Travel Tips: Mistakes Every First-time Traveler Makes

Are you excited? Obviously. You are about to go visit a destination that you've never been before and it's really a wonderful feeling. At some point, you'll also feel a bit nervous and tend to overthink on what may actually happen during the trip since you're not familiar with that place.

Don't worry, it's okay to make mistakes the first time you travel and just learn from it. Here are some common mistakes that first-time travelers commit:

Using a travel agent... for everything

Today, it made it easy for everyone to book numerous travel needs over the internet. It provides a wide array of choices which you can choose from depending on your preferences. In just one click, it can be settled. Though still, there are some who wish to have a safety net, with that, they made everything arrange by the travel agent. But doesn't mean that everything, from the flights, accommodation and even tours should be purchase to them. You can book online and later on will find out that there are far cheaper prices for the things that you've been looking for. You can literally save much money if you just arrange your travel needs by yourself.

Being scared of locals

Since it is your first trip to a foreign land, locals can easily spot those first-timers since a majority of the faces seem to be set in the suspicion look. Usually, there is a trust issue involve wherein since travelers are afraid, they just mistrust everyone. That's a mistake. Avoid generalizing things out. Try to go out of your comfort zone, every now and then try to start a conversation and interact with them and eventually gain more friends.

Being Scammed

There will always be scammers out there. Their easiest target is those naive travelers. This happened to me couple of times especially during my first ever trip to a foreign land and that doesn't stop there. There's no easy way about this because some of them are doing this kind of thing almost their entire lives. Just be mindful, cautious and act like a local.

Trying to see everything

This is the main reason why group tours are popular. On an established tour, like visiting 10 countries in just 12 days. First-time Travellers have this idea that it is a great thing since, in just one trip, they'll be able to see a lot. But that's a mistake, you need to trust and be confident that you'll be having another trip after that. Slow down, get to know one or two countries to make the most out of your dream getaway.

Underestimating costs

Everything is going to cost more than expected. You'll probably spend twice as what you've estimated all along. With that, you need to be prepared. You need to save much money for your travel needs.

Packing too much

Don't bring to much stuff. It'll definitely useless. Bring only things that are appropriate and necessary. Don't pack too many clothes. You're going on a trip it which means that you'll definitely buy things from that certain foreign land. Avoid bringing more than three pairs of shoes. On the other hand, don't forget to bring soap since not all hostels don't supply it for you.

Buying too much

I know that it's tempting to buy various things whenever you walk into one of the travel shops in your chosen destination. It is also possible to spend thousands there from purchasing things like travel shirts, key chains, bags and other stuff that you don't really need.

Panicking

Sometimes, things are bound to go wrong, not because it's your first time. Remember that not all things that you planned will be successful. Don't worry, it's part of your travel experience. Refrain yourself from being pissed off because it will only make the situation worst. Instead, act calmly and think of a proper solution. Let it happen and learn from it.

Not taking out insurance

Insurance is a must. You need it regardless of the duration of your trip. You'll never know what will happen. If you're in an accident, or you feel sick, or maybe lost your belongings, just a few examples, you'll be thankful that you only spent that small amount in purchasing an insurance for your trip.

Treating the guidebook as gospel

It is a good idea to have a guidebook throughout your trip. It gives you a sense of direction and even background information on the places that you will visit. Unfortunately, first-time travelers often do only the things specified in the guidebook. Always remember that there are more things worth visiting and trying not only those listed on the pages of that book.

Author Bio:

Robin Salvador is a part-time travel blogger, part-time digital marketing consultant for El Nido Travel Packages, and full-time dreamer. He loves the photographic medium for expressing what he loves about life. He always finds himself lost during travel. But he loves unfamiliar territories and finding his way around. Aside from his taste for adventure, he loves two things while traveling - meeting new friends and food.