10 Travel Tips to MAXIMIZE Your Travel

[@noemimatias3729]

I regret buying the Bento bag. It’s not worth the money in my opinion. 👎🏼

[@ZUCChinishrIMP]

Another tip is to have a set of backup ID/cards/cash. Also take pictures of any legal documents/passport, send them to yourself on email or a cloud drive. This is for worst case scenarios if you lose your wallet or it gets stolen, etc. Same thing for phone too, I like to carry just enough extra cash to be able to catch a taxi home.

[@absentwithoutleave3164]

2 outfits in carry on for lost bags. Something bright and distinguishable on your checked in bag and also take a photo of checked in bag before you check it in + airtag in there. When your bag is lost (or damaged) you then have evidence. All learnt the hard way. Was told they didn’t know where the bags were, whipped up the iPhone and told staff exactly where the bags were at Changi. Bullshit proof. We got our bags back in 7 days vs many people not getting back in over 30 days or never after Covid debacle.

[@tanyas6643]

I always pack a set of pjs, several pairs of undies, a pair of leggings/sweatpants, a set of socks or two and 2 tops that go with my travel day bottoms, into my “personal item” (backpack.) That way, even if my carry-on bag is gate checked and then delayed or lost, I have at least a few days to get situated and find replacements, if necessary. And of course, jewelry and the basics of toiletries and makeup also get packed into my personal item bag.

[@MonicaNieuwland]

This is a great Travel Video that outlines the basics to travelling! Tips applicable for anyone travelling anywhere 👏

[@spokesdog9958]

Finally, tips for international travel. Seems most tips are geared towards domestic travel. Thank you

[@mdubb4855]

First time I’ve found a blogger who does “hybrid” luggage - change of clothing and other essentials in carryon, but your “traveling closet” gets checked. “Onebag” doesn’t work for me - that much weight wears me out on a 12 hours first leg and 5 hours connecting flight. REI in the USA usually sells a 70d 30L stuff travel duffle for $30, and in many countries Decathlon offers rugged, but incredibly value priced, 20L and 30L daypacks if you need something in a rush. The only “tip” I would offer, is to be ready to check your overhead bag if you are subject to a 7kg combined weight limit for personal item + carryon. I put my most important overhead items in a 24L Flash 24 ultra thin, ultralight pack from REI and pull it out to keep with me cabinet. (This works because I am allowed two checked bags but only take one).

[@0mfgeeze]

No matter where I go I take a macguyver kit Roth: binder clips, rubber bands, safety pins, tape, ziplocks and carabiners. Infinitely useful.

[@Xia-hu]

if you aren't going to the wilderness, you can buy most of these locally too. In most countries even cheaper than in the US. I found that it's absolutely useless to pack a lot of things. you need to buy these items at home and carry it around, while you can just do that at your destination.

[@0mfgeeze]

@@Xia-hu these items usually come in a package of many, where as I can just pack two. They also weigh essentially nothing. Its pretty money dumb to waste money on cheap lightweight things you already own just to buy duplicates somewhere else. Plus when I'm in a pinch I don't want to have to spend time wasted from my vacation locating a local store than to just have the cheap small lightweight item already on me. I like the convinience and ability to solve minor annoyances immediately.

[@cyee6901]

May I ask what brand and size is your check in luggage you like the most ? What food your did you go in Tokyo ? 😊

[@MoreChannelNoise]

esims do NOT work on all phones, check your phone supports e-sims BEORE buying a package !!!

[@paulfairchild8942]

Great tips! Thanks Max!

[@matthewwong8026]

Great tips Max! And good call on the extra duffle bag especially in Asia when you don’t know how much you’ll buy!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

You can also buy a packable duffle in Asia too they are pretty common 😄

[@jfuji1053]

Awesome vid and travel recommendations thanks 🙏

[@shannonhugoalcala5884]

Nice tips. I especially like the walking / food tour tip. I agree that instagram isn’t as truthful or reliable with recommendations, but I’d also take Reddit recommendations with the same caution. We planned a trip to Disney Paris based on Reddit recommendations and it was completely wrong. They recommended 3 days to enjoy the park when really 1-1.5 is more than enough. Sharing this feedback and opinion on Reddit resulted in lots of down votes lol.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I guess you always gotta do your own due diligence and do some research yourself and not rely on what you see on social or even on Reddit!

[@Mr.DJones]

@@MaxMilesPoints What? Do homework? ;) For Vietnam, I've watched over 75 videos. I just got my VN evisa the first time. Because I watched a video on applying for it. And I've downloaded about 12 new apps. Thanks again.

[@philbertshevitz3113]

Hey max, great video, as usual, question..... does airalo or any other esim company offer text and/or talk? Or just data?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Airalo does! But it’s their global plan so you’ll get a phone number from an Easter European country What I recommend is get Airalo and use a internet call provider like the Viber app. Load it with $5 and you can make calls from there using your Airalo data. I use this to make calls to international hotels or to airlines when I’m traveling abroad

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time. I'm leaving for Vietnam on Oct. 2nd. I'm going for two months to see if I want to retire there. I've already done a few of these things. On the Bento Bag, $300? The payment of the hotel bill was a new one I haven't heard of, thanks. :)

[@mrkcur]

I agree about debit cards vs exchange offices, but in countries with sketchy economic situations, brining cash can be much better. Some governments set a bogus exchange rate for their currency, and you are stuck with that rate if relying on ATMs and credit cards. For example, 15 years ago in Tashkent, I got twice as much local currency using cash vs using the ATM. Other places I saw this include Argentina and Ukraine.

