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The most helpful 26 tips for first time travelers

Learn 26 tips for first time travelers, from how to plan, what to pack, safety tips, and more. With these tricks you'll be so ready to leave home with confidence!

Jan 13, 2024

Preparing for your first trip can be overwhelming, right? While each first time traveler's preferences and each trip are unique, I’ve made a list of 24 handy tricks that I think will be useful for every beginner in the travel world.

There are many important thing to consider before leaving home, so to make it easier I’ve broken them into three categories: 

First time travelers tips for planning

First time travelers tips for packing time, first time travelers tips for the actual trip.

Hopefully you’ll find something useful here, no matter where you are in your travel journey.

1. Invest in good equipment

If you are going to multiple places, a good backpack that fits you well and a good, comfortable pair of shoes will be your two most important investments before you leave home. If you’re going to splurge somewhere, splurge on these two essentials.

2. Purchase travel insurance

Look, no one wants to spend money on travel insurance for international travel . But do it anyway. Trust me on this one.

3. Plan your budget carefully

I highly recommend checking out my article on planning your travel budget , where I go into much greater detail, but a good rule of thumb is to plan your backpacking expenses as carefully as you can, then bring twice as much money as you’ll think you need.

4. Brush up on safety tips

No, you shouldn’t be afraid of exploring the world. But you should be smart about it while you’re traveling. Research safety tips for backpacking and traveling, and then stay aware of your surroundings and keep them front of mind during your trip.

You can start exploring The safest places to travel right now and, as you feel more confindent, keep moving to other destinations.

5. Talk to your bank

Your bank will flag your account if you start spending money in a foreign country with no warning, and trust me, you don’t want to find yourself in a foreign country with no access to your bank account. You also need to talk to your bank and credit card companies about foreign transaction fees. If they’re really high, consider opening an account at a bank such as Charles Schwab, where they charge no foreign transaction fees and reimburse all ATM fees monthly.

6. Consider camping, if possible, to save money

Depending on where you’re going, tent camping may be an option and a huge money saver. Of course, then you’ll have to pack a tent, but it may be worth the savings for you.

7. Do a work exchange program to stay longer

Doing a work exchange might be the cheaper and cooler way to immerse in a trip and it gives you the chance to stay longer at the place and have a unique cultural experience, working and living with locals.  Worldpackers is a great platform to start volunteering as it offers a lot of different types of projects worldwide . Besides, they have a trained team to help you and your host to have a fun and safe experience.

8. Consider traveling during off-season

The best question to ask when considering off-season travel is what makes this time of year the off-season? There’s a reason peak times are popular, I assure you. The savings may be worth dealing with less than favorable weather or missing out on seasonal events, or not. It’s worth considering, though.

9. Familiarize yourself with your destination

I can’t stress this first time travelers tip enough. Read up on your destination before you go. Is haggling acceptable? Is tipping expected? What’s considered appropriate attire in various situations? What will the weather be like while you’re visiting? Are there any popular local scams to be on the watch for? All of these are important questions to have answered before you go.

Another great tip is to read the guide for adventure planning .

10. Pack light

One of the main tips I'd give to first time travelers , especially if they want to backpack is “pack light”. Familiarize yourself with the amount of weight you plan to carry by giving it a test run. Spend a day or two wearing your fully-packed backpack as you go about your daily life. Chances are, you’ll be more willing to cut unnecessary weight before you leave once you’ve done this.

11. Pack medicine

For a stress-free trip , you should never cut the essentials, and a first-aid kit is essential. Bring various kinds of medicine, especially if you are traveling to a country where you’re unfamiliar with the language, as well as bandages, antibiotic ointment and antibiotics, etc. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any daily medications you may take as well.

12. Bring a journal

If you are someone who likes to journal regularly, this may already be on your list. If not, it’s something you should consider. Trip journals make wonderful souvenirs, but even if journaling isn’t something you’re interested in, at some point, you will wish you had a piece of paper and pen.

13. Have copies of your important documents

Don’t forget to make copies of all your important documents such as passport and visas in case your originals are lost or stolen. Having both hard copies and digital copies is your surest bet.

14. Remember these random, but useful things

• Microfiber towel
• Toilet paper (not a whole roll, but definitely keep some handy)
• Water filter (depending on your destination)
• Comfort item for a little bit of home to combat homesickness on longer trips (it could be a small stuffed animal, a loved one’s t-shirt, or even your favorite coffee or tea from home)

15. When packing clothes, think synthetic materials and layers

Synthetic clothing is lighter and dries more quickly than cotton, making it perfect for trips. Layers are an excellent way to transition between warmer and cooler climates without having to pack two entirely separate wardrobes.

16. Waterproof your backpack

Your backpack will likely come with a rain cover, but in my experience those things can’t be fully trusted. Instead, try lining your backpack with a large, fully waterproof bag so that everything inside stays protected.

17. Bring a battery pack

Once while in a new city, my phone died, I had no cash for the bus or streetcar, and I obviously couldn’t call an Uber. I wasn’t 100% sure how to get back to my hostel without GPS, either. Eventually, I made it back, but it would’ve been much less stressful if I’d had an extra battery to charge my phone.

18. Write down the address of the place you are staying at 

Every time you make it to a new city, write down the address of your hostel, hotel or host and keep it with you. That way, even if you don’t have access to GPS or WiFi, you can still ask someone for directions.

19. Wear your bulky clothing while traveling

This will save room in your backpack on days when everything has to fit.

20. Hide your money in multiple spots

Seriously, a money belt is a good idea. Never store all of your money in one place in case your bag, coat, etc. is lost or stolen. Try to keep some money on your person, some in your bag, and some stored safely at your hotel or hostel.

21. Stay in hostels with free breakfast or cook for yourself

You can save so much money over time by taking advantage of free meals and cooking when it’s a possibility. Many hostels offer free breakfast or, at the very least, have a kitchen you can use to prepare meals. If you choose to volunteer you may have this chance in practically any kind of project as well, such as farms, ecovillages ,  communities and NGOs .

22. Talk to the locals

Locals are your greatest sources of information. They can tell you which parts of the city are safe, share hidden gems for you to explore, and give you a much better sense of the local culture than you’d get by only talking to fellow travelers. Start with the person at the front desk of your hostel or hotel. If you are volunteering, your host will be perfect for it!  

23. take care of yourself.

Although it feels like it sometimes, life doesn’t stop when we’re on vacation. There’s nothing worse than getting sick while backpacking. I’m not saying you should never indulge in that one extra drink or sample all the delicious local foods, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. 

Try to eat at least one healthy meal per day, remember to drink water, and allow time for your body to rest and recover. Keep snacks available on travel days because traveling with a backpack will burn more calories than you’re used to, and you’ll need them for energy.

Read more about it on:  10 tips to eat healthy while traveling on a budget

24. Be flexible

Speaking of giving yourself time to rest, be flexible with your planning. Make a list of bucket list things for each stop on your trip, but also leave some days open in case you need extra rest, the weather is unfavorable one day, or you meet some cool new people and want to do something spontaneous together.

25. Be aware of free WiFi spots

Research and remember which places locally have free WiFi (think McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.) Download city maps onto your phone when you first reach a new city. Then you can use them, even if you aren’t connected to WiFi.

26. Check in with family and friends

Give your itinerary to a few different family members or close friends before you leave. Then make a habit of checking in with them at set intervals. It could be as simple as sending an email before bed each night, but having someone who is aware of your location and expecting you to check in each day can make a huge difference if something goes wrong during your backpacking trip.

I hope these 26 first time travelers tips and tricks have been helpful. Backpacking is definitely a learning experience, but it gets easier as you go, and you're sure to discover your own tips and tricks along the way. 

Keep reading about travel tips for beginners :

7 Essential things people always forget to pack for a trip

• How to get the most out of your travel experiences
• 10 common travel problems and how to deal with them

Exploring Spain Solo: a guide to safe and enjoyable travel

Also, feel free to join Worldpackers community for free, explore some of the WP Academy courses for travellers and save your preferred work exchange positions for later.

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Kimberli Brown

I recently quit my day job to chase my dream of traveling full-time.

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Apr 16, 2023

Traveling for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, there are several helpful tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to do your research and plan ahead to make the most of your time in your chosen destination. If you are interested in visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai, be sure to check out the Oriental Pearl Tower observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. To learn more about the Oriental Pearl Tower facts and Oriental Pearl Tower attractions, you can visit the website https://www.discoverybit.com/directory-travel/listing/oriental-pearl-tower/. Other helpful tips for first-time travelers include packing light, staying organized, and being open to new experiences. With these tips in mind, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip.

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20 Practical Travel Tips for Beginners: Travel Like a Pro

Are you a first-time traveler ready to plan or take your first trip? Or maybe you’ve traveled before but are looking to up your travel game. These travel tips for beginners will help you navigate the world of travel with ease and confidence.

What do I wish someone had told me when I started travel planning and taking my own adventures?

There are probably a hundred travel tips for beginners I wish I had known, but experience is sometimes the best teacher. To this day, I still learn something new with each trip I book and take. With technology advancing and the world of travel changing, there are always travel tips and tricks to help you make the most of your journey.

With that said, there is one travel tip that I wish I had educated myself early on: everything to do with travel points.

Earning travel points to book free travel seems like a no-brainer. However, many people fear the concept, and that’s because they don’t fully understand it. Or they think they don’t spend enough to carry one.

We are not travel hackers, but we have learned a few things about leveraging credit card points to help pay for our travel. We believe it is one of the best travel tips for beginners that want to travel more.

We mention it again below, along with many other practical tips, like downloading the offline city maps on your Google Maps app and ensuring you bring a travel adapter for international travel.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a beginner, planning a trip can be overwhelming. From choosing your destination to packing your bags, countless decisions and details exist. Considering some of these simple travel tips, you can avoid travel problems .

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most essential and practical travel tips for beginners that will help you travel smarter, safer, and more efficiently, so you can travel like a pro.

Here are some other travel-related articles you may enjoy reading next:

• Saving Money to Travel
• Tips to Book and How to Use Airbnb
• Airbnb Pros and Cons

Table of Contents

Travel Tips for Beginners

1. start with google flights to begin researching flights.

When researching flights, Google Flights is a fantastic tool to start with. It allows you to easily compare flights across multiple airlines, search by dates and flexibility, and even track prices for specific routes and dates. You can customize your search by selecting the number of passengers, cabin class, and more.

We love the tracking feature because we have multiple notifications for specific routes we love set, so Google Flights can track them and email us when those prices drop. 

With Google Flights, you can find out whether the price you’ve found is low, high, or average for flights on a particular route, thanks to its historical price guide. 

Overall, Google Flights is a great starting point for anyone researching and booking flights.

2. Book Trips During the Shoulder Season

One of the best times to travel is during the shoulder season. This is when we travel most because rates drop, kids are usually in school, and crowds are not as bad as in the summertime.

If it’s your first trip and you dive right into experiencing the busiest season, when everything is more chaotic and expensive, you may or may not regret it.

Right after the holidays is another great time to book a trip to take advantage of cheap rates and the fact that everyone is returning to work and school.

Of course, if you have no choice but to travel during peak season, there are ways to beat and avoid the crowds, like exploring early in the morning or off-the-beaten paths. You can also save money by booking far in advance rather than waiting until the last minute or even booking during big holiday sales.

We mostly travel during the off-season, minus a few exceptions due to the location and the season to travel there.

3. Apply for TSA Pre-check or, Better Yet, Global Entry

As a first-time traveler, you may think applying for TSA Pre-check or Global Entry may be a waste of money for the one or two times a year you plan to travel. I disagree. Let me briefly explain what TSA Pre-check is and what Global Entry is.

TSA Pre-Check Program

TSA PreCheck program lets US-approved travelers go through airport security more quickly than the regular security line, saving a lot of time at the airport. 

If you’re approved, you don’t have to take off your shoes or belt, and you can keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag – typically a huge hassle.

To apply, you fill out a form, get a background check, and pay $78 for five years of membership.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a program that lets approved travelers bypass the long lines when entering the US from an international travel abroad. Instead, they can use a special kiosk to complete their entry process more quickly, and you’re on your way.

The downside is you have to set up an interview with border control to get approval. The huge plus is that it includes TSA Precheck.

To apply, travelers fill out a form to get a background check and pay $100 for five years of membership.

How do you decide if one of these programs is worth it as a new traveler?

Think about it this way, if the cost of TSA PreCheck is $78 for 5 years and you only use it once a year, that’s $15.60 to save time at the airport. 

Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years, and it includes TSA PreCheck, that’s $20 a year. You’ll get through security in domestic airports quicker than other travelers and through customs quickly upon returning from an international flight.

Global Entry is one of the best travel investments we’ve made. And it costs us nothing because we have a couple of credit cards that include the cost of the fee as a perk.

Check to see if you have a credit card that covers the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee as one of your member perks.

4. Pack Light

While this is always at the top of the travel tips for beginners, packing light is an art that takes some trips to get right . It’s good to note that you don’t need to bring your entire closet on a trip.

We should pack light for many reasons, but most importantly, it can make your travels much more convenient and enjoyable.

When you pack light, you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy bags or paying extra fees for overweight luggage. You can also move around more easily and quickly, especially if you take public transportation or walk a lot.

I know, easier said than done.

We used to be over-packers but have improved by creating a capsule wardrobe, narrowing down our outfits, and learning to re-wear items. We can also handwash certain things as we go.

My biggest downfall is toiletries because I have sensitive skin and curly hair, which require many products. I try to limit it to the basics and transfer smaller amounts into reusable travel bottles, which take up less space. 

The goal should be to carry on, but it’s not a must that you do. Everyone’s travel style is different, and you’ll start learning what works for you and what doesn’t the more you travel. Remember that the more you pack, the more you have to lug around and worry about.

5. Understanding Currency and Exchange Rates

Having an understanding of currency and exchange rates is necessary for all travelers taking a trip outside of the country. 

Before you go on an international trip, get to know the exchange between your home currency and destination. You don’t want to get ripped off. It’s easy to get scammed when you don’t know any better. 

It’s wise to know the exchange rate so you can budget effectively, understand the cost of what you buy, and avoid confusion when using foreign currency.

We do our due diligence to know the rates. You download an exchange rate app like Xe , which we like to use to verify the rates.

To avoid having to exchange money, when we travel, we always use our credit cards that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee to make purchases. This means the credit card company won’t be charged an additional fee for converting the currency when purchasing abroad. Instead, the credit card company will handle the currency exchange, typically at a competitive rate. 

Sometimes credit cards aren’t accepted, and you need to have cash. 

• We suggest withdrawing from a bank’s ATM once you arrive at your destination. Find an ATM inside a bank, as they will have the best exchange rates, and it is safer.
• Try to avoid currency exchange booths and lonely ATMS. 
• If you need cash before your trip, see if you can order from your local bank or check your local AAA , as some still do currency exchange. 

6. Take Advantage of Credit Card Points

Credit card points for travel are rewards that can be earned by using a credit card for purchases and then redeemed for travel expenses like flights and hotels. The number of points earned per dollar spent varies by card; some offer bonus points for specific categories.

Earning credit card points and maximizing those points to book travel is one of the travel tips we wish we had learned more about earlier. Of course, these days, there is a credit card that you can earn points by paying your rent with it, which wasn’t available many years ago. 

While I no longer am a renter, I sometimes think back to the thousands and thousands we spent on renting and how we could have racked up so many points had that credit card existed. We could have turned those points into free hotel stays or even a few flights back home.

The key to getting started with credit card points is to find a credit card that works with your everyday spending, like bills and groceries.

And then  the most crucial part is paying off your credit in full at the end of every month. If you don’t, it falls apart, and the points become worthless because you’ll be racking up debt and paying interest. You don’t want that.

Using a credit card responsibly for purchases or paying bills you will pay anyways will help you rack up points so you can someday take a free flight or even have your accommodations paid for.

Last year, all our accommodations during our two-week trip to Italy were paid for by points. Allowing us to save money and have more experiences during our trip.

You can learn more about credit rewards from masters like Upgraded Points and GeoBreeze Travel . You can even join Facebook Groups about award travel to connect with other like-minded individuals.

7. Sometimes Spending More for a Hotel Room is Worth It

Not always the case, but sometimes it is.

As you’re researching and booking hotel rooms, ask yourself if saving $20-$50 a night in a crappy location with poor reviews is worth it. Or are you better off paying that extra $20-$50 a night to stay in a better location with better reviews? 

It may be age, but as we travel more and arrive at a hotel or vacation rental, we want to be comfortable and get a good night’s sleep. That means booking in nicer hotels that are clean, comfy, with a great staff, and have the amenities we need for the time we’ll be here.

Arriving at your hotel and loving where you’re staying can start your vacation on the right foot. It is part of your experience, even if you do not spend the entire day there. Nobody wants to return to a dirty hotel room or a hotel in a sketchy area at night and have anxiety all night without a proper night’s sleep.

Sometimes it is worth paying more to get a good night’s sleep. 

That said, just because a hotel costs more doesn’t mean it will be better than the boutique hotel next door. Always do your research and read all the reviews. Try to find accommodations that fit your needs and are within your budget. Just remember that sometimes it’s worth spending a tad more.

