Got any trips for the new year planned already?

To make sure you have the best trip ever, I have put together a list of top travel tips, so you can travel smarter and truly like a pro.

Always double check if you passport is still valid (in most countries your passport needs to be valid at least for 6 months after your return date!) and you read the visa requirements for your citizenship.

Secondly, make copies of all important documents like passport, visa, itinerary, travel insurance. I like to store them in a folder in my Dropbox and also share them with my family, so they know which flight I have taken.

When carrying your valuables like cash, jewellery, important medication, it makes sense to spread them across in multiple places in your luggage. This way if you were getting pick-pocketed, not all of your valuable will be gone at once. I also love using a travel scarf with hidden pockets to stash cash and my passport.

We all know that shopping for plane tickets on a weekend is a bad idea, right? While there are truly no rules to airline fares, it is said that booking during the week works out cheaper than when you whip out your credit card on the weekend.

I would also recommend you clear your browser history when you’re searching for tickets as most travel sites log what you have searched for, which could increase the final price. When researching connections, airlines and prices, I like using travel search engines to compare and give you a great overview, just note that they are not always cheaper.

Packing for a trip overseas can be a challenge and I recommend you start a few days ahead of time. This way you are not stressed about what to take and don't stuff too much into your bags at the last minute.

Plan your outfits and don't go to crazy across colours so everything can go together, then roll your clothes or use packing cubes, both are absolute space-savers. Only take small travel-sized bottles of shampoo and leave the big heavy ones at home, you won't need them.

Packing smart and light will also pays off when flying domestic as many airlines charge a hefty baggage fee. Minimal luggage also makes you look less like a target for pick-pockets. And always remember, if you forget something, you probably never needed it in the first place. Or well, you can always buy it in your destination.

We live in a connected world and of course you want to be online when you travel as well. To me it's even more important to be connected when I arrive in a new destination, because you will probably want to order an Uber, find your way to the next bus or simply let your family back home know that you've arrived well.

Having a mobile wifi hotspot is invaluable to me and it's almost as important as bringing my passport with me! Many wifi hotspots can be used in multiple countries as they operate without a local SIM card.

I also set Google Maps to work offline as you can simply download the map of certain areas you'll be going to. Works like a charm and has saved me in lots of situations!

Ever stood at a baggage carousel just to see twenty black suitcases come out and not knowing which one is yours?

Simply buy some cool travel stickers and put them onto your luggage. This way you will never have to search for your bag again and immediately spot it when it come out. Stress and time saver guaranteed!

It's smart to buy and pack a travel adapter when you head overseas. Some of them come with multiple plugs and USB outlets, however, if they don't or you forgot your charger all together simply use the hotel's TV as they usually have USB inputs to charge your phone, iPad or camera.

If you want your devices to charge faster, put them into flight mode or turn them off all together and stop looking at your phone screen as both wifi and illuminating the big bright screen will chew the battery.

Even though I love being spontaneous when arriving at a destination and see where the wind will take me, I still like booking my transport from the airport and first night's accommodation ahead of time.

Especially when you are travelling solo or arriving late at night, this is important as navigating in a foreign environment after a long flight might be tougher than you think. This way you'll arrive safely and can be fully adventurous the next day!

Organising travel insurance is an absolute essential for any trip. I like this saying: “If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.”

Having no travel insurance means you personally need to cover any medical costs resulting from an unexpected accident. And accidents happen to everyone, no matter if it's overseas or a short trip to see family and friends. I like using World Nomads Insurance, which has been around for a long time and many of my friends are travelling on it also.

Many insurance providers also insure against valuable theft, luggage damage or flight cancellations. Always check what exactly is covered (including extreme sports if you're planning to do any) and if you destination is fully covered.

In many instances, if you are not from the US and planning to travel there, insurance fees may be higher than elsewhere in the world due to the private health system.

Why buy travel insurance from World Nomads.com?

1. Backed by specialist insurers and global assistance partners
2. Buy Online, even if you’ve already left home
3. Buy more cover and claim online while travelling
4. Covers a range of adventure sports and activities
5. Give a little back and support a community development project

As you're planning your next trip, it will pay off to research the local customs and laws as they may be different from your home country. This includes dressing appropriately, respecting sacred temples and asking permission when taking photos of locals. Also note that in some countries affection between couples is not shown or accepted.

For the most current information on your vacay destination, Google is your best friend. Because as much as I love books and travel guides, they are usually already outdated when you arrive. I also love researching my travel plans on Pinterest and Instagram and you'll quickly find the most trending places.