Travelling 101

In this blog, I’ll primarily be “teaching” you guys a little bit about how to start being a traveller. I hope you find it useful. Have fun!

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What to do Before Going on a Trip

The first thing you should do is, obviously, Pack! You should try packing for your trip as early as possible, the last thing you want is to be looking all over the house for something last minute. Refer to my first blog for some carry-bag essentials you should pack for the journey to your vacation.

Here are some things to pack in your suitcases!

• The most important thing to remember is clothes! Especially if it’s a long trip, you may want to bring a as many pairs of clothing as you think you’ll need. But try not to forget your under-garments too! And accessories if wanted.
• Don’t forget currency. If it’s a foreign country, always make sure that before you get there, you have the money used in that country.
• Hair brushes/combs. Hair ties. Barrettes. Bobby pins. They are all more important than you think. If you don’t mind buying them there, then you can leave them at home.
• Sunscreen is super important. And face lotion too!
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, face wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, deodorant – any other hygiene products that are needed. You can bring your own if you want, but you’ll probably find these items where you’re going.

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These are just a couple of items you want to make sure you have before going, but bring everything you find you’ll need, because once you leave you don’t want to regret leaving/forgetting anything. But really try to minimalize!

How to Choose Your Next Vacation-Location

You’re thinking of going on a get-away trip soon, but have no idea where to go? Don’t worry, because your fellow traveller is here to help.

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• Be open-minded. If you haven’t heard of someplace, then don’t say no, look into it, research and then make your decision. If you act stubborn and close-minded, you could be missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Be creative. If the plane ticket is too expensive, don’t give up! Think about taking a cruise, or even driving there. Find your own ways, go around the obstacles!
• Safe choices aren’t bad choices!
• Make sure you’ve done your research! You should make sure the weather and your timing to go there is right.
• Be decisive. This is something I have a problem with. I’m very indecisive, so I always have to have someone with me when make any decision. But this is super important when choosing a location.
• How much time do you have for a vacation? This is very important to keep in mind when picking because it can change the course of your trip. Travelling too far or cramming in too much can make for a rushed, and rather crabby trip. So depending on how long your trip can be, and how far away the destination is, some places would fit better than others.

Tips on How Not to Look Like a Tourist

When you tour around a foreign country, sometimes you get looks from the people that are actually from there. It’s probably because the way you act is “weird” to them. As the Pulp song Common People goes, “Everybody hates a tourist”. When I went to India last year, even though I was born there, I looked like some clueless tourist because I hadn’t been there for almost 10 years. So, if you’re visiting your country that you’re from (but don’t live there anymore), trust me, you’ll want to look through these tips as well.

If you don’t want any attention on you, and you want to fit in, here are a few tips so that you can be a tourist, without looking like one.

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• Staring at a map; Okay, I get that you probably will need to, but this is something that makes you stand out as a tourist the most. So, try to minimize it. And looking clueless makes you look like a tourist as well, so try to go with the flow and refrain from a scared, clueless and lost face!
• Wearing adventure gear; This makes you stand out a lot. Dress normally like you would in your country – you don’t have to wear extreme things that have no use.
• Conceal money belt – you’re not fooling anyone with that bump around your waist. Leave your valuables at the hotel, and just bring a normal wallet/purse around.
• Travelling in large groups; You’re just asking for attention with this one.
• Carrying a selfie stick; You’re sure to make people stare at you.
• Don’t ask to pay in American/Canadian/your country’s money. Like I mentioned before, make sure you have the correct currency needed for where you are headed, before you get there!
• Expect everything to be the same as it is at home. Don’t complain about food, or services. Just roll with it and enjoy your vacation while you can!

I really hope you guys found this helpful. Now you’re all set! Have a fun time becoming a traveller!

~A