International Travel Tips Every Adventurer Should Know
Traveling internationally opens the door to exciting new cultures, cuisines, and experiences — but it also comes with a learning curve. Beyond the essentials like passports, travel protection, and safety, there are countless little details that can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. At Intentional Journeys, we love helping travelers prepare with practical advice that ensures you spend less time worrying and more time adventuring.
One common question is about tipping customs, which vary widely across the globe. In the U.S., tipping is expected in most service industries, but in countries like Japan, it may be considered unnecessary or even rude. In Europe, service charges are often included in your bill, though rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. A helpful resource is TripAdvisor’s Tipping & Etiquette Guides, which break down expectations by destination.
Another consideration is transportation. Many international cities have efficient and easy-to-use public transportation systems — think the London Underground, Paris Metro, or Tokyo’s rail network — that can save you both money and time. In Europe especially, trains are one of the best ways to explore multiple regions in a single trip. Before you go, check out the Eurail site for passes, maps, and planning tools. If public transport feels daunting, licensed taxis and ride-share apps are widely available in most urban areas, offering a convenient alternative.
Finally, let’s talk about luggage and packing for multi-stop adventures. If you’ll be hopping between cities or countries, rolling suitcases can be cumbersome on cobblestone streets or when boarding trains. A durable carry-on backpack or lightweight wheeled luggage designed for international travel often works best. Choose something with sturdy wheels, secure compartments, and size flexibility so you’re not bogged down. For inspiration, Travel + Leisure’s luggage reviews are a great place to start when deciding what’s right for your journey.
By planning for these details — tipping, transportation, and luggage — you’ll avoid common stressors and feel more confident navigating your international trip. And of course, your travel advisor at Intentional Journeys is here to guide you with personalized advice tailored to your destinations and travel style.
Quick International Travel Tips
- Research tipping customs before you go — what’s polite in one country may be considered rude in another. (TripAdvisor Tipping Guide) ]
- Use public transportation in major cities — subways, buses, and metros are often safe, affordable, and efficient.
- Consider train travel in Europe for multi-country trips — Eurail offers flexible passes and planning tools.
- Download local transit apps (like Citymapper or Moovit) to navigate routes and schedules in real time.
- Choose luggage wisely — backpacks or lightweight wheeled bags work best for multi-stop adventures with train or bus transfers.
- Have cash in local currency for small purchases, taxis, or tipping in places that don’t take cards.
- Learn a few key phrases in the local language — even basics like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” can go a long way.
- Check if ride-share apps are available in your destination, or know how to identify licensed taxis.
- Always carry a portable phone charger — essential when using apps for navigation, translation, or payments abroad.
- Keep copies of your important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary) stored separately from the originals.
