Travel Tips for First-Time Explorers: Your Ultimate Guide
Posted on June 7, 2023 by Ghoomophiro
Things to remember when one is traveling for the first time
Traveling is a truly educational experience, and thus, more and more people are traveling for the first time in their adolescence, even teens. However, it is natural to feel a bit worried in anticipation as one wants to make the most of each trip. So, we have compiled a list of ten tips for first-time travelers.
1. Start with a safe destination
If they still haven’t decided on a destination, first-time travelers are recommended to go for a safe destination; that is particularly recommended if the first-time traveler is a woman, given the increased stances of crimes against them. The following are some of the things that make a travel destination safe:
- Low crime rates
- Low gender-based crime rates for women travelers.
- Good internet penetration so that you can easily contact your loved ones.
- Proximity to traveler’s home, friends’ home, or relatives’ home. So that they are always within rescuable distance.
- Should have facilities like A.T.M.s, hotels, etc.
2. Plan the whole trip
While you may take on later trips a little more haphazardly, it is wise to plan the first one thoroughly. Plan everything, including where you intend to eat, where you intend to rest, the financial aspects, how you are going to travel, etc. The whole itinerary should be planned in advance, and consideration should be given to the following:
- There should be some reserves – of time, packing space, and money. So that you are not always rushing, short on space for carrying things back home, or are caught short on funds respectively.
- Things you have learned from people around you or in online blogs. Research thoroughly about everything.
- Your own interests and preferences.
3. Pack smartly
Developing good packing habits is the most essential element of learning to be a traveler. Some of what you pack is determined by the destination and the objective of traveling (clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, etc.), while other goods are essentials that every traveler should always have handy (a water bottle, smartphone, chargers, headphones, power banks, etc.) The following are some of the tips for packing smartly:
- Target toward planning lightly. It is so much easier to travel when you carry everything in a single backpack or everything on your person.
- Try to pack only as many changes of dresses as absolutely essential. A single pair of jeans is enough and can be worn with multiple shirts or tops, and you can wear them while traveling so as not to carry them in the bag. Don’t add winter clothes unless there is a chance of a change in climate. In case of a colder climate, take a jacket along.
- Pay special attention to the toiletries, especially in case you are going to a remote location. Always carry soap, a toothbrush, and sanitary napkins. You can cut on makeup products, and it is highly recommended.
- When it comes to electronics, avoid carrying non-essentials.
- Don’t pack a lot of food, and pack only dry food or snacks if you must.
- Always carry a water bottle.
- Have enough space left for souvenirs that you may want to bring back.
- Pack your more valuable goods, like smartphones your, wallets, etc., in a separate travel pouch that can be worn separately.
4. Stay hydrated
As mentioned above, one should always carry a bottle of water with oneself. Staying hydrated can be more difficult when traveling, and thirst can spoil one’s mood. One should always change the water in the bottle wherever possible.
5. Let technology be your friend
Digitalization, internet penetration, and the universal popularity of smartphones have made technology far more accessible and powerful than ever. When traveling, one’s smartphone keeps one connected to one’s loved ones, but it can also do much more. Let’s look at some of the ways you can use them to your advantage:
- Use google maps to know your exact location
- Try to carry traveler’s cheques or little cash
- Use digital payments wherever possible
- Set ‘Find My Device’ on your phone.
- Smartphones can also make cameras redundant as they have powerful cameras in them.
- Use note-keeping apps to remember things.
- Use cab booking apps to book cabs.
6. Plan last-minute activities
It is easy to forget things in the last-minute panic, so we recommend making a checklist (using the note-keeping apps we just mentioned) of all the things you might want to do in the last couple of hours. Some of the things that can make it to the list include:
- Packing things that you didn’t pack since you must use them in the interval (like toothbrushes, chargers, etc.).
- Fully charging phones and other electronics.
7. Considerations for a mode of travel
The mode of traveling will also impact your experience. We recommend choosing the method of traveling that is most convenient for you.
8. Try local cuisine and street food
This is a tip we can’t recommend enough. You should always try local cuisine and street food at every opportunity you get.
9. Considerations for choosing accommodation
The accommodation or hotel you choose should not only have comforts but should also have a good reputation. Try to look for a hotel that offers a free buffet or at least has dining options.
10. Travelling safely.
Above all. You should try to travel safely, especially if you are a woman or an adolescent. The following are some helpful tips for traveling safely.
- Protect your money, smartphone, and financial and identity documents. You can do so easily by carrying them in cross-body strap bags. Also, prefer digital payments and avoid carrying too much cash.
- Always keep the batteries of your smartphones and other devices charged. Also, carry a power bank.
- Use registered taxis. Preferably use one of the popular smartphone apps and always note down the taxi number.
- Don’t show signs of panic.
- Never talk to a stranger passerby. If you must ask directions (because you don’t have an internet connection), do it in for a (preferably crowded) restaurant or shop.
- Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers or accept their invitations to lonely places.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
There are several questions that first-time travelers may have. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s) :
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Question: What are some of the destinations considered safe for first-time travelers in India?
Answer: The following are some of the destinations that are considered safe for first-time travelers in India:
Ladakh, Rishikesh, Sikkim, Nainital, Kaziranga, Khajuraho, Hampi, Varanasi, Pondicherry, Udaipur, Goa, Sikkim, Pondicherry, Mysore, etc.
Question: What are some of the packing essentials?
Answer: The following is a list of packing essentials that every traveler should carry:
A water bottle, a wallet or purse, a fully charged smartphone, a charged power bank, a charger, a pair of headphones, sanitary napkins (for women), a toothbrush, and a jacket (in case you are moving to cooler locations), a pair of jeans, goggles, hat, a pair of walking shoes, etc. Things like jeans, jackets, goggles, hats, etc., can be carried or worn rather than packed.
If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.
One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding with the hope that these tips will help you have a great traveling experience. Remember, above all, to have fun.
