The Beginners Guide to The Best Travel Experience
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Are you constantly browsing pictures of exotic locations and popular holiday hangouts? Do you have friends who’ve just come back from a trip and can’t stop talking about it? Find yourself leafing through a virgin passport that has no stamps? Your FOMO ends here. You can be a travel guru too. Although you are filled with doubts and trepidation, we assure you that the first step is usually the biggest.
While most people get over their travel anxiety the moment they are back from their maiden voyage, others tend to fixate on their fears when their travel experience stories are filled with horror and disappointment.
Travel can be intimidating for the first-timer. More so if the trip is overseas or for an extended duration. We have you covered. Here are some handiest first-solo trip ideas to help you sail through your holiday in style. Disclaimer: Happy holidays can make you a complete travel addict. Get ready for the high!
A Beginner’s 20 Fail-Free Ingredients for the Travel Experience of a Lifetime!
1. Pick a Bud
There is something to be said about the learning and experience of a solo holiday. Nevertheless, if you feel utterly panicked at the thought of being by yourself on a solo getaway, pick a friend to travel with. A word of caution – ensure your travel partner is entirely compatible with your tastes and preferences. It will make the trip much easier and smoother.
2. Plan cleverly
Beginners want to maximise the travel experience and do everything humanly possible within a trip. The sheer enormity of your list can be overwhelming. Remember that beginners often feel more intimidated and tire easily. The best way to enjoy your travels is to have a broad outline of things you want to see and do and let the trip evolve as it plays out. Another important tip is to include fewer locations and spend more time in one place.
3. Pack smart
Most first-time travellers like to have everything accounted for. The result – ginormous bags filled with things you can easily do without. Pack light, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for travel, sightseeing, and stays. Pick clothes that can be reused without frequent washing. Find lightweight bags. And most importantly, carry footwear that goes with anything you wear.
4. Start easy
A strategic advantage would be to pick places closer to home, similar in culture, and more relaxed as a destination. It makes travel more manageable and hassle-free for you. Once you build on your confidence to travel and explore solo, the world is your oyster.
5. Devise well
Notice a typo there? For as long as you get the idea, you should be ok. Ensure you have all the gadgets that you need, chargers and all. A thumb rule for all international travel is to get a universal adaptor. Several countries have different electrical ports, and a universal adaptor will ensure that every gadget can be charged optimally. Ideal for phones, laptops, cameras, and shavers as well.
6. Get insured
Travel insurance isn’t costly. Considering the cost, most travellers believe that it isn’t even required. You know the theory that what’s expensive must be important, right? Doesn’t apply here. Travel insurance can come in handy when you need to cancel at the last minute, lose your passport or luggage, or even get sick during your travels.
7. Be money-wise
A seasoned traveller will tell you that no amount of planning will ever prepare you for your holiday expenses. The best way to keep yourself comfortably placed in the money department is to ensure a buffer. More importantly, try and distribute your money carefully. Use a mix of cash, cards, online payments, and traveller’s cheques.
8. Book early
The faster you book, the better deals you gain. You will find this ring true in the case of airfares and hotels. Having the main elements in place is also a massive strain off your back. You now have time to dream and plan the details!
9. Go digital
You will need to have essential documents available at all times. It doesn’t mean that you need to carry them around with you. Make digital copies of your passport and driver’s licence. This will suffice at most points.
10. Pack extra
While you want to ensure you don’t overload the travel baggage, there are some extras you should always have. While you can think of some, we can help you learn that an extra pair of batteries and underwear is a true lifesaver!
11. Carry-on well
Ensure you have a quick change, toothbrush, medication, and electronics in your carry-on. You will need most of it if you have a long journey, but it can come to your rescue in the event of lost baggage.
12. Ask around
Although we all want to be self-sufficient, getting local help doesn’t hurt. You will be let into some local treasures, including restaurants, great shopping deals, and underrated tourist delights!
13. Start early
The best trick to have a more productive day is to begin your days at daybreak. It offers you a chance to do something special before treating yourself to a well-earned breakfast!
14. Inform
Especially when taking a solo trip as a beginner, it is best to let someone know of your travel plans to keep track and check in on you. It also serves as a huge safety net for you.
15. First aid
Always have essential first-aid items handy, over and above your regular medication. Some handy rescuers can be a hangover pill, bandages, anti-allergy medication, tums, and cough drops.
16. Don’t overdo
One of the major problems is overthinking. Avoid over-researching and obsessing. Minor snags are part of the trip. Eventually, everything will fall in place, as long as you enjoy your holiday.
17. Ask before
Always check for prices before you commit. This is true for when you shop, dine, take public transport, or even at check-in if you are booking at the last minute. You never want to be caught unaware!
18. Drink
Always carry water. Travel demands, including changing temperature, location, and time zones, can take a toll. Since you will be on the move for most of the day, carry a bottle of water that can be refilled. Avoid buying water. It’s the most expensive beverage available.
19. Stay smart
If you are travelling for the first time and going solo, experts advise staying close to colleges and universities. These locations are among the safest. More importantly, they have a buzzing life and great food and drink options at great prices.
20. Tech ahead
Travellers have a great opportunity to stay ahead of the game in the present day. Google maps can help you get to the farthest locations possible, and travel apps can tell you all you need to know and help you get the best deals. Make the most of what’s available (Cleartrip is a Godsend here!)
Conclusion
The best travel experience doesn’t come from extravagance. It happens when you maximise every minute of your holiday. All you need is some good advice (and we’ve given you plenty!) and the intent to let your hair down. Let the holiday do the rest for you!
FAQs
Ans: Make a list, pack light, have copies of your documents, carry a few extras, be flexible, and understand the local culture. This will help you have a much more pleasant travel experience.
Ans: Before visiting a new place, it is important to understand the climate, the time difference, the culture, and the necessary rules and documentation required.
Ans: The main focus for any tourist includes the sights, the landscape, the food, the shopping experience, nightlife, and the culture and history of the place.
Ans: Several locations can prove safer than the rest. Some options include Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, and Austria.
Ans: To have a safer and more successful holiday, leave your valuables at home, carry strong identification, plan and research ahead, stick to public places, and avoid standing out as a tourist.
