Everyone has different traveling styles and preferences.  But whether you like to budget travel, travel in the lap of luxury or somewhere in between, there are travel skills that everyone needs and can benefit from having.

1. BARGAINING

Bargaining is of the best travel skills to have, but can make people the most uncomfortable.  Some people love to haggle and get the seller down to their lowest possible price.  Bargaining makes other people so uncomfortable that they accept the first price given.  I personally believe the best bargaining method is somewhere in between.  While I don’t accept the first price given, I don’t go to the lowest possible price either. Why?  I never want the seller to feel like they’re giving their product away without making any profit.  It’s only fair.  They have to make a living too.

2. ABILITY TO ADAPT

You never know what can happen on trips; from having a bad hotel to being in a room full of people who don’t speak the same language as you. But that’s the beauty of travel.  It’s always full of unexpected ups and downs.  Being able to adapt to change is what being a good traveler is all about.

3. DON’T BE IGNORANT

When I say don’t be ignorant, I just mean be aware of where you’re going and the customs and traditions associated with that destination.  For example, since I’m heading to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I’m going to be sure to bring plenty of scarves and long skirts so I’m appropriately dressed at all times.  We don’t want any international incidents!

4. HAVING AN OPEN MIND

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

I believe having an open mind is one of the most important, if not THE most important skill for a traveler to have.  What’s the point in traveling if you’re going to stay in your comfort zone?  Comfort zones are for suckers.

5.  BEING ABLE TO DISCERN

While being openminded is important, don’t be naive.  Never let people take advantage of you and always use common sense.  And if common sense isn’t common to you (see what I did there?), trust your instincts.  If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  Your instincts will never steer you wrong.

These travel skills are universal and if you don’t have them, you should begin working on developing them to become a good traveler.  I’d love to hear what skills you think are important for travelers to have below.  Let me know!