[@Xia-hu]

this doesn't happen if you use providers like Wise or Revolut. In any case it's not the ATM that sets the exchange rate, it's your own BANK. Wise for example offers almost midrate exchange for any currency and doesn't charge your anything.

[@mrkcur]

@@Xia-hu if I send money to Ukraine using Wise or Revolut, I’m pretty sure the rate will be worse than going their with USD in cash. I haven’t checked rates recently, but I checked this at the beginning of the war about two years ago, and the difference was like 20%. The Central Bank of Ukraine controls the official exchange rate. The official rate is bogus. If you have dollars you will have no problem converting into local currency, but if you have local currency, it’ll be difficult to get dollars. I believe the same applies in Russia.

[@kevinadams9468]

Thanks for offline maps hint. Going to a remote area with bad service. It will be a godsend.

[@BriceDesmon696]

Great vid! Learned a few things

[@wazInoz7009]

Bento bag too big for Asia, as a74 year Australian traveller I use the Thule crossover 2 cabin bag! Good tips thanks!

[@matriciabb8]

Nice tips really useful, thanks

[@ibdam1]

Outstanding travel tips!

[@charliedurham4248]

More excellent advice

[@ropblu3]

Great tips I love it.

[@txteach]

Really great tips! Thx! Going to Korea in a month. 😊

[@penneya3911]

Another tip about global entry: as of Oct 1 2024, it will be free for kids.

[@bigfampointstravel]

Oh my gosh! This is huge news for our family! Going to Japan next year and been dragging my feet going through the long application process because we have 6 kids and only 4 free global entry credits from cards 😂

[@TravelPanda24]

The application free is waived, children still have to pay the money for the membership

[@tray2811]

Another one - it’s not just for American citizens. I’m a UK citizen and have GE because I visit the US a couple of times a year and is so worth it

[@secretariatgirl4249]

Sadly, the Bento Bag is actually a bit too large for underseat on Delta's Airbus 350 to Rome (for sure in Comfort +).

[@jeffbiederman9218]

Great video. What’s that check in bag you used in this video?

[@rambosidi7634]

Yep

[@applea.4337]

Does nomad bag fits in the frontier personal bag slot in the airport? However wish it can turn into a backpack for walking a lot in the airport.

[@mamijojo6446]

is it worth it to pay shoppimg food or anything else using chase credit card? or better to use cash or chase debit card?

[@mmqpz]

I like the sign on your wall. Where did u get it?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

It's a Vestaboard ⬇️ Save $200 off of your Vestaboard with my referral link below, and I'll receive a $200 bonus. Purchase yours now: web.vestaboard.com/referral?vbref=MJQ5NJ

[@TerranceYu]

You missed the most important tip. Always bring a card you’re meeting spend on when traveling with P2, especially an American Platinum with no foreign transaction fee and guarantee that it won’t get declined at the luxury bag store because your puny visa CL is too small. 😂😂😂

[@missmayflower]

The problem with that bag is that a bag dangling from your hand is bait for people who will grab it from you. Drive by motorcycle thieves do that a lot.

[@Xia-hu]

depends on where you are going... For example in Japan or in Korea that won't happen.

[@cathychen1862]

Great tips!!! May I know which checked luggage you used in the video??

[@pamsgreen220]

Hi What brand is your packable travel duffle bag. Thanks

[@BARBELLSTOBUDDHAS]

I don't see a single Canadian bank with debit cards that do as you suggest. Thoughts?

[@backpackingtony1779]

TD had an account if you keep $5k in it they’ll waive any transaction fees. It’s an option but I cancelled it when they cheated me by not waiving the TD Infinite Visa fee.

[@jtf267]

Thank you

[@John-t1d]

The problem with esim is that it is only a data plan. You do not get a phone number

[@pipessurer9359]

I live in San Diego and am planning on a trip to Japan next July. Have been following your videos (they are great). I am wondering how you dealt with the heat + humidity in Japan when walking around? I am doing part of my trip in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto but the majority in Hokkaido. Planning on hiking as many mountains (including Fuji) as possible.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

the heat and humidity is pretty miserable, we had a lot of cloud cover when we went a couple weeks ago and it helped a lot but still hot and humid. Osaka and Kyoto have a lot of covered walkways so that helps and avoid doing outdoorsie stuff which it would be hard for you if you're hiking. We also used umbrellas while outside too. The best solution avoid hot and humid months if at all possible especially if you plan to do outdoor activities

[@pipessurer9359]

@@MaxMilesPoints I am likely going to try to change my timing to May or October. The only reason I was going in July was that I scored ANA first class award tickets for the outbound and return (ORD). As you know, these are difficult to book. I would settle for business class if I can change my dates (maybe even premium economy on JAL).

