Tips for a less stressful, cheaper traveling experience.

Aaaand hello again and welcome to my second blog post! :)
As I mentioned earlier (in my previous blog post), I am lucky enough to say that I have travelled quite a lot and it has become an integral part of shaping me into who I am today. Traveling can be a pretty stressful experience, though, so I thought I'd share some useful tips that helped me. Some of them might seem pretty obvious or cliché, but I still hope they can help you guys too!

1) It is not at all a must to use a travel company. 
My parents, when they initially started traveling and taking my sister and I to see the world, used a travel agent. Eventually, though, they learned to just book and buy everything themselves (accommodation, airfare, and such) because it is cheaper and more convenient that way. Now. It is more work because you have to do a lot more research and know where you're going in a country and how to get places once you're there, be able to navigate different websites where people book things, create your own program and know what to do in a place that you're going to, etc. (This last one only applies if you're a planner. If you are a "go with the flow" type of person and just go along with what each day brings, that's perfectly okay too!) But hey, saving money to do more fun stuff, see more gorgeous places, and eat more delicious food sounds worth it to me!
2) Pack light. (Well, try at least)
I personally always struggled with overpacking, but trust me, you'll want to buy things while you travel and you will NOT want to have to get another suitcase because your stuff cannot all fit in one. So try your best and pack light.
3) Plan at least a little bit
At least you'll want to have a place to live once you arrive, right?
4) The sooner you buy your tickets and accommodation, the cheaper it is.
My parents usually try and purchase everything at least several months in advance. At times, even as far ahead as six months or a year!
5) There is nothing quite like traveling with a local. 
I was privileged to have had a chance to travel to a country with a local a couple of times and I LOVED it. They know all the hidden jams, they can help you get around, AND you get to learn about the country, the traditions, and the culture from someone who actually knows what he/she is talking about. Pretty cool if you ask me.
6) Try to have a good balance of touristy and non-touristy places that you plan to see&do.
Seeing La Sagrada Familia or Notre-Dame de Paris is obviously amazing and almost a must, but it's just as amazing to learn where the locals like to go and what they like to see& do.
7) Get your documents all ready before you go. (Preferably pack them first)
You do NOT want to realize you forgot your passport or your health insurance form while at the airport. Not much more needs to be said.
8) Essential medicine and things you know you cannot do without go first too. 
Pretty self-explanatory, right? Things like phone chargers, toiletries, or whatever else, can be bought upon arrival. Your meds that you need a prescription for- not so much.
9) Get to the airport on time. 
Allow time for traffic too. It's not a good feeling when your flight leaves without you, believe me. (I've been there. It wasn't really my fault, but that's besides the point)
10) Try and book your connecting flights so that there is enough time in between them.
Allow for flight delays. (They happen. Sometimes, your flight might get delayed for a LONG time) Now. Technically, if I am not mistaken, some airlines make it their responsibility to make sure you get to your connecting flight on time in case of delays, but sometimes they do not or simply cannot do so. If that happens, they technically should just put you on another flight at no cost for you (since it's their fault), but just be ready for anything. As much as you can, at least.
11) Please please please do not be afraid. 
Trying out new food, meeting new people, being around new culture, seeing new places, trying to exist in a place where your language isn't even spoken- all that can be scary, I get it. But hey, people have done it and they survived! You will too. Not only that, but I also hope/ almost guarantee that you'll create some unforgettable memories, open yourself up to an entirely new world that has so much beauty to offer, learn new things, and hopefully get inspired to do it again and again.

Like I said, y'all, some of these tips you have probably heard before, so I hope no one is annoyed. I just hope I was able to convey to you that traveling isn't nearly as terrifying as you might have thought. Please let me know of any questions/comments/concerns that you might have.
As per usual, thanks SO much for reading this!
Till next time.
E.