Top 10 tips and hacks for a new Traveler

Top 10 tips and hacks for a new Traveler

1. Safety First
   Perhaps the foremost concern of the solo or single traveler is safety. Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. But the saying "safety in numbers" isn't necessarily true -- a solo traveler can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure.

2. Consider Your Clothing.
   You don’t have to dress nicely by any means, but you should probably follow a couple of basic rules. Most importantly, don’t ever consider fanny packs/bum bags. Not under any circumstances. They are easy to rob, mark you as a tourist, and most damning of al they are goddamn ugly. For North Americans, leave behind the white socks, white sneakers, and baseball cap as well. It’s certainly okay to keep your own sense of style, but if you want people to treat you more fairly, then avoiding the stereotypes is a good idea.

3. Money Matters
   How much should you take and in what form? The simplest approach is to forget traveler’s checks and large wads of cash. Instead, bring your ATM card and pull out your money as you need it. Try to withdraw the equivalent of a couple hundred at a time–this way you don’t pay a fortune in transaction fees, but if you lose your cash or are robbed it’s not the end of the world. Most cities and almost all airports are connected these days–if you are going to be in one or passing through one you should be just fine.

4. Try to arrive during the day
   Plan to arrive during daylight so you’re not trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city in the dark. Also Connect with other travelers. The common rooms and lounges of hostels are great places meet short-term friends as well as pick up excellent travel advice.

5. Meet the Locals.
   Whether you’re staying in the poshest hotels or the hostel with your roommates humping on the bunk above your head, you can meet other like-minded people more easily while traveling. This is one of the joys of traveling. But it’s always a good idea to get off the beaten path, especially if your trip is going to be longer than a month. There can be a language barrier, but you’ll be surprised how much information grunts and pantomimes can convey. Meeting locals will only enhance your travel experience.

6. Watch the world around you
   Take the time to observe how people interact, and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time you can learn how to use public transit, whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, how to tip or how to hail a cab and much more.
   Don’t expect to have fun every moment. You won’t. Also know that you’ll need to build in some days to rest. The first week you are running on adrenaline and loving every moment of it, but your body will have its revenge. Most importantly, don’t plan to go to too many places. Many first-time travelers are (quite understandably) eager to see the world. But don’t cram in too much. You don’t want to spend the majority of your holiday in transit, and you don’t want your memories to be a blur of castles, temples, and train rides. There’s virtually nowhere you can go that you won’t want to spend at least a week. You need to have enough time to do more than snap a couple of obligatory photos before heading to your next destination.

7. Consider Alternate Forms of Travel.
   We live in an era where planes, buses, trains, and taxis can get you just about anywhere in the world. But if you are concerned about carbon emissions, afraid of flying, or just want a more immersing experience, consider your alternatives. Slow boats can sometimes save you a bit of money. Once you’ve reached your destination, exploring it by bicycle, horse, or on foot will dramatically change your journey, almost always for the better. A hike or bike journey of just a day or three will give you great taste of an epic journey. Plus, you know, it’s better for the environment.

8. Take Everything Under Advisement
   Before and especially during your travels, you will be barraged by well-meaning advice (this article included). Listen to what people say, but always make up your own mind. People will warn you about dangers or tell you that something is impossible when in fact it is quite achievable. Guidebooks are even more conservative. Your best guide is own sense of what you are comfortable with. If you want to visit a place that’s considered dangerous, don’t let vague information dissuade you. What it comes down to is people telling you what worked for them. You shouldn’t ignore blatant warnings, but neither are you obligated to change your plans based on every rumor that comes down the pipe.

9. When at a City or Country Don't be afraid to ask for help
   Most times people are very hospitable and will be more than happy to give you help or guidance with anything you need - be it a suggestion for a good restaurant or directions to some place. Don't be afraid to ask someone on the street if you need help. In the major cities, most people speak English, if not fluently, then well enough to understand what you're saying and convey whatever they want.

1. Last and the Most Important thing “Be Careful”
   Are you sure you want to do this? The biggest risk of travel isn’t dodgy water, upset stomachs, aggressive touts, bedbugs, or pickpockets. It’s addiction. Don’t put your foot in this water unless you really want to swim. Catching the travel bug means at the least staying up too late reading travel blogs from people you haven’t met, searching airfares out of habit rather than any expectations of a trip, and bothering your friends by continually commenting on how much better the Pad Thai in Chang Mai was. In its more advanced stages, this affliction can lead to quitting a good job, leaving behind an otherwise great partner, selling your house, or spending your life savings in a matter of months.