10 Tips for First Time Travelers

So upon browsing other blogs it seems as though "how to" tips are the most requested items for people interested in travel. I decided to do my own. I am no expert. I don't claim to know everything. These are simply tips I have based on what I have learned over the years.

Although I have many friends who travel, there is an even larger number of friends that do not travel because they think its something other worldly and unattainable. Well its not, and I will help you prepare for your very first trip based on my personal experiences. I wish I had known some of these things when I traveled at one time or another. I want you to stop making excuses. I want you to stop saying you "can't, because.." Anyone and everyone can. Maybe not tomorrow, but you can. The only real thing stopping you, is you. I want you to go and see the world I have caught a glimpse of. It's a breathtaking place with much beauty and much inspiration for living. I honestly believe that leaving my homeland has helped me understand other people and cultures better. I empathize with other people and have less intense culture shocks. The world is a large place, but in exploring it, you also explore and learn something about yourself.  On to the tips...

1. Pick the perfect travel mates. This one is key. This is where you need to begin. The reason why this is first on my list is because you need a reliable person, or group to plan your trip with. I have known many people swear they want to go on vacation and that "we should definitely go." However, that promise falls flat and we never go anywhere because "oh I don't think I can get time off from work" or "oh I have school" or "oh, I am broke." The excuses are endless. But if you find a person or group of people who are serious about going somewhere, the rest will sort of take care of itself. Bring it up to a friend or two who sound interested. Bring it up a second time and make a concrete plan to sit and talk about it. If these people agree, then you have found your travel buddies! Congrats.
2. Save up for your trip (if money is the issue). Sure, you can go on a trip tomorrow, but do you have the money? I never recommend charging an entire trip (airfare, hotel and expenses). You will spend a longer time paying it back, than the time you will be on your trip. The memories of your trip will be tainted with this debt looming over you. Plus, saving up for a trip will allow you to feel a special type of gratification and accomplishment when purchasing and then you can travel care free. Figure out where you want to go. Then, see how much the trip can cost depending on the season and then I see which season I am willing to travel in (frigid winter for dead cheap? or expensive for summer). I then plan one year to save for the trip and another year to save up my expenses. This is a bit extreme. You could possibly do this in 6 months. This is just an example. Obviously you don't want to starve to death during this time. Also save up a little more than you budgeted, because at the last minute when you make little changes to the itinerary, you might need it. 
3. Food poisoning. Unfortunately this is a part of traveling that nobody really wants to talk about. I used to get food poisoning in Mexico (although not anymore). I have also gotten food poisoning traveling in Peru. Funny enough it only happened in Latin America. I was lucky enough to have family (and my fiance's family in both countries). I think it has something to do with different bacteria's that I am not used to? No clue, not a scientist. Anyway, a good thing to remember is that you need to stay hydrated. I make sure to always drink either water or sports drinks. In addition I like to take probiotics during my trip (and have not been sick while traveling since). Please consult with your doctor, of course, before taking anything. But I already take some, so I just decided to buy good ones and take them religiously during any trip. Take medicine from home, and google the closest clinics and pharmacies. 
4. Luggage. You might think this is no big deal, but having the right luggage and luggage information will help you save money and headaches. You might not know this but some airlines charge for luggage. I was stuck in Munich, unable to board my plane because we had to wait at the kiosk to purchase our checked bags (and almost missed my flight in the process). Expedia is a fantastic site that will give you all of that information as you are purchasing, but regardless it's good to google it for yourself. You will always want to review the airlines policies on what you can take. Also, in case you didn't know many airlines have size/measurement policies on how big your carry on and checked bags are. Now, not every airline checks, but many do. My friends and I left Paris and my friend was forced to squeeze her carry on in a measuring crate (don't know the proper term) and she had to pay to check it. Also, if you anticipate bringing back souvenirs, you will want to invest in a portable luggage scale. Weight is another big one. if your bags are 1 pound over, you will be charged. A light scale is my best friend. This is the one I use. I think I got it cheaper via the Wish App (not sponsored). Also, if you anticipate bringing back souvenirs (first time travelers usually do), travel light (but do NOT forget comfortable shoes). Those cute boots, or chucks you want to take will not feel cute when your feet are dying. 
5. Layovers. Layovers can seem like a pain, but if you are traveling far, sometimes there is no option. So, if you have to take a layover and you want to minimize the time then make sure your layover is at least an hour. The reason I say this is because once our plane was delayed and when we arrived to the layover city, we had to run across the airport to get on our plane that was about to leave. Second, the first time you set foot in another country, you will have to pass through customs. Meaning that the event will take longer. For example, if you leave Los Angeles and your layover is in New York City, you will not have to pass through customs because you are in the same country. But you will pass through customs when you arrive to the destination (example) London. However, if you travel directly from Los Angeles to Paris (layover) on your route to London, then keep in mind that your Paris layover will take a while because you will have to pass through customs there. This was the case when England was part of the EU, once you got inspected at any EU country, you were "safe" for the destination country. Now, it might be different with Brexit. But this helps give you an idea. Now if you want to take advantage of the layover and see some of the sights, you can opt for those 12 hour+ layovers that look like a nightmare and venture out. Otherwise, don't.
6. Currency Exchange. This might seem like a no-brainer but knowing where to get the best rate for your money is very important. Search around to see where you will get the best bang for your buck. The closer to your destination, the worse the exchange rate. 
7. Passport/Visas. This may seem obvious but make sure your passport is not expired nor expires within a certain time frame (if the country of destination has requirements). Also, check if the country requires a visa (like Brazil for Americans). I have known American's who were stuck at LAX getting a visa, American's who left the country with expired passports, and Americans who missed their trip altogether. CHECK YOUR PASSPORT.
8. Time off. Make sure you request your vacation time from work (in writing) before you book your trip. I have known many people whose vacations were almost cancelled, and because of a signed piece of paper, were allowed to leave. Make sure you don't return hours before you are scheduled to return to work/school. What if you are delayed? You are in big trouble. Give yourself some rest time, preferably. Jet-lag hits people differently. 
9. Arriving. As soon as you arrive to your destination you will be so excited. However, it might be the middle of the night or you might be exhausted. It will be wise to google your nearest convenience store and stock up on water and snacks. I always take a water bottle or two in my carry on in case all of the stores are closed for the evening. You are also able to purchase duty free items as long as the next stop is your destination. Otherwise, you will need to check it. 
10. Internet. Now this might seem like its not necessary, but before I got T-Mobile, I struggled to get a map and find my way around. It was difficult to google things and find wifi areas (which typically sucked). My fiance and I were in Mexico City and our airbnb host cancelled our apartment last minute. Therefore, we had to google a new place. Luckily the park across the way had free wifi, so we could fix our temporary homeless situation. Try to add on an internet plan that will allow you to use it in the country you are traveling to. Otherwise, the roaming charges will be absurd. 

I hope you enjoyed my 10 tips for first time travelers. Please feel free to comment below!

Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico. 2017.