1. Figure out where you want to go, what you want to do and the best time to go there, well in advance.

​

2. Use booking tools like Kayak and Skyscanner to find the best flights and hotels - don't forget to scan for flights from multiple airports to find cheaper flights.

​

3. Subscribe to email alerts from the airline so you know when they are having a sale.

​

4. Make sure you pay for baggage fees up front - it's much cheaper than at the airport.

​

5. Download offline maps of where you are going from tools like Google Maps to reduce the possibility of getting lost.

​

6. Use tools like Google Calendar to organise your travel, BUT always ensure that entries are in the correct time zone.

​

7. Sign up for safety alerts from your government (e.g. the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office or the US State Department).

​

8. Ensure you are clear about immigration requirements for all the countries you will visit and have fulfilled them before you leave.

​

9. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance with repatriation included.

​

10. Share your location with someone back home - better safe than sorry!