Easy Must-Know Tips For Every First-Time Traveler This 2021

Traveling for the first time might incite several emotions, from excitement to fear or worry. A common challenge for every first-time traveler is the confusion that comes with travel preparation. Not knowing what to pack or how to plan your trip can be overwhelming. While guidebooks are helpful, having must-know tips for every first-time traveler can make the experience smoother. In this article, we'll share essential travel preparation tips that every beginner should know.

The Packing/Planning Phase

It's okay to be confused about what to take or leave behind. That’s why this guide is here—to clarify the essential items and the non-essentials. Sometimes, the things we consider important aren’t actually necessary, and vice versa. With the right travel preparation tips , planning and packing as a first-time traveler or tourist becomes much easier. When you're getting ready for your trip, you should:

Avoid packing things you're not sure you need. Also, those things you're completely sure you need? You most likely don't need them

Take fewer shoes and more underwear. You'll need more underwear

Take more money with you

Ensure you include toilet paper in the pack. You never know when it'll come in handy

Please pack a strong deodorant. Sometimes showers can be hard to come by

Try taking your luggage up a flight of stairs by yourself. Could you do it easily? If you can, you're good. If you can't, take out some things

Ensure you get travel insurance. Anything can happen

Try learning a little of the local language. It'll be useful

Ensure you make a photocopy of your passport and driver's license. Also, scan and store them somewhere safe and easy to access online

Contraceptives are a good idea. You never know when you'd need them

Painkillers can be useful

Try getting distinctive luggage. Rest assured, the conveyor belt will have more than one black box on it.

Photo Credit: Travel Start

Tips For The Journey

While in transit, these essential tips — along with some budget-friendly travel advice — can come in handy for any first-time traveler:

Ensure you're at the airport early. It'll hurt to miss your flight

Have something to eat before leaving for the airport. Airport food isn't that good, and they're pricey

Avoid alcohol. Getting a hangover on a plane isn't exciting

It'll probably be a long flight. Take something to keep you entertained

After spending several hours in airports and plane, you will appreciate toothpaste more

While in the air, try taking a walk to stretch your muscles a bit

Earplugs and eye masks can come in handy. Some people beside you can be a bit noisy. It'll be best to block all that noise out

If you have trouble sleeping, having sleeping pills in your pack can be useful

If you aren't used to eating with plastic utensils, you should start practicing to get used to them

Ensure you board the plane, ensure your watch is set to your destination time zone

Border officials aren't that chatty. Just stick to answering questions truthfully

Ensure you have a bag on you with a change of clothes, especially underwear. It'll come in handy in situations where your bag is lost at the airport

Take note of warning signs at the airport. Ensure you adhere to them

Avoid changing all your money at the airport. The rates there aren't good.

Photo Credit: Mappedin

Useful tips when you're at your destination

Keep an eye out for scams but don't overdo it. Not everyone is out to exploit you

Try being polite to the locals, and smile also. It helps.

We know you'd like to do some charity. Try not to overdo it

Try keeping your valuables safe. Money belts and fanny packs aren't entirely safe. You're always going into them often. Someone might be watching.

Avoid doing everything the travel guidebooks say. You'll miss a lot. If you have questions, try interacting with locals or hotel attendants. They know the place better.

Public transportation is usually comfortable, efficient, and less expensive.

If the locals don't speak your language, raising your voice won't make them understand.

Try a new food. Go to where locals eat. It's usually cheaper and tastes better.

Most importantly, make sure you have fun. Try things you won't normally do. Have a nice time.

Traveling to a new place might be exciting, and it can also be scary. Don't let fear ruin your experience. They're different people but they're only human. Try new things , interact with locals, and make sure you have a good time.