuables in pockets and remember that a front pocket is better than a back pocket but still isn't 100 per cent secure. Most importantly, just be aware of your surroundings and you'll generally come home with your wallet.

5. Drinking water

When you plan on heading to a new area, find out if the tap water is OK to drink there. There are many areas around the world where tap water is totally safe to drink yet visitors spend a whole bunch of money each day on bottled water. One of the easiest ways to save a few dollars a day (believe me, $5 a day on water adds up!) is to bring a water bottle with you in a daypack and fill it up from bathroom taps as you go.

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6. Never take anything from people on the street

If anyone tries to give you a rose/bracelet/coin/ring etc. AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE. It's a great way to end up buying a $20 rose or a crappy wool bracelet. Once it's on you they'll demand money and most won't leave you alone until you pay up. Shaking hands will generally end with you having to pay the person to let you go. Yes it's weird, awkward and can end up being a big scene, so it's best to keep your hands to yourself and ignore those 'super-friendly' locals who keep trying to give you their jewellery.

7. Language basics

Every country you visit will be an experience that can be far enhanced for both you and the local people if you make the small effort to learn a few pleasantries in the local dialect. Basic things like: yes, no, thank you, sorry, hello and please are in my opinion essential. You'll have an infinitely better experience interacting with people in the service, retail and food industries if you use a bit of local lingo. As a guest in their country, be polite enough to learn a few local words.

8. Tourist prices vs. local prices

Rates and prices change based on where you are in a city and many restaurants will actually have tourist menus which are usually about double (yes double) the prices locals pay for the exact same food. Wherever possible order off the 'local menu' and to get the best prices avoid obvious tourist traps (such as the restaurants where someone is standing out the front hustling people into the place). My favourite spots to eat are usually off a street cart somewhere less crowded and commercial than the major tourist centres.

9. Brutal packing

Before you leave look hard at all the things you're bringing then leave half of them behind. Going forward, a good guide is a bag about the size of airline hand luggage. This will not only be far easier to carry around, but you'll save money on all those dodgy budget airline baggage charges they love to sneak over passengers for checked bags. Prioritise and be brutal, you won't regret it.

You will have to be brutal with packing. Picture: Thinkstock

10. Free days at museums

In many places around the world museums that charge entry can generally be accessed one day per week (or month) for free. Do your research and try to get to the paid museums on the free day - the lines might be a bit longer but for me the savings are enough of a reward, given some of the most popular ones often charge $15-$25 per visit (which can be enough to buy between three and 40 beers, depending on where you are).

11. To sit or stand

Throughout Europe there are different prices in restaurants, bars and cafes for standing and sitting patrons. Sit and you could get hit with a service fee on top of the order, stand at the counter/bar and you simply pay for the order. Depending on how tired your feet are, the choice is yours.

12. Brekkie and lunch vs. dinner

Meals generally get more expensive the later in the day it is. A massive breakfast is almost always the cheapest large meal you can buy. A large lunch is a close second and a very distant third is dinner. Menu prices change based on the time of day so the exact same meal might cost you an extra 50 per cent or more after 5pm. Make the biggest meal of your day breakfast or lunch and eat something lighter for dinner. Both your wallet and those love handles will thank you for it.

13. Directions

For those inevitable times when you get lost in a new city, police are generally the best guides you can hope for. They know every backstreet, nook, cranny and alleyway of a city and in my experience are generally fine with helping a lost traveller out.

That's just a few of the top hints and tips I have for new travellers. Remember that travel is a skill so the longer you do it the better you get at it. Travel well and always remember to enjoy the ride, even if you accidentally just helped put that taxi driver's kids through school.

Peter Shaw is a travel blogger, photographer and Australia's second-best chandelier cleaner. He's currently wandering the globe and will be posting his updates each week, you can follow him on his blog, Facebook page and Twitter.