50 Tips For First-Time Travellers

Sunglasses by Caleb Roenigk CC 2.0

Planning your first trip and feeling nervous? Don’t worry, we have compiled the ultimate list that should answer anything on your mind, and answer questions you haven’t even thought of. 

Planning

  1. Decide where you want to go based on what you want to experience
  2. Go to Africa for wildlife
  3. Go to Asia for food
  4. Go to Australia for landscapes
  5. Go to Europe for modern history
  6. Go to North America for variety
    Go to South America for lively culture
  7. Go to Middle East for ancient history
  8. Decide where you want to go based on your budget
  9. Decide where you want to stay based on what you want to experience and your budget WARNING: SOME COMPROMISE MAY BE REQUIRED!
  10. Couchsurfing is free and a great way to experience what it’s like to be a local
  11. Staying in a hostel is cheap, friendly and a great place to meet other travellers
  12. Book a hotel if you want privacy and to have someone clean up after you and provide fresh towels
  13. Choose a rental like Airbnb if you want somewhere private that is a little more like home
  14. Check whether you need a visa
  15. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left on it
  16. Speak to your doctor about vaccinations
  17. Get the right travel insurance because if you get ill or something goes wrong it could cost A LOT of money if you don’t have insurance
  18. Tell a family member your travel itinerary
  19. Store all passport and insurance info electronically in case you lose your belongings

Packing

  1. Don’t pack what you can buy at your destination (toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant etc)
  2. Only pack three of each thing – one to wear while one is in the wash, and the other is drying
  3. Don’t pack more than you can comfortably carry
  4. Make sure you can carry your bag up and down the stairs
  5. Check the luggage weight limits
  6. Leave space to bring back things you buy abroad
  7. If you can’t decide if you’ll need it, don’t bother packing it
  8. Pack one set of smart clothes for going out
  9. Don’t bother taking anything that needs dry cleaning
  10. Take earplugs, everything from plane journeys to hostel dorms are noisy
  11. Eye masks are also great for ensuring a good sleep
  12. Pack a spare set of clothes in your hand luggage in case your baggage goes elsewhere
  13. Check you have your passport and tickets as you leave the house
  14. Check you have your passport and tickets as soon as you get to any airport or train station

 Pointers

  1. Learn a few words of the local lingo
  2. Familiarise yourself with local customs so you don’t accidentally offend someone
  3. Make sure you are aware of the local laws about drugs, alcohol and exposed flesh to avoid heavy fines or imprisonment
  4. Watch out for scammers
  5. Don’t let watching out for scammers stop you from making friends while travelling
  6. Smile
  7. Don’t carry all your money with you
  8. Always keep your passport safe
  9. Use your guidebook as a guide not as a bucket-list
  10. Have a list of emergency numbers because…
  11. Things will go wrong! No need to panic though, keep calm and sort it out
  12. Eat the local food
  13. Visit the local attractions
  14. Don’t rush your experience
  15. Keep family updated, but don’t spend all your time online
  16. Don’t be uptight on your adventure, learn to relax and…
  17. HAVE FUN!

Take a little bit of stress out of travel planning by making sure you get the right travel insurance. Call us on 01892 833338 or get a travel insurance quote online.

 

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