Travelling is a unique experience that offers growth opportunities as you are exposed to new people and places. Deciding to pack up your bags and taking an adventure is not only a way to recharge – when you get back home, you’ll be a different person with a new perspective on life. If you’ll be travelling solo, it is a good idea to get an international sim card to ensure you can always keep in touch with loved ones.
Although exciting, travelling for the first time can also cause anxiety, as you worry about different aspects of the trip, such as safety, difficulty of communication, getting sick, or missing your flight. Luckily, planning efficiently will help avoid these things, ensuring your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.
Choose your destination
There are so many incredible places in the world, so understandably, it can be pretty difficult to decide where to go on your first trip. However, asking yourself some questions can help you narrow down your choices. One of the first things to consider is whether you want to travel close to your home country or head somewhere further. Also, think about language barriers. If you choose to visit a country where it’s hard to communicate with locals because you don’t speak their language, your trip will likely be less enjoyable.
Consider what you want to get from your trip, too: are you looking forward to partying? Or are you seeking a fine dining experience? Or perhaps you want to relax on a beach or climb a mountain. Write a list of what appeals to you most, then stick to the destination that meets your travel goals. If you choose a destination in the USA, whether California or New York city, you will also need an eSim to enjoy unlimited data and reliable network connection while abroad.
Look for the best transportation and accommodation deals
Regardless of the destination you choose, you’ll have to get there by plane; however, you also want to think about how you will get around the place. Trains and buses are good options, and you can use online tools to seek route alternatives and the cheapest and quickest modes of transportation. Besides being budget-friendly, bus rides are also good for the environment, at the same time allowing you to chat with locals and take in beautiful sights.
Checking accommodation options is another essential part of planning your first-time trip. While hotels are great, you should also look for guesthouses, hostels or Airbnb options – these allow you to make friends with other travel enthusiasts. Plus, hostels are usually cheaper, helping you save money on your first trip.
Book early
If you want your trip to be successful, book everything in advance! And by everything, we mean flights, accommodation, and even the activities you plan to do while you’re there. Leaving things at the last minute will make it challenging to find the best offers, and you’ll end up spending a lot of money on your trip (which, honestly speaking, is not the best way to travel).
On the contrary, if you book in advance, you’ll likely get better deals on everything, including airport parking. If you’ll be driving your car to the airport, choosing a parking lot where you can leave your vehicle during your vacation is essential. However, parking lots tend to be pretty expensive, so it’s crucial to consider how to save some bucks.
Suppose you’re flying from Sydney airport; you can pay less for parking by seeking a reputable parking provider and booking in advance on their website. Different options are available, including shuttle parking and valet parking. That being said, make sure to do your research and choose the best Sydney airport parking method that meets your needs.
Don’t obsess over details
Sure, it’s essential to learn about the destination you want to visit, as it has a different culture and tradition that you should respect. But don’t go overboard with the details – that will only overwhelm you. Among other things, travelling is also about learning how to re-adjust, so don’t stress over having a fixed schedule. Planning every little thing from the beginning to the end isn’t always the best thing to do – instead, you should be more flexible and allow yourself to experience what the destination has to offer.
Now, we aren’t saying that you shouldn’t plan your trip at all – some aspects should be laid out, but it won’t hurt to leave room for spontaneous activities and experiences. After all, travelling is supposed to be an adventure, so instead of over-preparing for your trip, think of how to make it more fulfilling and savour every moment.
Pack smart
It can be pretty stressful to decide what you should bring during your trip, as many factors come into play, including the weather and the duration of your vacation. However, it’s important to avoid overpacking, and you can do so by creating a checklist and choosing clothing pieces that go together so you can easily mix and match them. Most of the time, you don’t wear half of the clothing items you bring with you somewhere, so there’s no point in packing excessively. A golden tip for packing is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, which will help make the most of the luggage space.
Besides clothes, you should also consider bringing a first aid kit on your trip. Pain relievers and band-aids are always helpful in case you suffer an ailment during your vacation – obviously, no one wants such a thing to happen, but it’s best to be prepared for unexpected events.
Prioritise safety
Many people postpone their much-desired trip because they are scared. But you shouldn’t let your fears prevent you from exploring the world. If you prioritise safety and use common sense, you’ll be fine.
Consider researching the destination to check for dangerous areas or ask locals about it. You also want to be clever about your cash and avoid becoming a pickpocketing victim. For instance, instead of carrying huge amounts of money, it’s best to open an account that allows you to use local ATMs.
Try not to be noticeable as a tourist and instead blend in by dressing like the locals. Even if you get lost, don’t make it obvious – consult a map or ask for directions by stepping inside a café or a shop. And, of course, always listen to your gut feeling. If you have a bad feeling about a situation or a person, pay attention to it, as it is trying to keep you safe.