A-Z Expert Travel Tips: Timeless Advice from Lonely Planet Pros
Lonely Planet's experienced writers spend weeks exploring the globe's most captivating destinations. Travel isn't always paradise—think lost luggage, flat tires, food poisoning, or uncomfortable bus rides. We've encountered it all so you don't have to.
Below, we share 26 battle-tested travel tips from A to Z. As Bilbo Baggins cautioned, 'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.' Follow this expert guide to minimize mishaps and maximize enjoyment.
A is for Angle: Aim for a bar seat at trendy restaurants if reservations are unavailable. Full menus are typically offered, food quality matches the dining room, and bartenders share prime local intel.
B is for Beware: Rocky Mountain Oysters in the American West are fried bull testicles, not seafood. Always inquire about unfamiliar menu items worldwide to avoid unexpected culinary surprises.
C is for Check: Verify opening hours ahead. Many European and US restaurants and small museums close Mondays—don't disrupt your plans.
D is for Download: Get Lonely Planet Guides app for offline maps, expert insights, and essential city info right in your pocket.
E is for Expect: Anticipate disruptions like traffic or weather. Build flexibility into your itinerary—misadventures often yield the best tales.
F is for Filter: Use a Sawyer Mini water filter (sawyer.com) for backcountry trips. Lightweight and effective against E. coli and giardia, it fits bottles without altering taste.
G is for Go: Solo for an afternoon, even with a partner. Diverging interests? Recharge separately and swap stories later.
H is for Heal: Pack a first-aid kit with antibacterial ointment, antihistamines, aspirin, plasters, blister pads, ibuprofen, and sunscreen.
I is for Insurance: Secure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. Verify destination inclusion.
J is for Join: Enroll in hotel loyalty programs for points, free Wi-Fi, and upgrades.
K is for Keep: A portable charger and cord in your daypack. Phones drain fast as cameras; some double as flashlights.
L is for Layer: Opt for lightweight layers over bulky coats to save luggage space.
M is for Message: Inform a friend before solo wilderness ventures.
N is for Negotiate: Ask hotels for discounts when booking by phone or in person.
O is for Open: Your mind on ghost tours—they reveal local history, layout, and thrills.
P is for Park: Off-site to dodge high hotel fees; nearby garages are cheaper.
Q is for Quit: Overpacked schedules—skip items to savor the moment.
R is for Roll: Clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
S is for Save: With an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annual) for US national parks.
T is for Tie: A bandana on luggage for easy ID at baggage claim.
U is for Understand: Local customs on dress, photos, and gestures.
V is for Verify: Passport/visa rules; some need 6+ months validity.
W is for Write: Journal highlights—details fade fast.
X is for Xerox: Copy passport/insurance docs; store separately and email offline backups.
Y is for Yellow Fever: Get vaccinated for Africa/South America; proof often required.
Z is for Zip: Toiletries/cords in clear bags for quick access.
