Tips when traveling the first time: plan your travel better

Here are my best tips when traveling. Especially if you’re a beginner traveler.

I’ve been traveling to Europe and Asia with my husband for the last couple of years. During my trip, I found out that nothing had ever gone as planned. Even so, it’s always good to be prepared before your travel to avoid or minimize problems.

I did hours of research about how to prepare for traveling, and I share all of them with you in this article. From planning your trip to safety tips, I gathered everything you need to know to prepare your trip better.

You can also jump right into these sections:
Preparing for your trip
Booking flight and accommodation tips
Money and safety tips
Cultural tips

Keep reading to find all my best tips when traveling.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission (so I can buy vanilla ice on hot days!) at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Preparing for your trip

Research your Destination

1. Google the destination or place. Find out the basic information about the country or city you’re traveling to.
   
2. Check out articles written by travel bloggers to get some ideas about what to expect at your travel destination.
   
3. Read travel books like Lonely Planet.
   
4. Find out what you should or should not do regarding the customs and culture.
5. Find out about the weather and climate so you can pack right.

Packing Tips

1. Less is more. Don’t overpack.
   
2. Find out about the weather conditions so you can pack right and leave unnecessary stuff behind.
   
3. Consider the length of your trip and what kind of activities you’re planning to do.
   
4. Choose clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched
   
5. Pack only essential toiletries and travel-sized items.
   
6. Create a packing checklist so you won’t forget anything important

Need more tips about packing? Check out my article Female Travel Hacks: How to Pack Less and Enjoy More.

Planning Itinerary

1. Research the must-see sights in your destination and plan your days accordingly.
2. Make a list of attractions, restaurants, and activities you don’t want to miss.
3. Be flexible! Embrace unexpected opportunities along the way.

Secure Your Travel Documents

1. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
2. Make copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa and other important documents.
3. Keep the originals and copies in separate locations. In case you lost any of these documents, you have back up.

Booking and Accommodation Tips

Booking Flight Tips

1. Book your flights in advance to get the best deals. At least 2 months before.
2. Look out for discounts and promotions from your favorite airlines.
3. Try booking during off-peak seasons to get better deals
4. If you use Google Flights or Skyscanner to check flights, you can set up an alert to get notifications if the price is lower.

For more tips about how to find cheaper flight tickets, check out this article.

Hotel and Accommodation Tips

1. Book your accommodation earlier to get the best rates.
2. Look out for discounts and promotions from hotel booking platforms.
3. Travel in the low season to get better prices.
4. Consider alternative accommodation (apartment, vacation rentals, co-living, homestays)
5. Read reviews and check the ratings before you book!
6. Check Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Agoda, and Booking.com for reviews and ratings from previous guests.
7. Sort out the reviews to the newest. Pay attention to recent reviews.
8. Make sure the reviews are relevant. Beware of fake reviews.

Money and Safety Tips

1. Notify your bank and credit card company before you start your trip, to avoid your credit cards getting locked.
2. Have at least 2 different credit cards, in case you can’t use one of them.
3. Get an International Card like Wise to avoid high transaction fees or exchange rates.
4. Always stay alert and keep your belonging secure, especially in crowded touristy areas.
5. Wear an RFID-blocking bag or RFID-blocking wallet to secure your credit cards.
6. Avoid carrying a large amount of cash.
7. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry when walking in rural areas.
8. Protect yourself from unexpected situations and purchase a Travel Insurance.

Cultural Tips

1. Learn basic local phrases. In some areas where people don’t speak English, it would come in handy.
2. Save an article about basic words you need to know in the local language on your phone so you can always go back and check it.
3. Research the customs and norms in your destination. Know what you should and shouldn’t do.
4. Be culturally sensitive. Respect the local customs.
5. If you’re not sure about something, it’s always good to ask the locals.
6. Try local food and traditional dishes. It’s usually cheaper than International or Western food.
7. Join local activities or guided tours.

Check out more tips about culture in this article: 10 Tips on How to Be a Culturally Sensitive Traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it necessary to exchange currency before traveling?

A: Most of the cases, it’s not necessary to exchange currency before traveling.

You can exchange a small amount to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation, when you arrive at the airport. Or you can withdraw money from ATMs.

Q: What should I do if I lose my passport?

A: If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the local authorities and your embassy or consulate.

They will guide you through the process of obtaining a new passport and assist you in returning home safely.

Q: How can I stay connected with family and friends back home?

A: To stay connected, consider purchasing a local SIM card or buying an e-SIM.

It depends on how long your travel is. I use WhatsApp to chat and call my family and friends from anywhere.

Depending on your destination, most cities in the world now have WiFi in hotels or restaurants.

Q: Are travel vaccinations necessary?

A: It depends on your destination. Research the regulation on your destination to check what kind of travel requirements are needed.

Q: How can I handle language barriers while traveling?

A: Many locals in tourist areas speak English, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

In some cases where you meet language barriers, you can use translation apps or try to communicate with gestures.

Q: Can I use my credit card abroad?

A: Most major credit cards are widely accepted internationally.

However, I suggest you inform your credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected card declines.

What’s Next?

That’s all my tips when traveling, to save money & time, and to have a better experience.

Do you have any other tips when traveling? I would love it if you could share it with me in the comment below!

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