Like anything we do in life for the first time, usually we make a ton of mistakes, travelling is no different.
I first started travelling when I was 14. Since then, I would like to think I have become a smarter traveller and have learned from my mistakes along the way. That’s not to say my recent travels always go to plan. They likely never will, and that’s not exactly a bad thing.
So, I have decided to compile a list of 20 useful things to know before travelling for the first time.
If Someone Approaches You, It’s Likely a Scam or They Have Something Sell
I learned this one during my first solo trip in Phuket, Thailand.
If you think about it, the reason a local will go out of their way to introduce themselves and have a friendly conversation with you, is so they can build leverage to sell you shit, or worse, try and scam you. They really don’t care about your story or where you’re from. It’s not like you’re the first backpacker from Australia they have ever encountered.
My rule of thumb—if a local approaches you, it’s because they want your money. If you need a taxi, get one yourself.
You Don’t Need to Use a Travel Agent
My friend and I learned this the hard way. After we finished high school, we decided we wanted to plan an overseas trip. Not knowing any better, we went straight to the travel agent and nodded our heads in agreement thinking we were getting an absolute bargain.
Since then, I plan all my trips online. It has opened my eyes to how cheap travel can really be. Booking your travel online also allows you maximum flexibility to create an itinerary just how you like.
Not saying travel agents don’t serve a purpose, they are great for the older generation who are less tech savvy. But, if you know how to use Google, it is worthwhile learning how to plan your own trip from start to finish, I also find it to be more fun.
Buy Noise Cancelling Headphones
This is one of those items, once you have them you wonder how you lived without them.
I currently use the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and wow; they do an awesome job of blocking the outside noise. I even just where them unplugged when I meditate because they are that good at blocking the outside noise.
Trust me, buying a good pair of noise cancelling headphones is an investment you definitely won’t regret.
Bring a Pen When You Board the Plane
After too many flights of either having to ask a random person to borrow their pen or waiting to fill out my immigration card once I had already arrived at the airport—I finally learned to bring a pen with me on board the plane. This allows me to I fill out the immigration card while on the plane so I can get through immigration quicker.
You’ll thank me later for this tip.
Solo Travel Isn’t a Big Deal
Back in 2017 when I was planning to travel solo for the first time, solo travel wasn’t quite as popular as it is now. These days, every second travel blog post is about solo female travel.
I do enjoy travelling solo and there are definitely many benefits to it. But, I hate to break it to you—solo travel isn’t a big deal anymore. You’re not brave, It’s not like you are heading off to a World War or something.
Avoid Eating in Tourist Areas
Sometimes I even break this rule. Convenience is nice, sometimes it means we don’t have to walk that extra 100 metres.
I always regret spending more for a meal that usually doesn’t even taste authentic to that countries cuisine. The reason the food doesn’t taste authentic, is because the restaurants in these tourists hot spots make food to appeal to the masses (tourists western taste preferences).
Whenever I eat at one of these overpriced restaurants, I just feel like one of those typical tourists who are too scared to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.
Sometimes It’s Better to Spend the Extra Money
This is something that frustrates me about backpackers.
I have been asked multiple times by European backpackers to share a tuk tuk ride to literally save $1. What happens is, they will come over to me and see if my hotel is near their hostel. If it is somewhat nearby, they then try to figure out whether or not the logistics of trip make sense for the tuk tuk driver. They then have to try and explain to the driver how we are both paying the same amount to get to different destinations, and how the driver isn’t getting ripped off.
Sorry for going on a bit of a tangent there, but I had to get that one off my chest. But seriously, these backpackers are so tight on money that they would rather walk for an hour than pay $5 for a taxi.
You Will Probably Get a Rash (Well at Least I Do)
I like to keep it real and not shy away from the less glamorous topics.
If you are walking for extended periods of time, in places like Bangkok where it is always so damn hot, your inner thighs don’t always have a good time. All that friction is not good, and getting a rash is not exactly ideal.
After experiencing some horrible rashes during my travels, there came a time when I had to find a cure. That’s when I discovered rash cremes. Apply some of this before you head out for the day and you’ll be walking like a normal person all day.
Street Food Is Your Friend
I love street food, what’s not to love about tasty food that rarely cost more than $3?
Street food often gets a bad rap from the overly cautious. They will argue that the food is not fresh, even though it is prepared freshly in front of your eyes. I personally have never gotten sick from eating street food and I doubt you will.
For me, walking through Asian night markets and sampling all the different local street foods is one of my favourite things to do when travelling.
If you are one of those people who thinks eating street food will kill you, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and give it a try.
Things Will Go Wrong, and That’s Ok
Some people get caught up in having the perfect itinerary, to the point where everything is planned to the minute. On the other hand, some people put off travel all together because they are worried about all the potential things that may go wrong.
Yeah, things don’t always go exactly to plan. But, would it really be such a big deal in the scheme of your life if your taxi driver dropped you off at the wrong hotel? Or, maybe you got off at the wrong subway station in Tokyo?
If something does go wrong, laugh it off. I often find the times when something did go wrong to be some of my fondest memories from the trip.
