TELL ANY NEW TRAVELER
I was a complete novice when I travelled the world for my first round trip.
With fifteen years of travel experience, I’m a professional. For me, travelling is second nature. When I land at an airport, I go on autopilot.
However, I was as green and humble as anyone back then.
I took my guidebooks with me and went on organized tours to compensate for my lack of experience. I was young and inexperienced and made many rookie mistakes.
I understand what it is like to be just starting, with a mind full of questions, anxieties and concerns.
These are my 12 top tips for new travellers to avoid making the same mistakes I made.
Don’t Be Scared
Fear can be a powerful deterrent. It’s scary to take the plunge into unknown territory. But remember that you are not the first person to do so. You’re not exploring new continents and uncharted territory.
There’s a well-travelled trail and people to guide you along it. You can do the same as millions of others who travel around the globe each year.
You are just as capable as everyone else. You did the hardest thing: you decided to go. The hardest part is making the decision.
There will be mistakes. We all make mistakes. This is just a part of the experience.
There will be many people available to assist you. It will surprise you how kind and helpful people can be. You will make friends, survive, and it will be a blessing.
Do not live by your guidebook.
Guidebooks can be used to give a broad overview of a place. These guides are a great way to get an overview of the country and cities you want to visit. They won’t have the most up-to-date bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Connect with locals for the most up-to-date information and insider tips. You can connect with locals and ex-pats through websites such as Meetup.com and Couchsurfing for advice, suggestions, and tips on making the most of your trip.
You can also take a walking tour for free when you visit a new place. An expert local guide will be available to help you. They know all about the best places to eat and the best bars.
Ask other travellers you meet or staff members at your hotel/hostel. Also, visit the local tourist board. This board is a treasure trove of information that’s often overlooked. Locals can help you find the right information!
You can use a guidebook to help you build your plans, but ensure to add current information from the locals.
Slow Travel
This is something that most long-term travellers (including myself) learn the hard way.
It can be tempting to try and squeeze in as many activities and cities as possible. This is especially true for those with limited vacation time.
Rushing from one city to the next every day will only make you tired and stressed. It will be a blurry blur of activities, which you’ll remember later. You’ll take some amazing photos for Instagram, but is that really what you’re going on vacation for?
Quality is more important than quantity when you travel. Do not worry about how many countries you have visited. Do not try to impress others with how many countries you have visited. Take your time and enjoy the sights. You will learn more, have more fun, and make it a memorable experience.
Travelling is all about less. Travelling slowly can help reduce transportation costs. It is cheaper to travel slowly!
Be Light
In 2003, I took a huge bag with me to Costa Rica. It contained hiking boots, pants, a fleece jacket, and too many clothes. I also had enough toiletries to cover my body weight. It all ended up in my bag, mostly unutilized.
I packed for “just in time” and “what if” rather than the reality of my trip.
It can be tempting to take more than you need, but you can still buy items on the road. You can buy socks, shampoo, jackets and new shoes anywhere. You don’t need to take everything.
Pack light. This will reduce the weight you have to carry and save you from carrying a heavy backpack for several weeks or months.
A bag of 40 litres is sufficient unless you’re travelling somewhere cold. These bags are easy to carry and don’t become too heavy.
Get Travel Insurance
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a new backpacker, you should never leave your home without being protected in the event of an emergency. We learned this during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sudden emergencies can strike out of nowhere.
I’ve had my luggage lost. In Thailand, I broke my eardrum. I was stabbed in Colombia.
A friend of mine broke bones and had to be flown out by helicopter from the Amazon or flown back because of his family’s sudden death.
Stuff happens. Sometimes life gets in the way.
To make sure you are protected, purchase travel insurance.
Because I know how quickly things can turn sour, I don’t leave my house without it.
It’s impossible to predict what could happen. Uncertainty is a constant part of life. You need to be protected. You will feel more secure and confident when you travel.
These are some posts that you should read. It’s not an exciting or sexual topic, but it is important.
Take a phone and get local SIM cards.
A phone with data allows you to look up directions, make reservations and call emergency services in case of an emergency.
Although Wi-Fi is free everywhere these days, buying a local SIM card to access roaming data may seem like a waste (especially if your budget is tight), but it can save you a lot of money.