45 Travel Tips for First Time Travelers
You’re nervously excited about that first overseas trip. You’ve been planning it for months (probably years). And it’s finally arrived. That departure day is here. Your bags are packed, your checklist is checked and triple checked. Your tickets, passport, travel documents, itinerary, money, credit cards, traveler’s checks, etc… are all accounted for…
When you arrive at your destination and fresh off the plane on your first travel adventure, there is much you probably don’t know about the wider world of travel.
But a lot you do know about the place where you just left. Home!
This fact can be dangerous. It can lead you to commit many cultural, social and religious faux pas in a foreign land. It may also mean that you travel with a mind that is not yet open to new experiences and ways of life in other countries.
To make that journey of discovery and growth easier, here is a list of travel tips for beginners:
45 travel tips for first time travelers
- Don’t expect life to be like it is at home. After all, that’s why you’re traveling. Isn’t it?
- Travel with your eyes wide open and your mind alert!
- Open your mind to learning new things.
- Don’t judge people. Be inquisitive and say, “Isn’t that interesting? Tell me more.”
- Learn the basics of the local language. Push yourself to use them often. This is the best way to show your respect. And break down barriers to starting conversations.
- Never forget your manners. They are universal. So use them!
- Do not shout or raise your voice at others. They are probably not deaf. They just can’t understand your language or your attempts at theirs.
- If the locals don’t speak English then NEVER complain about it! After all, its their country you’re visiting.
- Learn to Bargain! Culturally it’s an expected part of the transaction in many parts of the world.
- Do not over bargain. Remember that the bargaining process should be a WIN/WIN for both parties.
- Respect local customs. You are the visitor to their country.
- Learn how to toilet squat. You’ll need it.
- Yes, party and have fun, but don’t get it out of control where people are hurt and property is trashed.
- Show respect and leave a good impression of your culture on the locals of the countries you are visiting.
- Be adventurous, have off the beaten path adventures in addition to traveling to the touristy stuff too.
- Just because you’ve visited 45 countries on a budget of $30 a day by going off the beaten path doesn’t make you cool! You need to mix it up to enjoy your travel the most.
- Ignore everyone else’s opinion. Travel in a style that suits your values, likes and interests.
- Start your travel adventures when you are young. Don’t leave it until your too old to enjoy it.
- Don’t listen to the naysayers and dream-stealers. Because, they have probably never taken the chance to follow their dreams!
- Experience the street food. It won’t kill you! Just be cautious about where you eat.
- Ditch the Western diet of Maccas and KFC. Be adventurous, try the local cuisine.
- It’s okay to feel uncomfortable at times. Accepting the challenge is how you grow.
- Be flexible and learn to compromise, because you’re out of your comfort zone.
- Don’t shy away from asking for help when you need it. Even if it’s embarrassing. It won’t kill you!
- Carry phrase cards as prompts for the local language. These are essential for vegetarians in China.
- Don’t be afraid to respectfully say “no”. Be firm but not forceful!
- If the village chief offers you rice wine shots at 10am after a morning hike to chase away evil spirits you may be carrying, do not be afraid to say “Yes”. It’s disrespectful to say “No”.
- Be Friendly. Talk to the local people. It’s amazing what you will learn.
- Do as much local as you can: local food, transport and accommodation.
- Smile and laugh often! You’ll meet so many wonderful new friends this way.
- Improve your confidence. Do one thing each day that scares you. This will push those comfort barriers a little further away each time.
- Mingle with and befriend other travelers. It will give you a feeling of comfort and security.
- Celebrate local culture and festivities with the locals in their traditional manners.
- Learn about the local religions. This will help you to understand the local culture and perhaps to bring a new perspective on your own beliefs.
- Don’t just rely on technology to help get you around. Resort to hard maps when the map app crashes.
- Stay in contact with loved ones at home. Email, Skype and call home regularly. It will help keep your spirits up.
- Don’t be afraid to take each day as it comes with limited plans. Don’t plan your travel too tight.
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance. It ain’t sexy, but neither are the thousands of $$$ you could end up paying if you don’t have it.
- If you get robbed or bad things happen, don’t get hung up on it. As long as you are safe and well, let it go and continue to enjoy yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to blow the budget occasionally for those once in a lifetime experiences.
- If you are really hating it, then change your perspective and direction. Move on to the next town, city or country.
- Be prepared for reverse culture shock when you return home as it could really mess you up.
- Guard your passport with your life! You can’t travel freely without it.
- Take travel security seriously. It’s a dangerous world out there. Stay alert and be cautious about your surroundings. There are potential dangers everywhere.
- Protect yourself from electronic pickpocketing with an RFID Travel Wallet. It will save the loss of your credit card details and possibly your identity!
Never Travel Without Protection!
Never travel locally or abroad without RFID security protection! It’s always best to use an RFID blocking wallet to protect you from electronic pickpocketing. Pickpockets operate everywhere. It will save you from both the physical loss of your credit cards, passports and other important travel documents. And the electronic data stored on them. Once you’ve lost your personal data you are vulnerable to personal identity loss. IGOGEER™ has a range of RFID Blocking products designed to do just that. Check them out on our store today – Here >>>>>https://igogeer.com
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Source:
Based on the original article by Caz and Craig at YTravel
Finally!
Do you have more Great Travel Tips for first time travelers? If so, you’re welcome to post them in the comments below.
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At IGOGEER we are addicted to travel and everything that helps our customers and followers to enjoy their travel in comfort, safety and style.