[@pytube777]

@@pipessurer9359it will be better to change those dates. Doing a lot of outdoor activities in hot humid weather is not ideal if you’re not used to it. Maybe that’s why you got the first class award ticket. People avoid flying to Japan in the summer if they can.

[@pipessurer9359]

@@pytube777 I am going to either switch my travel to May or consider doing most of my trip in Hokkaido with a short time in Osaka/Kyoto. One thing to note is that you climbing season for Mt. Fuji starts on July 1st. This is something I have always wanted to do (in one day).

[@marybethmaloyG]

@@pipessurer9359autumn in Japan is so beautiful, especially around Kyoto 🍁 May is nice as well :)

[@velcroadhesive]

What kind of camera was that in the Nomad bag?

[@robduboux8668]

Yes! Nomad Bento Bag for the win! My Nomad and carry on is good enough for 3 weeks in Europe.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

glad to hear you like it!

[@JenniferHwang-kb5gq]

I’ll definitely have to try the hotel trick for my extra cash when I go to Japan!

[@chris_panda]

6:35 what bag is this? Looks solid!

[@chris_panda]

Found it! Is it July Checked Plus Trunk?

[@tdo2952]

Does the global entry mobile app includes all family. If I have kids, do they also need to have their tog in their account to the Mobile entry or can I just include them from my account?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

As far as I know you can submit up to 11 people in one photo submission , everyone needs to be a global entry member. So yes it’s possible to submit multiple people on one phone in one submission

[@tdo2952]

@@MaxMilesPointsthanks !

[@tdo2952]

@@MaxMilesPointsdoesn’t most airports now have facial recognition? I came back from Asia to Seattle and didn’t need to provide global entry card.

[@z.allora4266]

Travel a 1.5 million miles over the past 25 yrs > everything you recommend is spot on. (Love the idea of double checking research on Reddit > that was my take away! I am off to look for Budapest intel leaving on Thursday > btw free business class AVIOS & free hotel Marriot > I'm a total point whore.) Thank you! Have a great day, Z. Allora

[@jujus_reviews]

Which suitcase / luggage trunk do you use?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

July hybrid trunk!

[@bnguy]

Hey Max! I sent another email about the course I purchased. Is there an update of when you will add back the material to the course?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Hey I must have missed it. I'm back from a trip now so I'll be working on in and hoping to get it done asap!

[@bnguy]

Thanks Max. I hope you had fun on your Asia trip! Hoping to use the info on the course to go to Asia soon. Used your tips to fly business to Europe

[@janh.4479]

Great suggestions!! Thanks!! I’ve been waiting months for my Global Entry!! Guess they are really backed up!!

[@pytube777]

Did you carry your passport everywhere you went while in Japan?

[@Xia-hu]

I would never leave my passport in my accommodation. you can never know what happens, if there's a fire, flood or earthquake... and you might need to use it too. Police can stop you, some places might require showing a passport (for example in Seoul in the Blue House), and in Korea for example a lot of shops will offer you a tax free shopping, they scan your passport and you either get an instant tax reduction on price or you get a piece of paper that allows you to claim tax back at the airport. in any case, I would always keep my passport on me at all times.

[@nanemoon9968]

​@Xia-hu Wait. For the sake of a few Dollars discount, you allow someone you don't even know to literally copy your passport? With this copy one can create a fairly good false passport. Any idea of how much damage this can cause? Also, if you become aware of this and report, the passport number of the original gets blocked as well. Leaving you without ID. Is this really worth it?

[@Xia-hu]

@@nanemoon9968 lol, these are government mandated shops. nothing is going to happen to your data... They don't make a copy of your passport, they scan the barcode at the bottom that validates you are a foreigner. LOL. If you are this paranoid, just don't get out of your house and also terminate your internet connection.

[@Travelingnoypifam]

Is the global entry mobile app the same as Mobile Passport Control app?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

They are different mobile passport control app is for people who don’t have global entry

[@bluehannah8696]

Download google maps made this video ❤. New subscriber !

[@Magontor]

what do you do for work?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Create content

[@devilshunter]

link to miffy duffle bag please! if there is one lol

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Don’t have a link since we bought it in Kyoto at a miffy store 😆

[@axios101]

Nice insights! A question about suitcase protector covers ( not the one-use wrapping, but the ones reusable not made in fabric, but in transparent plastic with zips and velcros to secure them around the suitcase) for checked luggage: Are they useful to protect suitcases and/or to avoid tampering? Could those "sleeves/covers" get stuck into conveyor belts or become a problem during handling in airports?

[@dongshengdi773]

Additional tip: Don't forget to bring a bodyguard along with you

[@Overlearner]

Logical af

[@Man-lp6zg]

Stop using the word "final destination" it's cursed

[@Tom_Cruz]

Nomad Lane Bag SUCKS!

[@nanemoon9968]

This is pure advertising of a bag sandwiched between some general traveling tips. And the bag is not even very useful as one can read in the other comments. Downvote. I don't need this type of videos.

[@NikkiCN]

Thank you

[@rawasya3148]

thank you