So your friends have returned from their annual trip abroad, and you can no longer hide your envy.
Perhaps you're about to graduate or have been laid off.
No worries; by following these first-time travel tips, you can quickly go from travel noob to travel snob.
You, too, can have a fantastic trip by reading travel tips for beginners!
Here are our best Travel Tips for Beginners
1. Purchase travel protection
You cannot afford to go if you cannot afford travel insurance. It's a proverb that has been uttered many times because it is wholly accurate.
Many people we know have chosen not to purchase travel insurance because they feel it is a waste of money, they don't bring anything of value, or they think that medical treatment everywhere they go is affordable.
Experience has shown us that none of that matters. Alesha had experienced excruciating stomach pains, and after just a few hours in the hospital, we were given a bill for USD $1,000.
When our former roommate fractured his leg while rock climbing in indonesia, the doctors treated him for a blood infection. He received treatment for 6 weeks while confined to a bed, and the price was $150,000.
Accidents do happen, even if you don't think you'll become sick or aren't planning any extreme activities.
2. Before you agree to anything, ask for prices.
Never, and we mean never, take a cab, sign up for a tour, order a meal at a local restaurant, or agree to anything involving money unless you know exactly how much it will cost.
Unfortunately, in many countries, unscrupulous locals may see tourists as walking money bags (especially taxi drivers, don't get us started on taxi drivers), and if you haven't determined the value of something beforehand, they may believe they can make up a higher price at the end.
You've already received your product or service, and it can be difficult to argue for a lower price, even if you know they're trying to rip you off.
So, our top travel tip is to always negotiate and agree on a price ahead of time, and to iron out all of the minor details first (one-way or both ways, per person or total, etc).
3. Purchase Quick-Dry Clothes
This travel tip follows on from the previous one about laundry. Always pack quick-drying clothing when traveling. The logic is fairly self-explanatory.
Simply hang it up for an hour or two in the sun or breeze, and it will be completely dry. You can also do what we do and put on a damp shirt and let your body heat dry it.
Kathmandu is our all-time favorite brand for quick-dry clothing.
4. Purchase a Local SIM Card for Your Cell Phone
In this day and age, having internet access while traveling is almost mandatory. There are a million reasons to have phone data at all times, from booking last-minute accommodations to checking Google Maps to posting your best travel photos to social media.
Even if your mobile phone provider offers a deal like $5-10 per day for international roaming, it will quickly add up if you're on a long trip.
We personally purchase a prepaid SIM card with data in each country where we will be staying for a week or more. You might be surprised how inexpensive this can be!
In Kyrgyzstan, for example, we paid $7 for a 30-day prepaid sim card with 50GB of 4G data. In Romania, 10GB cost around $10. Except for Canada, most countries provide excellent prepaid options.
If you have the time, we recommend going directly into a phone shop to get the best deals rather than purchasing the airport SIM cards, as they are almost always cheaper.
For this to work, your phone must be unlocked. Do some Googling before purchasing a SIM card to ensure you get the best deal.
5. Wear no gaudy jewelry.
Wearing expensive and flashy jewelry is one surefire way to attract a robber. Leave it at home, my friend, especially if you intend to travel in congested areas!
6. Keep digital copies of critical documents.
When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable item you have with you. If your passport is stolen, having a digital copy will make the process of getting a replacement easier.
7. Know the number to call for emergency services.
Even before you arrive, look up the emergency phone number for your destination. Before you leave, look up the phone number for your country's nearest embassy. Write them down or save them to your phone so you can find them quickly in an emergency.
Hiring a local guide is one of our top travel tips. You are directly supporting the local economy by hiring local guides. It eliminates the middleman and benefits local families. Additionally, hiring locals will help you save money. When you book a tour overseas or online, you are paying the tour operator as well as the rent for an expensive office. When you book locally, the money goes directly into the hands of that person. It's also a great way to meet new people and learn about the local culture. They have frequently invited us to their homes, providing us with a more meaningful travel experience.
9. Don't let your guard down.
When we've been duped out of money, put in perilous situations, or robbed, we can look back and see the errors we made by not trusting our instincts. Many travel mistakes occur when people relax their guard. When traveling around the world, you must be as astute as you are at home. Don't stay out until the early hours of the morning and then go home alone, don't walk down dark deserted alleyways alone, and don't get into cars with strangers.
Trying the local cuisine is one of the most memorable travel experiences when visiting a foreign country. In India and Morocco, we enjoy eating with our hands. In Thailand, we enjoy spooning our food and picking up rice with chopsticks. Furthermore, eating locally saves money. Restaurant hotels and eateries are more expensive in tourist areas. You'll save a lot of money on a more authentic meal if you eat at a local restaurant.