8. Have An Itinerary Ready to Look At

As you book your travel, type out all the information necessary for your trip into a document. 

We like to put everything by date and in order. 

• Flight Information: reservation number, dates, times, flight numbers, airports
• Hotel Infomation: confirmation # dates, check-ins, address, phone#
• Activities & Tours: confirmation #, date, meet-location, start time, phone # and email address

Whether you type it out or put it into an Excel sheet, print it to carry with you and have a pdf in your phone that you can look at anytime. I prefer to easily see it on my phone when I’m on the go.

While I love my old-school way of doing it, you can look at apps that do similar for you. 

TripIt  (not affiliated) is a great tool that allows you to create an itinerary simply by forwarding your emails to it. You can view your itinerary on their app, and they also notify you when there are flight changes. Something you should look into.

9. Download an Offline City Map from Google

Every travel guide for beginners should have some directions for Google as it has many great features for travelers, especially on Google Maps. One is their offline maps of a city that you can download to your phone to help you navigate a city without Wi-Fi or a data plan.

Do this when you have Wi-Fi and before you travel.

Here is how to download an offline map on Google Maps:

• Download the Google Maps App.
• Make sure you’re signed in.
• Search for the city.
• Scrolls across from directions at the bottom to “Download offline map.”
• You can choose how far out on the map you’d like to download around that city. 

Every time you download a city map, it takes up space on your phone.

10. Download Google Translate

Visiting a foreign country? Do not leave without downloading Google Translate. It’s a free translation service app. It will help you communicate with others who do not speak your language. You can also use its camera feature to translate foreign signs and menus.

This app is quite handy, and no traveler should be without it. 

11. You’ll Need a Travel Adapter 

Don’t forget to bring a travel adapter to plug your electronics into when traveling to a foreign country. You don’t want to be the one plugging into the wrong socket and shutting down the electricity at the hotel. 

This is one of those things we can easily forget as we are planning our trip as first-time travelers. 

12. Prescription Meds Should Always Stay With You

As you pack your carry-on bag that will always stay with you, always keep prescription meds with you . You don’t want to pack them into your luggage when you check-in.

On that note, pack a few over-the-counter meds you may need, like ibuprofen and allergy meds. Sometimes you won’t find the same medications where you’re traveling to. You never know when a headache will arise on the plane.

13. Practice Safety

Always prioritize your safety and stay alert of your surroundings no matter where your adventures take you. 

Here are some practical safety tips to follow: 

• Share your itinerary with someone back home and stay in touch to let them know of your whereabouts.
• Keep your wallet in your front pocket, or use a money belt.
• A money belt is great to keep your passports separately in.
• Walk around confidently and always act like you know where you’re going.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t let your drinks out of your sight.
• Wear a crossbody purse or look into anti-theft bags .

14. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

Not every destination has free walking tours , but they exist in many places worldwide. Research and see if any are offered because this is a budget-friendly way to be introduced to a new city.

The tours are usually led by locals passionate about where they live and ready to share with visitors. Usually, they work for tips. We recommend tipping $10-20 per person. Consider the tip of the cost of a walking tour, a fraction of what a tour usually costs.

Although in some international destinations like Japan, a small gift from home would be more appropriate than a cash tip. So do your research regarding the tipping culture before you travel .

We’ve taken quite a few of these tours and have been impressed. You don’t need to spend much money to experience a guided tour.

Where to start looking for these tours? Here are a few tour companies that offer free tours:

• Free Tours by Foot
• International Greeter Association
• Discover Walks  (a mix of free and paid tours)

15. Be Open to New Experiences

As you travel, you’re stepping forward and opening yourself up to new experiences, cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons and better understand the world around you. 

Try new local cuisines. Meet new people. Engage and participate in new activities.

16. Eat Where the Locals Eat

One of the top travel tips for beginners, especially here at Tasty Itinerary, where food is a big part of our travel adventures, is not to get caught up in eating at spots that cater to the masses. 

We connect with the local culture through food and discover new foods we have never eaten. One of the ways to do that is to find out what locals eat and where they eat it.

When exploring a new destination, we sometimes book food tours introducing us to local eats, where to find them, and some of the best places to eat. It’s a smart hack to help with the research side of things when spending a short time in a destination.

Here are some tips when looking for places to eat:

• Observe the locals, and check out the restaurants they are gathering in, and if there is some line in front of a place, is it filled with locals or tourists?
• Stay away from restaurants with photos on them.
• Restaurants near huge tourist sites are usually marketed toward tourists.
• If they offer the menu in all languages, run the other way.
• Look for handwritten menus. Sometimes these are the hidden gems serving the best food.
• Don’t be afraid of trying hole-in-the-wall spots away from everything.

17. Consider Renting a Car

Other guides will tell you you do not need to rent a car for specific destinations. That’s true as big cities, especially abroad, have excellent metro systems that you can travel by train to connect from one big city to another without ever needing a rental car.

However, sometimes renting a car allows you to explore more and further than you’d like. You can explore off the beaten path without booking a guided tour, get away from the crowds, and allows you the freedom to create your itinerary and find hidden gems.

When we spent a few days in Tuscany , renting a car was essential to explore the rolling hills and small villages around Tuscany. We would have had to hire a private guide to drive us around if we didn’t, and that would have been costly. It was one of the best decisions we made. 

As you research, weigh the pros and cons of renting a vehicle and if you even need one for what you want to see and do.

18. Book Your Transporation in Advance

If you are not planning to rent a car, have a plan and know how you’re getting around starting from when you land. It’s practical to have a car service booked to pick you up upon arrival and take you to a hotel to avoid taxi lines and scams.

Or if the plan is to take public transportation, know how to take the train, what to expect, and the schedule. Many big airports have fast trains that go into big cities. Sometimes you can purchase these train tickets in advance.

Have Uber or a local taxi app downloaded and ready to go on your phone.

19. Always Carry Tissue Paper With You

Not all bathrooms have everything we need to go to the bathroom. When I travel, I always have tissues and wipes in my bag. Unfortunately, have needed to reach for them often. You’ll thank me later.

Also, be aware that sometimes you’ll be charged a small fee, like $1 or less, to use the bathroom. Pay it if you have it. These bathrooms are usually clean and well-kept.

20. Always Be Kind

We shouldn’t have to say, but be kind and friendly. Doesn’t matter if you’re a first time traveler or a seasoned traveler. Always be kind. Whether you’re interacting with locals or fellow travelers, a positive attitude and respectful behavior can go a long way.

What’s the saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Key Steps on Planning a Trip for Beginners

Planning a trip can be overwhelming sometimes. Even after the hundreds of trips I’ve planned for work and myself, there is always a level of stress that goes with ensuring all the pieces come together. I find it a fun and exciting process.

The more you travel and organize your travel itineraries, the easier it becomes because you gain knowledge and become a savvier traveler. It’s not always perfect, but that’s part of the fun.

If you follow these key steps to planning a trip for beginners, you can plan your trip easily.

• Step 1: Decide On Your Destination
• Step 2: Create a Budget
• Step 3: Set Travel Dates
• Step 4: Book Transportation
• Step 5: Reserve Accommodations
• Step 6: Plan Activities
• Step 7: Consider Travel Insurance
• Step 8: Start Packing
• Step 9: Confirm Itinerary and Print all Travel Documents
• Step 10: Happy Travels

Beginner Traveler FAQs

What do you need to start traveling.

You need a passport to start traveling abroad or government identification to travel within your country. Some states now require a Real ID to travel within the US.

How do I start traveling with little money?

Traveling with little money is possible; you have to get creative. • Start with choosing budget-friendly destinations. • Look into all-inclusive deals that cover food and some activities. • Plan a cruise with friends and share a cabin. • Consider house-sitting or house-swapping to save on accommodations. • Start a side hustle to save more money to travel . • Learn to accumulate credit card points responsibly in order to travel.

What are 5 things you should do to prepare for the trip?

Prepping for a vacation is exciting, but once your flights and accommodations are booked, you should:

• Do more research on your destination . The more information you know, the better you can plan your activities and itinerary.
• Plan your itinerary. Once your flights and hotel accommodations are booked, plan your daily activities from what you want to do and see.
• Book other transportation you may need . Your flights are booked, but once you have an itinerary, it is easier to book train tickets or a car rental in advance for the days you need them to get from point a to point b.
• Check your travel documents. Re-check everything more than once, ensure the dates are correct, and correlate with planned activities.
• Create a packing list. It’s good to have a checklist of things you plan to take to pack and mark them off as you go. This way, it decreases the chances of forgetting something.

There are many things to think about as you plan a vacation. With these practical travel tips for beginners, you will be well on your way to having a fabulous trip.

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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The Complete Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

So you’ve decided to travel internationally, have you? Traveling to another country is something I wish for everyone to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to do so. But for those of us with passports that allow us such opportunity, it’d be a shame to never explore an international destination in our great, big, beautiful world !

It might seem a bit scary to take your first international trip, but I promise it’s not that bad. To help you, I’ve put together this thorough guide on everything you need to know in order to have a successful international trip ! Let’s get straight to it.

Before You Depart for Your Trip

There’s quite a bit to get ready before your international trip. But, don’t worry. It’s all doable, and it’ll all be worth it!

Apply for a Passport

First things first. In order to travel internationally, you’ll need to have a valid, unexpired passport . On top of that, many countries require you to also have at least three or even six months validity left on your passport from your date of travel. So, if you don’t have a valid, unexpired passport or your passport is expiring in three to six months, it’s time to get a new passport before your trip. This process can take a couple months! So plan ahead, and submit your passport request early to save yourself stress and/or expediting fees closer to your departure date.

If this is your very first passport, your last passport was from when you were under 16 years old, your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or your last passport was from 15 or more years ago, you will need to apply for your passport in person. Here are the official steps for the new passport process .

If the above doesn’t apply to you, you simply have to renew your passport. You can do this via mail. Here are the official steps for the renewal process .

Choose Your International Destination

Yipee! Now that you’ve either already got your passport or have applied for a new one, you can choose your international travel destination. This is largely based on your own interests. But as this is your first trip internationally, keep in mind things like language, similarity in culture to back home, and ease of travel-related infrastructures (like trains or buses).

Apply for Any Visa(s)

Once you have chosen your destination(s), check whether you need visas or not . A visa is basically permission from a foreign government for you to be in their country. Some countries may grant you a free visa upon arrival with a simple stamp on your passport. Some countries simply require you to fill out a form online and pay a small fee before you can board your flight. And some countries require expensive visas which you must apply for months in advance. It all depends on that country you are visiting, your passport country, and how long you plan to stay. I love using Travisa ‘s free search tool to quickly and easily check what requirements exist for me before I book a flight. 

Get Any Necessary Vaccines

Before confirming your destination, you should check if any vaccines are necessary for that place. Some vaccines are simply recommended for your own health, while others are requirements before you will be allowed into the country , or even allowed into other countries afterwards (like yellow fever). The CDC website is an easy way to check this. Some vaccines, like yellow fever, are low in supply and hard to get last minute. Others, like malaria pills, require a doctor’s prescription. So don’t leave this step until the last minute !

Check Travel Restrictions

Lastly, make sure there are no travel restrictions or decision-altering political tensions for your destination. Do this by checking the Travel Department site . Simply type in your destination country’s name into the search bar on the left hand side of the screen. 

Preparing Your Finances

Now that your passport is on its way and you’ve settled on your international travel destination(s), it’s time to start thinking about finances.

Some destinations are very credit card friendly. Others operate on only cash and debit cards. And some don’t even have ATM machines! So you’ll need to do a bit of planning before departure to make sure you’re not stressing during your trip, and to save yourself transaction fees.

Get a No Fees Credit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee every time you use your credit card to pay for a foreign transaction. As you can imagine, this adds up to a lot over the course of even a one week international trip. The good news is, many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees . Do a quick internet search to see if your bank offers such a card. 

Get a No Fees Debit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee and $5 each time you withdraw foreign currency from an ATM. Especially if you are traveling to a mostly-cash destination, this is a surefire way to rack up unnecessary travel costs. To avoid this, consider opening a free brokerage account with Charles Schwab to also receive their debit card with zero transaction fees . I first heard about this card when moving to London to study abroad, and I have to say it’s served me well. 

Get Foreign Currency Beforehand

Sometimes, but not often, it’s necessary to have cash in your destination’s currency either before you depart home or right when landing . This might be because your destination does not have ATMs, or because you just want to feel prepared.

If you need foreign cash before leaving home, head to your local bank and exchange currencies. (Just FYI, you’ll get a bad conversion rate doing this, since the bank needs to make commission.) If the currency you need isn’t a common one, your bank won’t have it on hand. In that case, you’ll have to request the exchange online with your bank. 

Many countries that don’t have ATMs also don’t allow their currency to be taken outside their country (like Cuba). In this case, you’ll need to bring enough cash with you in a common currency (like USD, GBP, or Euro). Then, when you arrive at your destination’s airport, you can exchange your cash from home for the local currency.

Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs

You might already know this if you fly domestically, but most airlines have rewards programs. These allow you to accumulate “miles” in your rewards account each time you fly. Eventually, you might rack up enough to redeem those miles in exchange for a flight !

Consider Travel Hacking

Now, some people use airlines rewards programs and racking up miles on steroids, and this is called travel hacking. Many airlines and banks offer huge amounts of miles when you sign up for a card, or offer miles every time you use that card for a purchase. This allows you to rack up enough miles for a free flight or hotel stay more quickly (or sometimes immediately!). I personally have no energy for travel hacking, as I’m not convinced the miles rewards are worth more in dollars than my current card’s cash reward system. But I would be amiss to not mention travel hacking in a guide to international travel.

Planning Your International Trip

Phew! Now that you’ve got all the annoying administrative work out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff; planning your trip .

I have a whole ten-step guide to planning a trip , so I won’t go into too much detail here. But this can be broken down into planning out your travel itinerary, booking your flight, and booking your accommodation.

Create Your Dream Itinerary

Decide everything you want to see in that destination. I love using Pinterest , Instagram , and travel blogs for inspiration. This is my favorite part of planning a trip , because it gets me so excited about what’s to come! Then, figure out how many days each spot deserves if you are moving around, and figure out how to get from point A to point B (train, cab, ferry?). 

Book Your Flight

After you’ve decided how many days you need, you can decide what your travel dates are and start looking for a flight. You can sometimes find good deals really close to the date, but that isn’t guaranteed. I recommend not leaving this until the last minute! I go into more detail how I search for cheap flights in my trip planning guide .

Book Your Housing

Once you have your flight booked, all that’s left is your housing. I love using Booking.com because of its interface, but any hotel search engine will suffice. Also consider AirBnB if you like the idea of staying in a local apartment, or Hostelworld if you’re looking for a social (and often budget-friendly) option. I go into more detail on different types of travel accommodation in my trip planning guide .

Here are some discounts if it’s your first time using AirBnB or Booking.com:

• Save 15% off your first booking by using this link  to sign up for AirBnB for the first time.
• Get  10% back  from your first booking when you use this link  for your first time using Booking.com.

Preparing for Departure

Woohoo! You’ve got your passport, your trip is planned, and all that’s left is to depart. There are a couple things you should do to best prepare for your upcoming international trip.

Scan the Front Page of Your Passport

Before leaving home, make a copy of the front page of your passport (the page with your picture). Either print it out or send it to yourself via email. In case your passport gets lost, stolen, or damaged during your international trip, this makes it easier to have your passport replaced abroad at an embassy.

Expect Cultural Differences

Every country or region has its own culture and norms, and that’s what makes traveling so great. In some places, like the US, it’s common to greet strangers “hello,” or for shop associates and waiters to be extra doting. In other places, like much of Europe, the slower cafe and restaurant culture means your waiter might not come to you unless beckoned. It’s almost seen as if the waiter is rushing you! Similarly, in Japan, it’s offensive to tip waiters, as it suggests their only incentive to do their job well is receiving your pocket change. No culture is right or wrong, but keep an open mind as you travel, and don’t assume something means the same as it does back home .

Prepare for Language Barriers

Many popular travel destinations have adopted English as a common language due to how many international tourists they receive. So, if you know English, chances are you’ll be fine getting around many travel destinations around the world. But it still doesn’t hurt to learn some basic words in your destination’s language .

Saying “hello” or “thank you” in a person’s mother tongue can go a long way in warming them up towards you. Learning common menu items or words on train station signs will also likely make your life easier and give you more confidence abroad. I love using the free version of Duolingo’s mobile app ( iOS and Android ) for a few weeks before I head somewhere new to learn a language’s basics. Alternatively, you could simply head to Google translate and jot down key words on a small piece of paper before you depart. Then, keep this paper handy while you’re out exploring for easy access.

What to Expect on an International Flight

Even if you’ve flown domestically before, flying internationally can be a whole different experience . Here are my top tips for flying internationally.

What to Pack in Your Carry On

Packing carry on luggage for an international trip is similar in many ways to for a domestic trip. The same rules apply with regards to liquid sizes and electronics. However, as international flights tend to naturally be longer than domestic flights, there are a few extra considerations.

