The first time you try anything you’re liable to make mistakes, and traveling is no exception to this rule. While you’re certainly going to make mistakes the first time you decide to venture out and travel, there are some big ones that you should be aware of to help you build and enjoy the best vacation possible. Here are a few of the biggest mistakes first time travelers make and why you should avoid making them yourself.
- Don’t forget travel insurance.
- Nobody likes to think about the worst case scenario, but the expression “better safe than sorry” exists for a reason. Accidents happen; they can happen when you’re out traveling the world, and they can happen when you’re sitting at home in your room. That’s why it’s best to be prepared for whatever might happen by making sure you’re covered with insurance.
- Don’t rely on travel agents and agencies for everything.
- There’s a lot that goes into planning a trip, so hiring a travel agent might sounds like the easiest way to make sure everything is planned and you’re prepared for your journey. However, oftentimes the places that travel agencies select for you are touristy areas that don’t provide much insight into the actual culture of the places you visit. Don’t be afraid to go off the grid and explore
- Don’t overpack.
- This is especially important if you’re traveling on a plane where there are limits to how much you’re allowed to bring with you. When you’re seeing new sights and visiting new places, you want to have your attention focused on what you’re doing and seeing, not what you’re wearing and carrying around with you. Only bring enough clothes to wear until you can wash them and wear them again. The more stuff you bring with you, the more stuff you have to keep track of.
- Don’t forget a copy of your passport.
- Although losing your passport in a foreign country isn’t life ruining, it will certainly feel that way at the time and will be a major roadblock in your trip. It’s difficult to get a passport in a different country, but it’s a lot easier if you have a copy of yours on hand.
- Don’t wait to exchange your money.
- Nothing in life is free, so there’s no reason to expect that getting to your destination in a foreign country will be any different. Before you even leave the airport, use the ATMs there for a better exchange rate and make sure you have enough cash on hand to use a cab or a bus to get you to your next stop. You’ll be thankful you did.
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