Top 10 Travel Tips From My Favourite Travel Blogs

Written on November 12, 2007 by Tezza

Monday’s weekly guide to Travel and Recreation from 4EvaYoung.com

Traveling can be such a daunting experience especially being away from friends and family for an extended period of time. Being exposed to new smells, scenery and customs. While it’s liberating and exciting it can also be a huge learning curve as you attempt to adjust. So as I prepare for my impending trip, I’m mindful of the fact that I have limited travel experience and so what better way to learn then from those who’ve traveled before me. Here are some of my favorite tips I’ve come across to date:

1. The World Isn’t A Dangerous Place

TravMonkey says, “Before their trip has even started the first timer is worrying about being robbed on the road. Various scare stories circulate making the unknown sound like a scary place when in reality it is probably safer than their home city. As long as you keep your wits about you like in any town or city around the world you should be fine.

I believe I had a much greater chance of being mugged in London than out on the road. To combat the fear of robbery the first timer will buy various security devices, padlocks are fine but taking a pack safe is a little extreme.

The key to not losing anything of value is to not take anything of value in the first place, or by making sure anything slightly valuable to you is on your person at all times.”

While I’m not naive to think that there aren’t potential dangers from being robbed or scammed, I think that is part and parcel to travel. I’ve encountered as many friends who’ve experienced being robbed on trips as I have those who had nothing of the sort happen. The message is clear, “Yes, there are scam artists and potential dangers when traveling. But there are also potential dangers where you’re sitting right now. Do your research on potential dangers and travel insurance deals and don’t wander down alleyways in the middle of the night. Make sure someone at home has copies of all your travel documents.” says Shona from Rich Minx

I’ve traveled overseas before without those fancy security pouches that fit under your shirt or pants. I think if you don’t bother using them at home why use them while traveling. It not only looks uncomfortable to wear but I think if you are targeted for a scam or robbery you can well expect that the crooks are smart enough to check those places for your money and valuables.

2. It’s Important To Not Over Plan

If you think about it you want to travel to escape your current life, which if you have a 9-5 job then it’s largely planned and scheduled to the brim. So why travel like you would work, it seems totally contradictory to enjoying the whole experience. While certainly for short trips it makes sense to plan tours and accommodation to maximize your short vacation time but for longer trips you can hardly know months in advance whether the tour you’ve booked or the accommodation you reserved is practical or even wanted. You might after a few days decide to spend more time in the one spot which if your trip is over planned can really throw a huge spanner in the works.

Kirsty from Brave New Traveler suggests, “Booking a hostel bed for the first few nights of your trip in a busy city is a good idea. Booking a sailing trip followed by a four wheel drive adventure followed by a three day trek starting on day 55 of your travels is not. You’ll meet people on the road who will recommend some amazing places that you’d never heard of and your plans are sure to change. Keep some time free to be spontaneous; it’s much more fun!”

3. Pack Light, Your Back Will Thank You

“There is a tendency to buy new clothes, new gadgets and security locks. What the first time traveler isn’t told is that they can buy most of the items they require out on the road. In many regions the items they require will be far cheaper than buying them back home.” says TravMonkey

Shona from Rich Minx recounts her first trip where she “could barely lift [her] backpack. I had packed for four seasons! Don’t do that. Most items will be available cheaply overseas. Be realistic. If trekking through jungles, leave the heels at home.”

“You’ve probably heard of this timeless packing advice: take half the stuff you need and twice the money. I’m not sure how realistic that is to double your hard-earned money on the spot, but keeping your backpack light is a good idea. Ditching extra clothes, guidebooks and the kitchen sink are a good start. You can always buy anything essential.While carrying around a huge, heavy load everywhere is bad enough, stressing out about new and exciting ways to cram things into non-existent spaces in your backpack each time you move will become your worst nightmare. Leave a bit of space for your Oktoberfest beer stein, Mexican sombrero or anything else you’re sure to accumulate on the way or you might find yourself making some expensive trips to the post office.” advises Kirsty

I think it’s also important to leave behind anything thats valuable to you. The worst thing to do while traveling is stressing over your valuables, it will be a sure fire way to ruin any trip or at the very least take out much of the joys.

4. Travel Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

Shona agrees that travel doesn’t have to break the bank “Especially if you go to cheaper countries in Asia or South America. Particularly if you are traveling on a strong(er) currency. Check out free things to do in the area and avoid the long museum queues. Wandering is usually free.”

Rob at Go Budget Travel has a fantastic article “Budget Travel Costs of 94 Cities around the World“, In the survey there are 10 cities that you could live on less than $10 per day. You could hardly buy a donut and coffee for that in most developed countries. What is great is that these cities will afford you the greatest adventures and take you out of your comfort zone which would probably leave you with many more travel memories then if you had spent it sitting on the beach somewhere getting a tan.

5. Forget About Trying To See The World In 30 Days

It’s amazing how many people happily try to cram as much as they can on a single trip as if they somehow imagine it to be the last time they get to travel for the rest of their life. Hoping from one country to the next and spending a few hours here and there in any one city is not only exhausting but defeats the whole sense of recharging your batteries that a good trip should entail. Sure you might be pressed for time but that doesn’t mean you have to see every city on your dream list on any one trip.

“Trying to squash 15 countries into a one month trip is going to leave your heading spinning. While every person has to find what works for them, being too ambitious about how much ground you can cover on your first trip is a common mistake. If you’re backpacking independently you will need to factor in travel times between cities and getting from the station to your hostel – including the inevitability of wandering in the wrong direction for hours on end. If you move from place to place every day or two it will feel as though all of your time is spent on public transport. You’re on holiday – it’s not supposed to feel like one massive commute. Instead, take your time. After all, if you enjoy your first trip, that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience will be the first of many more to come. There will be plenty of time to fit in all those places you missed the first time around.” suggests Kirsty

Another good tip from Shona is to just enjoy it for what it is. “When traveling it is very tempting to compare everything with how it is at home. Of course you’ll compare, but try not to do it all the time, especially if you are getting frustrated with differences. Remember why you came in the first place. Ordering Western-style food in Asia is often way more expensive than a corner noodle house. Adapt to local tastes.”

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