A new experience that may be both exciting and intimidating is travelling extensively. Here are some essential pointers to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime, from avoiding con artists to trying the local food and being frugal with your money.
Living in The Moment
One of the best methods to save priceless moments and share them with your loved ones is through photography. But taking too many pictures could prevent you from fully experiencing the moment. Be careful what you record, and don’t choose an amazing experience over a nice Instagram possibility. Remember that a magnificent sunset rarely appears as stunning on camera as in person.
Study Local Vocabulary and Slang
It goes without saying that it’s important to learn to say please, thank you, goodbye, and welcome in the local tongue. Learn a few more difficult words and phrases in the language of the nation you’re visiting, such as how to order a drink or a cup of coffee, to impress or, more likely, amuse the natives. Even if you don’t wax poetic, learning new skills is always enjoyable, and you could discover that doing so helps you develop a better knowledge of a certain culture. Download the Duolingo app for some help.
Financially Realistic
Make sure you have enough money for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case you decide to do a last-minute beach trip or bungee jump. Getting a travel money card is always a good idea to avoid paying the fees associated with using your debit card overseas. Additionally, remember that exchange rates can be challenging. When you receive thick wads of cash in Bali, you could immediately think you’ve won the lottery before realising that two million Indonesian Rupiah is equivalent to just over 100 pounds. You can find up spending more (or less) than you expected because the conversion process can leave you perplexed by huge figures. If necessary, bring a calculator with you.
Be Wary of Scams
Anything that seems too good to be true probably is. Everyone has experienced getting scammed while travelling abroad, but it’s comparatively simple to avoid if you know what to look for. Naturally, you shouldn’t be suspicious of everyone you meet, but you should be wary of pleasant locals who offer to take you shopping or give you a free ride in a rickshaw. Make sure you know the most prevalent scams before travelling to Thailand because the country is particularly known for defrauding tourists.
Taking into account a Working Holiday
Working there is a fantastic method of learning about a culture. Working may be a far more fulfilling and inspiring experience than simply travelling, whether tutoring English in a Chinese school or helping out on a fruit farm in Cambodia. It’s an opportunity to create lifelong friends and learn useful life lessons you may apply back home.
Leave the Beaten Path Alone.
Despite the previously given advice, conversing with locals can also open up a whole new universe and help you identify unusual and uncharted regions that aren’t included in guidebooks. Make sure to pick the brains of other tourists you meet along the road who can provide insider tips on where to go next. Ask around for the best secret spots and restaurants.
Try Local Cuisine
Don’t be hesitant to try the enigmatic native cuisine. Travelling is vital for experiencing new and strange things, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is through cuisine. For instance, food prepared by street vendors outside of Bangkok is frequently significantly superior to Pad Thai served at tourist-heavy establishments on Khao San Road. When it comes to your diet, if you adopt an adventurous mindset, you’ll probably come across wonderful and less-than-great flavours that you had no idea existed.
Insurance
This is significant even if it’s not the most thrilling part of travelling. Even though you are statistically more likely to experience problems at home than when travelling, getting good travel insurance is necessary because it’s always better to be safe than sorry. One of the most recognised companies, World Nomads, offers various packages for various experiences, including coverage for everything from sporting injuries to thefts.
Be Spontaneous
Making oneself a loose itinerary is always a good idea. Still, you should also be ready to veer from it as some of the best travel experiences occur when you exercise a little spontaneity. Your plans may be altered by the people you encounter along the road, unforeseen weather, and various other things. Uncertainty about your final destination is one of the most thrilling aspects of travelling.
You must always observe the laws and moral standards of any country you visit, even though some customs might seem ridiculous, unnecessary, or even offensive. Avoid being haughty at all costs and try to learn more before passing judgement. Each society has its own distinct notions about morals and culture. If you know the dos and don’ts, your experience will be simpler and more enjoyable.
Be Open-Minded
You must always observe the laws and moral standards of any country you visit, even though some customs might seem ridiculous, unnecessary, or even offensive. Avoid being haughty at all costs and try to learn more before passing judgement. Each society has its own distinct notions about morals and culture. If you know the dos and don’ts, your experience will be simpler and more enjoyable.
Install Helpful Apps
Some apps are simply too beneficial not to use, despite some belief that technology destroys the romance of travelling. Without using the internet, you can make cheap phone calls with Rebtel, find the greatest deals on flights with Hopper, and create custom packing lists with Packpoint to avoid squeezing everything into your suitcase. Last but not least, even if you’re not seeking a holiday fling, Tinder is a simple method to meet some like-minded other travellers. However, it’s not for everyone. You could also use Blender to do any rendering of any 3D model that you wish to include in videos you have recorded during your travels.
