Avoid the Travel Nightmares: 15 Often Overlooked Aspects of First-Time Travel

The thrill of embarking on a new adventure can sometimes overshadow certain practical aspects that first-time travelers might overlook. As the excitement of exploring new horizons takes hold, there are essential factors that might not make it onto the pre-travel checklist. Join us in a discussion about the things people often don’t consider before they set off on their first travel experience. From currency conversion to local customs and safety measures to navigating public transportation, this is a space to share insights and advice for those stepping into the world of travel for the very first time. Let’s help each other avoid common pitfalls and maximize those initial travel experiences.

Closures

When traveling to different cities, states, or countries, people often fill an agenda with fun sightseeing adventures. They may want to hit a certain museum or monument during their day. But people often forget to check when these places are closed. One traveler shared that her family was so excited to see an amazing museum in Italy, only to travel an hour to find out it was closed. It ruined the rest of their day. 

Traveling

If you have to drive, take a cab, train, or plane, many people do not realize that the time expected to get from one place to another is often longer than Waze or Google Maps show. Many agree that people are often late for shows or activities because they swore they would get there at the exact time their phone said and didn’t account for traffic, construction, etc. 

Rest

When you have a jam-packed schedule of sights, places, and other adventures you want to fit into your vacation, you may not realize there are times you will want to rest. Consider scheduling some rest days on your vacation. You’ll have more energy to enjoy everything. 

Laundry 

Most hotels, Airbnb’s, and even motels have washers and dryers. There is no reason to overpack. No one likes getting stuck with baggage cost increases or having to drag around heavy luggage getting to their hotel or destination. 

Gut Health

Be prepared to have an upset stomach when traveling. Drinking different water, eating new foods, and just being in a new place can cause your gut to become upset. Ensure you have some Pepto or Imodium on hand. 

Research

You’d be surprised how many people do not research the area they are visiting. You want to ensure you have the proper clothing, shoes, and accessories you may need when traveling. Take a look at the monthly weather reports for specific areas, the weekly weather, etc. 

Money Issues

You need money while traveling, and just packing a debit card may not be the best way to go about it. Sometimes cards stop working, and you could be stranded without a way to pay for a cab, meal, or even hotel. Ensure you bring multiple forms of payment, whether it’s multiple credit cards, cash, etc. One traveler remembers being stuck in Italy when her debit card stopped working. Her bank couldn’t fix it right away, and she luckily had her sister with her, who could pay.

Locals

Some travelers always warn novices that when locals come up to you on the street, they are not looking to give you friendly advice or directions. They often are looking for a way to sell you something or scam you out of money. One person suggests looking up and learning about scams before traveling. 

Necessities 

Food and water are the necessities of life, and many new travelers often forget to research the food and water in the countries they are traveling to. Many do not have drinkable water, and you can find yourself in a pretty awful situation if you happen to drink the water. Plus, you must ensure the food you eat is not washed in non-drinkable water and is sourced from healthy areas. 

Outlets

Check the outlets! Your US iPhone block will not fit in a UK plug, and your UK iPhone block will not fit anywhere in the rest of Europe. Search Amazon and find some good conversion kits so you have plenty of battery for phone calls and photos! 

Local Language 

You do not need to learn the entire language of the country you are traveling to, although it would be helpful. One world traveler suggests learning phrases like “hello, goodbye, thank you, yes, no, and please.” These are common answers to questions, greetings, and polite sayings. 

Hotel Business Card

A helpful trick many new travelers do not think about is keeping a hotel business card while exploring the city, attractions, or surrounding areas. If you ever get lost, you’ll have the address of your hotel right on you and can easily show it to the cab driver or plug it into Uber or Lyft. 

Phone Coverage

You’ll want to be able to call restaurants to make reservations, check in with family, etc, while traveling. One traveler said ensuring your phone works when in a different country is easy. Buy a country-specific SIM card before leaving, or call your cellphone company for coverage. 

Medication

If you take a daily medication, you want to pack that early. Do not forget it at home because many countries cannot access the same brands and prescriptions as others. There are also laws, rules, and regulations that could stop you from getting the help you need. 

Travel Insurance 

Booking a trip far in advance is always a good idea, but you never know what could happen between then and now. Buy travel insurance even though it often comes at a price. This will ensure you get at least some of your money back if something happens and you need to cancel the trip. One person simply said, “Travel Insurance, Purchase it.” in all caps to show the importance. 

Image Credit DepositPhotos grinvalds

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