Make sure you are comfortable. Bring your own favorite headphones instead of using the uncomfortable free or for sale ones on board the flight. Also bring an eye mask (and a neck pillow if you need that) so that you can try to sleep a bit. You’ll also want to pack clothing items like one pair of pajamas and one or two proper outfits, in case your luggage is lost or delayed . It would be super inconvenient to buy these things right after you land in a foreign country!

Common Flight Etiquette

No one likes flying. So to make it easier on everyone, here are some best practices for being polite while in the airport and on the plane.

• While in the airport, don’t stand up and crowd around the gate way before your boarding group is called. Everyone will get their chance to board.
• Once on the plane, the middle seat person gets dibs on the inner arm rests .
• Right after the plane lands, don’t rush to pull your luggage from the overhead before the plane doors have even opened (especially if you’re in the back of the plane!). If you’re in a rush to catch a connection you think you might miss, ask the flight attendants before landing if they can help you get off first. Sometimes they’ll make an announcement that everyone should stay seated until those about to miss a connection exit first!

Staying Healthy While Flying

The last thing you want is to get off your flight and feel unwell the first days of your epic trip! Here are precautions you should take to ensure you land in tip-top shape.

• Stay hydrated . Airplane air has less humidity (only about 10 – 20%!), so make sure you are drinking enough water, especially on long haul flights. I always bring a large, refillable water bottle when I fly. I fill it up at an airport water fountain right after passing security and finish it all before boarding. Then, I refill it again to have a full supply while on board. This is important not only for headaches and such, but also to prevent skin breakouts in the days after landing.
• Keep the blood flowing . Not only are you not moving for hours upon hours when flying internationally, but your feet are flat on the floor the entire time, too. This isn’t great for blood circulation, and can cause swelling in your ankles and feet the days after your land. (It’s also just not good for your health to not move!) So, make it a point to get up and walk around the plane. Since you’ll be drinking a lot of water anyways, maybe walk up and down the aisles for some minutes each time you finish using the toilets. Do some stretches , like pulling your feet up to your booty one at a time and holding, or lifting each knee up and holding. If you have a layover with enough time, walk around the terminal for some time before boarding your second flight.
• Stay clean . Even pre-Covid-19, planes and airports have never been the cleanest places to be. Wash your hands frequently with soap, use hand sanitizer , and consider disinfecting your food tray, screen, and arm rests right after getting on board. Make sure not to touch or pick your face too much, especially since it’s already dealing with the dehydrating air!

Flying with Dietary Restrictions

Airplane food is pretty much never great, especially if you aren’t flying first class. But if you’re on a particular diet or have dietary restrictions, you’ll need to plan ahead of time. Consider packing some of your favorite nutritious snacks instead of relying on the salty pretzels you can expect on board. If you have a specific need, like vegan meals, call the airline 24 hours before your flight to put in your request for a special meal . You might also want to double-check the meal request before take off at the gate.

Staying Safe While Traveling Internationally

While the world isn’t the big, bad, scary place we’re often made to believe, that doesn’t mean travel is free of risks.

A lot of the safety precautions and considerations you should take while traveling abroad are similar to those you take at home. But a few aren’t. Here are my main safety tips for international travel.

Solo Travel

By its very nature, traveling alone is more risky than traveling with a companion. Is it significantly more risky? I think not. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t take any extra precautions when traveling alone.

One precaution I take is to always let someone know where I am . If I have a full itinerary planned, I send my mom a summary of each city and accommodation I plan to stay at. If I’m doing something like a hike without any new friends I’ve met, I’ll let the front desk know my plans before I head out. I also try to be confident . Even if I don’t know where I’m going, I try to look like I do! If I need to look directions up on my phone, I might do it before leaving the hotel or shop or restaurant.

Another thing to remember is that traveling solo is not traveling alone . Especially if staying in hostels, you’ll meet other people traveling solo like you are, and you can do activities with them.

Solo Female Travel

Something my loved ones tell me often is how it’s so unsafe to travel alone as a woman. But the truth is, is it perfectly safe to be a woman anywhere in the world? Even when I’m in in the comfort of my home country, I rush to my car when in public garages at night, receive uncomfortable comments from strangers on the street, and face the potential of sexual harassment or even assault. Sexism exists everywhere, not just abroad. Of course, I do take extra precautions as a solo female traveler compared to a male solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a female in my home country, too.

These are some of the precautions I take while traveling as a woman, in addition to the precautions I take for traveling solo in general:

• I never walk alone past dark . Ever, ever. Even if I “feel” safe in a place (which is most of the time), it’s just something I’ve promised myself I wouldn’t do.
• I try to dress conservatively in certain destinations. Especially as a Californian, I’m used to super short shorts and low-cut shirts being totally normal. While these are still often acceptable abroad, they definitely cause a lot of stares that I personally have decided I’d rather avoid if I can. So, I’ll wear looser, longer shorts instead of tight short-shorts, or midi skirts and dresses instead of what I consider normal length. This isn’t so much because I feel unsafe, but because I’ve realized it decreases bothersome male comments and advances immensely.
• I haven’t actually done this yet, but it’s a trick I have in my back pocket. Bring a fake wedding ring . Depending on the destination, this can help ward off some comments (and even playful marriage proposals!).

Traveling as a Person of Color

Similar to the solar female travel issue, a lot of my family fear that I’ll stand out like a sore thumb as a black woman. Also similar to the solo female travel issue, racism is simply something that exists everywhere, not just abroad . Of course, I do take extra precautions as a black solo traveler compared to a white solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a black person in my home country, too.

The main extra consideration I take while traveling as a person of color is to research the experiences of other black people or black women in destinations I know less about , or that I know have few black people or tourists. I recommend you do the same for whatever race or ethnicity you might identify with, as destinations might be used to one group but not a different group. This, of course, can be difficult, as the voices in the travel sphere are mostly white men, and next white women. (This is why it’s important to have better representation.) If you can’t find the insight you need online, consider directly emailing or messaging any travel writers or influences whose experiences you’d like to hear.

Traveling with Cash and Valuables

Like you would in certain areas of your home country, don’t flash valuables while traveling. Be cognizant as you withdraw or exchange any cash . Being a tourist can make you a target already, so don’t give pickpockets any extra incentive!

Be careful not to carry all your cash and cards in one place. If you can, take some with you as you explore, and then leave back up cards, unneeded cash, and your passport back in a safe in your accommodation . That way, if anything gets stolen or lost while out exploring, you have back ups to hold you over.

Bring Locks for Hostels

If you are planning on staying in hostels, definitely purchase a lock before your trip. Hostels usually have lockers, but charge a couple bucks to rent a lock. It’s much more economical to purchase once and not pay each time.

Register with Your Country’s Embassy

This is a step I never usually did before, but one I’ll be doing every time in the future! I was “one of those” people who got stranded abroad in a foreign country when the world started closing borders in response to Covid-19. I always thought registering with the local embassy for my country was a waste of time, but this turned out to be the best way to get up-to-date information on the situation. After missing out on crucial info once, I signed up. And it’s thanks to that I was able to eventually get home!

You never know what could happen when you are abroad, whether that is a pandemic, weather-related disaster, local protests, or political tensions. It’s near-impossible to keep up with your foreign destination’s news while traveling. So registering with your embassy is an easy way to get a simple email for key things you should know . For Americans, this program to register is called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , but other countries have pretty much the same thing.

Get Travel Insurance

I’m not sure I believe “everyone” should “always” get travel insurance. But for a first trip abroad, it’s worth considering. I typically never purchased it when I traveled places I knew well. But these days, as I’m no longer on my parents’ good insurance, and as I travel mostly solo, I do purchase travel insurance. It often only costs a couple dollars a day , and usually covers lost baggage, medical visits for accidents or illnesses, theft, and more. Especially if you are planning adrenaline activities or traveling somewhere distant, you should consider it! 

What Do You Think About My International Travel Guide?

And there ya have it, folks! Are you feeling prepared for your international trip! I hope this guide was helpful. If you still have more questions before your trip abroad, definitely comment below and I’ll answer. Or, if you have any advice you think I missed that others should know, please also comment below!

Save This Guide to Return to Later on Pinterest

Further Reading...

The Beginner’s Guide to Staying in Hostels

Complete Guide to Flying RyanAir (& Not Getting Ripped-Off)

20 Trips to Take in Your 20s

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How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

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Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Traveling Internationally for the First Time? Start Here

Gabrielle Sales is an American travel blogger and marketer. Her passion for travel started at a y...

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These tips for traveling overseas for the first time will put you on the right path! Have you ever dreamed of going to a country outside of your home? Desired exploring Africa or Asia or anywhere where you may find yourself immersed within a new culture? If you haven’t gone outside of your country, this may be your chance to take that leap! From the looks of it, traveling is always a good idea and an exciting way to explore elements outside of your usual comfort zone. However, it can be a very daunting experience too, especially for first-timers.

No matter where you’re off to for your first time overseas, it’s gonna change your life.

If you already understand what it’s like to travel around your home country, you know how thrilling it is to embrace new sights and try new things. But, when it comes to your first time traveling abroad, it’s terrifying to think about misunderstandings when there’s a language barrier, cultural norms that are the opposite of back home, and feeling unusually lost in a place that you’ve never experienced throughout your other travels. Going abroad is a whole different ball game from traveling at home.

Don’t sweat it. After your first time traveling overseas, you will get used to, and learn how to cope with, that feeling of culture shock every time you explore a new place. Being prepared ahead of time will be one of the best things you can do for yourself along with your first time flying internationally alone. With these simple tips for traveling abroad for the first time, you will be more at ease when you’re leaving for your very first time traveling overseas:

Book your student accommodation abroad with Uhomes

6 international travel tips for first timers, 1. make sure you have your passport ready and see if a visa is required ..

Your program provider probably already told you this, but you need to have your visa and passport sorted in advance of your departure. The process to apply for a passport can take a lot of time and several weeks to be delivered, so don’t try to apply for one last minute before your departure time. Before you start booking flights and places to stay, make sure your passport has been handled well in advance. When booking international flights and hotels, a passport number is usually required.

Once your passport is delivered, scan the identification page and keep copies of it. Allow a family member or a trusted friend to keep one page and then keep another copy with you in your wallet as you travel. The reason that you would have to keep one for yourself is because sometimes when you check into a hotel, the hotel may hold onto your passport during your stay to make sure you have paid for your stay, and to also help prevent it from getting stolen. (Although, there are sometimes safes in hotel rooms that you can use to lock your passport in.)

The hassle that comes along with the fine details will ALL be worth it once you experience views like this.

Check which places in your itinerary will require a passport check, as some places do require you to bring your passport to visit an attraction. Also, depending how long you’re staying and what country you’re staying in, a visa may be required. A visa is a document issued by a country that gives you permission to travel there. Your provider will have information on the procedures for applying, but there are great resources online too .

2. Research the country, program options, its norms and traditions, and the language.

When you create your plans for your first time overseas, you should do plenty of research aside from the introductions and resources presented by your program. You should find out what that country is like by accessing message boards or Facebook groups for your program, and talking to others who have already traveled there.

You should always check first with your program to see if they have accommodations such as housing and meals to provide you. Find out if you should exchange any currencies ahead of traveling, what are considered the local norms and traditions to get a feel for the culture, and maybe learn some basics of the language(s) spoken there. It always helps to know how to say “hello”, “bye”, “thank you”, and “where’s the bathroom?” Luckily, there are now apps that can help you simply translate languages, such as the Google Translate App. Always try to be as accepting of others’ cultures as much as you can.

You should also check with your bank to see if you need to set up travel alerts as you use your bank cards. That way your bank will be notified that you have left your country, and they won’t shut off your access due to what they think are strange charges. Ask your bank about international fees and if there are any partner banks in your next destination. Using your card can create fees that add up fast!

Pro tip: Check with your program to see if there are available resources that they recommend to you to get you acquainted with your host culture. These resources can vary from articles, suggested book lists, and maybe even popular music groups from your destination. You can also do a lot of research online on sites like TripAdvisor, Travel Channel, and Matador Network.

3. Understand the procedures to stay safe and to avoid disappointment.

One purpose of doing research before going abroad is to be prepared ahead of time and to open up your mind to avoid disappointment. See where your comfort levels lie. Can you handle bad traffic, pollution, trash, a different scenery, poverty, or language barriers? Do you like experiencing mountains, cities, or beaches? If you research all the possibilities and types of places you’ll come across as you travel abroad, your expectations will stay realistic.

Research is important for your first time traveling abroad. So is a map.

It’s important you always stay aware of your safety when traveling to a new country. Your program will probably go over safety protocols with you for disasters and other emergencies, but having street-smart knowledge is key too. You should always keep your senses heightened to thwart pick-pockets. Keep your bags and wallets secure as you’re walking around. Avoid wearing anything too over-the-top or lavish, and keep your money away when walking. If possible, try to leave your credit cards behind in a safe along with other valuables.

Wandering around a place you aren’t too familiar with, along with the language barrier, can make things feel more uncomfortable and place you at risk for “wrong place, wrong time” situations. Make sure you also have your itineraries handy for your flights, information for the hotels you’re staying in, and tour guides booked ahead of time to avoid scams. Share this information with a reliable family member or friend so that someone knows where you’re supposed to be, just in case.

4. Try to avoid overpacking and bring some useful technology with you.

It’s a common mistake to overpack. However, packing light abroad will help you travel much more easily. You can take your luggage up a flight of stairs more easily, and the process of getting on and off public transport will be WAY less cumbersome. As you’re packing, determine the amount of days you’ll be staying, and adjust accordingly.

Obviously pack enough clothes for the whole time you’ll be there (and remember that doing laundry abroad is an option), and make sure to check out the weather forecast of the country you’re heading to. It would suck to show up to Bali with a parka. You should avoid overpacking, because it will help leave some space for important items too, such as your medicines, technology, and some space to bring home some souvenirs.

For technology, bringing a portable battery—it will be a life saver in your travels. Don’t count on WiFi to be available everywhere, since it’s hard to access in many countries, especially in the developing world. But hey, it’s always nice to unplug once in a while! There are options to get WiFi from portable WiFi routers too, in case you really need it for communication.

Pack light and pack smart. And DON’T pack two hours before your flight!

You should also check with your phone company about using your data abroad, and how much it will cost. You might even want to consider buying a SIM card when you arrive in your new country, if your phone allows one. They are usually about $20 on a prepaid card; notify your phone company to let them know they should forward your current phone number to a new one.

Power adapters are essential to buy before traveling abroad as well. They aren’t always easy to find unless you’re in a major tourist place, so bringing one with you will save you the hassle of finding one abroad. You may find one in your country or online for a lot cheaper than other countries will sell it for.

5. Get travel insurance !

A common fear that comes across most first-time travelers abroad is, “What if I get hurt or sick?”. Anything can happen as you travel so it’s essential to know how you’ll cover medical expenses. It can be expensive to receive medical help overseas, and some healthcare providers overseas may ask you to pay up front for the treatment. However, travel insurance that has emergency medical benefits can cover those expenses, and even emergency medical transportation costs. If your injury or illness is beyond help in your destination, your travel insurance can cover the costs of getting you home. 

There are so many other things to consider as you travel abroad that may go wrong besides feeling hurt or sick. Travel insurance can reimburse you for any additional accommodations that are required during your trip if you run into a long delay. A lot of Americans call the US Embassy for help when emergencies come up, but there is only so much that they can do.

When you have travel insurance, it can cover financial losses, medical care, emergency transportation, lost baggage, and canceled or delayed flights. Compass Student Insurance and CareMed affordably cover a wide range of issues and are perfect for students, interns, and workers who travel through program providers.

6. Learn how to deal with jet lag.

After a fulfilling trip abroad, along with the stress of culture shock and preparation of traveling abroad, jet lag can be a handful to deal with too (luckily, we have 12 ideas for how to beat jet lag to the punch !). Try not to take a nap on your first day abroad, even though it may seem tempting.

Fight against jet lag by getting rest before your trip. Drinking a lot of water during your flights helps combat the effects of jet lag as well. You should also try to take it easy the day you arrive in your new destination; scheduling too many tours or activities is a surefire way to cause burnout or crashes in energy. It’s always easier in the long run to give yourself some time to take it slow until you can overcome jet lag completely.

Travel like a pro, thanks to these tips for first time travelers abroad

When in doubt about your first time traveling overseas, let your heart (and your compass) lead the way.

With so many things to take into consideration when you travel internationally for the first time, you’ll find yourself willing to travel more confidently and become experienced enough to travel from one country to another. You might even find that your program has provided a lot of comfort in knowing you’ll have the most rewarding experience abroad! After practicing and being mindful of these tips for traveling abroad for the first time, in due time, you will travel like a pro.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler

Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

In the beginning, you just make a lot of travel mistakes.

But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes ( and I often make a lot of them ), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.

I’ve learned these tips over the last sixteen years being a nomad.

These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.

So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:

1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking – and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.

Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!

My favorite bag is the Flash Pack from REI . Other companies offering high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

This article has more tips on finding the best travel backpack for your needs.

The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one .

I also recommend packing cubes , which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.

3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.

I love Unbound Merino , as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look sylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Click here for more packing tips .

4. But take extra socks. You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks!

Here’s a list of all my best hostels around the world . If you’re planning on backpacking Europe , it’s worth getting HostelPass , a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.

6. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money for me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive.

Here are some helpful articles on banking:

• How to Avoid Banking Fees While Traveling
• 22 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Have Money for Travel
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card

7. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up!

Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that.

8. Don’t fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly in to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to where you need to go.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner . This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.

Here are some more tips on finding cheap flights!

Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:

• Why I Travel Alone
• The Joy of Solo Travel
• Travel: The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
• How to Overcome Being Alone
• Reading People: One Skill Travel Has Taught Me

10. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource!

11. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. Here are some of my favorite walking tour companies around the world:

• The Best Walking Tours in New York City
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Berlin
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere.

For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.

12. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!

13. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.

14. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.

15. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first. The best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – The BEST for upcoming US flight deals.
• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

16. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid. Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff!

17. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.

18. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)

19. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report.

20. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried.

Here are some tips on how to learn a language .

Here are some posts that highlight my favorite reads:

• 13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
• The Best Travel Books
• 12 Books to Take You Around the World

22. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.

23. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!

24. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.

25. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!

Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card . You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!

26. Write down your experiences. Even in this hyper-technological age, I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on. I never leave home without a journal. Not only do I use them for work (I’m constantly taking notes and writing down ideas) but I also use them to keep track of my travels.

Simple travel journals work great for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down logistical information like directions, contact information, and language tips.

If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, inspirational quotes, and more, grab our new travel journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes as well as write down stories and reflections during your travels.

27. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!

28. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp , Google Maps , or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.

Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists!

29. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!

30. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel.

I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.

31. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.

32. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.

You can either assemble a first aid kit yourself ( here are some tips for doing so ), or purchase a pre-made kit online .

33. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week, or if you search in an incognito window.

Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember, you usually have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Here are some article on how to save money on flights:

• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight Online
• How to Always Find a Cheap Flight
• Where I Find the Best Travel Deals

34. Use Meetup, the sharing economy, and hospitality websites to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win – and I use these resources all the time when I travel.

Here’s an article on how to use the sharing economy (and what websites to use) when you travel.

35. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.

36. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.

• My Favorite Restaurants in Europe
• The Best Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• 30+ Places to Eat in Tokyo
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

38. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!

39. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw .

40. Get city attraction cards. If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!).

41. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.

42. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!

43. Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

My favorite shoes for traveling are Suavs shoes , which are versatile and durable. They’re comfortable and great for exploring a new city all day, but also look nice enough that you can dress them up if you want to at night.

44. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.

Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road.

45. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market.

Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

47. Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

48. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture . Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

49. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.

You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.

My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
• Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
• Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.

50. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

51. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.

52. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!

53. Relax. See Be patient .

54. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

55. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep.

But even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!

These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.

56. Always carry a power bank. Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t.

We all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets, but it can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem.

57. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.

If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network . I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.

59. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!

Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!

Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!

60. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.

On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.

61. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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5 Destinations that are Perfect for First-Time Travelers

Where to Go if You've Never Traveled Before

Deciding to travel the world for the first time can be a daunting experience, no matter how much confidence you have. You’re heading out into the great unknown –- to an unfamiliar place where you may not even speak the language. How will you get around? What if you don’t make any friends ? What if you get scammed ? What if everything goes wrong?

For first-time travelers, I recommend starting out in a country that’s easy to travel through. Don’t jump in at the deep end and head off-the-beaten-track to a destination that sees little tourism and will be hard to get around. Instead, you should look to visit a place with a well-worn tourist trail, where you’ll be able to navigate with ease, giving you more opportunity to experience the place you’re traveling through.

These are five of my favorites.

Hands down, Southeast Asia is the best region to travel through if you’ve never done it before. It’s foreign, it’s exciting, it’s cheap, and it’s  easy .

In Southeast Asia, you’re guaranteed to make friends. It’s a rite of passage for backpackers all over the world, and there’s a well-worn path you’ll walk with them. If I had to narrow it down to just one country, though, I’d pick Thailand . It has beautiful beaches, tons of travellers to hang out with, a fascinating history, lots of temples, a delicious cuisine, it’s super cheap, it’s easy to get around, most locals you come into contact with will speak English… have I sold you on it yet?

Head to Thailand as your first stop and you’ll leave with happy memories and hundreds of friends. I’ve yet to meet anyone who  hasn’t  loved it.

Search for Thailand hotels on TripAdvisor . 

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

If you don’t fancy heading quite so far abroad, fly to Mexico instead. Despite its reputation in much of the United States, Mexico is very safe if you’re a tourist and planning on spending time with other tourists.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are great for partying, with lots of Americans to meet and hang out with on the beach. They’re also close to several of the Mayan ruins, so you’ll be able to get a culture fix, too.

Guanajuato is a good option if you’re looking to escape the chaos of the beaches and challenge yourself linguistically. English isn’t widely spoken there, but everyone’s friendly and patient if you want to try out your Spanish.

Sayulita is a fun surfing town on the Pacific Coast, with plenty of travellers to hang out with. It has more of a hippie scene than a party one, with cheap food, a beautiful beach, and lots of nearby towns to explore.

Getting around in Mexico is easy if you take ADO buses – they’re some of the best buses I’ve ever taken! The food is cheap and delicious. The people are lovely and welcoming. It’s even very affordable as well!

Search for Mexico hotels on TripAdvisor

New Zealand

Why New Zealand over Australia? It’s more diverse, the locals are friendlier, and it’s cheaper. New Zealand is a great country to visit for your first trip abroad!

If the idea of conversing in a foreign language intimidates you, then this is the country to visit. It’s pretty similar to the United States in a lot of way, and you’ll be unlikely to experience culture shock.

One of the easiest ways to meet people in New Zealand is to join one of the affordable hop-on hope-off backpacker buses that traverse the length and width of the two islands. It makes transport easy, you’ll meet friends and be able to move on together, and you’ll even be able to arrange excursions through the company.

Search for hotels in New Zealand on TripAdvisor .

Spain is one of my favorite countries in Europe, and not just because it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit in the region. From beaches to mountains, castles to cosmopolitan cities, Spain has so much to offer.

And the food! The food is incredibly cheap in Spain (if you go to Granada, you receive a free plate of tapas for every drink you order), and features predominantly around jamon and cheese and bread.

Public transport is easy to understand in Spain. Major cities have metros and comprehensive bus networks. Traveling long-distance between cities is a piece of cake, too – with buses and trains serving pretty much every destination you’d want to go.

Did I mention the jamon ?

Search for hotels in Spain on TripAdvisor . 

Slovenia doesn’t often make lists of top countries, but it’s actually my favorite country! Everyone who’s been to this country falls in love, and it has heaps to offer a newbie traveler.

Slovenia is beautiful. Take a look at the photos I took from my time in Ljubljana and Bled . In the space of a few hours, you can travel from a colourful city to the snow capped mountains and glimmering lakes of the Alps, to the beaches of Piran, to fascinating caves, to the vineyard-filled countryside of the east. No matter what sort of scenery you enjoy, Slovenia will have you covered.

The people are incredibly friendly in Slovenia, too. English is widely spoken. The food isn’t too intimidating. Public transport is easy to use. It’s a country that’s very into the arts, and you’ll hear music playing on every street. Slovenia is great if you’re not an experienced traveler.

Search for hotels in Slovenia on TripAdvisor .

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Travel Tips for Beginners

So your friends got back from their annual jaunt abroad and you can contain your jealousy no more. 

Or maybe you’re about to graduate, or have been let go from work. 

You know it’s time to hit the road, but how and where do you even start?  The questions are seemingly endless and it’s difficult to know where to start. 

No worries; you can quickly turn from travel noob to travel snob by starting with these  first time travel tips .

By reading out travel tips for beginners, you can have a great trip, too!

Here are our best Travel Tips for Beginners

1.  consider your clothing.

You don’t have to dress nicely by any means, but you should probably follow a couple of basic rules.  Most importantly, don’t ever consider fanny packs/bum bags.  Not under any circumstances.  They are easy to rob, mark you as a tourist, and most damning of all – they are incredibly ugly. 

For North Americans, leave behind the white socks, white sneakers, and baseball cap as well.  It’s certainly okay to keep your own sense of style, but if you want people to treat you more fairly, then avoiding the stereotypes is a good idea.

2. Money Matters

How much cash should you take and in what form?  The simplest approach is to forget the traveler’s checks and large wads of cash.  Instead, bring your ATM card and pull out your money as you need it. 

Try to withdraw the equivalent of a couple hundred at a time–this way you don’t pay a fortune in transaction fees, but if you lose your cash or are robbed it’s not the end of the world.  Most cities and almost all airports are connected these days. One of the best travel tips for beginners is if you are going to be in an airport or passing through one, you should be just fine with withdrawing money. 

3.  Your Budget Will Be Wrong

You can plan down to your last penny, but in the end, your trip (whether 2 weeks or 12 months) will cost more than your highest estimate.  Whether it’s replacing stolen/lost items, mailing things home, or signing up for expensive tours…

…you may take home loads of souvenirs, or simply find that the least expensive places are that way for a reason, that’s the nature of dealing with the unexpected.  Most importantly, don’t stress when things cost more than you expected.  (It’s the nature of the beast.  If you are simply flat broke, there are places all over the Internet about working abroad.)

4.  Research For Informational Purposes Only

One of the best things about a vacation is the anticipatory excitement. Therefore, read every blog you can get your hands on  (There will be a lot, wherever you are going.) Buy or borrow travel guides. Browse forums. Go to YouTube and search for videos of some of your destinations. 

Before long, you’ll start to feel like an expert on a place you’ve never been. But don’t start to schedule, create an itinerary, or expect to actually know what’s going on.  It will all go out the window the moment you arrive. 

There’s no preparation good enough to withstand reality, and equally important, none of the online or printed information is as good or current as the info you’ll get on the traveller’s circuit.  For that reason, it’s worth staying at a hostel at least a couple of times in order to hear stories and advice from others doing similar things as you.

5.  Meet The Locals

Whether you’re staying in the poshest hotels or the hostel ( check out our guide on staying at a hostel ) with your roommates humping on the bunk above your head, you can meet other like-minded people more easily while traveling. This is one of the joys of traveling. 

But it’s always a good idea to get off the beaten path, especially if your trip is going to be longer than a month.  There can be a language barrier, but you’ll be surprised how much information grunts and pantomimes can convey.  Meeting locals will only enhance your travel experience.  A good way to do this is either through a site such as  couchsurfing.org , or wandering into non-touristy areas and just exploring.

There are so many incredible  benefits of learning a new language before you travel . Not only does it make getting around much easier, but it enriches your travel experience by allowing you to interact with more locals. Why not start practicing your language skills by  signing up with Lingoda ?

6.  Consider Alternate Forms Of Travel

We live in an era where planes, buses, trains, and taxis can get you just about anywhere in the world. But if you are concerned about carbon emissions, afraid of flying, or just want a more immersing experience, consider your alternatives. Slow boats can sometimes save you a bit of money. 

Once you’ve reached your destination, exploring it by bicycle, horse, or on foot will dramatically change your journey, almost always for the better. A hike or bike journey of just a day or three will give you an epic journey. Plus, you know, it’s better for the environment.

Read our guide to hitchhiking .

7.  Be Realistic

Don’t expect to have fun every moment. You won’t. Also know that you’ll need to build in some days to rest.  The first week you are running on adrenaline and loving every moment of it, but your body will have its revenge. Most importantly, don’t plan to go to too many places. Many first-time travelers are (quite understandably) eager to see the world. 

But don’t cram in too much. You don’t want to spend the majority of your holiday in transit, and you don’t want your memories to be a blur of castles, temples, and train rides. There’s virtually nowhere you can go that you won’t want to spend at least a week.   You need to have enough time to do more than snap a couple of obligatory photos before heading to your next destination.

8.  Pack Smart

There is a lot of advice on packing, and most of it concerns the importance of packing light. Bring no more than 3-4 outfits and without exception you do not need more than two pairs of shoes. And, yes, sandals count as one pair.  Packing light is very important, but it’s not that simple. 

You also want to be somewhat self-sufficient as well.  Some things extra travellers find indispensable include: extra batteries, maps, decks of cards, flashlights, plastic cutlery, duct tape, laundry bags , and clotheslines.  A travel clock can be very handy as well. Another thing–luggage locks aren’t necessary. They are easily picked (different makes of locks use interchangeable keys) and the airlines won’t let you lock them while you check the bag.

It’s also a good idea to keep organized in your packing. Nomatic offers some great options for keeping organized including:

• Packing cubes
• Tech organizers  (for organizing your many cables, chargers and adapters)
• Toiletry bag
• Laundry bag  (to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes)

Here’s our city break packing list to help guide you.

9. Take Everything Under Advisement

Before and especially during your travels, you will be barraged by well-meaning advice (this article included). Listen to what people say, but always make up your own mind.  People will warn you about dangers or tell you that something is impossible when in fact it is quite achievable. Guidebooks are even more conservative. 

Your best guide is your own sense of what you are comfortable with. If you want to visit a place that’s considered dangerous, don’t let vague information dissuade you. What it comes down to is people telling you what worked for them. You shouldn’t ignore blatant warnings, but neither are you obligated to change your plans based on every rumour that comes down the pipe.

10.  Be Careful

Are you sure you want to do this?  The biggest risk of travel isn’t dodgy water, upset stomachs, aggressive touts, bedbugs, or pickpockets. It’s addiction. Don’t put your foot in this water unless you really want to swim. 

Catching the travel bug means at the least staying up too late reading travel blogs from people you haven’t met, searching airfares out of habit rather than any expectations of a trip, and bothering your friends by continually commenting on how much better the Pad Thai in Chang Mai was. 

In its more advanced stages, this affliction can lead to quitting a good job, leaving behind an otherwise great partner, selling your house, or spending your life savings in a matter of months. 

Here are your travel tips for beginners. You have been warned.

I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

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Top bucket list destinations to travel to in peak summer season, your ultimate bucket list sports events, ttot = travel talk on twitter, follow us on instagram @/traveldudes/.

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The Beginner’s Guide To Traveling - The Best Tips & Advice for New Travelers

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Travel Planning

Traveling for beginners is exhilarating and just a little intimidating.  What should you pack ? How much money should you budget for your trip? Do you need travel insurance? For that matter, how do you decide on a destination? This beginner's guide to traveling is for all of you heading out for the first time.

Start Small, and Build on Your Successes

Out of all the top travel tips for beginners, this is perhaps the most important advice we can give: start small. You don't learn to swim by jumping off the diving board into the deep end of the pool, and you don’t want to travel to challenging destinations on your first trip. Get used to traveling before you embark on that hiking trip through northern Mongolia or visiting countries with less than stable political systems.

Keep your first forays into travel restricted to domestic flights. Once you’re familiar with at-home travel, broaden your horizons with trips to stable nations such as Canada or EU nations. When you’re more confident, you can arrange that five-nation kayaking tour you’ve always dreamed of.

Research Your Destination

Spontaneous trips to exotic locales always look amazing on television and in movies, but it’s better to plan your trips in real life. A little research into your destination will pay dividends once you arrive and helps prevent unwanted surprises.

Start your research by exploring travel blogs and travel guides centered on your destination and the type of travel you’re planning (traveling solo, for instance, is very different from traveling with a young family). Read as much as you can about accommodations, food, culture, local laws, things to do, and activities or locations to avoid. Don’t forget to check the weather, which impacts what kind of clothing you pack.

Check what time of year is best to travel to your destination. Do you want to be there for special events during peak season, or would you prefer the off-season? If you’re traveling on a budget, off-season travel can save you money, but you may not have access to all the events and activities you want to experience. Off-season travel can also coincide with unfavorable weather conditions.

Use your research to guide how much time you’ll want to spend at your destination. You may discover that the  long weekend trip you were originally planning may need to be extended to a weeklong getaway to get the best experience. Remember to factor travel time into your plans.

Choosing the Right Luggage

Luggage sizes  range from large, 62 linear inch suitcases to handy carry-on rolling luggage and backpacks. Choosing your  first piece of luggage depends on multiple factors, including how long you’ll be traveling, who you’re traveling with, and what souvenirs you’re planning on bringing home.

As a general rule, new travelers tend to overestimate how large their luggage needs to be. Opt for a carry-on roller like the Travelpro®  Platinum® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner for your first trip. It’s large enough you can pack several days’ worth of clothing, and you won’t have to deal with checking in and picking up luggage. For long weekends, you may be able to pack everything you need in the Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Large Backpack .

What Type of Clothes to Pack

Top travel tips always emphasize packing light. This makes packing a bit of a balancing act — ideally, you want to pack only the clothes you’ll use for the trip, and not one pair of socks more. Learning what you need to pack takes time and is dependent on personal preferences. Some people are fine spending a week mixing and matching a pair of jeans, one pair of shorts, and three t-shirts, while others feel icky if they don’t wear fresh,  unwrinkled clothing  every day.

As a very general rule for a week-long stay, pack two to three seasonally appropriate tops. Pack two pairs of shorts or skirts for warm climes and one pair of pants or a dress. For cooler destinations, switch out the shorts and skirts for warmer legwear. Add a pair of shoes, a seasonal jacket, underwear, socks, and any optional clothing, such as swimsuits or a particularly nice top for evening wear. Any more than a week’s worth of clean clothing is rarely necessary, as you can usually find somewhere to do laundry.

