Everything I Know About Traveling
I didn't build this to show off what I've figured out. I built it so you don't have to feel alone figuring it out, the way I did. Whether you've never left home or you've already got stamps in your passport, this is the exact list of tools and tips I actually use and recommend to my own clients.
Lean on a rideshare app
If you're just starting out, or you're somewhere brand new to you, Uber (or whatever the local version is, Grab, Bolt, DiDi) is a strong move. No haggling over a price, no guessing if you just got overcharged for being the obvious tourist. One less thing to think about while you're still finding your footing.
Location beats luxury, every time
Stay in the city center, close to most of what you actually came to do, or near a train station. It makes every single day easier, and you're in a well-trafficked area, which honestly matters more than a fancier room three neighborhoods away.
Read the reviews. Take your time.
Especially somewhere brand new, don't feel pressured to just walk into the first place you see. Stand there. Read the reviews until you actually feel good about it. Your stomach will thank you later, I promise.
Hire a driver for the day
In some countries this is genuinely cheaper than you'd expect, and so much more convenient than piecing together transport yourself. Always worth asking about once you land.
The card I always mention first
Capital One Venture
No foreign transaction fees, a real annual travel credit, and flat-rate miles so you're never doing math to figure out what you actually earned.
- Cash back at stores you already shop at stacks right on top of your card points, I use Rakuten for this.
- Some premium cards quietly come with free international mobile data built in, most people carrying them never even know it's there.
- A credit union account almost always beats a currency exchange counter for cash abroad.
- Download offline maps and the offline version of Google Translate before you leave, not after you land.
- Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, actually review what's covered.
What's the one credit card you'd recommend to a beginner traveler?
Capital One Venture. No foreign transaction fees, a real annual travel credit, and flat-rate miles that don't require any math to redeem.
How do I avoid overpaying for a hotel?
Prioritize location over luxury. A well-placed hotel in the city center or near transit saves you time and money every single day of the trip, more than a fancier room further out ever will.
Is it safe to book activities online before I arrive?
Yes, sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook have already worked out the pricing and logistics with local operators, so you can book ahead with confidence instead of negotiating in person.
Get the full guide, free
The other cards I actually carry and why, a second way to stack cash back and points toward airlines that are notoriously hard to earn miles with, the pre-trip checklist, and the local secrets. All of it, free.
Go have the trip. I'll be here if you want help