Travelling for the first time can be an absolutely incredible experience, Rachel’s first solo trip was to Australia. Just like us any new traveller goes through a rollercoaster of different emotions; feeling scared because they are away from home for the first time, excited at being in a new place alone, apprehensive because they don’t know what to expect while also feeling thrilled.
When you decide to go travelling, it’s a turning point in your life (lol sorry but it’s true). However, many new travellers make unhealthy mistakes that can ruin their trips and end up cutting them short. Read on to find out what they are so that you don’t end up doing the same!
Buying Street Food In Quiet Areas
Street food is a great way to save money on meals while you travel, but buying it in a quiet area is usually a mistake. This usually means that the food isn’t as fresh, so you could end up falling ill with food poisoning. It’s much safer to get food from places where there are a lot of people around. This way, you can be sure that it’s freshly cooked.
Drinking The Tap Water
This is something your parents may have drilled into you from a young age, but we will say it again; drinking the tap water in many foreign countries can result in a horrible illness, and you could find yourself on the toilet for the remainder of your trip (sorry if TMI). Always buy bottled water, and feel better about contributing to plastic waste by making sure you recycle it or take a reusable bottle with you.
Failing To Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an absolute essential. In some countries it is compulsory, in others it isn’t – but you should get it wherever you decide to go. Travel insurance won’t stop you from falling ill or hurting yourself, but it’ll help to protect you financially should you need hospital treatment or to cut your trip short. You never know what might happen, so don’t risk it!
Dressing appropriately for the weather, comfort depending on your activity, and the culture that you’re visiting is a must. You might even find that it’s better to buy clothes once you arrive as they are really cheap and help you fit in with the locals! Make sure you do lots of research you can find out lots of info on the countries you are planning on visit online, whether that’s on how to enjoy a healthy umrah or something else you’ve put on your bucket list.
Drinking Too Much
Not only is waking up with a hangover when you’re supposed to be exploring no fun; it’s pretty dangerous. You never know what could happen so always have your wits about you. If you’re travelling alone you’re putting yourself at risk just a little bit more! Limit your drinks and something we have always done is written a note in our room, saying where we are going and when we expect to be back. Try and make some friends in your hostel and head out with them!
Forgetting Sunscreen
If you’re doing anything other than a beach holiday, it’s all too easy to think that you can forget about sunscreen. Wrong! Sunscreen is important even if the sun isn’t shining, so make sure you take some with you and slap it on before leaving. In many counties you can buy massive suncream pots with handles, so just tie to your rucksack and you’ll never be caught short!
