Travelling around the world is an incredible experience – but it can be quite confusing if you’re just starting to explore for the very first time. When you’re fresh off the plane with no experience behind your belt, you could find that you quickly fall victim to a few tricks and traps designed to trip unwary travelers. Fortunately, doing your research ahead of time and ticking a few simple tips off your list can ensure that you’re properly prepared to make the most out of your maiden journey.
Following, we’ve put together a list of the simplest and most straight-forward tips for first-time travelers, so that you can have all the confidence of an adventuring pro.
1. Expect a Change
First of all, one of the most important tips for first-time travels, is to prepare yourself for a very different experience to what you’re used to at home. Go in with your eyes wide open and realize that you’re going to need to be open to learning and trying new things if you want to make the most of your experience.
2. Learn How to Communicate
It’s often a good idea to learn how to say a few basic phrases in the local language, such as “thank you”, “no, thank you”, and even how to ask for directions if possible. At the same time, remember that just because you’re in a different country doesn’t mean you should forget your manners, be polite, and don’t shout at people who can’t understand you – they won’t appreciate it.
3. Be Cautious – But Not Afraid
Guard your passport, your cash, and any other crucial valuables you have as closely and carefully as possible. When it comes to tips for first-time travelers, it’s often a good idea to separate some of your money, and your passport into a travel money-belt to keep it secure, just in case you do fall victim to some unsavory character. At the same time, however, don’t spend your entire journey in fear of what might happen, explore, and experience the world around you.
4. Respect the Customs
Remember to leave a good impression of your culture in the countries you’re visiting. You don’t want to be the reason why people think of the people in your country as rude or obnoxious. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to keep quiet all of the time. In most places, bargaining is an expected part of a transaction, so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price. What’s more, remember that you can ask for help if you need it – even if that means using crude sign language and charades.
5. Start Travelling When You’re Still Young
If you start travelling young, you should have some of the adventure and confidence you need to take the risks or chances that could create some pretty incredible memories. However, regardless of when you take flight for the first time, try to make sure that you enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures alongside the typical tourist stuff. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
