Whether this is your first trip around the world or you’re an expect at navigating countries; everyone always says their goodbyes with tips on your grand voyage. Your mother will shout “Don’t spend your money all in one place”, while your best friend will tell you to “Get massively trashed in Amsterdam!” Here are five simple things every traveler should know.
1. Be aware of your personal belongings
I know most backpackers don’t have a lot to begin with when they are traveling, but what you do have is valuable. Maybe you have a photo album from back home that means everything to you. Your lucky pair of socks or your trusted digital camera are essentials you brought on your trip. Keep your belongings close to you at all times. When you’re traveling during the day, make sure you have everything you need and stay aware of any strange people that might look suspicious.
If you’re leaving something at your hostel, make sure it is properly locked and secured. Also, when traveling between countries, be aware of overnight thieves. Hold your backpack to your chest like a pillow to avoid placing it in the overhead compartment where you might doze off and lose your stuff! Keep your eyes peeled!
2. Try new things
You’ve just finished your first day abroad, how exciting! You’re starving and looking for something to munch on! On the corner of your hostel is a McDonalds and you’re craving some delicious French fries. Try something new! There was a McDonald’s back home and it will still be there. Perhaps venture next door to the small café serving paninis.
When it comes to anything in a new country, don’t be afraid to try something new, because you never know when the next time you’ll be able to sand dune in Australia. If you’re scared, just imagine the reward afterwards when you actually do it! You’ll be telling that story over and over and over. And over.
3. Be social and make new friends
Whether you are a social butterfly looking for an exciting pub in Ireland or playing cards in the lounge of the hostel, venture out! I know for the first few days of your trip, you’ll be homesick; missing your family, significant other and friends, but you will make it! You’ve made the rational decision to journey across the globe as a soloist and hopefully you will leave with an address book filled with new names and numbers.
You never know who you will meet abroad. Later on down the road, you might want to internship at that fashion boutique in Tokyo that your hostel-mate’s mom owned. It’s great to make new friends in different places. It will make you more sociable and get you out of your shell and will provide you great company on excursions abroad.
4. Take care of yourself FIRST and foremost.
Since you are traveling alone, this is the prime opportunity to understand your body. I know when I get sick, there is nothing like calling my significant other to bring me a hot bowl of chicken soup and to sit with me and watch television all day. When you’re thousands of miles away, it’s quite different. Make yourself aware of the remedies you might need; such as Benadryl for allergies, Tylenol for headaches and Alka Selzer for upset stomachs.
Before you even leave for your trip, make sure to see your regular physician and get yourself checked out. If you need any prescriptions, make sure they are authorized and in your name with all the prescription labels. Don’t overexert yourself either. Keep yourself hydrated at all times when you’re lugging your backpack all day; whether it is a hot or cold climate. Hydration is key to keeping your body fueled and full of energy. Only you know how your body works.
And if anything happens overseas, make sure you have all your emergency contacts and immunization records with you at all times. Don’t panic and keep yourself calm!
5.HAVE FUN
This is the best piece of advice anyone can take when they are traveling. With everything that you’ve learned and handled overseas it’s important to remember why you are here in the first place. This is your trip! All the money you’ve saved, all the planning you’ve done is for this moment. Be content and hopeful for the wonderful experiences you are about to embark on. Take pictures and video everywhere you go; your loved ones will appreciate seeing how happy you are and will understand what you’ve been through. After all is said and done, have a wonderful and safe trip!
@garryknight
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