Since I started my solo journeys back in 2016, many of my friends and family members have been intrigued by the places I have visited and the experiences I have had. I think many of them now know to expect the unexpected when they ask the question, “Where to next?”. Quite naturally, with the more remote or lesser well-known destinations they are very curious as to how I arrange my itineraries (as the majority of my trips, I plan myself), how I determine what cities to visit, how I decide what activities to engage in, how I save for the higher priced adventures, etc. Over the past year, I have compiled this list of more than a hundred travel tips that I find indispensable when planning and traveling not just internationally but even domestically.
At last count, I had more than 100 tips, which I’ll be sharing in a series of posts arranged by trip phase: Planning, Pre-Departure and Once You Arrive. Hopefully, you’ll find these tips useful, as well.
PLANNING – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (Part I)
1. RESEARCH A COUNTRY BEFORE PLANNING A VISIT
Prior to just flying off to visit a country, do your research. Find out about the tourism in that country, the political climate, the seasons (especially monsoon or rainy seasons), languages spoken, the timing of festivals and celebrations, currency and local dishes. Not knowing what to expect can be a recipe for a disastrous trip or you may miss some really amazing sites or activities. Also, research neighboring countries, just in case an opportunity presents itself and you’re able to visit more than one country, you’ll be ready to roll. Researching a country before visiting will also help you know how to pack!
2. DON’T LET A MYOPIC VIEW OF A PLACE KNOCK IT OUT OF CONTENTION FOR A VISIT
Don’t let what other people have to say about a destination color your view leading to travel myopia. Do your research, keep an open mind and draw your own conclusions about whether or not to visit. If I had listened to all the voices warning me about traveling to India in 2019, I never would have gone and I would have totally missed out. Truth be told, I found India to be a fascinating country and the people were all so kind and welcoming. My experiences were almost in direct conflict with what I had been told to expect.
3. READ UP ABOUT LOCAL CUSTOMS BEFORE YOU GO
You don’t want to offend anyone while you travel, so make sure you’re aware of any offensive gestures, words or behavior before you arrive. In some countries, certain mannerisms or modes of dress are taboo or offensive. For instance, women are required to have their shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples in Sri Lanka. Shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Do your research and seek to blend in, not stand out!
4. OPEN YOUR MIND AND WITHHOLD JUDGMENTS
If you don’t like a country’s customs, remain open-minded, rather than immediately jumping to conclusions that they’re wrong and you’re right. Ask questions, do more research, listen to other peoples’ points of view and try to view their customs through their eyes then take a critical look at your home country’s customs and how THEY must be viewed by other nations. Don’t let your bad experiences taint an entire country — if you didn’t enjoy your time somewhere, maybe that place was just not for you.
Don’t judge other travelers, either. Remember, to each his own – some people enjoy luxury travel, others enjoy backpacking, some people love visiting the same place every year while others want to see the world. Everyone is different.
5. VISIT PLACES THAT INTEREST YOU MOST
Don’t follow the beaten path that every traveler takes, just because you feel like you should. If Cancun isn’t calling you, why go there? What interests you? What do you want to see and learn about? This is your trip: go where excites you, not where you feel you should go or where everyone else is going. Don’t follow, lead.
UP NEXT: THE TIPS JUST KEEP COMING…
