We often get excited to travel, and explore this amazing world we live in, however we don’t know what to do, how to plan, or from where exactly to start.

That’s why we have compiled 26 tips for first time travelers, that would also be of help to avid travelers 😉

PICK YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

Which is based on many factors;

• Weather forecast: is it a good season to go; or a cold rainy, or a scorching hot one?. That would also help with the packing
• Personal preferences: what’s the purpose of your trip? Is it sightseeing? adventure? leisure? etc.
• Entry Visa: do you have enough time to apply?
• Is it safe to go
• Is it a good time to go: Make sure your vacation does not fall during a public holiday whereas the city is dead, shops, museums, and attractions are closed, and public transports are scarce.

BE SELECTIVE ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY

As unimportant as it might sound to many, but a travel buddy can make or break your trip, not only but also your relation could be ruined for eternity.

SET YOUR BUDGET

• Look up flight tickets prices
• Accommodation rates -note that unless it’s your honeymoon, or a trip where you will be spending lots of the time at your accommodation, you don’t really need to spend too much on it, at the end of the day you will use the bathroom and sleep in it
• Search for holiday packages
• Check the average cost of living at your desired destination -transports, food, excursions, etc.

Courtesy of: Ken Teegardin

CHECK TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ask yourself “does my destination require any, some, or all of the following?”;

• Entry Visa -if applicable what are the required documents
• Transit Visa
• Certificate of Movement
• Army Authorization
• Travel Permit
• Vaccines or medicines -for Egyptians always ask at VACSERA

Courtesy of: Myriam R. Gad

READ & PLAN

• Where is the city center
• What’s the best way to get around? and what’s the transportation schedule? are there public transports operating at night? and how often are they?
• How will you get from the airport to/from your accommodation
• What are the major attractions, & what do you find interesting and what do you not?
• To avoid time waste by waiting in long queues; are their tickets purchased online or not?
• Are there any restraints in regards to clothing? is it better to be conservative, moderate, or there aren’t any restraints? specially when it comes to being at certain places like sacred places?

Courtesy of: Silvia Sala

But..

DON’T PLAN EVERYTHING AHEAD

While it’s always good to read, and plan, however a huge part of the fun comes by leaving room for spontaneity.

Courtesy of: Shawn Harquail

BE READY & OPEN FOR CULTURE DIFFERENCES

Or as commonly known as “culture shock”. Although we were all born equally however we have so many differences in terms of cultural background, heritage, traditions, customs, and beliefs, so be ready to accept, and to happily deal with them while you can!

Courtesy of: Wally Gobetz

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE AIRPORTS

If you are aiming to travel via low cost carriers note that some of them fly to remote airports that could require an hour or two to get to your final destination, so choose wisely you don’t want to spend the money you saved on transportation, not only but also waste too much time on the road.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TIME

It’s always better to arrive during the day -however night flights are usually cheaper-, it’s safer as well specially for solo travelers, but if you don’t have another option, you have to find out whether by the time you arrive there will be transportation to take you to your accommodation or not? will the airport shuttle bus still be operating? and if not what’s the average cost of a taxi ride so you won’t be ripped off.

Courtesy of: Wally Gobetz

BOOK EARLY & SMARTLY

• At least 60 days in advance if not more
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest days to fly, or to travel in general
• Always subscribe to newsletters of any website offering travel related services to get the latest deals and discounts on your email, sometimes they even offer special prices, and discounts exclusively to subscribers.
• Be flexible and innovative when it comes to deciding on your travel route; don’t always travel direct, don’t be afraid to arrive at nearby airports, and don’t always stick to certain airline companies
• Sometimes traveling via low cost carriers in Europe & Asia is cheaper & faster than trains and buses

Tip: While night buses, and flights might be cost effective, however they are not advisable for solo travelers

Courtesy of: Lucius Beebe Library Memoria

CHECK THE CANCELLATION POLICY OF YOUR BOOKINGS

Before proceeding with any booking; be it of flight tickets, accommodation, holiday package, or even a museum pass always read their cancellation & refund policy.

