Traveling is becoming more and more easier to do these days, with promo prices and visa assists. It's one of the most enjoyable experiences as you not only have a chance to see a whole new world but you get to be in it as well.
Here are a couple of tips for first time travelers:
1. MONEY - of course you knew that. =p
Save up not only for the ticket and accommodations, but also pocket money and emergency money. If you're planning to bring a credit card or ATM, you need to check with your local bank if you need to do anything so you can use your credit cards and ATM wherever you're planning to go.
Before your trip, it would be proper to exchange money into the currency you need, and if necessary, in dollars and keep some for exchanges later. You never know which exchange could give you the most. =)
Don't put all your money together in one wallet. Divide it into smaller portions into different packets. Every destination may have an issue of theft - it's best to be prudent about it.
2. PASSPORTS and IDs - always check the regulations for IDs of your origin and destination. Some locales prefer one type of ID to another.
Don't keep your money, passports and IDs in the same bag or pouch. Again, prudence is key. Some hotels volunteer safe keeping passports for tourists which is great. If your hotel offers that, take advantage of it but make a copy of your passport and keep it handy with an ID at all times. Some establishments and tourist spots ask for passports and ID for security purposes.
3. PICKING ACCOMMODATIONS
For first time travelers, investing in accommodations known for their safety and accessibility is best. It will be a little more pricey but at least you needn't worry about you and your things' security.
For those planning to go backpacking, travel with someone who has already been where you want to go or at least take tips from them. Their experience can give you an idea of what to look for in accommodations and what to watch out for.
Taking the time to look at reviews of the places you want to check into is also a good way to find out if it's a good or bad choice.
4. RESEARCH A LITTLE
I know most people search for popular tour spots, accommodations, shuttle services and basic language tips - which is all great but you also have to check for taboos.
Check the cultural and religious backgrounds of the places you want to visit. As the saying goes, "when in Rome..."
It's a given that tourist spots give a level of freedom to tourists in a lot of things but offending the locals won't exactly make your trip exciting. If the locals feel that you're trying to learning more about them, it would open doors to finding new friends, seeing new places (those not found on the net but are equally as interesting and worth traveling to) and maybe discounts.
Doing a little research can also tell you of scams pulled on tourists. I suggest watching the series "Scam City" to have a deeper look at the scams on tourists around the world.
5. TRAVEL SMART & LIGHT
I know you must have heard of this a million times but it is true. As a traveler, leaving room for the things you will purchase on the trip is nothing but practical. The fine for excess baggage is always expensive.
How do you travel smart and light?
5.1 What's your weight limit for your baggage? How much is the fee for excess weight? It's important to know when you'll be paying for excess baggage and how much. Always bring the items that are most functional for you - gadgets to clothes.
5.2 What's the main purpose of your trip? Business? or Pleasure?
If it's business, then traveling smart and light comes natural as you would only be staying a few days with little time to shop or sight-see.
If it's for pleasure, then consider how long your trip will be. The weather at your destination
and what clothes certain itineraries would need - swimwear? party dress? tropical? warm? freezing?
5.2 How much do you plan to shop?
If you saved a lot for shopping for souvenirs - then bring as little as you can.
How do you know what to bring or not? (If it's printed in red - you don't have to bring it)
Bring the Basics - Functional bag (to keep your money and IDs while sightseeing), clothes, copies of e-tickets, passports, IDs and reservations, mobile phone & charger, digital camera, medicine (for emergencies, allergies, medical conditions), one extra pair of slippers (hotels only provide bathroom slippers...)
Towels - hotels always provide fresh ones for the newly arrived tourists.
Soap, Shampoo and Toothpaste - if you are not the sensitive type, hotels also have new stock of these put out for guests. Sometimes your airline provides these too.
Pillow - unless it's a neck pillow, you don't need to bring one - ladies, leave it - the blanket too. If you need more, you can always request for an extra on the plane or at the hotel.
If you are traveling with kids, let them choose only one stuffed toy to bring along if they insist. =D
If your souvenirs are enough to make you pay excess, share the weight with a group mate who hasn't reached the limit to avoid the extra charge.
If you're planning to stay for a long time in one place, say a few months, don't bring too many clothes - I'm sure they have laundry service where you're going. =p
6. STAY ALERT
We know that traveling can be exhausting as most travelers try to do so much in so little time. If you separate from a group, it's best to do so in 2's or 3's at the least. It's normal to get lost on tour - being with someone can turn the mishap into a fun adventure.
If you are not good with directions, download the map of the area into your mobile phone in advance, take note of landmarks, be with someone who is good at directions, have emergency numbers, your hotel number and cabs on speed dial.
7. HAVE FUN
7.1 Go to as many places as you can.
7.2 Try the local cuisines and delicacies.
7.3 Learn more than just hello and thank you in another language.
7.4 Buy souvenirs - useful souvenirs are better than the figurines =D
7.5 Collect money in their currency (coins, bills)
7.6 Take as many pictures as you can
7.7 Make friends with a local
7.8 If you get lost - which is kinda normal to travelers, don't fuss - just explore.
In my experience, traveling with a companion has always been better than traveling alone. If you like moving at your own pace then making your own itinerary instead of joining a group would be best for you.
I sure hope these tips will help you on your first trip abroad, or your first long trip ever. =D
Who knows, we might bump into each other in one of our trips someday. =D
- Till next time
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