Traveling for Beginners

There are many ways to go about travel.  These are some tips that I feel would be helpful to someone who is just beginning to venture outside the familiar. 

 

(I've just started this list... it will be ever-growing!)

 CONTENTS:

1.  Invest in a guidebook

2.  Useful websites

3.  Be aware of where you are going

 

 

 

1.  INVEST IN A GUIDEBOOK

 

My first time really utilizing a guidebook was about two months into Thailand, when my boss lent me his copy of Lonely Planet Thailand.  This book made my life so much easier and opened up so many more experiences.  I was able to check out places I might want to visit, price ranges and reviews of guesthouses and restaurants, and transportation options.  I found some of my favorite spots that I never would have stumbled upon if not for this book.  Not to mention useful information such as detailed maps, visa regulations and costs, safety, common scams, high season... the list goes on and on.  It might seem like an extra burden, but I carry my guidebook everywhere.  It is my go-to for maps, where to eat, and where to sleep.

 How to choose a guidebook:
Go to a bookstore and look at a variety of guidebooks to see which would suit you best.  So far in Asia, Lonely Planet has been my ultimate choice.  In Italy, however, I wasn't a huge fan of their edition and instead went with Rick Steves' Italy.  Rick Steves' Europe, while informative, for practical purposes I found pretty useless.  Once you get a hang of your preference in how the information is laid out and which information is crucial to your personal travel experience picking a guidebook for your next adventure becomes easier and easier. 

I also recommend going with the most recent edition, even if it costs a few extra bucks.  There's little worse than spending half an hour searching for a restaurant that sounds amazing only to discover it is no longer there.  While this sometimes happens even with most current editions, it is much less likely.

Caution:
While guidebooks have been an absolute lifesaver for me, I do want to voice a word of caution.  Yes, these books can plan almost everything for you, but don't forget why you are traveling.  For me, there is often little better than stumbling upon something unexpected.  A narrow cobblestone path leading to an amazing viewpoint, a restaurant that will go down in history for the best gnocchi ever, a cheap guesthouse with a hammock coupled with an amazing view of the sea.  Don't forget to sometimes leave the book in your bag and venture out on your own.  It is meant to give you some great ideas and guidance, but don't let it turn your adventure into a structured tour. (Unless, of course, this is what you're looking for.)

In addition, don't let your research stop with the guidebook.  We live in the age of google and travel blogs.  Use them.  Every travel writer out there has made many a wrong turn.  Sometimes it ends up as a spectacular story, sometimes not so much.  But either way, learn from them!  

2.  USEFUL WEBSITES 

When just looking or wanting to book ahead, here are some great websites for hostels:

www.hostelworld.com

 www.hostelbookers.com

When booking a flight:

www.kayak.com
www.skyscanner.com

For cheap flights in Asia:
www.airasia.com 

For cheap flights in Europe:
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com

**Keep in mind when booking cheap flights that often they have a separate, more out of the way airport.  They also often add on costs in addition to the initial price as you go through the process of purchasing your ticket.  These extra charges can be for things such as tax, sitting with your party, food, luggage, etc.  Carry on luggage is also often very minimal.  However, if the flight is several hundred dollars less than any other option, it often ends up being cheaper even with all the extra costs added in.

3.  BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING

 

This is a three fold suggestion.

First, I mean look into, even briefly, what is going on politically and culturally.  You don't want to accidentally end up in an international spat, however minor.  Often these things don't affect tourists ~ I was in Thailand while the airport bombings where going on and other than some political protesting I didn't see much.  It was, however, important that I didn't wear a bright red or yellow shirt in downtown Bangkok.  Just know what you're getting into and be cautious if necessary.

 

Second, be aware of cultural do's and don'ts.  In Thailand, do NOT speak ill of the King.  He is a revered and important part of their culture and doing so can have dire consequences.  Don't step on money because his face his on it.  Don't pat kids on the head.  Don't pointedly show your heel to someone.  These are just a few examples of cultural "rules" that should be paid attention to.  Another example is it is illegal to go topless on a Thai beach.  They won't tell you to put your top back on because the tourist industry is so crucial to their economy, but in their culture it is highly offensive.  When you are going to a new country, you are a guest.  Please be respectful and realize you are also representing the country where you are from.  Many a stereotype has been made about Americans who acted like complete jackasses, and as an American traveler it is both annoying and disappointing to hear about them.  

Most cultural do's and don'ts can be found in a simple google search.

Thirdly, make sure you know what vaccines or preventative measures are recommended.  Whether you choose to use these medical resources is a personal choice.  Ask your doctor or sift through internet research to decide the best choice for you.