If you’re traveling for the first time, it’s possible to get clueless and worried about doing it all wrong. But this should not stress you out since traveling is all about discovering the unknown.
Therefore, experiencing a few hiccups along the way is all part of the package. Here is a list of things rookie travelers often get wrong, how to avoid them, and hopefully have a memorable and enjoyable trip.
Packing
It’s easy to tell apart an experienced traveler to someone new to the whole experience by how much they bring. Rookie backpackers will often have doubled-up backpacks: one small book bag strapped to their front and a huge backpack filled with all sorts of useless stuff. More luggage will probably be on the jeep roof rack!
To be on the safe side, consider taking a carry-on bag, and carry what you think you’ll need. After that, try removing half of the items to scale down the luggage. This means leaving most of those t-shirts or dresses that you hold so dear.
Always go for outfits that will work for both nighttime and daytime activities. Another helpful tip is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Also, ensure that you minimize your body care products. Doing this will help you save more space than you knew that you had.
Remember: a whole lot less can do a whole lot more.
Photo by Sarah Brown
Documentation
It’s always important to have all the necessary documentation for your trip since international travel procedures can be strict and unforgiving. But often, most people don’t know what it entails. Sure, a valid passport is vital, but in some cases, it’s just the first step.
For instance, in China, your passport has to be valid for six months after your return trip. Other countries could require further documentation.
Here’s a list of what you need to have at hand whenever you plan for an international trip abroad:
Passport, Travel Visa, and Driver’s License
If you intend to travel within your home or abroad, verification documents are necessary. Always consider bringing everything with you (or at least their copies).
Copies can help in so many instances. For instance, when you lose your original identification, your copies can always offer proof of citizenship. It’s also good to make digital copies and leave them with a trusted loved one that can help whenever the need arises.
Travel Insurance Plan Details
In most cases, a hard copy of your travel insurance can be pretty long, like 30-60 pages, depending on the plan. It will probably come in handy when you need to read the fine print in a stressful situation.
Luckily, you don’t have to go through all the hustle of carrying a lengthy travel insurance plan details. Most travel insurance companies have a mobile app that can conveniently hold all the information you may need.
Flight and Hotel Information
Remember to have copies of your itinerary in your travel luggage to show that you paid for your hotel and ticket. It’s even better to have both digital and hard copies with you. Doing this will help you avoid any questions on arrival with regards to your reservation.
Always carry due diligence and know what documents are needed for your destination before taking the trip.
Photo by Nicole Geri
Currency
Looking for the currency exchange counter after coming down the plane is common with most new travelers, and it can be a head-scratcher as well. However, the airport exchange rates can be very high and will most likely take a good chunk out of your vacation budget.
Getting a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees is the best way to get around this. You could also look for in-network ATMs to withdraw funds daily. Before doing this, confirm the foreign transaction fee with your bank.
It’s also a good idea to exchange some cash before traveling just if your credit card gets stolen or doesn’t work.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Under and Over Planning
Sure, not everything will always go as planned, but it’s always a great idea to always plan what you want to do and schedule a time to get it done.
Overplanning means that you have a lot on your plate to do in one day that you may feel pressured to finish it all. On the other hand, under planning means you have plenty of time to think about what you want to do next.
Traveling, especially for vacations, should be a time to live in the moment, discover new experiences, and breathe. Here is how you can enjoy your trip without over or under planning:
- Bring a wish list
- Carry only the basics
- Enjoy every moment of the trip
Create a to-do plan depending on your mood
Staying In the Tourist Bubble
As you visit some popular attractions, don’t only focus on what is catered towards the visitors. Interact with people native to that city and indulge in check out local eateries. You may find incredibly helpful information and probably make new friends along the way.
Another great way to burst through the tourist bubble is by looking for accommodation options in the area instead of booking into a hotel. And instead of relying on a guidebook to provide information about accommodation, tours, and restaurants, experiment by asking local people for recommendations.
You may end up tapping firsthand information that will lead you to breathtaking beaches, parks, and restaurants. These places will help you observe the community’s daily life and you could learn a lot from them.
Poor Research
Always do thorough research of the place you want to visit before embarking on the journey. The world is a diverse place with so much to offer. Here are just some of the things that you should always look into:
The Weather
There’s no denying that, however beautiful place may be, the weather could make or break everything. Even if you don’t mind extreme weather conditions, you definitely don’t want to be caught in a heavy downpour without a coat and an umbrella.
The Food
If you’re the kind that loves experiencing new cuisine in the country you’re visiting, you’ll have to do your homework before you go. Find out the best restaurant, the kind of food you can expect, and so on. It will save you a lot of head-scratching when you arrive.
Transportation
Always have a clear picture of the transportation network before going to a travel destination, especially if you have plans to move from one city to the next. Find out which means will simplify your whole transportation experience and be easy on your pocket as well.
Booking Flights
The price of airline tickets changes almost as fast as the weather, and it’s never easy to predict when would be the best time to book a flight that will score major savings. To be on the safe side, here are the best times to fly:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Thursdays and Saturdays
- Winter/low season
This may not be really convenient, but saving an extra $100 or so can greatly boost your travel budget.
The Bottom Line
These are just some of the mistakes that rookie travelers always make. Now that you know about the mistakes, always try and keep them in mind before traveling. If you’ve already made these mistakes before, don’t beat yourself up. Travel is a skill that takes a lot of practice, and making mistakes is just part of the learning process.
Featured Photo by Tove Liu from Pexels