What Else to Pack

Thanks to smartphones and tablets, the amount of extra equipment people need to pack is much lower than it once was. Unless you’re a devoted photographer, why pack a camera when you can use your smartphone to snap pictures? A tablet takes up less space than a laptop and allows you to read, watch movies, play games, and listen to music as you travel. Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones for long flights, don’t forget your charging cables, and consider packing a USB battery pack to ensure you don’t run out of power when you need it.

Packing Smart

If you’re traveling with carry-on luggage, you want to make every inch of packing space count. Make the most of your luggage by using  packing cubes to keep items organized. Shoe cubes, toiletry bags , tech organizers for cables and adapters, and a laundry organizer all help you get the most out of your luggage.

Preparing for Unexpected

Learning how to adapt to the  unexpected  is important for new travelers. Here are some of the top travel tips for when travel doesn’t go as smoothly as you planned.

Stay in Touch

Smartphones make it easy to check in with family and friends as you travel. Apps such as Whatsapp, Skype, Messenger, and Instagram are great for sharing photos and news, and in a pinch, are also quick ways to contact people if your flight’s been delayed or to reach out during other unexpected travel events.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance  protects you from a range of travel-related woes, covering everything from medical emergencies to flight cancellations and lost luggage. Be sure to read travel insurance policies carefully to understand what is not covered.

Budget Extra Cash

Maybe you just found that perfect souvenir. Perhaps you just have to eat at a high-end restaurant you only heard about when you got to the hotel. Maybe you just discovered the actual cost of that activity you planned your trip around is higher than you thought. In any of these cases, having a little extra in your travel budget will help you enjoy yourself without worrying about the cost.

Weather Delays

Changes in weather can result in flight delays. Many airlines now allow travelers to change but not cancel their travel plans due to severe weather. If the airline issues weather advisories, you may be able to reschedule your flight without paying flight change fees.

Phone Security

Before you travel, set up your phone with a PIN and biometric security. Phones are small but expensive, making them tempting targets for thieves. By using your phone’s security options, you can lock unauthorized users out of the device, remotely track missing phones, and even wipe the phone of data should it go missing.

Starting Your Traveling Journey

Ultimately, the best beginner’s guide to traveling is to, well, travel. Getting out there is the best way to familiarize yourself with airports, hotels, and the many little challenges that make traveling for beginners seem intimidating. Travel will become second nature once you have a few trips under your belt. Before you know it, you’ll be passing your own top travel tips on to others!

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Travel Solo for the First Time: Complete Guide for Newbies

June 7, 2023 by Janice Waugh

You're going to travel solo for the first time. It's a big deal and yet, not such a big deal if you know how.

You likely have some questions.

You may have some concerns.

Don't worry, we're here to help.

For more than 14 years, Solo Traveler has been helping people with solo travel tips for newbies, as well as for those stretching their solo travel muscles to more challenging destinations.

Some people don't give their plan to travel solo a second thought. Others live with anxiety at every stage of the planning process. For still others, their worries only come at the 11th hour. They are about to leave and start to panic.

Having a good sense of what solo travel is like and planning for it will go a long way to easing you into your first solo trip. There is a lot of information on Solo Traveler. In fact, there are over 700 posts about the many aspects of solo travel.

This post covers the basics of how to travel alone for the first time. It will also point you to more in-depth articles on specific aspects of solo travel. If you're in your 20s or 30s, check out this piece on solo travel .

It's my hope that it will help those who are new to solo travel find what they need to go with confidence.

Table of Contents

How to Travel Alone for the First Time

When first-time solo travelers announce their intention to travel alone, they often face a lot of questions from family and friends. The primary one is, “why”? To get this issue out of the way, read about the why of solo travel here .

Now, let's get on to the how.

Preparation for your first solo trip can be broken down into a number of parts. You need to decide:

• How much you have to spend.
• Where to go.
• How to get there.
• Where you will stay.
• How long you will stay.
• How you will travel at your destination.

Huh! Those six decisions look pretty familiar to anyone who has traveled. Yes, much of solo travel is the same as all travel.

However, there is another list, this time of questions, that first-time solo travelers need to consider:

• Am I ready to travel by myself?
• How challenging a destination should I consider?
• Am I comfortable with my own company?
• Do I want to meet people on my trips or is solitude my objective?
• What do I need to do to be safe?
• How do I ensure my loved ones that I will be safe?
• Am I better to go solo on a group tour or is independent solo travel right for me?

Those seven questions are not the questions that every traveler asks. They are, however, important for those traveling solo for the first time.

Below, we'll get into tips and advice that will help you answer each question.

Is Solo Travel a Good Idea? Get Ready for Your First Solo Trip

Solo travel is a confidence booster but you have to actually travel solo for that to happen. So how do you gain confidence before you go? I have a few suggestions.

• Find your cheerleader . When you tell people about your trip, notice who is excited about it. Spend as much time as you can with those people as they will build your confidence. Try to avoid the naysayers.
• Stop watching crime shows. They are not representative of the dangers in the world.
• Plan how you will stay in touch with home . The fact that you will stay connected will build your confidence.
• Find a local contact . Chances are, someone you know, knows someone where you're going. Get the concept of six degrees of separation working for you.
• Find out if there is a Greeter program in your destination so that you can meet up with a local.
• Be patient with yourself . Take your time. Please know that even very experienced solo travelers become overwhelmed from time to time, especially at the outset of a trip. It will pass! Be prepared to handle this by reading Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Best Countries for a First Solo Trip

Your choice of destination for first time solo travel is important. It can make the difference between a successful, confidence-building first trip with a future of many more solo trips, or one with mixed results. I suggest that first trips be to destinations where it's easy to find people who speak your language. In your own language, you'll find it easier to navigate, feel safer, and meet more people.

Certainly you can travel your own country. There is always more to see near home. But if you want to visit another country, as many new travelers do, consider Canada , the United States , the United Kingdom , Ireland , Australia , or New Zealand .

You'll find more specific ideas for where to go on your first solo trip here.  You may also want to read  Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These,   Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers , and Summer Solo Travel: Great Destinations, Good Times Guaranteed .

Travel Solo but Not Lonely

Solo travel need not be a lonely experience. Many solo travelers say that they meet more people traveling alone than they do when traveling with others. After all, you are not focused on a companion. You are open to meeting people and that makes people feel comfortable approaching you.

However, there are things you can do to make sure you have a social experience. Here are a number of posts that will help.

• How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 12 Posts
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How
• Expert Tips for Shy Travelers and Solo Travel Introverts

Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

There is so much to be said on this topic, especially when you are traveling solo for the first time.

Here's a link to our  Solo Travel Safety: 50 Tips post that covers just about everything you need to know.

Here are a few basics:

• Arrive at a new destination well before dark . Daylight gives you a better sense of the safety of a place.
• Take the business card of your hotel with you when you go out for the day.
• Don't tell people you meet where you're staying. Your accommodation should be your safe zone.
• Be prepared to be impolite if someone is bothering you. This comes up in Solo Female Travel Safety: Advice for What Women Worry About .
• Always have travel insurance . Since I started to travel at 15 years of age, I've always had insurance. Read: A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers .
• Use public Wi-Fi with a VPN. If you're planning to use public Wi-Fi for doing anything that requires security, such as booking a hotel room with a credit card, make sure you have a VPN. Read  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations .
• Keep your money and credit cards in multiple places . Here's  How to Manage Money While Traveling .
• Download these safety apps . Here are 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps to give you peace of mind.

Remember, as you travel you're in a holiday mindset and a different culture. Both factors will affect your ability to judge situations. To keep you safe in a variety of situations, it's helpful to be clear on your safety rules before going. And, most importantly, trust your instincts.

Should Your First Trip Be a Tour?

When does a tour make sense?

• being alone
• your safety
• finding the time to plan
• missing important highlights
• navigating new cities
• getting lost
• If you want to go to a destination that you consider challenging.
• If you want to break up a long trip. If you're on your own for a month or more, you may want to include a tour so that you have company for a while and you can relax while someone else manages the details.

Tour companies are not all the same. There are a wide variety of experiences available and a number of things to consider when choosing a tour.

Read  How to Choose a Tour: Top Tips for Solo Travelers.

Taking a tour can be a good way to get an introduction to a destination and help you build your confidence. By adding time on your own at the end of a tour, you can then travel solo independently for the first time as well.

You'll also want to browse our solo travel tours  page or, if you already have a good idea of what you're looking for, use our searchable trips page to get to what you want faster. Solo Traveler is the best source for a continuously updated list of a variety of tour companies offering trips with no or low single supplements. If you'd like to receive it by email each month, you can sign up here .

How to Plan to Travel Alone

If you have decided that you have the confidence, that you are comfortable in your own company, and that you can take care of your safety, you may have decided that you will travel solo independently.

Here are my suggestions:

• Make a budget . Know how much you can spend so that you plan your transportation and accommodation, the two most expensive aspects of a trip, accordingly. Here's more on creating a budget , along with a handy interactive spreadsheet.
• K now the basics . Before you leave, be sure you understand the visa requirements and spend a few moments to understand the currency exchange. Make sure your passport doesn’t expire for at least three months after your trip ends as some countries have such a minimum for visitors.
• Book your flights/trains.  Yes, you check your passport and visa needs first and then book your flights. You don't want to get ahead of yourself, put the money out for a flight and discover later that you have to pay a fee to have it changed. Also, book your transportation so that you arrive before dusk. Everything looks better in daylight and, if your hotel/hostel isn't to your liking, you'll have time to make changes.
• Book your accommodation. Arriving in a new city, not knowing how it works, and still having to find a place to stay can be stressful, especially when it's your first time traveling solo. Plus, you can end up spending more than you budgeted because you just have to get a place. If you're looking for a hotel, we use and recommend booking.com . Here are a variety of other options: Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers: The Choice is Yours .
• Study a map. Maps provide a bird’s-eye view of a new destination. They give you a sense of distance between places and, therefore, what’s possible to do in a day. You’ll also get a sense of where the areas are that you want to avoid for safety reasons.
• Add important numbers to your phone. Research useful apps for your phone and download them when you have free Wi-Fi. While you may not want to stay connected with home as you travel, important numbers should be in your phone before you leave. Get the front desk staff at your accommodation to help you add important local numbers to your phone such as the one for your hotel or hostel.
• Pack light so you can manage your own things. One carry-on sized bag and a daypack or large purse should do it. Here's how to pack light . A reader recently provided an excellent reason for this from their own experience: “I used the info on your blog about traveling with only carry-on and a small wardrobe when I traveled solo to Peru. Having no checked bag saved me from missing a connecting flight in the Lima airport.”
• Arrive at the airport, train, or bus station early. Whether it’s traffic congestion or a massive lineup at the airport, many things can slow you down when trying to catch a flight.
• Don’t plan much for your first day. Take the time to settle in and get to know the city and how it works. Do people line up for the bus? What’s the street food like and where are the busiest stands? What’s within walking distance of your lodging? Take it slow and learn.

Tips from Seasoned Solo Travelers

Over on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, there are many experienced solo travelers as well as people who are new to traveling alone. I asked those experienced travelers what tips they would offer a solo travel newbie and here's what they had to say.

• Annalie   Carry a game with you, like a backgammon set, chess, a pack of cards. People all over the world can become friends over a simple game!
• Scott   Leave the third pair of socks and the fourth t-shirt at home. Pack more smiles than you think you'll need, and more patience. Take all the expectations out of your pack and leave 'em at home.
• Pamela   Go to the market while you are traveling. The experience will shed light on cultural, culinary, agricultural, linguistic, and family composition differences. People are always willing to teach you something new and befriend a stranger with a wealth of information. My first experience of this was in Aruba. I saw very little at the market that I was familiar with, but I came out with knowledge and friends.
• Tony   Join free walking tours whenever you can! It's great for getting to know the city, learning its history, and meeting other backpackers.
• Laurie   When you travel solo for the first time–or any time, for that matter–spend Day One at your new destination getting oriented: stop at the local chamber of commerce for a free map and suggestions for must-see points of interest; if you ride, rent a bicycle, you'll cover a lot more ground and still be able to see things up close and personal; chat with storekeepers, cab drivers, and servers and ask them their thoughts about their mayor, their favorite place to eat and drink, changes they've seen in the area over the years, and where they would take out-of-town visitors. Spend the rest of your time following up on their suggestions and return to let them know how you fared.
• Toni   Give yourself the gift of strangers: ask questions, share impressions, get directions. Use Facebook or Twitter to friend or follow for ongoing exchange and learning.
• Sam   Make sure (wherever possible) that you arrive at your next destination during daylight hours. When you have to find your way from the airport or train station to your accommodation it is much less nerve-racking to do this during the day when you can see where you are going and there are lots of people around and shops open to ask for directions. Once you get to your accommodation you then still have some time up your sleeve to get your bearings, have a look around, and plan where you will start exploring the next day. Plus, if you are staying at a hostel it is good to arrive before people are making dinner or having afternoon drinks as this is one of the best times to get a feel for the place and meet new people.
• Tracey   Take the time to observe how people interact and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time standing in a lineup, I love to watch locals going about their day. If you pay attention to the little things, you can learn a lot: how to use public transit (and how to conduct yourself on it), whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, whether people are expected to line up in an orderly fashion or just jump in where you can, how to tip, or how to hail a cab. I find this particularly useful in a place where I don't speak the language.

Stories About First Solo Trips

What is first time solo travel really like? Well, that depends a bit on you, but here are a few descriptions by readers of Solo Traveler.

• Deborah I was a late bloomer as far as travel goes. I took my first solo trip to Nassau, Bahamas when I was 34. I was nervous at first, but I got there and made so many travel friends. I had a glorious time. I haven’t stopped traveling yet and I’ll be 64 soon. I'm planning another big trip around the world. I'm retired now and will live on the “road” until I decide to come back.
• Massy On my first solo trip I went to Japan. I am an introverted person and I get very self-conscious about myself (seriously). On January 1, 2013 I posted on my Facebook page the “2013 mission to Japan.” On my birthday in July 2013, I bought a ticket as a gift for myself. I got a lot of questions from friends because no one really went solo. I made it to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was the most worthwhile and enjoyable experience. It was fascinating to see how communication clashes and cultural differences bring people together. It was just an amazing journey. I learned so much. I met new people. What a journey! It’s addictive.
• MG I went to Puerto Vallarta and I was depressed. Then I met new friends at the hotel. I didn’t expect to end my vacation having so much fun. This is one good thing about traveling solo. You get to meet new friends that you wouldn’t have if you were in a group.
• Leslie I had just gotten my professional designation, which took 7 years of exams (post-college) and I wanted to do something big to celebrate. I love to travel, but several of my friends said they couldn’t get the time off or couldn’t afford to go somewhere too far away. I finally decided I shouldn’t be held back just because no one could travel with me, so I booked a camping safari in Tanzania! I love animals and an African safari had always been one of my dreams. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that scared to get on a plane and fly halfway around the world by myself (and to a Third World country, no less). It was exciting! I learned that I’m much more self-sufficient than I thought and that traveling alone can be fun and very rewarding. Now that I know I can travel alone and be just fine, I feel like the possibilities are endless!
• Zola My first earned vacation out of college I booked a week in Mexico. I loved going on an adventure by myself. I learned a few lessons from first time solo travel that have been useful for my other solo trips I have taken to Bali, Egypt, and Thailand.

If you're looking for even more tips, don't miss The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It .

Enjoy your first solo trip!

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

Travel Tips for Beginners: A Guide to Planning Your First Trip

Planning for a trip can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. You can easily get overwhelmed when you have no clue where to start and even the more minor details that might hurt your experience. Luckily, there’s plenty of information out there nowadays. All you need to do is do your research and figure out some travel tips for beginners. Social media, guidebooks, and blogs have never been more plentiful. Just pick what suits your ideas best.

Hopefully, this travel planning guide for beginners will put you on the right path just as you desire and help you travel frequently and more efficiently.

Decide When to Travel

Timing is one of the critical travel factors to consider. One of the best travel tips for beginners is to travel during the off-season as compared to travelling during peak season.

Being flexible with your travel dates saves you a good chunk of money on both accommodation and transportation. Additionally, you get to enjoy popular tourist attractions when it’s less crowded and shorter wait periods.

Pick a Destination

Step 1 when planning a trip: pick your destination

One of the most exciting parts of planning a trip is researching and choosing a travel destination. The whole world is your oyster at this point, and you can go anywhere and do anything.

However, it’s essential to have an excellent strategy to narrow down your options.  You may opt to pick a destination from your bucket list that you had created, the most economical to fly to, or one that you got inspired to travel to through travel magazines or travel bloggers. Go ahead and get detailed and specific with your plans.

Every little detail would count, such as luggage storage places in Seattle , or bike rentals in London. The idea is to be as explicitly detailed about your destination as possible.

Research Flights and Dates

Research a few dates to find the best time to travel

Hotel or activity prices are not as volatile as airline prices and availability are. In that, there’s still a good chance you can find another place to stay that will still fall within your budget and meet your needs if the hotel room you had booked is no longer available. 

