To maximize my travel experiences, I follow a simple rule: For every hour spent traveling, I give myself at least one full day at my destination.

For example, a 40-minute flight from Maui to Oahu is fine for an overnight stay or even a day trip, but for a 13-hour international flight, I’m taking a minimum of two weeks to explore at a leisurely pace.

I also like to plan a buffer day at both the beginning and end of my trips to give myself time to settle in, adjust to any jet lag, and become accustomed to my surroundings.

In my experience, travelers often fall into one of two categories: those who build an itinerary down to the minute, and those who leave everything to chance.

My trick is to find a balance between the two. For activities that require planning — perhaps because reservations are hard to secure or they’re only available on certain days during my travels — I make sure to schedule them in advance to ensure I don’t miss out.

But I also think it’s good to have days with no plans at all, so I can wander aimlessly through a city or take a day to relax at my accommodations and reset for the adventures yet to come.

This helps keep me entertained while also making me feel fresh and alert throughout my travels.

Novice travelers may think hostels only offer the bare essentials, but in my experience, many are designed with socialization in mind.

Some properties feature game rooms or on-site bars that serve as natural gathering places, while others may host events, like trivia nights, karaoke, or off-site activities, including hikes and city walks.

Sometimes, I think it’s worth spending a little extra on a hostel with more amenities or built-in events if I want a guaranteed social outlet. These help create safe, supervised environments where I can meet like-minded travelers — whether they’re solo or exploring with loved ones — and connect with locals, too.

Although group tours can cost more upfront, in my experience, they often balance out — or even save me money — once I factor in transportation, entry fees, and convenience.

In my opinion, though, the best part of an organized tour is the insider knowledge I gain along the way.

For example, your guide can fill you in on history, local culture, names of plants and animals, or even little secrets you’d probably miss otherwise, like a shortcut or hidden path with an amazing view.

Plus, I think riding in a tour bus makes things easier, since I don’t have to worry about navigation, I can rest between stops, and avoid extra costs like rental car insurance or gas.

Although some travelers may prefer to keep to themselves, I like to pack an item that can help spark conversations with those around me: tarot cards.

The cards are something I enjoy on my own, but they also give others an easy excuse to approach me. Since tarot is a bit niche, it usually means anyone who notices it either shares my interests or is willing to learn, both of which are great icebreakers.

That’s why I always recommend carrying something with you that signals openness and can help serve as a conversation starter. This could be something tied to a hobby, a travel-sized game, or anything that naturally sparks curiosity.

A good conversation starter should give people a quick glimpse into who you are and what you’re open to connecting over. From there, you can decide which interactions to continue or deepen.

When I’m traveling solo, I think the safer option is always the smarter choice, even if it means spending more money.

For example, in my opinion, saving $20 on an Uber by opting for a 20-minute walk that begins in a dark, sketchy alley just isn’t worth the risk. If something costs my sense of safety or security, it’s too expensive.

The same goes for comfort. In my experience, sometimes paying a little more for a private room after weeks of sleeping in dorms is important for my mental well-being.