{"id":29641,"date":"2021-05-03T07:33:50","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T11:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=29641"},"modified":"2025-04-29T10:24:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T14:24:43","slug":"new-traveler-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/new-traveler-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Things I’d Tell Any New Traveler"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

Hope. Fear. Excitement. Traveling for the first time produces a wave of emotions. <\/p>\n

When I left to travel the world on my first round-the-world trip<\/a>, I didn\u2019t know what to expect. <\/p>\n

Now, with over 17 years of travel experience under my belt<\/a>, I know better. Traveling is second nature to me now. I land in an airport and I just go on autopilot. <\/p>\n

But, back then, I was as green as they come. It was my first time traveling abroad.<\/p>\n

To compensate for my lack of experience, I followed my guidebooks and wet my feet by going on organized tours. I was young and inexperienced and I made a lot of rookie travel mistakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I know what it’s like to just be starting out and have a mind filled with questions, anxieties, and concerns. <\/p>\n

So, if you’re wondering how to become a traveler and are looking for advice to help you prepare, here are 12 tips that I’d tell a first-time traveler to help them avoid some of my early mistakes:<\/p>\n


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1. Don\u2019t Be Scared<\/h3>\n

Fear is a powerful deterrent<\/a>. Taking the leap into the unknown is scary, but remember: you aren\u2019t the first person to travel the world. You aren\u2019t discovering new continents or exploring uncharted territories.<\/p>\n

There is a well-worn travel trail out there and people to help guide you along the way. If millions of people can make their way around the world each year, you can too. You\u2019re just as capable as anyone else. After all, you did the hardest part: deciding to go. Having the courage to make that decision is the hardest part.<\/p>\n

You’ll make mistakes. Everyone does (myself included)<\/a>. But that’s just part of the experience.<\/p>\n

There will be lots of people out there to help you. You’ll be shocked at just how helpful and kind people are. You’ll make friends, you’ll survive, and you’ll be better for it.
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2. Don\u2019t Live by Your Guidebook<\/h3>\n

\"Nomadic
\nGuidebooks are useful for a general overview of a destination. They’re a great way to learn the basics and get introduced to the cities and countries you plan to visit. But you\u2019ll never find the latest off-the-beaten-path attractions, bars, or restaurants in them. <\/p>\n

For the latest info (as well as insider tips), connect with locals. Use websites like Meetup.com<\/a> or Couchsurfing<\/a> to connect directly with local and expats so you can get suggestions, advice, and tips to make the most of your trip.<\/p>\n

Additionally, take a free walking tour when you get to a new city. You’ll be able to connect with an expert local guide whose job it is to share their advice. The best places to eat, best bars, best off-the-beaten-path activities \u2014 they know it all. <\/p>\n

Lastly, ask other travelers you meet or the staff at your hotel\/hostel. Visit the local tourist board as well. It’s a wealth of information that often gets overlooked. It’s staffed by locals who can point you in the right direction!<\/p>\n

In short, use a guidebook for the foundation of your plans but fill in the details with up-to-date info from locals.
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3. Travel Slow<\/h3>\n

This is something most new long-term travelers learn the hard way (myself included).<\/p>\n

I know it can be tempting to pack in as many cities and activities as possible. (This is especially true if you only have a few weeks of vacation.)<\/p>\n

But rushing from city to city every other day is just going to leave you exhausted and stressed out. You’ll experience a whirlwind of activity, most of which will remain a blur when you look back on it. Sure, you’ll have some great pictures for Instagram but is that really why you’re traveling?<\/p>\n

In the words of Rolf Potts, the best-selling author of Vagabonding<\/em>:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe value of your travels does not hinge on how many stamps you have in your passport when you get home — and the slow nuanced experience of a single country is always better than the hurried, superficial experience of forty countries.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Travel is about quality, not quantity. Don’t worry about how much you see. Don’t worry about trying to impress people with the number of countries you’ve visited. Slow down and soak up your destinations. You’ll learn more, enjoy it more, and have a much more memorable experience.<\/p>\n

When it comes to travel, less is more. (Plus, traveling slow helps reduce your transportation costs. It’s cheaper to go slow!)
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4. Pack Light<\/h3>\n

\"Nomadic
\nWhen I went to Costa Rica<\/a> in 2003, I brought a bag filled with tons of stuff: hiking boots and pants, a fleece jacket, too much clothing, and my bodyweight in toiletries. And it all sat in my bag, mostly unused.<\/p>\n

I was packing for “just in case” and “what if” instead of the reality of my trip.<\/p>\n

While it can be tempting to bring more than you need “just in case,” remember this: you can buy things on the road. Socks, shampoo, jackets, new shoes \u2014 you can find it all abroad. There’s no need to bring everything and the kitchen sink. <\/p>\n

So, pack light<\/a>. You\u2019ll have less to carry, saving you the hassle and stress of lugging a huge backpack around for weeks (or months) on end.<\/p>\n

Unless you are going somewhere cold, a bag of around 40 liters will suffice. Bags around this size are easier to carry, don’t get too unwieldy, and can fit on your flight as carry-on only if need be (a huge perk if you want to save yourself some headaches).<\/p>\n

Here’s everything you need to know to help you find the perfect bag for your budget and your trip<\/a>.
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5. Get Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n

Whether you’re a travel veteran or a brand new backpacker, don’t leave home without making sure you’re protected in case something goes wrong. As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, sudden emergencies can come out of nowhere. <\/p>\n

I’ve had my luggage lost. I popped an eardrum in Thailand. I was knifed in Colombia<\/a>. <\/p>\n

I’ve had a friends break bones while traveling. I have friends who needed to be helicoptered out of the Amazon. I know people who had to fly home due to a sudden death in the family. <\/p>\n

Stuff happens. Life gets in the way.<\/p>\n

To ensure you’re protected, buy travel insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I never leave home without it because I know just how quickly things can go sideways. Make sure you’re protected. It will also give you peace of mind and help you travel with confidence.<\/p>\n

You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it’s free):<\/p>\n

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