On the other hand, consider if you had booked a hotel, but the flight you were looking at is no longer available or has doubled in price? Therefore, you must take your time researching flight routes and dates. Book your flight early enough to get your desired flight and also for the best deals.

One of our best travel tips for beginners is to use apps such as Skyscanner , Momondo, and Google Flights to help you find cheap air tickets. 

Remember to find a good parking spot for your car. You can also try to save more on the parking spots you pick. For example, you can save more if you park your car near the airport you intend to use.

For example, you can book parking at the Embassy Suites RDU Airport if you use the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. You can then use a free shuttle service to and from the airport. It will save you a lot. Remember to pick a spot that can guarantee you security for your car for the time you will be away. 

Decide on the Duration of Your Stay

The length of your trip will highly depend on your monetary budget since the longer your trip, the more you spend. On top of that, vacation time is another factor to consider. How much time do you have at your disposal?  How much of it do you want to commit to this trip?

Also, think about the time needed to explore and enjoy your destination and the travel time to the destination. One of the hardest parts about planning your first trip is figuring out the balance between taking your time, and trying to see it all.

One of our travel tips for beginners is to spend at least 2 days in each city in order to really immerse yourself. For large destinations like Paris or Rome, you should plan to spend even more time.  

Set Your Budget

Setting a travel budget is an important part of planning your trip

Go the extra mile and research your total costs with your preferred travel style. Would you rather stay in hotels , or do you want to backpack to the destination ? What’s the cost of restaurants, hotels , and attraction sites ?

These questions will guide you in coming up with a rough estimate of your total costs. If working with a limited budget, look for destinations that fit into your range and rule out unaffordable destinations. If you are flexible, figure out how much you are comfortable spending and squeeze your expenses into that budget.

It’s always important to have almost as much of your trip planned out in advance as possible to avoid getting into sticky situations on your travel. We hope the simple travel tips for beginners will help you organize better and prepare for your trip.

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19 Essential Travel Tips for Beginners + 12 Frequently Asked Questions

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• 19 Essential Travel Tips for…

Travel tips to help you enjoy a safe, cheap, and memorable travel.

Travel can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be stressful and intimidating. If you’re planning a trip and feel overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. Whether a first-time traveler or an experienced globetrotter, there are always new things to learn.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 19  essential travel tips for beginners . These tips cover everything from choosing the right destination, packing your bags, and staying safe on the road. Following these simple travel tips can make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.

Table of Contents

A List of Travel Tips for Beginners

• Do your research
• Make copies of important documents
• Pack the right clothes and gear
• Pack light and smart
• Understand the climate
• Take advantage of technology
• Safeguard your hotel room
• Keep your friends and family updated
• Don’t draw attention
• Be wary of public wi-fi
• Beware of your surroundings at all times
• Have enough money
• Overbudgeting is wise
• Be realistic
• Be cautious
• Get to know the locals
• Examine your travel options

Also Read: How to Adjust to a New Time Zone and Avoid Jet Lag

Travel Tips for an Amazing Getaway

Essential Travel Tips for Beginners

Do Your Research

The best thing you can do before you travel is to research your destination. Read travel blogs, guidebooks, and articles to learn about the best things to see and do. Look for travel deals and discounts, and take advantage of them. Familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs to avoid any potential misunderstandings. And most importantly, research the safety concerns and crime statistics for your destination.

As much as it can be tempting to go all-out on your first trip, it’s important to start easy. Choose a destination that is relatively close to home and familiar to you. This will help reduce the amount of stress you’re likely to experience. Ask friends or family for recommendations if you’re unsure where to go.

Traveling Alone? Read 6 Tips for an Amazing Solo Travel

Make Copies Of Important Documents

Before you travel, ensure you have copies of all essential documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, and insurance cards. Take advantage of cloud backup and store your documents in the cloud; this way, you can access them from anywhere if you lose any of your documents while on the road; copies will make replacing them much more manageable.

Right Clothes and Gear

You must dress for the trip and not the destination when traveling. This means bringing the right clothes and gear for the climate and activities you participate in. The type of gear you need for your trip will depend on the activities you plan on doing. For example, going hiking requires different equipment than going to the beach. Be sure to pack accordingly and only bring items you know you need.

Pack Light and Smart

Packing light has become an  essential travel tip  for beginners. This will save you time, money, and energy. Remember that you can always buy the things you need when you arrive at your destination. Only pack the essential items. And be sure to pack them in a way that maximizes space and minimizes weight.

Understand the Climate

Traveling to a place with a different climate can be hard. You don’t want to get sick or ruin your vacation because of the weather. So, understand what kind of weather you will face at your destination. Make sure you know how long it takes for the sun to rise and set, how cold it is at night, what time of year it is best to travel there, and how safe it is for your trip. This will help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your travels.

Take Advantage of Technology

Several apps can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. For example, some apps can help you find the best restaurants, attractions, and activities in your destination. Other apps can help you navigate public transportation systems and map walking routes. And there are even apps that can serve as your tour guide and help you with  the time zone . Be sure to download a few helpful apps before your trip.

Safeguard Your Hotel Room

Your hotel room is your home away from home, and you should take steps to safeguard it. When you leave your room, double-check that the door is locked. If there is a safe in your room, use it to store valuables such as your passport, jewelry, and cash. You should also ask the hotel management about their policy on security.

Keep Your Friends And Family Updated

Try to keep your friends and family updated on your whereabouts while traveling. Let them know your travel itinerary, and provide them with a way to reach you in an emergency. If possible, check in with them regularly. This will help put their minds at ease and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip. It will also be easier for them to know where to start in case something unfortunate happens to you during the trip.

Don’t Draw Attention

It would be best if you kept a low profile while traveling. Do not wear flashy jewelry or clothing, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Consider renting a safe deposit box at your hotel or hostel if you have any valuables. This will keep you safe from thieves and help prevent you from being an easy target for pickpockets.

Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

In today’s world, it is essential to be aware of your virtual surroundings. When using public Wi-Fi, be cautious about the information you share. Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be dangerous since you are giving hackers an easy way to position themselves between you and the connection point. They will easily steal your personal information. 

Avoid using public Wi-Fi to conduct sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure you are using a secure connection.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is an  important safety tip . This means being aware of both your physical and your virtual surroundings. When you are out and about, pay attention to the people around you and the things happening around you. When traveling alone, it is imperative to be aware of potential dangers. In your hotel room, lock the door and keep your valuables safe.

Have Enough Money

Trying to locate where you will exchange your currency for the local one can be hectic when you are abroad. Make sure to have enough of the local currency on you to cover any situation, such as food, taxis, or even souvenirs. In some places, it is not uncommon for there to be a shortage of ATMs or banks.

Also Read: Absolute Safari Trip Essentials

Overbudgeting is Wise

Do not be surprised if you find that things cost more than what you are used to at home. When budgeting for your trip, be sure to overbudget for activities and food. This will help you to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected costs and price hikes.

Be Realistic

You must set realistic goals for your trip. When visiting a new country, it is vital to research the culture and customs before you go. This will help you to avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas. It is also important to remember that not everything will go according to your itinerary. Be prepared for setbacks and be flexible in your plans.

Be Cautious

It might be tempting to be a dare-devil when you are on vacation, but it is essential to be cautious. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try new things, but you should always be aware of the risks involved. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Guard Your Phone

The phone has become a vital travel companion for many people. But it is important to remember that your phone can also be a target for thieves. Keep your phone close to you and out of sight when you are out and about. And be sure to guard it well when you are not using it. Activate security protection features, such as a password or fingerprint lock, to help deter thieves.

Get to Know the Locals

It can be beneficial to get to know the locals in your destination. They can help you with directions, advice on what to see and do, and even help you find the best places to eat. So, take some time to talk with the people you meet on your travels. You might make a few friends along the way.

Examine Your Travel Options

In the current world, there are many different ways to get to a place. You can take a flight, a train, a bus, or drive yourself. Each option has its own set of pros and cons. So, be sure to examine all your travel options before deciding the best way to get to your destination.

Bonus – Relax

It might seem like a lot to worry about when traveling, but it is essential to remember to relax and enjoy yourself. This is your vacation, after all. So, take some time to explore your destination, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore More With Travel Moran

Now that you know some essential travel tips, all that’s left to do is start planning your trip. Check out  Travel Moran  for more posts on travel; we will help you get out there and explore the world! So, what are you waiting for?

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Tips

How can a beginner travel.

Start by doing your research and planning your trip. Then, pack light and smart, be cautious but open to new experiences, and get to know the locals. And don’t forget to relax and have fun!

What are some good travel apps?

Several great travel apps can help you with everything from finding the best restaurants to navigating public transportation. A few of our favorites include  Google Maps ,  Citymapper , and  TripAdvisor .

How can I travel smart?

Some helpful tips for traveling smart include packing light, being cautious but open to new experiences, getting to know the locals, and examining all your travel options. You should also make sure to relax and have fun!

Can you travel with no money?

Yes, it is possible to travel with little or no money. There are several ways to do this, such as Couchsurfing, hitchhiking, and volunteering. You can also try to find free accommodation and transportation options. However, it is important to remember that traveling with no money can be challenging and risky. So, be sure to do your research and plan before embarking on such a journey.

What are some good travel tips for families?

Some helpful tips for traveling with families include packing light, being aware of your surroundings, getting to know the locals, and finding kid-friendly activities. You should also make sure to have a backup plan in case of emergencies.

What to avoid while traveling?

There are a few things to avoid while traveling, such as carrying all your valuables with you, walking alone at night, and accepting drinks from strangers. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unguarded in public places.

Travel tips  during COVID -19

Some helpful tips for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic include packing your food and water, staying in well-ventilated areas, avoiding crowded places, and washing your hands often. You should also make sure to wear a face mask and keep a safe distance from others when traveling.

What’s the cheapest way to travel?

The cheapest way to travel will vary depending on your destination and the type of transportation you choose. However, some general tips for finding the best deals on travel include planning, booking in advance, and comparing prices. You can also try to find discounts or special offers.

What’s the best way to avoid jet lag?

Some helpful tips for avoiding jet lag include adjusting to the new time zone before your trip, staying hydrated during your flight, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. You should also try to get some sleep on the plane and avoid working or using electronic devices during your flight.

What are some good travel tips for seniors?

Some helpful tips for traveling as a senior include getting travel insurance, carrying your medications with you, and staying in safe areas. You should also make sure to pack light and comfortable clothes and to bring a friend or family member along if possible.

What are some tips for traveling solo?

Some helpful tips for traveling solo include being aware of your surroundings, staying in safe areas, and carrying all your valuables with you. You should also make sure to book your accommodation and transportation in advance and to have a backup plan in case of emergencies. Additionally, it is important to enjoy your time while traveling solo and not overthink things.

How can I save money while traveling?

There are several ways to save money while traveling, such as booking your accommodation and transportation in advance, finding discounts and special offers, and packing light. You can also try to find free activities to do at your destination. Additionally, it is important to stick to a budget and not overspend while on your trip.

Author:  Travel Moran

Olivia Kibaba is the founder of Travel Moran, a platform dedicated to sharing information about travel destinations in Africa. With a passion for travel and exploration, Olivia created Travel Moran to showcase the beauty and diversity of the African continent. Through her platform, Olivia aims to inspire others to discover the unique cultures, landscapes, and experiences that Africa has to offer.

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Simple Flying

Airline travel 101: a beginner's guide to flying.

Flying for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

Airline travel has become an essential part of modern life, connecting people across the globe and making the world more accessible than ever before. If you're new to flying or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this beginner's guide to airline travel will provide you with everything you need to navigate the skies with confidence.

First things first

The first step in airline travel is booking your flight . Start by choosing your destination and preferred travel dates. Visit airline websites or online travel agencies to compare prices and flight options. Consider factors such as layovers, airline reputation, and baggage allowances when making your decision. Once you've selected your flight, follow the booking process, provide passenger information, and complete the payment to secure your ticket.

Next, consider what and how you’ll be packing for the trip. Check the airline's baggage policy to determine the allowed size, weight, and number of bags. Make a checklist of essential items, including travel documents (passport, ID, and visa), tickets, electronic devices, chargers, medications, and necessary clothing.

Remember to pack liquids in accordance with aviation security rules. Oftentimes, you’ll need to follow the 100ml rule and place liquids, aerosols, and gels in a clear, resealable bag.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

All packed? You’re ready to go!

Before your flight, it's essential to check-in. Most airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to select seats, print boarding passes, and avoid long queues at the airport. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.

If you prefer doing this in person, head to the check-in counter at the airport. Note that some low-cost airlines might charge you for an in-person check-in, so definitely log in before your flight to confirm. Whether you check in online or at the airport, if you have luggage to check , arrive at the airport (wear comfortable clothes for the flight!) with sufficient time to complete the check-in process and drop off your bags.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

Airport security procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Familiarize yourself with the regulations to make the security screening process smoother. Prepare by removing any metal objects, electronics, and liquids from your carry-on bag for separate screening. Nearly all airports need you to pass through a metal detector and/or a full body scan to check for any dangerous substances. Ensure you don't have anything in your pockets and remove any heavy layers to avoid further scrutiny.

Some airports may require you to remove your shoes too. Simply follow the instructions of security personnel, place your belongings in the provided bins, proceed through the metal detectors or body scanners, and you’re good to go.

Once through security, keep an eye on the information screens for your flight's gate number and boarding time. Airlines usually begin boarding with specific zones or groups, so pay attention to the announcements and follow the instructions. Have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection, and proceed to the aircraft when your zone is called.

Taking to the skies

Once onboard, find your assigned seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and listen to the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants.

During the flight, don’t forget to make use of the provided amenities, such as the in-flight entertainment system (or bring along a flight-friendly game ), reading materials, or refreshments. Follow any specific guidelines given by the cabin crew – and remember to look out the window to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world!

When the aircraft has touched down, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Then, gather your personal belongings and proceed through the arrival procedures at the airport.

Lastly, locate your assigned carousel, and wait for your luggage to arrive (handy tip: use luggage tags so you can easily identify your bags). If any items are missing or damaged, be sure to inform staff at the baggage service counter before leaving the airport.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

Now you're all equipped with the knowledge needed for a successful and memorable journey. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the experience, and most importantly, have fun!

20 Best Countries to Travel Alone for the First Time

06/26/2023 by Kristin Addis 23 Comments

Hey, I know that going on your first solo trip can be nerve-wracking, from deciding to go, to planning it, to actually going.

I was surprised to find — and I think this is a common experience — that the hardest part was making the decision to go. Once I was on the road, everything fell into place. I found my stride, and I enjoyed it so much that I laughed at how scared I’d been of the whole idea.

Traveling alone is a gift. You will be presented with daily opportunities to learn and grow, and you will become closer to yourself as a result.

Since it can be overwhelming to decide where to go first, I’ve compiled a list of 20 destinations that I loved over nine years of firsthand solo traveling experience, and I know you will love them too:

Table of Contents

1.  Thailand

It should not come as a surprise that the Land of Smiles is first on the list — it’s the perfect spot to “test the water.” Thailand is friendly, affordable, easy to travel through, and full of other travelers and delicious food. There are multiple daily flights from all over the world arriving in Bangkok, the country’s capital, sending new and seasoned backpackers, budget and luxury travelers, fresh grads and retirees, solo travelers (like you!) and tour groups on an epic journey around the country.

I recommend beginning in Bangkok and learning how to  fall in love with the city , or starting off in Chiang Mai up north — there are so many things to do there, like  cooking courses and temples , and  playing with elephants ethically .

Next, head south and go scuba diving around one of the  many gorgeous islands , some of which are well known and some of which are  lesser known , or even participate in a  10-day silent meditation retreat .

If you end up loving your experience in Thailand, it is so easy to extend your journey and explore nearby countries by plane, train, or bus.

A Complete Guide to Thailand

2.  Malaysia

Malaysia is often overlooked as a travel destination in favor of its neighbors — and to me, that’s mind-boggling! As a multicultural country, the locals generally speak at least two languages, and English is usually one of them. I personally never had a problem with communication when traveling there. In fact, having a common language helped me have more local interaction in Malaysia, including  participating in local events  and  being invited to local family celebrations .

Like in Thailand, you can have all kinds of travel experiences in Malaysia, from cities and small towns to beaches and mountains. I also think, when it comes to islands, diving, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, it’s hard to beat Malaysia, both the peninsular part and Borneo.

So if you are hoping for an interesting cultural experience minus the language barrier on your first solo trip abroad, Malaysia could be the ideal choice.

A Complete Guide to Malaysia

Japan is one of the cleanest, safest, most polite, and most organized countries I’ve ever visited. It was also one of the most unique in terms of culture,  food , and the delightful mastery of technology in everything from  art museums  to bathrooms. Plus, cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are some of the most interesting in the world and are great to visit any time of year, even in the dead of winter .

I should warn you that language  will  be a problem at some point. I got pretty confused at the train stations, as some signs are only in Japanese. And since English isn’t commonly spoken, it was challenging at times to communicate with some hotel staff and restaurant waiters. However, you can always rely on apps to navigate and use the classic “point and nod” method to order your food. All that said, people are so kind and friendly, the language barrier wasn’t as stressful as it can be elsewhere.

