You may think that some of the hints and tips provided here are very basic and just common sense, but you will be surprised how many people you come across on your travels that have not even thought of the basics. They spend the majority of there trip still attempting to organise their trip rather then enjoying it.
1. Book your flight! Just do it. Don't wait and spend weeks or months shopping around, just book. Once you have booked you can start saying that you are going rather then you are thinking about going.
2. Research your destination. Know where it is that you want to go and learn about the destination. The more you know about the history, the people, the culture, even if it is just a little bit, the more you will enjoy it.
3. Get travel insurance!!! I can't emphasise enough how important travel insurance is. Not only will it cover your belongings from theft, loss or damage, but you will be covered in the unfortunate event that you become ill or injured. Having travel insurance could be the difference between a great holiday and one that is a disaster.
4. Make copies of all you important documents. Make a copy of your passport, visas, tickets, etc, and leave them at home with someone. If the originals are lost or stolen you have copies and the information available.
5. Learn the language. If possible learn the language of the foreign destination you are travelling to. Even if it is just a few words or having a phrase book with you, attempting to communicate with locals in their own language has many benefits and opens up many doors. It might be something as simple as a complimentary coffee or desert with your meal, or as magnificent as an invitation to dinner, a party, or to utilise some spare accommodation they may have available.
6. Get a guide book. There are many good guide books available. Get the one that best suits the type of holiday you are planning. Some are designed more for the budget traveller then others. The right guide book may even assist covering you for points 2 and 5 above.
7. Security of your belongings.Always ensure you valuables are either on you or locked away. For those of you fortunate enough to stay in hotels, many hotels usually have a small safe in the room that you can lock away items you don't wish to carry on you all day or night. For the budget traveller staying in hostels, get a good set of padlocks for you backpack or case. You will be in shared accommodation and even the friendliest of room mates may not be able to resist what you leave laying around. Take spare padlocks with you. Some hostels have lockers you are able to make use of for your belongings. If you don't have your own padlock you will have to buy or rent one from them.
8. Explore your city or town. Don't just spend your entire time eating in the one restaurant or cafe or drinking at the same bar. Explore the city, see the sights, find out what the town is famous for and go experience it. Talk to the locals and find out where the good places to eat and drink are. Locals will be able to point you to great local cuisine. Venture off the tourist path and discover your destination. And on food, don't be afraid to try the local delicacies that you would normally not think of as food. For example, when in Thailand don't be afraid to try the bugs and scorpions available from the street vendor. Don't be one of those tourists that searchers for a McDonalds every day. You can eat that at home!
9. Local transport is cheaper! If you are on a budget get the local transport. It may take a bit longer to get to your destination as the local train will stop at all stations, but it can save you a load of money if you have plenty of time on your hands.
10. Overnight transport. Getting the overnight train or bus from one location to your next saves you having to pay for a night of accommodation. The train or bus is your accommodation, and when you wake up you are at your destination. This is definitely the preferred option for the budget traveller.
And Most Importantly - HAVE FUN! Go and have the time of your life. Go book your trip and enjoy.
If you would like to discover some more helpful travel hints and tips, including how to get free food, visit me at http://www.travel-breez.com
Author, Logan Bishop, is an Australian who has been backpacking and living around the world for the past 12 years. Visit his website http://www.travel.breez.com for all your travel needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment