Although pleasant as it can be, travelling also calls for a little prudence and consideration, even if only on a holiday. Discovering a place one doesn’t know will undoubtedly surprise.
And so, exiting the comfort of what is known in order to catch a view of the unseen horizons implies earnest preparation which will deter you, even pre-trip, from unforeseen occurrences that will disrupt the trouble-free continuation of your sojourn.
Below are 10 key tips for travelers who are about to venture into new holiday destinations.
1. Find the destination that suits you
To have a good memory of your travel experience, you must find a destination that arouses your desire and curiosity. The place should also match your personality and your expectations, so that you don’t return home disappointed.
What activities would you be most interested in on your trip? Get information from travel books or websites and follow the best travel profiles on Instagram. The testimonials of these authors can give you an overview of a destination.
2. Choose the means of transport
You have chosen your destination, now you need to find the way to get there. The means of transport you choose depends on your budget, the distance to your destination, the number of people and the time you have available for the trip.
The goal is to be efficient and find the best cost-benefit ratio to optimize time and money during the trip. If you are a sustainable tourist, given the climate situation, it is preferable to adopt land transport for your travel, if possible. Obviously, if your destination is another country or continent, your choice will be to fly.
3. Create a travel plan
When traveling, your time is limited to make the most of the adventure and avoid last-minute surprises – so planning your main activities will save you precious hours.
Once again, websites, blogs and travel guides will help you with this task. Find out about the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. Reviews about your destination can also be useful to inform you.
4. Book your accommodation
An obvious but essential step before your trip. Book your accommodation in advance to guarantee a place in the place (or places) you have chosen. Before finalizing your reservation, compare prices according to the services included in the establishment through hotel comparators.
For example, is breakfast included? Find out the reputation of the place where you are staying, read the comments and reviews left by other guests. Preferably, choose a place that offers free cancellation in case you cancel your stay.
5. Manage formalities
Regulations differ based on the destination you select for your travels, so you must learn about travel papers and other requirements prior to embarking into a new country. Health requirements and suggestions differ as well, so you should be prepared to ensure that you’re in good health when you arrive.
Check that you’re legally registered, use the internet or contact a travel agency to find out which documents are essential for your trip. Medical care in foreign countries can be very expensive, so it’s completely unfeasible to travel without travel insurance . Also check the conditions for exchanging your currency if necessary. Also take copies of your travel documents with you in case you lose the originals.
6. Choose the right luggage
Choosing your luggage may seem like a minor part of the organization, but it’s best to make your choice according to your criteria and those of the trip you’ve planned. What’s your destination? Are you traveling on vacation or for work? How long will your stay be? What means of transport will you use? These are some of the considerations to take into account when packing your suitcase.
7. Make sure you don’t forget anything
Making a checklist is the surest way to make sure you don’t forget anything important. This will prevent unpleasant surprises or having to buy equipment you already have. Prioritize your checklist – start with the essentials and finish with the things that have the least consequences if you forget them.
First, make sure you have all the necessary documents, your means of payment, your electronic devices, chargers and a first aid kit. Then, check all the things that don’t directly affect your trip and can be purchased locally in case you forget them or can’t pack them in your luggage, such as toiletries or clothing, for example.
8. Know the emergency numbers for your destination
Before you depart, find out the name of an emergency number in the destination you’re heading to, as a precaution in case something unexpected happens. Keeping an extra local phone number for someone who is trustworthy, or an embassy or consulate, is also advisable, for added support if needed.
9. Familiarize yourself with the language basics
Foreign languages have to be communicated in a foreign country – and chances are, you will need to communicate with locals in order to receive information or make transactions. That is why it is a good idea to acquire simple everyday words, because this will help make communication simpler.
Focus on learning polite messages and practical question-formulation. The more common expressions you learn, the less time you’ll waste searching for phrases in the available online translators .
10. Be open-minded
Remember that far from home you will encounter different customs and ways of life. An open mind is a virtue that will make you more tolerant and will make you take a step back from yourself and your worldview.
Tourist trips are valuable, especially because they allow you to get to know different cultures. This contact with new things will add even more satisfaction and good memories of your destination.