Most Helpful Tips For First-Time Travellers

It might be overwhelming to get ready for your first trip, right? Your packing will depend on where you are going (destination), how you are going (mode of transport), where you will stay (accommodation – Hotel or Hostel), for how long you will stay (duration), and what’s the actual purpose of your visit (business, wedding, pleasure).

Here are some tips if you are a first-time traveller –

• Get good travel gear: If you’re going to multiple places, invest in a good backpack and comfortable shoes before you leave. Spend your money on these two necessities.
• Insure your trip: If you are flying to an international destination, then International travel insurance may be mandatory. You must do a comparison of travel insurance plans and shortlist a policy that fits you right.

Further, it is also important to understand what is covered in your travel insurance policy before you buy one. *

• Prepare a budget: A good rule is to plan your backpacking expenses as carefully as possible, then bring twice as much money as you think you need.
• Review safety tips: You shouldn’t be afraid to travel. However, travel smartly. Research backpacking and travel safety tips and stay aware of your surroundings while travelling.
• To save money, try camping: Tent camping may save you money, depending on where you go. You will obviously need a tent, but it may be worth it.
• Consider off-season travel: When planning off-season travel, ask what makes it off-season. There’s a reason peak times are popular. The savings may be worth dealing with bad weather or missing seasonal events. But it’s worth considering.
• Explore your destination: Know your destination before you go. Is haggling acceptable? Is tipping expected? How to dress? What’s the forecast? What are some common local scams? Answering these questions before you go is crucial.
• Pack lightly: First-time backpackers should “pack light.” Test your weight before carrying it. Wear your fully-packed backpack for a day or two. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be more likely to lose weight before you leave.
• Pack medicine: A first-aid kit is essential for stress-free travel. If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, bring medicine, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and more. Make sure you have enough of any daily medications you take.
• Keep copies of vital documents: Make copies of your passport and visa in case of loss or theft. Having hard copies and digital copies is your best bet.
• Bring a battery pack: What if your phone dies in a new city, you have no cash for the bus or streetcar, and now you cannot call an Uber too! Having an extra battery to charge your phone will help you avoid situations like these.
• Record your hotel’s address: When you arrive in a new city, write down your hostel, hotel, or host’s address. So even without GPS or WiFi, you can ask for directions.
• Spread your cash: Invest in a money belt. Never keep all your money in one place in case your bag, coat, etc., is stolen. Try to keep some cash on you, some in your bag, and some at your hotel or hostel.
• Cook or stay in hostels with complimentary breakfast: Save money by eating free meals and cooking when you can. Complimentary breakfast or a kitchen is common in hostels.
• Communicate with locals: Your best sources are locals. They can tell you which parts of the city are safe, recommend hidden gems, and give you a better sense of the place than fellow travellers. Begin with your hostel or hotel’s front desk.
• Talk to family and friends: Before leaving, share your itinerary with family and friends. Next, check in with them regularly. It could be as simple as sending an email before bed each night but having someone who knows your location and expects you to check in each day can make a big difference.

You may be a first-timer, but once you become a regular, you’re bound to find your own tips and travel tactics. When shortlisting travel insurance policies for your trip, make use of a travel insurance premium calculator. To calculate, you just need to fill in some information about your trip. The online calculator will then provide you with an estimate of your premium amount. *

* Standard T&C Apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.