• Home
  • TRAVEL TIPS
  • PLANNING
  • ITINERARIES
  • GEAR & STUFF
  • ABOUT

Travel Tips

Let's face it, travel planning can feel like a hassle if you haven't done it much. So I put these tips together to make the process simpler and calmer. They’re for my 40+ travelers who want better trips without the stress.
1. Choosing the Right TripStart with the trip style, not the destination.Before you ask “Where should I go?” ask “What kind of trip do I actually want?” Relaxing, scenic, food-focused, city, beach, easy walking, no rental car… the destination should fit the trip, not the other way around. Pick beginner-friendly destinations first.Your first big DIY trip does not need to be complicated. Choose places with good transportation, clear signage, plenty of hotel options, and a setup that makes things easier for visitors. Give yourself permission to do less.A great trip is not measured by how many things you checked off. It’s measured by how good the trip felt while you were actually on it.
2. Planning the ItineraryDon’t overpack your days.Plan one big thing, one smaller thing, and dinner. That is usually enough, because you’re planning a vacation, not trying to win some imaginary travel contest. Build in rest before you need it.Give yourself room for a slow coffee, a hotel break, or an easy afternoon. A little breathing room can save the whole day. Arrive with a simple first-day plan.Your arrival day should be easy: get to the hotel, find food, take a short walk, and sleep. Don’t schedule your most important tour or museum for the day you land. Have a backup plan.Weather changes, places close, and sometimes you’re just more tired than expected. Keep a few easy indoor options, simple restaurants, or low-effort alternatives ready. 3. Flights, Hotels & LogisticsStay central, even if it costs more.Saving a little money on the hotel is not always a win if you spend the whole trip commuting. Being close to what you came to see usually makes the trip easier and more enjoyable. Avoid brutal flight schedules.The cheapest flight is often cheap for a reason. Three layovers, a 6 a.m. departure, or a midnight arrival can wreck the first part of your trip before it even starts. Check hotel location carefully.Look at the actual neighborhood, nearby transit, walking distance, noise comments, and how easy it is to get back at night. “Close to everything” can mean a lot of things, some of them ridiculous.
4. Getting AroundLearn the transportation basics before you go.Know how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel, what transit app people use, and when taxis or rideshare make more sense. That first ride matters because tired and confused is a terrible planning style. Download offline maps.Phone signals disappear, batteries die, and Wi-Fi is not a life plan. Offline maps are a simple backup that can keep you from wandering around pretending you’re “exploring.” Keep a taxi or rideshare backup.Even if you plan to use public transportation, know when it’s smarter to pay for convenience. Sometimes the best travel decision is spending a few extra dollars to make the problem go away.
5. Packing, Safety & Travel BasicsPack for comfort first.Shoes matter more than outfits. Bring clothes you can actually walk, sit, sweat, and eat in without feeling like your suitcase was packed by someone trying to punish you. Keep medication and essentials in your carry-on.Prescriptions, chargers, glasses, important documents, and one change of clothes should stay with you. Checked bags are mostly reliable, but “mostly” is doing a lot of work there. Make copies of key documents.Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, ID, insurance, reservations, and emergency contacts. It’s not exciting, but it’s very helpful if something goes wrong.


Nomatic Navigator 30L Backpack
Ideal for carry-on travel, this water resistant, RFID-protected, expandable backpack has multiple compartments for ultra-organization.
PURCHASE
Osprey Farpoint 40 / Fairview 40 (Women’s)
A lightweight, ultra-comfortable backpack that fits in most overhead bins. Great for those who want easy carry-on packing without rolling luggage.
PURCHASE
Pacsafe® EXP45 anti-theft carry-on travel pack
packed with highly functional features and anti-theft technology, making it the most recommended travel bag. It boasts 45L of generous space but meets the carry-on size restrictions for most major airlines.
PURCHASE

