Travel Tips for Newbies
print resourcePosted by: Lacey Worel
Date Added: January 17, 2012
Summary
This is a list of tips designed for the inexperienced traveler. It leans on the overly cautious side. The intent is not to 'scare' travelers or to cause paranoia about theft. Rather, this is meant to help the unaccustomed traveler become aware of their surroundings. Crime, theft and food poisoning can happen anywhere!
Main Content
Travel tips vary greatly depending on geographical location. Please take time to review local customs, climate, crime, travel vaccinations and more prior to traveling. Forgive the negative tone of this! In my opinion, the most important things to take with you are a humble attitude, a willingness to learn from a new cluture and a sense of adventure.
Think like a minimalist:
*Only bring the essentials. Be sure you can carry everything comfortably and be prepared to hike for long periods of time with your stuff. Buses break down... I use a backpacking pack that doesn't look new or scream "I'm carying valuable treats!" If you are buying a new pack, have someone size you for it at REI or other sporting good store to ensure maximum comfort. Think twice before packing your blowdryer, polished rock collection and meditation balls. You may regret the weight of unneeded items later!
Suggested Items:
*Use a money belt or plan on stuffing everything in your front pocket or a zipped pocket. Don’t put your wallet in your back pocket or carry an obvious purse. Pick-pocketing is often the most common form of theft. This happens in US cities as well!
*Bring copies of your passport and keep them in a different place from the original
*Think about Water. I suggest using a water purifying pen http://www.steripen.com/
*Keep 2 refillable water bottles full at all times
*Bring comfy waterproof shoes
*Synthetic clothing will dry fast and you don't have to wash it as often
*Only bring one of each clothing item except socks and underwear- you'll want to change those; )
*Warm waterproof coat and light windbreaker
*If it's a hot climate, bring airy clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
*Back pack for day use or canvas bag
*Converter for your laptop plug/camera etc.
*Camera, extra batteries
*Sleeping bag
*Bug spray
*Your go-to diarea med and ibuprofen.
For long bus rides:
*Plastic knife/spoon, hand sanitizer and napkin for making food on the go.*Always have a snack. Remember to keep all valuables with you on bus rides- not under the bus. Wrap strap of bag around your leg when you sleep to prevent theft.
*International phone card
MISC Advice
*Keep money in different places. Don't carry too much cash at one time.
*Know your bank fees for using your atm internationally. Bring an extra atm card that you haven't activated (keep in a separate space just in case your main card gets stolen)
*Be weary of taxi cab drivers (some cities in Latin America are known for “fake taxis” that rob customers)
*Get to know people in the community where you are staying.
*Research common gestures and their meanings (cultural norms for non verbal communication)
*Try to speak the language even if you are a beginner
*Don’t be scared of people!
*Careful what you eat. Make sure fresh juice is mixed with purified water. Lettuce and other veggies can be dangerous to a tummy not used to the local bacteria.
*Consider registering with US Embessy.