Almost every one of us dreams to become independent so that we can travel on our own. But the thought of planning and executing a trip all alone can make you a little anxious. All you have to do is to push your second thoughts at the back of your mind and just go for it. Make a plan, buy your tickets and go for the adventure. You will always remember your first trip as an independent adult. But, to make your first trip memorable a basic homework is really important. You shouldn’t go out all by yourself without knowing some key points of traveling.
Here are 8 important pieces of advice for the first-time traveler:
1. Watch travel vlogs/Read travel blogs
The right plan is very important for a successful trip. Just some basic google search of your destination won’t help you to gather all the information you need. Watch travel vlogs and read travel blogs to know more about traveling. Sometimes you might get to know about many offbeat destinations from these blogs/vlogs. Also, they mention some affordable restaurants, hotels, and shops. Read and watch more and plan accordingly.
2. Travel Insurance
Regardless of whether you’re a travel veteran or a novice traveler, don’t leave your house without ensuring you’re secured even if something turns out badly. As we got the hang of during the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpected crises can appear suddenly. We always give attention to flight tickets, visas, passports but hardly give importance to travel insurance because we don’t think much about the worst-case scenarios before traveling. I mean how often do people lose their luggage or break your bones! But life is full of uncertainties and any bad incident can come your way, so it is better to be prepared. To have a hassle-free journey always carry your travel insurance.
3. Always pack less
Yes, traveling means wearing your fancy clothes and clicking Instagram-worthy pictures. But believe me, you wouldn’t want to spend half of your time organizing your clothes while traveling. Always pack light and save yourself from the stress of managing your luggage. Believe me, you would want to rest after coming back to your hotel and if you decide to organize your luggage just before leaving for another destination you will be late. So just repeat your clothes, carry your most comfortable shoe and travel freely.
4. Be careful with your documents
It might sound funny but when it comes to traveling your documents are more important than your clothes. You can afford to lose your clothes, not your passport. Always keep your documents safe. It is better to use a fanny pack and keep your passport, identity proofs, and other documents there. That will lower the risk of losing it. Another piece of advice is, always keep pictures of your documents on your phone. You can also email them to yourself so that you can be prepared with your documents all the time.
5. Money Management
Always carry extra money. Budget is one of the most important factors while planning a trip. Nobody wants to spend more money; hence it is important to study travel guides and blogs. But never carry a limited amount of money or just the amount of budget you have calculated. Roads are full of surprises and you might end up spending more than you had assumed. Moreover, it is better to carry your card and less cash. Nowadays net banking and UPI are the easiest sources of payment. So, keep more money in your account than you had planned to.
6. Carry proper medicines
Always try to pack smart and make medicines an important item in your luggage. The human body takes time to adapt to change in weather, air, water, etc. Getting sick while traveling is a very common problem. You might feel nauseous while climbing a mountain or while your flight takes off. You might suffer from headaches due to all the stress. If you carry your own medicine you wouldn’t have to search for a drug store and waste time. It is better to keep your medicine in your handbag to get easy access.
7. Read about the locals
It is very important to learn about the local people of the place you are traveling to. People around the world are different and as a traveler, it is important to respect them. Especially if you are a solo traveler, it is important to get along with the locals. They will always help you in the time of your need. Also, every place is filled with good and bad people. Pickpocketing is a very common crime in most travel spots. So be careful and do not trust everyone.
8. Stay in touch with your family and friends
Even though traveling without your family can be a thrilling experience, it is always wise to keep in touch with your family. We can’t deny that the world is still not a safe place for women, so if you are a solo woman traveler, always send the locations of places you are going to your family and friends. Keep apps in your phone that help to track the location of your phone. Also, it is better to keep the emergency contacts of the places you are traveling to. Don’t make your family anxious and travel safely.
Traveling might sound like a fun activity but it isn’t an easy one. You need to plan it properly and keep a lot of points in your mind. Some basic tips are, always double-check your luggage, don’t pack too expensive gadgets or accessories, and always be on time to the station or airport. You wouldn’t want to miss your flight and end up staying at home. Remember, it might feel overwhelming at times but once you are on your way for your trip you will be making memories of a lifetime. Enjoy your first travel experience and have a safe trip.