Are you preparing for a trip as a first-time traveler?
Or do you need a refresher?
This post, originally titled 3 Travel Basics for the Beginner, was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated in March 2023.
Whether you travel domestically or internationally; by road, air, bus, or train, these travel tips and tricks will be the most important!
Now, I realize this is a very broad topic and can cover so much that I want to start out by saying that this is by no means an extensive list.
Just a good starting point, that won’t overwhelm you, for the first-time traveler, those who have never traveled before, or those who haven’t traveled for a while.
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First-Time Traveler Tip #1 – Carry Identification
Let’s start with this basic in itself: You should always carry some ID with you.
Whether it be a driver’s license, an identification card, or a passport.
You never know when you will need it.
You may need it just to check into a hotel or if you’re traveling by air, you will definitely need it getting on an airplane.
It’s always best to carry it with you.
Are you worried about losing it or it getting stolen?
There are some great items on Amazon like this money holder which is always great to have as a just in case. (One extra note – I would suggest getting one with RFID protection.)
First-Time Traveler Tip #2 – Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will probably be walking a lot during your trip.
Whether it’s simply around the airport, bus terminal, train station, or back and forth from the car to the gas station/lodging.
Wearing comfortable shoes is a must!
If you will be needing dressy shoes during your trip, pack them.
There is no need to dirty them or to be uncomfortable.
If you will need them when you arrive at your destination, pack them.
Pack them where they will be easy to get to, but pack them.
You can always slip them on in the car, airport, or in the bathroom.
And don’t feel embarrassed to be wearing comfortable shoes with a dressier outfit.
Nobody else cares – trust me!
And you’ll be a happier traveler in the long run.
First-Time Traveler Trick #3 – Pack Light
Packing light can seem like an art form to some but there are ways to do it whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned one.
Here is my tried and true method, in regard to clothing at least:
Put out all the clothes you think/know you’ll need.
Then, half that!
Yup, it’s crazy, right? Well, hear me out.
When I suggest half of what you’ve put out, this is the idea.
Do you have bottoms and tops that go with each other?
Will that blue t-shirt go with several different bottoms you want to bring?
Will jeans/khakis go with multiple tops? Get the idea?
There is no reason to have a completely separate outfit for each day.
Unless you know your clothes are going to get that dirty or that you will not be able to re-wear any items.
Not only that, but no one else is ever even going to notice that you have worn the same shirt twice or the same pants twice.
Related Post: How to Pack
Now, if you just aren’t going to be able to do the ‘halving’ technique then may I suggest Space Bags.
I love them so much!
Not only do I use them for travel, but I also use them at home for packing winter gear during the summer and summer gear during the winter.
You get the picture.
You will get much more into your suitcases with them than without.
*With that being said, be careful. With the extra space you may be tempted to pack more, please don’t.
In terms of other items (toiletries, snacks, etc.), I say pack what you can as long as the bag isn’t too heavy to carry for some distance.
Even if you plan on using a porter, a friend, or your significant other.
I’ve read lots of places to just buy what you need when you get to a place.
And if you’re comfortable with that, go for it.
I, on the other hand, like knowing I have everything I need already packed.
I don’t have to worry about how or where I will be able to get the other items.
You never know when you might not be able to get to that place you know will have your shampoo, you know?
Your Itinerary
*If you noticed, I did not say to plan ahead, in terms of once you’re at your destination.
While I would definitely suggest having a loose itinerary in your head or written down, it’s not always ‘mandatory’ to have everything planned down to the minute.
For one thing, that will set you up for possibly more stress since things will not always go as planned.
Think of that as part of the fun of travel and you will be on your way to having a great trip.
Now, I will be the first to tell you, I like to have things planned, maybe not down to the minute but planned.
O.k., maybe planned is the wrong word – researched is probably a better way to state it.
I like to have all my options mapped out and everything thought out.
I probably go a little crazy with it but I like to have contingency plans.
And I do feel like, if you just make it up as you go along you may not get anything accomplished.
Case in point: I traveled to Vegas with some friends several years ago.
Half the group just wanted to ‘plan’ it as we went.
Needless to say, we saw one show because that had been planned.
Everything else we tried to go do we would always miss because we were off with time.
The trip was relaxing but I feel like, especially if you don’t know if you’ll ever make it back to that place again, it was not productive.
So research, and plan what you must or will, but be prepared for hiccups along the way.
With these basics, as a first-time traveler, you will be well on your way to becoming a seasoned traveler!
Are these first-time traveler tips helpful? Please let me know in the comments below!
Do you need more help? More information, suggestions? Please just let me know and I’ll be happy to help how I can!