Travel Tips From Our Worldwide Connectors

Worldwide Connect members hanging out on a Tel Aviv Beach

Taglit-Birthright Israel provides a unique opportunity to explore Israel’s rich history and culture. During their time with Taglit-Birthright Israel, our alumni saw awe-inspiring sights, ate delectable food, and became expert travelers. 

Many of our alumni haven’t stopped traveling since their time in Israel and have met up with other alumni through our exclusive alumni travel network, Worldwide Connect.

Our Worldwide Connectors are amazingly helpful, and they had some great answers to our question: What are your best travel tips? 

Whether it’s packing efficiently, navigating transportation and travel apps, ensuring safety, or discovering budget-friendly options, these suggestions will help you create lifelong memories with ease

Get Packin’: Hassle-Free Travel

Efficient packing is key to a stress-free trip. We recommend packing light and using organizers to maximize suitcase space (you don’t want to be charged for an overweight bag, do you?!); pack the essentials and purchase mini-size toiletries at your destination. At least that’s what 2008 Taglit-Birthright Israel alum Jennifer Padfield of Boynton Beach, Florida, does!

When you start to pack, consider packing items that aren’t incredibly valuable or expensive, like some old schmattes that can be thrown out after usage. Luggage gets lost more often than you think! If you rough it and choose not to check a bag at all, that’s even better for your wallet (and the headache you just spared yourself).

Bonus Travel Hack: Pack a great neck pillow. It will help you sleep on a plane, bus, train, or boat—many are compact and easily fit in your luggage. 

Regardless of what you do or don’t pack, 2018 Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus Alexa Summers of Kansas City, Missouri, recommends investing in travel insurance (i.e., CTA insurance). This buffer can provide coverage for potentially damaged, lost, or stolen luggage. Despite the price, travel insurance can be worth it if you’re traveling with pricey items; read the policy beforehand to see your coverage. 

Great travel insurance should come with some medical coverage, too, but we recommend bringing your medical cards, if you have any, regardless of whether or not you get travel insurance.

Be Smart: Navigate Ahead of Your Trip

Smooth travel experiences are usually the result of planning ahead. Stay informed about your flights by tracking them in advance, and consider purchasing ticket insurance for protection against potential flight cancellations (especially during inclement weather seasons).

Worried about how you’ll get around on land once you exit the plane? Travel apps like CityMapper—which features 108 cities, mostly in the U.K. and Europe, but also in North America, Asia, and elsewhere—can be incredibly helpful for navigating public transportation and exploring new cities. 

Speaking of public transit, don’t fear the subway system! Our Worldwide Connectors highly suggest taking advantage of reliable public transportation if it’s available. You can save a lot of money and find the right travel schedule that works for you, even if you’re a bit less centrally located. 

Bonus Travel Hack: Purchase daily or weekly tickets for public transit if you can—they’re usually cheaper per ride than one-time-use tickets!

Now, you need somewhere to sleep. When it comes to overnight accommodations, explore options like Booking.com or HotelPlanner.com to find the best deals. Hostels and North American motels are generally cheaper than hotels—but it’s good to read reviews and vet anywhere you are planning to rest your head. 

We also love checking out destination-specific Facebook groups and Reddits, where you can ask residents for tips on where to stay and what to do. Of course, we highly recommend joining Worldwide Connect to get destination-specific tips from other travelers and locals in our community as well *wink*. 

Be Safe: Take Proper Security and Travel Measures

So you’re packed, you’ve scheduled your transit plan, and you’ve booked your stay. 

You’re almost ready for vacay—but there are a few other important considerations you need to lock in before you go.

It’s so important to consider safety precautions during your travels—especially when those travels are international. 

Make photocopies of essential documents like passports and IDs as a precaution against loss or theft before you head to the airport; we also recommend investing in a money belt, which provides a secure way to carry valuables and protect against pickpocketing. 

To avoid risks that come with new environments and cultures, spend a little time learning basic phrases in the home language of the country you are visiting. Locals can give you directions, help you order dishes within your dietary restrictions, and more—but only if they can understand you. 

Along with understanding the language, make sure you understand the logistics of your environment, such as how to dress to be respectful, what to pack for activity-based excursions (sunscreen for beach days!), and even what types of electrical outlets you’ll be working with. 

Above all, do your research but maintain an open mind. Have a respectful attitude toward the culture you are visiting, and embrace their local customs—after all, what is the point of traveling the world if you aren’t open to trying something new? 

Cost-Conscious, Budget-Friendly

Now, the fun part of traveling: spending all the money! Well, on souvenirs, at least. Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on fun. Use credit cards to earn travel points or cash back when booking a vacation or while spending money on your trip. Try setting a daily spending budget to help you manage your expenses effectively (the last thing you want to do on vacation is stress over money).

Saving money on smaller things means you’re able to put those savings toward something more meaningful on your trip. Daphne Schinazi, a 2015 Taglit-Birthright Israel alum from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, saves money by exploring the daily specials at local restaurants and markets for affordable dining experiences that are equally as delicious and authentic. If possible, you can also have breakfast at your hotel or cook in your suite to cut down meal costs; shop for local treats at the grocery for mid-day snacks versus buying lunch on the street daily.

There are also ways to sightsee without dropping big dollars. Look for free walking tours, events, festivals, and other local happenings. Just be sure to tip your tour guides! If your sights aren’t always free, give your wallet a break by purchasing your tickets, tours, and other experiences in advance.

Bonus Travel Hack: Tuesdays are often the cheapest days for flying and the days most likely to have specials. And while travel booking sites often offer discounts or flight + hotel packages, they also have service fees. Taglit-Birthright Israel alum and New Yorker Sean Altberger often finds better prices by booking his flights directly from the airline. Well, you’re officially ready to take that trip! With these tips in mind, we know you’ll plan a remarkable vacation with confidence. We hope these insights helped. Now hurry along and go catch that flight—bon voyage! Be sure to share your adventures with us at Worldwide Connect, Birthright Israel BEYOND’s exclusive travel network!