Comfortable Travel Shoes

Allbirds Tree Runners
Breathable, lightweight, and stylish sneakers that work for both sightseeing and casual dinners. Machine washable for easy care!
PURCHASE
Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers
A sleek, leather travel sneaker with great arch support—perfect for dressing up or down while exploring cities.
PURCHASE
Hoka Clifton 9
These cushioned, shock-absorbing shoes are a dream for long walks and uneven terrain. Ideal for older travelers needing extra support.
PURCHASE

Best Merino Wool Travel Clothing (Odor-Resistant & Packable)

Icebreaker Quantum III Merino Wool Hoodie
Temperature-regulating, ultra-soft, and breathable, this hoodie is perfect for chilly flights or layering in colder destinations.
PURCHASE
Icebreaker Tech Lite II Merino Wool T-Shirt
This lightweight, sweat-wicking t-shirt stays fresh for multiple wears—perfect for packing light!
PURCHASE
Western Rise Evolution Pants
Stylish enough for city travel yet rugged enough for hiking, these lightweight, stretchable, and water-resistant pants are a game-changer.
PURCHASE
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Hiking Pants
The ultimate 2-in-1 travel pants, these convert to shorts and have built-in UPF 50+ sun protection
PURCHASE
prAna Stretch Zion II Pants
Flexible, durable, and perfect for both urban and outdoor adventures. Water-resistant and super comfortable!
PURCHASE
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Blister-proof, moisture-wicking, and lifetime-guaranteed. The best socks for all-day comfort.
PURCHASE

Travel Water Bottles (Collapsible & Filtered)

Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth
Keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, making it perfect for long travel days.
PURCHASE
GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier Bottle
Filters out bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals—a must for travelers going off the beaten path.
PURCHASE
TakeToday Collapsible Water Bottle
20oz, Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Water Bottle with Straw Strap for Cycling, Hiking, Outdoors
PURCHASE

Travel Wallets & Passport Holders (RFID-Protected)

Bellroy Travel Wallet
RFID-blocking, slim, and stylish, this wallet holds your passport, multiple cards, and even a small travel pen!
PURCHASE
Zoppen RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet
Budget-friendly and designed to fit boarding passes, cash, and a passport with ease.
PURCHASE
HERO Neck Wallet – RFID Blocking Passport Holder
tHE ultimate universal travel neck wallet conceals passports, IDs, credit cards, cash, iPhones , and more, keeping personal items hidden discreetly on the go.
PURCHASE

Phone Chargers & Tech Accessories

Anker PowerCore 20k mAh Power Bank
Keeps your phone charged for days, perfect for long-haul flights and sightseeing.
PURCHASE
Nomad Universal Cable
A durable, tangle-free charging cable that covers USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning in one..
PURCHASE
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Covers 150+ countries with multiple USB ports for easy device charging.
PURCHASE

Must-Have Travel Accessories for SAFETY & SECURITY

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Memory foam, ergonomic neck support, and attaches to airplane seats so it stays in place.
PURCHASE
Apple AirTags / Tile Mate
Easily track your luggage and valuables while traveling.
PURCHASE
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Blocks noise for better sleep on flights and in noisy hotels.
PURCHASE

Must-Have Travel Accessories for Comfort & Convenience

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Memory foam, ergonomic neck support, and attaches to airplane seats so it stays in place.
PURCHASE
Apple AirTags / Tile Mate
Easily track your luggage and valuables while traveling.
PURCHASE
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Blocks noise for better sleep on flights and in noisy hotels.
PURCHASE
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart & Travel in Comfort If you're new to traveling, picking the right gear can make all the difference. Whether it's odor-resistant merino wool shirts, durable backpacks, or anti-theft wallets, investing in the right items will help you travel with less stress and more confidence. 🚀 Shop these essentials now and start planning your next adventure!
@DIYTravelwithDave/DIYTravelwithDave
Copyright © 2026 Allrights reserved. Powered by Domain.com.

We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website and analyze website traffic. For more information, read our Cookies and Privacy Policy.

Your Cookie Settings

We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website and analyze website traffic. For more information, read our Cookies and Privacy Policy below..

Cookie Categories
Essential

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites.

Analytics

These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate and in an anonymized form to help us understand how our website is being used and how effectively our site is performing.