After visiting over 100 countries, I’ve learned that how you start your trip can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve developed a few simple habits that help me hit the ground running, things I do almost instinctively now every time I land somewhere new.
These are not flashy tricks. They are practical, real-world travel habits that keep me connected, comfortable, and tuned into the local rhythm from day one. Whether you are heading off on a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a luxury escape, I hope a few of my go-to moves will help you travel smarter and stress-free.
Get connected without the shock of roaming charges
The very first thing I do when I land, before I even leave the airport, is make sure I’ve sorted my phone and data plan. International roaming charges can be extortionate, and while some providers offer travel-friendly packages, many do not.
Lorraine’s Tip: Always check your phone plan before you go and turn off data roaming until you have confirmed your options.
If you prefer to keep your SIM card in (perhaps for banking or messaging apps), a mobile hotspot device is a brilliant workaround. It acts as your own personal Wi-Fi connection, letting you stay online without touching your roaming data. It is especially helpful if you are carrying multiple devices or travelling with others.
If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card is often the most affordable option and usually available at airports or nearby shops. It is particularly useful if you will be in one country for more than a few days.
Walk first, plan later
One of the best things I do in a new destination is join a free walking tour. I try to book one within 24 hours of arrival. It is a relaxed, low-cost way to get your bearings and see a few highlights before diving into deeper sightseeing.
These tours are usually led by passionate locals, and they often give you a fantastic feel for the area, including cultural insight and practical tips like how to use public transport or where the locals go for dinner. I have found excellent walking tours through GetYourGuide and Viator.
Lorraine’s Tip: Bring small cash for tipping. These tours may be free in name, but they are often worth every cent you give the guide.
Yes, I pack my own pillow
I know—it’s a bit unconventional—but I’ve learned through experience that a bad night’s sleep can ruin a great trip. Hotel pillows are hit or miss, and if you’re sensitive to neck pain or just prefer your own comfort, having your own pillow makes all the difference.
I always pack mine in a brightly coloured pillowcase so I don’t leave it behind among the sea of hotel linens. And yes, it fits just fine tucked into a carry-on or clipped to the side of a backpack. It might look funny, but trust me, it’s one of my top travel comforts.
Ask the right people
When I arrive somewhere new, I always want to know what is happening locally and where I should be eating. But I am careful about who I ask.
Taxi drivers are not always the best source of advice. While some are friendly and helpful, others may steer you towards places where they earn a commission. I find far more reliable recommendations from hotel concierges, shopkeepers in beautifully curated boutiques, and locals I meet through everyday interactions.
Lorraine’s Tip: If a boutique has great taste in design or gourmet products, it is likely the staff also know the best local restaurants and high-end food markets. People who work in these kinds of shops often move in the same circles as the best chefs and hospitality insiders. A simple question while admiring a display of handmade goods can lead to an unforgettable dining recommendation.
Visit the markets
Markets are one of my favourite ways to dive straight into the local culture. Whether it is a bustling food market, a weekend craft fair, or a small morning farmers market, I try to find out when they are happening and make sure to go early in the trip.
Markets offer so much more than just food or souvenirs. You get a feel for local life what people are eating, growing, selling, and sharing. It is an experience that always grounds me in a place.
Lorraine’s Tip: Chat to the stallholders. If they are selling fresh herbs, handmade cheeses, or homegrown veg, chances are they supply local restaurants and will often happily recommend their favourites. Some of my best meals abroad have come from conversations over bread or tomatoes. Markets are also a brilliant place to find meaningful souvenirs. I have brought home everything from handwoven baskets in Uganda to lavender honey in Provence. You will not find those in duty free.
Be smart with money
One thing I never do is exchange money at the airport. The rates are poor and you will lose a good chunk of value before your trip even begins.
Instead, I use my debit card to withdraw cash from a bank ATM once I am in the city. But it is crucial to choose a proper bank machine not a standalone ATM in a souvenir shop or convenience store. Those machines often charge higher fees and are more vulnerable to card skimming.
Lorraine’s Tip: Always protect your PIN when using a cash machine and be aware of your surroundings. I also travel with at least two credit cards, kept separately. If one gets blocked or lost, I have a backup. It is a simple habit that has saved me more than once. Also, try to withdraw some small local notes for tipping, taxi rides, and smaller purchases where cards may not be accepted.
Adjust to the local time straight away
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is giving in to the urge to sleep as soon as they arrive. If you land during the day and immediately have a nap, your body clock will struggle for days.
Lorraine’s Tip: No matter how tired you feel, try to stay awake until at least 8 or 9 in the evening in the local time zone. I only look at the local time of the destination I am in. I never check the time back home because it only confuses your body and encourages jet lag. Focus on the time where you are, not where you have come from. Eat at local meal times, go outside for natural daylight, and go to bed when it is actually time to sleep. You will feel better far faster.
Final thought
After visiting more than 100 countries, I can confidently say that how you spend your first few hours in a destination will often set the tone for the rest of your trip.
By taking care of the basics staying connected, orienting yourself, adjusting to local time, sleeping comfortably, and tapping into local knowledge you will save time, reduce stress, and open yourself up to the kind of authentic experiences that make travel truly memorable.
These are my rituals, my non-negotiables, and they work for me whether I am heading off on safari in Tanzania, sipping wine in Italy, or exploring the markets of Uganda. You do not have to travel exactly like I do but borrow a few of these tips and I promise your next trip will feel a little more seamless, a little more thoughtful, and a lot more rewarding.
Join Me in Tanzania November or January
Ready to make solo travel your next adventure? Join me in Tanzania this November for the Great Migration or in January when most of the babies are born!. Whether you’re travelling on your own or with a friend, this trip promises unforgettable experiences, incredible landscapes, and a welcoming group to share it all with.
Don't forget if you are looking to travel I still own a TICO registered travel agency in Ontario and will be happy to help. Always the best way to reach me is by email as I mostly work remote and I can either set up a time to meet you or suggest a perfect local agent to help you.
Email me at [email protected]
Email my Ontario Based Agents Michelle Lucy or Lauren Preston
Check some travel info at www.conciergetravelgroup.ca
Or just check out some stories and videos at lorrainesimpson.com
