10 Essential Travel Tips Every Beginner Should Know Before Their First Trip

Every first trip may be a little frightening but also exciting, isn t it? When you are traveling to a local city or to a country overseas, the feeling is always filled with excitement and bewilderment. My first independent trip comes to my mind I took way too much stuff, even left my power bank at home, and had to spend a half-an-hour trying to get a local SIM card. Believe me, some preparation can help you to avoid a great deal of stress.

That is why, in case you are going to take your first trip, here are 10 fundamental travelling tips which I wish I had known before. These recommendations will allow you to be a smart traveller, remain safe and enjoy your trip.

1. Keep Your Documents Ready and Backed Up

Have your passport, identification proof, travelling tickets, hotel reservations and whatever the case may be such as a visa or travel insurance papers at all times. Make distinct photos or scans of those and keep them in your mail or the cloud such as Google Drive. Then in case something is lost then there is a computer back-up to facilitate it.

Bonus Tip: Make a print out as well, particularly when you are traveling to a location with bad internet connectivity.

2. Don’t Overpack — Pack Smart

Overpacking is one of the greatest rookie mistakes. And do bear in mind we are going to travel, and not to move house! Wear relaxing clothing, and dress appropriately to the weather. Make it basic, yet mix and match.

• To minimize space use your clothes in rolls.
• Have a first-aid kit that is small enough to carry around.
• Chargers, power bank, and international adapter, if necessary, are not to be forgotten either

But never forget to have some mementos on the way back, too!

3. Do Basic Research About the Place

One does not have to know a lot but a bit of background. Learn:

• Basic language of the country (Hello, thank you etc.)
• Exchange rates of currency
• Transport modes in the area Local transport Local transport
• Food and places to be visited locally

As the example, I was in Kerala; I learned that there, autos cost more than Uber; I would not have been aware of that had I not made a quick Google search!

4. Inform Family or a Friend About Your Plans

Book your hotel or homestay especially during off season. Try such apps as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, or Airbnb. Never forget to read the reviews, pictures, and cancellation rules. Make early reservations to cut down on the expenses and pressure.

Search properties that have free cancellation, Wi-Fi.

6. Keep Local Cash and a Card

Although in the big cities the cards and UPI are becoming popular, there are locations, and most of them are remote, where people use cash. It is also always good to have some of the local currency on hand to use on buses, at the tea stalls or as emergency money. Simultaneously, have a debit or credit card to pay off hotels or in case of emergency.

Pro tip: Store cash at two locations, one in your wallet and the back up in the bag.

7. Stay Connected with Internet Access

Mobile data comes to the rescue when you are in an unfamiliar territory. You can:

• Take advantage of Google Maps
• Local signs translation
• Search something within seconds
• Food and book cabs

Before you leave home, inquire of your mobile provider regarding international roaming plans or better still, a local SIM card either at the airport or some other convenient point in country.

8. Be Flexible but Stay on Budget

That is not a problem when things do not work as it was planned. There are times when the unplanned things turn out to give the best memories- the chance encounter of some street entertainment or the fact that this little cafe serves the best food.

nonetheless, watch your budget. Keep the daily expenditures using the method: use the apps, such as Splitwise, or Google sheets. Do not over spend in the first day!

9. Keep Yourself Safe and Healthy

Following are a few instant safety guidelines:

• Avail of personal information with strangers Avoid posting anonymously on the internet
• Do not move around in lonely areas after dark
• Bring along padlock to hostel lockers
• Store emergency contacts
• Use clean filtered or bottled water to drink
• Be adventurous to eat new food, though on something that looks suspicious say no

Carry also some simple medicines to cure fever, stomach ache or motion sickness, it won t much to carry but it may be a life-saver.

10. Enjoy the Moment – Not Just the Photos

I know you want to aim at 100 selfies. However, do not overlook to look up and live the place. Speak to locals, taste their food, walk in the streets, and not only in touristic areas.

During my visit to Pondicherry I had to visit a pleasant unknown beach and this was only because I asked a pleasant tea vendor. That is the sort of travelling memory which you will never forget.

Final Thoughts

You will never forget the first trip. It does not have to be perfect, that is good enough! Each small error turns into a story, and each new thing you have to encounter during the learning process will teach you. You will see and experience a lot so just keep an open mind, be alert and have fun in the process.

Should this article have assisted you, send it to your friends or family members in case they are also intending to stage the first trip. And don not forget to subscribe to my blog to get more easy travel tips, guides and packing lists.

You have any queries or funny travel experiences? Share a comment in the section below, I would to welcome you! ✈️💬