Summary
It’s an exciting time in the world. More people are crossing borders than ever, allowing travelers greater access to explore different cultures and environments. However, this increased travel can impact the quality of one’s travel experiences if proper planning isn’t undertaken. This article outlines common travel mistakes that first-time travelers make, along with advice on avoiding them.
As seasoned travelers who have been on the road full-time for ten years, we have encountered and learned from numerous blunders. In this guide, we aim to shed light on mistakes to avoid to enhance your travel adventures.
Common Mistakes by First Time Travelers
Whether you are traveling for the first time or are a seasoned jetsetter, the following tips will help you have a more rewarding vacation experience.
1. OVERPACKING
Overpacking remains a common pitfall we occasionally succumb to. Each time we do so, we regret not being more disciplined. There is nothing worse than hauling around a cumbersome suitcase or backpack filled with unnecessary items.
Through our experiences, we found that wearing the same outfits frequently suffices. A couple of pairs of jeans and a few t-shirts can serve multiple days, negating the need for a complete wardrobe change for every day. When we plan adequately and pack correctly for a trip, we typically start packing a week in advance. After packing the clothes and gear we think we need, we always revisit our selections to pare down.
The best strategy is to double-check our necessities and reduce them by half. Remember, if additional items are required, purchasing them upon arrival is always an option.
Letting go of the mindset that we need to bring every conceivable item enhances our travel experiences significantly.
2. OVERPLANNING
While planning is an essential aspect of preparing for a trip, the joy of travel often lies in spontaneity and new experiences. Our first trip to Europe was frenetic: visiting ten countries in an equal number of days. However, this left us exhausted and without memorable moments. We simply checked destinations off a list rather than truly experiencing them.
Learning to slow down and immerse ourselves in each place significantly enriched our travels. Spending more time at each destination allowed us to connect with locals and absorb the culture, creating lasting memories.
3. BOOKING ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURS
Having traveled since the late 1990s, we acknowledge our past mistakes regarding ethical travel practices. Initially, excursions like meeting local hill tribes or riding elephants seemed exciting, but we now understand such activities are unacceptable.
When planning activities such as a safari, we ensure the tour operator maintains a safe distance from wildlife.
Choosing to visit an elephant sanctuary instead of partaking in elephant rides exemplifies our commitment to positive travel practices.
We now evaluate our impact on destinations, ensuring our presence uplifts rather than harms local communities, wildlife, and environments.
4. EATING AT CHAIN RESTAURANTS
Though the world is interconnected and familiar chains pop up in remote locations like Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, choosing local eateries enhances the travel experience. Exploring local cuisine often leads to delightful discoveries.
We typically find dining spots by wandering and peeking inside. If we see a restaurant bustling with tourists, we avoid it. Conversely, if we find a place filled with locals, we’re eager to try it. This approach has resulted in new friendships and recipes that remind us of our adventures.
5. NOT TRUSTING OUR INSTINCTS
The human intuition is powerful. Whenever we’ve felt uncomfortable with a driver, tour operator, or any situation, we typically were right to be cautious.
Trusting our instincts has helped us avoid potential issues. Allowing ourselves to relax can lead to being taken advantage of, prompting us to later wonder how we missed the signs.
We now prioritize our comfort during travel. If hesitating about a ride or following someone into a dubious situation, we simply say no and walk away confidently.
6. NOT FOLLOWING THE LOCAL CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
The world is inevitably diverse, enriched by varying customs. Thus, we make it a point to learn about and observe local traditions when traveling.
WE RESEARCH THINGS LIKE:
- Proper dress codes – should knees and shoulders be covered in public?
- Dining etiquette – do we eat with our hands in places like Morocco and India?
- Customs about entering homes, gift-giving, and personal space.
Embracing the local customs not only deepens our understanding of the culture but also allows for memorable encounters.
7. NOT PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE
We consistently advocate for travel insurance. If we can afford to travel, we can invest in this small yet significant expense.
We have utilized our insurance multiple times, discussing our experiences in our content. It offers peace of mind, especially when unexpected situations arise.
OUR TRAVEL EMERGENCY EXPERIENCE
Many assume they can simply fly home if emergencies arise. This notion proved incorrect when Dave suffered a back injury in the Amazon, requiring medical evacuation.
Had we not purchased travel insurance, the costs for that evacuation would have been astronomical.
Ultimately, having travel insurance equips travelers with resources to mitigate potential hazards, reinforcing the value of proper planning.
In closing, travel presents marvelous opportunities for growth and adventure. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing effectively, the rewards can be transformative and unforgettable. We have never regretted any trip we’ve taken and encourage everyone to embrace the journey ahead.