Courtesy of: Sarah Ross

STAY AWAY FROM PEAK SEASONS

Not only everything would be pricey, but everywhere would be overcrowded with tourists, most of the times even abandoned by locals. When I went to London in Christmas I hardly saw any Brits around! Your best bet is to travel during shoulder seasons which fall right before or after high-seasons.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

Whether asked for it as a visa requirement or not, better buy it and be safe than sorry later. Aim for buying a decent travel insurance package that would cover the entire duration of your stay, so that if something happens to you your insurance will cover it.

Tip: Which specially applies to adventure travelers.

ALWAYS STAY NEAR THE CENTER

For two reasons; to make everything within walking distance, and to be somewhere that is a hub for public transports.

AVOID TOURIST TRAPS & TOUTS

Tourist traps, scams and touts are everywhere; avoid those cafes and restaurants situated next to famous tourist attractions, do not follow this guide who will show you around for 45 euros -well sometimes it works-, stay away from this guy who will sell you tickets to your favorite game or concert, and the monkey charmer who will throw a monkey in your lap to take a photo with only to be asked for money later.

Courtesy of: Nicu Buculei

ASK FOR STUDENTS & SENIORS DISCOUNTS, TRANSPORT PASSES, & FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS

In most countries & cities special discounts are given to students and seniors, there are also transport passes that could give you limited or unlimited use for a reduced fee for a certain duration, and keep an eye on the times where museums are open to the public for free -that’s in case you can handle big crowds.

Courtesy of: Denis McLaughlin

DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH ON ACCOMMODATION

Unless you will spend your vacation at the hotel -which is never the case-, don’t spend too much money on accommodation, better save this money to be spent on excursions, and food.

Courtesy of: Emmet Connolly

HAVE ENOUGH CASH & ASK ON HOW TO GET FOREIGN CURRENCY

Given the so many restrictions related to foreign currency and card limits that Egypt currently suffers from before you travel; ask around on how and where to get foreign currency from, and how much are you entitled to.

Tip: To Get Money from the bank you need to show your passport, and your airline ticket only a couple of days before you travel.

Courtesy of: 401(K) 2012

ACTIVATE YOUR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS AND CHECK THEIR LIMITS

Make sure that you clearly understand your credit and debit card limits before you leave, have them all activated and settled as well, and know your pin codes by heart.

Tip: In some countries only cards with a smart chip -those that require the entry of a pin code- are accepted!

Courtesy of: Sean MacEntee

NEVER CARRY ALL YOUR MONEY IN ONE PLACE

We have all heard about a friend who got robbed somewhere around the world, so besides being cautious about hiding your money, and valuables, don’t ever put all your money in one place, so that if you got robbed you minimize the damage.

Tip: Get yourself a wallet that could be hiden behind your clothes

Courtesy of: 401(K) 2012

LEARN SOME LANGUAGE ESSENTIALS

The best way to communicate, and meet with locals is by learning their language, it also gives the impression that you are not a tourist, hence not subject to scams.

Courtesy of: World Bank Photo Collection

PACK LIGHT

To start with check the luggage policy of your air carrier even before you proceed with the booking, and try to always pack light so it would be easier for you to unpack, carry it around, and have more space for shopping, and souvenirs.

Courtesy of: Karin

ALWAYS PACK A RAINCOAT & A LIGHT JACKET

The weather around the world is not as stable as it is in Egypt, in some countries you could experience the four seasons in one day, a day could be freezing cold, a minute later it could be scorching hot! A sunny day could turn into rainy and windy in no time.

Courtesy of: Jason Hargrove

DEACTIVATE MOBILE DATA & AVOID ROAMING SERVICES

Instead of paying insane amounts of money for roaming services and mobile data, get yourself upon arrival a sim card from the airport, and charge it with mobile data for better coverage, and handy data usage.

Tip: Activate roaming services on your phone before you leave to use it at emergencies

Courtesy of: Gonzalo Baeza

KEEP IMPORTANT NUMBERS & ADDRESSES ON A PIECE OF PAPER

Might sound old fashioned, but believe me it’d become handy if you lost your phone!

Courtesy of: Liam Kearney

GET INTERNATIONAL PLUGS FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS

Because plugs around the world are not the same, getting international plugs that would fit is a must!

Courtesy of: Leonid Mamchenkov

Got any more ideas that could help first time travelers travel better? Feel free to share them in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you <3..

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.