6 Travel Tips You Need to Succeed on Your First Adventure
If you are planning your first international excursion, congratulations. In a world where less than 40 percent of people never leave the county, you’re gearing up to see sites your friends may never see. This is an exciting event, but it’s also one that requires lots of forethought. From taking a tagalong with you to knowing which apps you need; the following six tips can get you on your way without having to learn things the hard way.
#1) Don’t Travel Alone
If you’re heading somewhere new, there is no better way to experience it then with a friend. And there are plenty of practical reasons not to go solo. First, you can split your accommodation expenses. More importantly, however, you will always have someone to watch your back.
#2) Keep Electronics to a Minimum
One rule of thumb when traveling is to always pack light. Take only the essentials, and that includes your technology. Even if you are taking a road trip and staying within the confines of the United States, you don’t need a laptop, tablet, gaming system, and camera to keep up with during your journey. One thing you do need is a reliable smartphone with a GPS, a high-quality camera, and memory to download apps you may need along the way. The iPhone 11, for example, is a smart choice, and it also features over 26 hours of battery life, which means you can enjoy a day out and about without searching for a place to recharge. Of course, if you’d prefer an Android phone, there are options to explore in that regard as well.
#3) Check Into the Area’s Safety
Crime is something that many new travelers fail to consider. So, don’t make this mistake, especially if you are going abroad. If you are planning an out-of-country experience, talk to your travel agent about going to one of the safer cities. CNN Travel ranks as Tokyo, Singapore, and Osaka as the top three safest cities globally. Anywhere But Here Travel can help you choose the right area based on your concerns, budget, and travel style.
#4) Invest in Travel Insurance
Travel insurance probably isn’t necessary if you’re just planning a cross-town trek. However, when you have thousands of dollars invested in your trip, the few dollars it costs is well worth it. CNBC explains that there are two types of travel insurance: basic and comprehensive. Comprehensive insurance usually has more flexible cancellation terms but check with your credit card company first to find out if you are covered by using your card.
#5) Blend In
Tourists are targets even if you do go to a safe area — and not just by criminals. Many local retailers can spot foreign dollars from a mile away and will happily overprice their wares just for you. Pay attention to your surroundings, walk with your head up, keep your phone in your pocket when you are in public, and watch how loudly you speak in the street. These actions, along with dressing in regional fashion, will keep you out of the spotlight.
#6) Make Your Health a Priority
If you get a nasty bug bite or broken bone at home, you’ll have quick access to medical care. That is not always the case when you’re out of the country or even in some of the far-reaching areas of the US. Contact your current health insurance company to see if you are covered, and then add a supplemental international travel health plan if needed.
There are many things to consider before you pack your bags. However, being prepared by taking these six steps can help you have a more enjoyable travel experience with fewer bumps on the road to freedom. Remember, your travel agent is a wealth of information and can elaborate on these and provide other suggestions, so don’t be afraid to ask.
This blog post was written by Henry Moore. Henry believes travel can change you, and good health preserves you. He combines both in his work on FitWellTraveler. Another way to ensure that your vacation is successful on your first adventure is to hire a travel professional from Anywhere But Here Travel.
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