Travel guide for beginners - Top 11
This being my first blog post, I will begin by giving a detailed idea on some of the most critical travel guide points. Try to remember these while planning to travel to a new place and enjoy you trip.
Even though I have never had the opportunity to travel solo, I have been on many travel expeditions with a group ranging from 2 to 40 people. With the experience I’ve gained over the years by making many mistakes and forgetting some important details, I have enough knowledge to help others make the best possible agenda to have a great travel experience.
Let me share the top 11 travel guide points that any person needs to remember while planning a trip. These points might look familiar or common to what you usually hear while making a plan, and thus might ignore or not give importance to some of them. But after going on a few trips, I’ve realized how essential these simple points can be. So, to be as prepared as possible, make use of this guide, i.e., if you want to go on a properly planned and have no last-minute panic attacks trip. If you are a person who suddenly decides and packs the bags to go to a place. That you selected by closing your eyes and randomly touching the map, then this post is not for you. Go ahead and enjoy your spontaneous adventure (I wish I could do that one day :P)!
Now moving on, these tips are to be noted and checked before starting your journey.
1. Research your destination:
First of all, we can make a plan and decide on other significant details only when we determine the place we want to visit. So, once you have fixed your mind on the location you wish to visit, gather as much information as possible about that country, city, and the places you’ll be visiting. This will give you a good idea about the local culture, traditions, the major tourist spots, local favorite spots, and the least visited yet must-visit places (if any). Make sure to read some travel guides for that place to find the best time to visit and important local events and festivals that might take place during your stay.
2. Make a budget:
Now that you have decided on the place you want to visit, let’s consider the cost part of the plan. Do a quick research about the cost of living in the city and the costs of essential items you might need to purchase during your stay. Some of the important items to make a note are, the costs of – transportation, accommodations, food, tourist spots/ activities (entry fees), and emergency funds. Apart from these, make sure to factor in the visa fees, travel insurance, medical certificate costs, and other legal expenses that may arise.
3. Plan your itinerary:
After researching the destinations and making a budget, create the itinerary. Determine the places you want to visit along with the best date to visit and allocate sufficient time for each one. Do this while keeping in mind the time to travel to each spot, the crowd, and the opening and closing hours. Consider visiting a few must-see attractions and relaxing and exploring the local area. Make sure to plan time for rest and recovery, especially if traveling to multiple destinations.
4. Book your travel and accommodation in advance:
Book early, especially during the peak tourist seasons. It can save you a ton of money and ensure availability. Consider booking your flights or other travel modes and hotels in advance. Also, look into alternative accommodation options like hotels, home-stays, or vacation rentals. This will help to save money and experience the local culture. Look for accommodations in different areas and decide on the best one to help you cut travel costs to the destinations you’ll be visiting.
5. Pack appropriately:
Check the weather forecast for your destination for all the days you will be staying there, and pack based on that. Take comfortable clothes and shoes, and never forget to consider the dress code for the local attractions and events (some places have strict rules on the dress code). Ensure to bring necessary travel documents, medications, and a power adapter for any electronic devices.
6. Learn some basic phrases in the local language:
Knowing a few words in the local language can make a big difference in your travel experience. Make sure you pronounce the names of the destinations you will visit correctly. It will help you navigate and communicate with locals and get directions. Try also to learn the names of the local cuisines. It can help while ordering local food. Consider learning a few key phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me,” and mainly the word to communicate that you don’t speak the language!
7. Use public transportation:
You can cut costs and immerse yourself in the local culture. Investigate local modes of transportation, such as buses, trains/metros, or taxis, and ensure you understand the system before your journey. If you’re traveling to a new city, consider buying a transport card or using GPS navigation to help you get around.
8. Be open-minded and flexible:
Be prepared to adapt to new situations and respect local customs. Unplanned things are bound to happen while traveling to a new place. Experiment with local cuisine, engage in cultural activities and be open to new experiences. Maintain a positive attitude and be ready to broaden your horizons by discovering different cultures and lifestyles.
9. Track your expenses:
Always update your expenses (in an expense tracking app or a diary) everyday. This can help you get the best possible idea about your daily expenses and the amount you have left to spend for the rest of your stay. It will also keep you on track with your pre-planned budget
10. Stay safe:
Familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and safety tips. This can include avoiding certain areas, being aware of theft and scams, and knowing how to access medical care if needed. Consider enrolling in a travel safety course or reading up on travel safety tips before your trip can come in handy.
11. Document your travel:
Finally, recording your trip can help you remember the experience and make it easier to share with others. Consider keeping a travel diary or journal or taking photos and videos of your experiences. This will also help you recall the expenses you made while finally closing your expense tracker after you return from the trip. You can also share your experiences on social media or create a scrapbook to remember your trip for years to come.
To conclude, traveling can be a fantastic experience that opens up new horizons and expands your perspective. Following this travel guide, you can ensure that your trip is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Remember to be respectful, open-minded, and flexible and to make the most of every opportunity to explore and learn about the world.
I hope this travel guide is of great use to you.
You can view the blogs about my travel experiences to some interesting places in this page, do find time to read them as well. Happy traveling!