Believe me, losing control of your brand-new drone and having it fall into the Mekong River isn’t exactly ideal. Or going to the wrong airport in Osaka, Japan and narrowly making your flight. Or most recently, having my debit card get sucked into an ATM in Laos and having no access to money—this definitely wasn’t on my itinerary.
These are the situations we learn from so hopefully we don’t make the same mistakes again. Trust me shit happens, and things don’t always go to plan. What we can do however, is laugh it off and learn from our mistakes.
Don’t Give Money to Begging Kids
I don’t say this because I am some cruel person. I say it because being taken advantage of because you are a foreigner isn’t right.
A common thing that happens in Southeast Asian countries is when a kid around the age of 6-10 will come up to you, beg and cry, saying they have no food. This will make you feel guilty if don’t give them money. But, when you do, often what happens is a bunch of other kids will come up to you demanding money off you since you gave some to the first kid. These children are often setup by their parents to do this. I know, it’s unfortunate, but there are better ways to support the people of developing countries.
Yeah, Do Pack Light
You hear this one thrown around all the time.
At first, it’s hard, I remember thinking to myself “yeah, I am definitely going to need this floral button up shirt”. It might take a couple of trips for this realization to sink in. Eventually, you will think to yourself how right these people were about packing light.
For men, my recommendation is to stick to the basics, the versatile pieces. Things like black, white and grey shirts, jeans, plain long-sleeved shirt, versatile jacket, chino shorts etc. You get the point; the main idea is to bring the essentials in colours which are versatile and will work with many different outfits.
Take Plenty of Pictures and Videos
You have to get the balance right with this one.
Some people will say they don’t need to take pictures because they are present in the moment, and that they will have the memories ingrained in their brains forever. On the other hand, some people will travel strictly for the ‘gram’ (Instagram), and not take the time to be truly present in the moment.
For me, looking back at old travel photos and videos brings back so much joy. I started vlogging my travels in 2019, and to have the ability to go back and watch those videos and share them with family is priceless.
Travelling Probably Won’t Change You as a Person
You often read that one of the many benefits to travel is that it changes you as a person. Like it’s some magical experience which opens your mind to the true meaning of life. I can confirm this not true.
Don’t get me wrong, travel will expand your outlook on life, and it puts your life into perspective. You will certainly learn about the world and yourself when travelling. However, if you think you are just going to take a trip to Bali and come back as a new person, you are wrong. You will likely return and go right back to your old habits and routines.
Don’t expect travel to fix all your problems—just because you went to Jamaica, doesn’t mean you will have life figured out.
Hydration Is the Key
For some reason, staying hydrated seems to be the first thing we forget when travelling. The only drinks on our mind are usually the alcoholic kind.
It is especially important to stay well hydrated in warm climate countries like those in Southeast Asia. In these countries bottled water is cheap and readily available, so you’ve got no excuse.
The World Isn’t as Bad as Your Parents Say It Is
If the world was like my parents described it to be, I probably would have been kidnapped and taken to some remote village in Thailand and used to harvesting corn or something.
It seems our parents think the word outside of our home country is some evil place where everyone is out to get you.
That’s not to say it’s all sunshine and rainbows however.
Proper research into the destination you are travelling to, and common sense goes a long way to ensuring your safety while abroad. Just remember, your parents say things like this most likely because they care about you.
It’s Ok to Spend Money on Food
Trying new food is one the best parts about travelling to new countries. Every country you travel to has their own unique cuisine.
A huge part of truly experiencing the country you are in, is eating like the locals.
I can’t stand the people who travel to foreign countries, only to eat at McDonald’s.
Just remember to get away from the touristy areas when choosing where to eat. Not only will you save money, but you will also get a more authentic meal and dining experience.
For me, food is probably one of my biggest expenses when travelling, and I am completely fine with that.
You Don’t Need to Carry Around That Big Hiking Bag so Everyone Knows You Are a Backpacker
I get it, you’re a backpacker. You like to hitchhike and spend as little as possible.
I personally have never understood the need to lug around one of those massive backpacks everywhere. I mean, aren’t those bags designed for hiking and camping?
The thing is, I still do all the same things backpackers do; stay at hostels, travel to multiple countries, travel for extended periods of time, and not once have I thought to myself “man, I really wish I didn’t have to roll my suitcase, I would much rather carry all my shit everywhere I go and look like I am about to hike Mount Kilimanjaro”.
I don’t know, am I missing out by not carrying a hiking bag around with me?
Buy a Magnet From Every Country
This is a cool and inexpensive way to keep track of all the countries you have been to.
You won’t struggle to find a souvenir store which sells magnets. Magnets also don’t take up a bunch of space or add much weight to your luggage.
Do Everything, Regret Nothing
Travelling is a great privilege that we shouldn’t take for granted. You never know if it will be the last time you are able to visit a particular destination, or travel in general.
So, my advice—when in Rome, eat all the pizza, when in New Zealand, do the damn bungy jump, when in Vietnam, hire that scooter and travel throughout the country.
The last thing you want is to look back on your trip and wish you had of done that thing. So, do everything and ask yourself “will I regret not doing this?”
I hope you can take something away from this list, and that you found it useful. Travelling for the first time can be a little daunting. Remember, it’s a learning experience, you don’t need to have everything figured out the first trip you take. Hopefully this will leave you better prepared to make the most of your travels.