If you are traveling solo for the first time, the idea of sleeping in a hostel room can be daunting. In Japan, you can opt for a capsule hotel, which is very similar to a hostel, except that your bed space is much more confined, and your personal space is respected. Eating alone is not only acceptable but a norm in Japan, so it’s an awesome place to do that, especially if that’s usually intimidating to you.

A Solo Female Travel Guide to Japan

A Complete Guide to Japan

4.  Iceland

Iceland is gorgeous, and an outdoorsy person’s dream. Plus, it’s been ranked as  the safest country in the world  several years running. This means that you ( and your parents ) can put your worries aside. Another thing you wouldn’t have to worry about is getting lost. Most travelers in Iceland drive  the Golden Circle  or  Ring Road , and while I think that’s just right for  a road trip with a buddy , it’s amazing solo too. If you don’t feel like driving, the public transportation system is great as well.

Additionally, Iceland is delightfully small and intimate. With such a small population, it feels more like a big neighborhood where everybody knows everybody and there’s so much trust that people don’t even lock their cars when they grocery-shop. Almost everyone speaks English quite well, too, so there’s no language barrier either.

The only drawback is that  Iceland is pretty expensive . You can cut your costs by staying in hostels and buying your own groceries. But I’d say that Iceland is absolutely worth it if you can afford it!

A Complete Guide to Iceland

5.  Germany

Germany is my favorite country in Europe. I liked it so much that  I moved to Berlin for five years . I think that Berlin in particular is perfect for first-time solo female travelers: there are  so many things  one can do alone, such as visiting galleries, joining an alternative street art tour, and shopping at flea markets. When you’ve had enough of the artistic scene there, you can hop on a train to  Spreewald  or  Stuttgart , or visit the castles in the rest of  Baden-Wüttemberg  and enjoy the beautiful nature Germany has to offer.

The country is safe, navigation is a breeze, English is widely spoken, the locals are generally helpful — Germany just checks all of the boxes for first-time solo travelers! I also really appreciate its cultural diversity, and for some reason, I feel like I can be 100% my true self there without being judged — and perhaps that’s exactly what you are looking for for your trip.

A Complete Guide to Germany

6.  New Zealand

If you are under the age of 30 and planning a working holiday, New Zealand may end up being the destination of your first solo trip abroad! Many people use this opportunity to explore the country on their days off or after finishing up work contracts, and as New Zealand is such an awesome country for a road trip, I highly recommend gathering 3-4 people and renting a camper van for a drive around both islands.

Even if you are not considering the working-holiday opportunity, New Zealand is still awesome for first-time solo travelers, especially if you are comfortable driving long distances. You could take buses and trains, which are generally convenient and inexpensive, but to  get to off-beat places , a car is much more ideal. It’s also the best way to  find all these amazing views . Navigation is fairly easy, and the locals are incredibly friendly and helpful. Find more info on  road tripping New Zealand here.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to stay in a social hostel for your first couple of days and look for a road-trip buddy — just because you set off on this trip alone, it doesn’t mean that you need to be by yourself the entire time!

A Complete Guide to New Zealand

7.  California

To my non-American readers, if you are looking at the States for your first solo trip abroad, allow me to present to you the home I grew up in — California! While each state has something to offer, and  many places in the US  are perfect for solo travelers, I truly believe that California is the ideal destination for first-time solo travelers.

Some of the best spots in California are San Francisco,  Humboldt County , Orange County, and everything along the  Pacific Coast Highway . I suggest beginning in San Francisco, as it’s a tourist favorite, with ample public transport, high walkability, and a vibrant cultural scene. There’s truly nowhere else like the Bay Area.

If you want to head off the beaten path,  Humboldt and the Lost Coast  are beautiful and laid-back. There are also a bunch of road trip routes to choose from. My favorites are the  Southwest  (California and beyond) as well as  Highway 395 . Finally, if you want to see the last free place in America, head down to  Slab City . You can also enjoy dozens of amazing state and national parks, like Anza Borrego and Death Valley . There are just endless ways to  enjoy California as a solo traveler !

A Local’s Guide to California

8.  Hawai’i

Hawai’i isn’t typically what comes to mind when most people think of a solo trip. But I was so pleasantly surprised there that I genuinely think it’s perfect for first-time solo travelers!

Thanks to its rich culture and tropical climate, Hawai’i feels more like a country of its own, with so many things to do that are totally solo friendly. You could do a road trip along the  Road to Hana , explore  Lanai , or join the  Maui Surfer Girls  camp, designed specifically for solo female travelers who are looking for a supportive group of women to take up a new sport with. It’s an experience that is both empowering and fun!

The Big Island  is especially suited for  solo female travelers in Hawaii  because of the amount of  spiritual experiences  there are, plus the rugged adventure you’ll find.

A Complete Guide to Hawaii

9.  Peru

If your heart is set on South America for your first solo trip, I recommend Peru. This incredibly diverse country will expose you to a variety of experiences, cultures, and especially climates. Iconic spots, such as  Rainbow Mountain ,  Huacachina , the  Peruvian Amazon , and  the Inca Trail  (and  many other hiking trails ), are absolutely gorgeous. I mean, they are all bucket-list worthy!

As most people visiting Peru end up at these sites, you will hardly be alone, so most tours are more than happy to welcome single supplements. Peru also has a vibrant backpacker scene, so it’s really easy to meet others at hostels and on tours.

Note: My biggest piece of advice for you is that you learn a little Spanish. Don’t expect locals to know English.

Also, Peru’s safety reputation isn’t as great as the other countries on this list, but really, all you need to do is to exercise the same precautions as you do back home. Here are  safety tips from 31 solo female travelers  to get you started.

A Complete Guide to Peru

10.  Botswana

Want your first solo trip memories to be filled with wild elephants? Botswana’s the answer, as it has more than anywhere else in Africa. In fact, it’s my favorite country for  wildlife viewing  out of all of the African nations I’ve traveled to so far. It is slightly more expensive than other countries in Africa, but it’s also one of the safest, and has decent roads and a great safari lodge system as well. It is also quite the perfect place to try out glamping, especially since the cost of private accommodations may not differ much from that of basic dorms.

A Guide to Botswana

11.  Switzerland

The mountains make Switzerland ideal for solo female travelers (and the country is considered safe, too). Outdoorsy girls will love staying in little huts in the Alps owned by local families. While many places in Switzerland are pricey, hiking is free. If you don’t want to  hike in Switzerland  alone, there are hostels where you can join a day trip. You absolutely must go for a hike on the Edelweiss Trail, which gives you an amazing view of the Matterhorn.

A Guide to Switzerland

12.  Namibia

Namibia has a special warmth — both temperature-wise and people-wise. In the summertime, it’s in the 80s or 90s, and there’s so much to do. The place is an adventure junkie’s dream!

Go  sandboarding  if you visit Namibia. It’s like snowboarding, but you go down a sand dune. I’d only gone snowboarding once in my life and told the guy how terrified I was — but I was fine. The sand is really soft, and it doesn’t hurt to fall.

The country is surprisingly a wonderful place for a road trip — you can read all about mine  here . You’ll see plenty of wildlife in Namibia, along with some amazing  astrophotography  opportunities.

A Guide to Namibia

13.  Canada

Canada is world-renowned for having some of the friendliest people, so this comes at no surprise. Finding where to travel alone for the first time often boils down to where travelers will find the perfect balance of adventure and safety, and Canada is right at that intersection. I love Montreal for a winter weekend escape or Quebec for a fall road trip . If you want to experience the Canadian wilderness, head to Banff, where I found some of the most breathtaking hikes.

Since Canada as a whole is such a stellar pick for solo travelers, it might be tough to choose where to go. I put together this list of the absolute must-visit spots to help narrow down your search.

A Guide to Canada

14.  Singapore

You’ve never been to anywhere cleaner than Singapore, I guarantee it! There are so many rules — no littering, spitting, or chewing gum — and they enforce them. It does, however, make it nice to walk around. Also, English is one of the main languages there, so you can communicate just fine, making this a great pick for solo female travelers.

You absolutely must see Supertree Grove. It has giant trees that light up at night, synched to music. Plus, it’s open all the time. I had no reservations about going there at 4 a.m. — Singapore is that safe.

Singapore gets a reputation for being ungodly expensive, but some careful planning focused on  free activities in Singapore  will help you save money here. You can also find more info on  traveling in Singapore like a local here.

A Guide to Singapore

15.  Ireland

Some people may be surprised that  Northern Ireland  would be a good choice for solo female travelers , but it’s super safe now — the problems are in the past. Hospitality is one of Ireland’s strong suits. Irish people are so friendly and welcoming. You walk into a pub, and you’ve made a roomful of friends.

Belfast is a lot more manageable than Dublin for solo female travelers. It’s just calmer and less overwhelming. When you’re by yourself, you don’t need all the constant stimulation, and in Belfast, you’ll feel more at ease. Don’t miss the Titanic Museum there. I don’t have much interest in the  Titanic , but the museum was so well done and interesting and interactive!

If you can make it to western Ireland to see some natural beauty, definitely work that into your itinerary as well.

A Guide to Ireland

The beautiful architecture is the star of the show in Spain , especially in Granada. You don’t need to be with anyone else to enjoy its cool mix of Eastern and Christian influences. You especially can’t miss the Alhambra, a famous fortress originally constructed all the way back in 1889.

Also, Granada is safer than Madrid and Barcelona, where you have to be constantly watching your back for pickpocketers.

Other smaller cities are definitely worth checking out, like seaside Málaga, because they’re the perfect size for solo female travelers. You’ll be able to see more of those places without the greater safety risks of bigger cities.

17.  Mexico

Some travelers are too quick to write off Mexico as unsuitable for female travelers, but I disagree. Mexico is an incredible place to travel solo for the first time because it’s bursting with cultural richness, amazing food, and an astounding variety of landscapes. Mexican people are generally very warm and hospitable, making it a great place to meet locals and get to know the culture.

In Mexico, you’ll find  pristine beaches , beautiful mountain landscapes, crystal clear cenotes (swimming holes), and fantastic cities like  Oaxaca ,  San Miguel de Allende ,  San Cristobal de las Casas , and many more to explore.

If you’re concerned about  staying safe as a solo female traveler in Mexico , I get it. With alarming stories on the news about violence in Mexico, it can be daunting to think about going there alone. However, most of these stories come out of specific regions of the country that are far off the tourist track. This isn’t to say that popular areas don’t have risks, but there are plenty of ways to stay safe in Mexico as a solo female traveler.

A Complete Guide to Mexico

18.  Costa Rica

There are few places on earth with as much biodiversity and an overall abundance of outdoorsy things to do as Costa Rica. It’s also one of the best places in Latin America to  travel through as a solo female traveler  because of how easy it is to meet other travelers and how safe it is .

From the thick  green jungles  of Costa Rica’s interior to the golden beaches on both coasts , this is one of the places I will go back to over and over again. Imagine going from a  remote beach with rock arches  one day to hiking to a gushing waterfall in the jungle the next. Plus, the national parks here are next-level. My favorites are  Manuel Antonio National Park  and  Tortuguero National Park . Costa Rica is paradise on earth, and as a solo female traveler, it’s absolutely ideal.

-READ NEXT-

A Complete guide to Costa Rica

19.  Finland

Finland is a fantastic destination for first-time solo travelers not only because of its beautiful scenery but also because it’s one of the safest places on Earth to travel alone in. Crime rates in Finland are astonishingly low, the people are super friendly, and you don’t have to know any Finnish because most people speak great English.

From idyllic cities like Helsinki to small coastal villages and wintry Nordic scenes, Finland is perfect for travelers who love the outdoors and don’t mind chilly temps.  Finnish Lapland  is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the wintertime, too, because of the unique celebrations of the region and the possibility of catching the northern lights.

20. Portugal

Gorgeous cobblestone streets, astounding seaside views , and warm hospitality all keep solo travelers coming back to Portugal over and over again. As one of Europe’s most affordable countries to visit, it’s become an excellent place for budget-conscious travelers as well. Pair that with amazing food, delicious wine, and stunning landscapes, and you’ve got yourself a world-class travel destination fit for adventurous women.

Like most of Europe, pickpockets are common in big cities like Lisbon and Porto, but overall, crime is still quite low here. Plus, Portuguese people tend to be friendly and willing to help visitors, so even if you’re alone, you don’t have to feel alone.

First Name:

So these are the 20 destinations that I have personally traveled to and think are perfect for first-time solo travelers. Which one will you choose?

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Jerry James says

12/03/2018 at 3:50 am

Wow… awesome list there. From Asia to Europe, Europe to America and Africa, hard to pick destinations as there are many other places just like this, nevertheless you have crafted marvelous content, loved it. Hope to visit all those places. Firstly, I wanna got to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal from Ammonite Adventures and then I will try to go through this list. Thanks !!!

Anil Kumar says

08/28/2019 at 2:38 am

I am a beginner solo traveler.I am going to start my first trip to Bhutan on this 1 st September.and want to see the world.need good suggestions and recommendations. I am 50 year old.

Vijay Patel says

03/28/2019 at 3:47 am

Wow! Amazing list about the destinations across the globe. One of my favorite place to visit is Thailand and my dream destination is California. These 2 are one of my favorite places. So, thank you for sharing just great and very helpful list of some of these travel destinations.

JoAnne says

04/11/2019 at 5:46 am

We’re you actually traveling solo? I was just wondering who took the pics.

This is great information.

Kristin says

04/11/2019 at 9:34 am

I took them, ye of little faith: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-best-travel-selfies/

Whitney says

05/24/2019 at 9:09 am

Im new to global travel and I realize that my friends are not about this life?. I want to see the world and I am so down to do it as a solo traveler. Thanks for the post it has givien me lots of insight?

05/25/2019 at 11:28 am

Yay get it!

Mylene says

06/25/2019 at 10:02 pm

Sooner or later, I’ll start my fist solo travel! I hope so hahahaha

Frances says

07/15/2019 at 10:37 am

I have Christmas Holiday OFF (all 2 weeks)… any recommended places specifics to traveling alone for the Holidays? Thanks1

09/26/2019 at 7:15 am

Taiwan should be on this list!

09/26/2019 at 8:30 am

Agreed. I haven’t been back in over 10 years but it’s such a lovely place with friendly people.

Simon Payne says

12/30/2019 at 12:31 pm

Wow! Great stuff, thanks Kristen. I backpacked in 1992 as a young 20 year old and did many of the places you mention. I’ve just had my 50th and I am going to do it all over again. No distractions, just nature and me. Where are you now then? Simon.

12/30/2019 at 12:39 pm

Wow that’s amazing! I’m still traveling! Not done yet.

D. Styne says

03/07/2020 at 3:11 am

I am making some life memories fantasy about heading out to the entire world and investigating each culture that presents on the planet. In the wake of perusing your accommodating article, I think my 50 to 70% dream is finished and I now just set up the bank balance for it. This is an extremely helpful article for travelers and tourists who want to travel to the best places all around the world. In any case, it’s extremely supportive and you’re the best for imparting it to us. Keep this work ongoing.

Tina K. says

07/07/2020 at 7:16 pm

What a lovely and inspiring writer you are, not to mention an intrepid solo traveller. I found the content organized, informative and uplifting.

Thank-you. I am ready for my next journey

07/08/2020 at 11:07 am

Thanks Tina!

suzanjack says

09/24/2020 at 4:04 am

It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends thankyou for sharing with us , I am planning to visit Iceland with my friends but unfortunately, just because of COVID we cancel the plan. But definitely, we will visit there. Once again thank you for sharing beautiful places.

grasya.com says

02/23/2021 at 9:51 pm

I started traveling alone at a very young age. I agree Thailand and Malaysia are great countries to start with. I cant wait to explore more of this earth as a solo female traveler

Camilla Centerwall says

03/22/2022 at 1:17 am

I love the list of travel destinations! I also think that the Nordic countries of Sweden,Norway, Denmark and Finland could/should be on it! 🤗 So please come and visit! You are most welcome!

Fatima Ahmed says

03/28/2022 at 2:41 am

Hi Kristin,

Great blog! Kudos to your solo travels all around the world, very inspiring too.

I would like to suggest a few more to the list. I would add Albania, Czechia, Canary Islands, Austria and Poland where one can easily travel solo, saying from personal experience 😉

Good luck on future travels.

Kind regards

03/30/2022 at 9:20 am

Thanks for the additions!

04/18/2022 at 2:59 am

South Korea is also a great country for first time travellers. Safe, convenient and there are more English signs compared to Japan. It’s also a small country, so you can cover most key places just within 2-3 weeks. I would also like to add Hong Kong (& Macau), Taiwan, Vietnam, the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands and New York.

04/18/2022 at 2:42 pm

Great suggestions!

Plan, Ready, Go®

How to Plan a Trip for Beginners (5 Easy Steps)

Planning a trip can seem overwhelming to beginners, but I promise you that it’s simple. You only need to do a few things to plan a trip…and a great trip at that!

Keeping things simple will help you keep the nerves at bay and make your overall experience more smooth.

There’s no need to overthink your travel plans. You don’t need to follow an 11- or 18-step plan to learn how to plan a trip.

