Last Updated: 10/12/20 | October 12th, 2020
The travel bug. Chances are if you’re on this website, you’ve got it (or will soon). If you’re always dreaming of far-flung adventures, pining for a change of scenery, or incessantly adding things to your Bucket List then I have some news for you: you are a travel addict.
And there is no cure.
Once you are infected with the travel bug, it never leaves your system. It only gets worse. You’re going to be hooked for life!
But that’s ok because you’re not alone! I have the bug – and everything I do revolves around travel. Travel is always on my mind, and I’m constantly planning my next trip. Sound familiar?
In case you’re worried you might be infected with the travel bug, here are some signs you might be a travel addict too:
You start all your stories with “When I was in…..”
You’re always asking friends to go on trips.
You’ve watched everything related to travel on Netflix.
Anthony Bourdain will always be your spirit animal. (RIP)
You’ve also seen every episode of No Reservations and Parts Unknown.
You read guidebooks for fun.
You plan trips you will never take.
Google Flights is your homepage.
You’ve signed up for every flight deal newsletter in the world.
You always ask people “Where are you from?” even when you can tell by their accent.
You wear flip-flops in the shower.
You take toilet paper everywhere you go out of habit.
Google Translate and XE Currency Converter are two of your most-used apps.
You have more than one currency in your wallet (just in case).
You keep a packed suitcase handy.
You have a travel playlist on your iPod.
You speak in airport codes, not city names.
You have more SIM cards than you can count.
You can tell where people have been by the cheesy logos and sayings on their shirts. (Same Same = Thailand, Yellow Star = Vietnam)
You have elite flyer status on multiple airlines.
You attend travel conferences multiple times a year.
You don’t have paintings on the wall — you have maps.
If you haven’t been anywhere in a few months, you get the shakes.
You can breeze through airport security with your eyes closed.
You spend two hours each day reading travel blogs and travel websites.
You subscribe to multiple travel magazines.
No matter how often you travel, your bucket list is always getting longer, not shorter.
When you think of prices, you value things in terms of how many days in your next destination it costs. “That TV is 10 days in Paris! Let’s get this one — it’s only 5 days!”
You don’t do cashback. You do points.
You have a collection of luggage tags that have been gifted by friends and family over the holiday.
You pretend you are a travel writer.
When people ask you about your hobbies, all your answers contain the word “travel.”
Some people cry when they leave home. You cry when you have to go back.
When people ask you your profession, you say vagabond.
You filled your first passport before the first year was over.
You have trips planned for next decade — just for fun.
You keep your used guidebooks in your bookcase as a badge of honor.
You have a map tattooed somewhere on your body.
You plan your next trip while on a current trip.
People you haven’t spoken to since kindergarten randomly message you on Facebook asking you for advice about their upcoming trip.
You write a travel addict post.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.