So if you want to easily plan a trip without any drama, just keep reading!

To get started planning your trip, grab your FREE printable travel planner here.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

#1. Choose your trip destination

First, you need to decide on where you want to go…which can sometimes be a difficult task since there are thousands of travel destinations all over the world.

Keep in mind that certain destinations will require a little (or a lot!) more research or pre-travel prep than other destinations (such as visa or vaccination requirements). They make for more complicated travel planning.

If you’re planning your first trip, I highly recommend that you keep your first destination simple. You can always make more complicated plans for your next trip.

Consider trying:

• A domestic trip
• A destination just a few hours’ drive from your home
• A simple weekend getaway

When choosing a destination , cost is often going to be a major factor. You can choose your destination and then set your travel budget or choose your destination based on a travel budget you’ve already set.

Either option is a viable choice.

We tend to start planning trips up to two years out and we’ll set our budget based on where we want to go and how much time we have to save up the money we think we’ll need.

This leads me to one of my favorite travel tips (which also doubles as a personal finance tip: do not go into debt to travel. Only spend the money that you have.

For more help with budget travel, see my article outlining all my best practical tips for affording more travel .

For more help with building your travel budget, check out this post on creating a travel budget that works for you . It includes basic guidance for how much of your travel budget to allot for certain expenses such as transportation, accommodations, food, activities, etc.

Or sometimes we find we have some extra time and money and we’ll choose our trip destination and trip length based on the money we have available.

For help with choosing your travel destination, you can:

• Brainstorm a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit. Inviting your travel companion(s) to give their input is a great way to get them involved in the planning process.
• Check out Pinterest for inspiration
• Read your favorite travel blogs (hint hint)
• Ask friends and family about their favorite trips
• Do Google searches for ideas such as “Affordable beach vacations in the U.S.” or “best family vacation destinations in Europe.”
• Consult with travel guidebooks

Once you’ve chosen your destination for your perfect trip, you’re ready to get on with planning your trip.

#2. Decide how you want to get there

Once you’ve chosen your travel destination, you’ll need to make arrangements for getting there.

Now, sometimes there will be only one obvious transportation option for your destination. But sometimes there are non-obvious options such as taking a cruise to Hawaii instead of flying or traveling by bus or train.

If you live in the “lower 48” in the U.S., more often than not you’ll be flying or driving to your destination. We generally prefer to stick closer to home and drive for short trips. For a long trip, we’re always willing to fly.

Google Flights

My go-to site when I start my trip planning is Google Flights .

Use the “Explore” tool to browse for great deals from your chosen departure airport. You’ll get the best results if your travel dates are flexible…though this can be said of any cheap flight tool. 

See my post on how to use Google Flights for more information.

Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights,  Going  is a flight deals subscription service that sends travel deals straight to your email inbox. And Premium members get weekend getaway deals in addition to amazing deals on international and domestic flights.

In my opinion, a  Going Premium subscription  is well worth the money and is the best way to get the best deals on flights especially if you have flexible travel dates and want to see a new place. I especially highly recommend Going for international travel (from the U.S.).

You can even try it for free for two weeks to decide if you think it’s worth the money.

For more about this service, see my full  review of Going .

Secret Flying

Another great resource for finding amazing deals on flights (including error fares) is Secret Flying . Secret Flying is totally free.

You sign up for alerts on their website , but they don’t offer alerts from any airport you want in the U.S. But they do offer alerts from airports outside the United States, unlike Going

Another tool in my trip-planning arsenal is the Hopper app . Hopper predicts prices to help you decide whether you should book now or wait for a better deal to come along. I like to use Hopper when my travel dates aren’t as flexible, but I have time to wait for prices to improve before I book.

For more details about all the options for pricing flights, see my full post on how to save money on flights .

I love driving to our travel destinations whenever we can. No airport security. No worrying about missing connections, etc.

I also love that I can be a lot less fussy about my packing. If it fits in the car, it can go.

Not to further complicate things, but you might also want to fly to your first destination and then road trip from there to see a few cities. This does make travel planning more complicated, but if you opt to do that you’ll want to look into renting a car.

A less complicated option is to choose one destination to serve as your “home base” and then day trip from that one location to see more of the area.

AutoSlash Find a great deal on rental cars with  AutoSlash . You can also use AutoSlash to track your rental, and they’ll notify you of price drops. 

Costco Travel If you have a Costco membership, you can also find great deals on rental cars through Costco Travel . I always check both.

I used to always get the best deal through AutoSlash, but lately, Costco has been offering me the best price.

Employee or association discounts Check with your employer or your alma mater’s alumni association to see if they offer any rental car discounts you can take advantage of.

For more help with your road trip, check out:

• Things to do on a long road trip to pass the time
• Great road trip questions to spark fun conversation
• Entertaining road trip trivia & questions

#3. Figure out where to stay

Now that you know where you’re going and how to get there, you can decide where you’re going to stay once you’re there.

Unless you want to travel on a shoestring, you can bypass the typical “gap year” options like hostels and couchsurfing.

Your main options then will be to stay in a hotel (or resort, inn, or bed & breakfast) or use a vacation rental through a platform like Vrbo or Airbnb.

The choice of staying at a hotel, inn, or resort will depend a lot on how you like to vacation and what you’re looking for as far as amenities.

Those who travel regularly might choose a major hotel brand to frequent so that they can earn points for their stays and loyalty status for access to more amenities and upgrades.

Vacation rental

Using a vacation rental can often (but not always) save you money.

Keep in mind when looking at options on Vrbo or Airbnb that the added fees can be significant, meaning that at some destinations or for shorter stays a hotel might cost you less money per night.

And there are plenty of affordable hotels that offer helpful amenities like free breakfast.

On the other hand, your vacation rental will typically come with a full kitchen, allowing you to bypass eating meals out at restaurants if you wish, which can also mean significant savings in your travel budget.

Vacation rentals are also a great option if you’re traveling with a large group that would require multiple hotel rooms. Dividing the cost of a larger vacation rental home with several bedrooms will very often save money over booking multiple hotel rooms.

There are websites (like booking.com ) that allow you to look for a wide variety of accommodation options at the same time: hotels, inns, B&Bs, condo rentals, homestays, etc); however, a downside with using a site such as booking.com is that choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to make a decision.

My recommendation for new or anxious travelers who are having difficulty choosing a place to stay is to:

• Use a map to choose an area or two in your destination where you would like to stay
• Set your budget
• Do a little research to find 3 or 4 accommodation options in a location you like and that are within your budget then stop searching there
• Compare the amenities of those options and book

#4. Choose what you want to do

Now that you’ve settled on where you’re staying at your destination, you need to make some decisions about what you want to do on your trip.

What do you enjoy doing when you travel?

• Popular tourist attractions
• Theme parks
• Guided behind-the-scenes tours
• Walking tours
• Arts performances
• Outdoor activities
• Historical sites
• Natural sites
• National parks
• Scenic drives

There are so many options!

Depending on your destination this may require a fair amount of research and pre-booking tickets or tours. Or it could be as simple as just brainstorming a few ideas for things to do if you get bored.

Here are a few tips for building out your itinerary:

• Be honest with yourself about what your “must-do” attractions and activities are. Prioritize the most important thing early in your itinerary then add in any lower priority items.
• Don’t overbook your itinerary. Make sure to give yourself some breathing room between activities to account for travel delays, rescheduling for bad weather, etc.
• For longer trips, give yourself half a day or a full day with no pre-booked activities so you can get some extra rest, go back to a spot you enjoyed, or accommodate any extra sites/activities you discover at your destination.

See my post on planning a travel itinerary to learn about the exact process I follow when I plan my trips.

#5. Build your packing list

With your itinerary built, it’s time to figure out what you want to take with you on your trip.

Your packing list will be a reflection of your destination, the season/weather during the time of year you’re traveling, and your planned activities among other things.

And don’t forget to pack your important documents such as your passport, etc.

Here’s more help to get you packed and out the door:

• Travel Light Packing List for a Week (in a Carry-on)
• The Best Carry-on Packing Tips for Traveling Light
• How to Pack Toiletries in a Carry-on Bag
• Weekend Packing List (For Any Kind of Getaway)

Other things to consider before you travel

While we just went through all the major steps you need to take to plan your trip, depending upon your destination and personal life situation there may be other things you may need to take care of before you leave town.

Visa, travel advisories

If you are traveling out of the country, you must understand what the entry or visa requirements (if any) are for your destination.

Don’t be like the honeymooning bride who didn’t know that her passport needed to be valid for three months beyond her planned date of departure from France at the end of her trip. It would have taken her literally two minutes to find that information and avoid the heartbreak of not being able to take her honeymoon. 

You’ll also want to be aware of any travel advisories or health requirements/recommendations. U.S. citizens traveling internationally should check the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information.

Travel insurance

When you travel, it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case something goes wrong.

We use World Nomads for peace of mind whenever we travel internationally.

Miscellaneous considerations

Other things you may need to think about as you plan your trip could include:

• Arranging care for pets
• Arranging for your mail to be picked up or held
• Making sure that you don’t miss any bill due dates while you travel

Final thoughts on planning a trip

Traveling for the first time or planning a trip yourself for the first time can seem scary, but it’s actually a pretty simple process.

Certainly, some kinds of trips are more complicated than others or destinations that require more advanced prep before you visit, but beginners and anxious travelers can still plan wonderful trips on their own.

Just remember that you only need a few things to have a great trip: a destination, a way to get there, some place to stay, and things to do.

More articles to help you plan a trip

• Essential travel planning resources
• The best travel guides (books and online resources)
• Find the best personal item bag for you
• Checklist of the last-minute things to do before you leave for your trip

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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Traveling 101: Travel Tips for Beginners

Humans are naturally-born explorers and discoverers. We tend to feel the urge to wander, ponder, and relish new experiences in a new, exotic summer destination. These unique experiences induce a thrilling rush of adrenaline in our bodies that fulfills all our desires and cravings.

But traversing into the unfamiliar and the unknown also brings a lot of questions and anxiety-producing dilemmas. Preparing for whatever comes during a trip will always give you the upper hand in any possible scenario, allowing you to have worry-free travel.

If you are a beginner in traveling or unsure about the dos and don’ts, then worry no more and follow along as we discuss tips to sharpen your travel knowledge.

Table of Contents

Research and Planning

As they say, “knowledge is power.” Information in this day and age is critical when traveling to a new destination. Before taking a trip, you should gather information about the destination. Knowing a place’s ticket prices, weather, culture, and people would help in planning your itinerary.The tickets and prices provide information regarding the amount of money and time you would spend traveling to and back from the destination. Moreover, knowing what their weather, culture, and people are like gives you an idea of the essential things to bring. Planning where to stay and how much you would spend during the trip would also guide you with an approximate amount of the money you need.Related Read: Amenities to Look while Traveling

Preparing Things to Bring

With the wisdom gained from researching and planning, we can now prepare the essential things to take on the trip. Bring clothes appropriate for the destination’s weather, culture, and people.Standing out in a new destination brings more unwanted attention to you, which can prevent you from thoroughly enjoying and taking in the trip. It also shows respect and sensitivity to their culture and norms. Carrying emergency kits, multipurpose gear, and repellents is advised, especially in countries that have potential healthcare or security risks. 

Some pets are now allowed to travel with their owners on selected airlines, ports, and countries. Researching and gaining information on whether a plane, ship, or destination would cater to and accommodate pets would help you decide what to do with your fur babies.You could either have someone else take care of them in your house, leave them in someone else’s house, or have them tag along on the trip. Whether their cats or dogs, we should consider their safety and comfort when deciding what to do with them when we plan to travel. Learn more tips for taking your dogs on vacation in this article .Related Read: Tips for Traveling Abroad with Pets

Safety Precautions

Safety while traveling should be the utmost priority during a trip. Knowing whether you’re secure or not can make or break your travels. Do not flex any flashy jewelry, device, clothes, or bag which could be a target for common pickpockets or, worse, criminals.Have a copy of all the essential documents you need during the trip. Be familiar with the area’s emergency hotlines just in case of an emergency. Have a doctor’s appointment for a health check-up before, during, and after the trip to ensure no serious illness disrupts your enjoyment and relaxation. Related Read: How to Stay Connected While Traveling

Taking a trip relieves all types of stress and pressures in your life, but it can only happen if you are prepared and secure throughout the trip. Knowledge and information are essential when traveling. It can guide you on what items to bring, what dilemmas you might face, and how much time and money you might spend. Being prepared can make you fully indulge and digest new experiences without worry.

Last Updated on October 22, 2023

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8 Helpful Things 50-Plus Travelers Never Knew They Need to Do Before Traveling

Research is key but don’t forget to have a conversation.

Judy Mandell,

If you are getting ready to travel, you probably have a pre-travel checklist that you follow. TSA PreCheck ? Active. Passport ? Check. But if you haven’t traveled in a while, you might not know where to start checking for the necessary information and documentation .

After the record number of passengers screened in 2023, David Pekoske, the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said earlier this year that the agency expects the trend to continue this year. Indeed, 65 percent of people 50-plus plan to travel this year, according to the AARP 2024 Travel Trends survey .

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As you prepare to travel this summer, here are eight tips you never knew to follow before taking a trip.

1. Call the non-U.S. 800 number for airlines

Peter Greenberg, the travel editor for CBS News, wants travelers to not rely solely on online research when booking a trip. “The websites are by design misleading because the presumption that people make, which is false, is that they’re seeing all the availability and inventory on their screen. They’re not.”

Greenberg suggests having a conversation with a travel agent, travel adviser or travel provider to find the full availability that often isn’t depicted online. Instead of being put on hold on a U.S.-based airline 800 number, call an 800 number for United Airlines in London, American Airlines in Dublin or Delta Airlines in Paris, he says. “They are open 24/7. They won’t put you on hold. And they’re seeing the same thing on their screen that the headquarters are seeing” in Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta, Greenberg says.

2. Check the expiration date on your passport

Many countries, including most of Europe, Morocco, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand, will not let you enter if your passport expires in less than six months. Check the U.S. State Department’s travel site for more details.

3. Get an international driver’s permit

Do you plan to drive overseas? If so, there are some countries that require an International Driving Permit, says William Lee, the head of marketing for Chima Travel in northeast Ohio. According to usa.gov, if you visit Canada or Mexico, your state driver’s license is all you need. However, a trip to Spain or Greece will require an International Driving Permit. “The process to get one is actually really simple,” Lee says. Before you travel, either visit AAA in person or online. AAA is the only entity that issues the permit in the U.S. Supply two passport-style photos or have the pictures taken at certain AAA offices. The fee for the permit is $20, plus processing and delivery fees. You don’t need to be a member of AAA to use this service.

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4. Book the first flight of the day on an airline not based in your city

Greenberg says advice to take the very first flight of the day is nothing new. “What is new is to take the first flight of the day on an airline that’s not based in your city,” he says. “You want to take the first flight on a plane that overnighted, which means the crew stayed with that plane; the plane is ready to go, and your odds of getting out on time first thing in the morning are infinitely increased.” Greenberg adds it could be a problem if you are waiting for a plane to arrive from somewhere else.

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5. Apply for entrance authorization

In 2025, the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require passport holders from more than 60 visa-exempt countries to apply for approval to enter 30 European countries. Previously, countries such as France, Germany and Greece did not require advance approval to enter for visits of less than 90 days. Once the program is running, travelers to Europe will fill out the form online or via a mobile app and pay a 7 euro charge (about $7.54, depending on exchange rates; free for applicants 70 and older). And don’t forget about visas. “You just need to search for ‘country + visa requirements,’ ” Lee says.

6. Research local currency and exchange rates

“Many travelers get ripped off due to a lack of research,” says Michael Sawyer, operations director at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, a company that specializes in assisting people who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Sawyer suggests exchanging some currency prior to your departure or getting a travel debit card.

7. Search for tipping etiquette

Sawyer says tipping customs vary greatly depending on the city or country. “Knowing how to tip at restaurants and other services can assist in avoiding awkward situations,” he says.

8. Download offline maps and other key apps

If you are traveling to a destination with limited internet access, it’s good to have these products readily available, Sawyer says. City-specific apps can provide information on attractions, public transportation and restaurant recommendations.

Contributing: Kimberley Lovato, AARP

Judy Mandell is a Virginia-based writer who contributes to the New York Times , the Washington Post , Prevention magazin e and many other major newspapers and magazines. She lives in North Garden, Virginia, with her rescue dog, Maple.

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The Beginner’s Guide To Travelling - The Best Tips & Advice for New Travellers

Travelling for beginners is exhilarating and just a little intimidating. What should you pack ? How much money should you budget for your trip? Do you need travel insurance? For that matter, how do you decide on a destination? This beginner's guide to travelling is for all of you heading out for the first time.

Start Small, and Build on Your Successes

Out of all the top travel tips for beginners, this is perhaps the most important advice we can give: start small. You don't learn to swim by jumping off the diving board into the deep end of the pool, and you don’t want to travel to challenging destinations on your first trip. Get used to travelling before you embark on that hiking trip through northern Mongolia or visiting countries with less than stable political systems.

Keep your first forays into travel restricted to domestic flights. Once you’re familiar with at-home travel, broaden your horizons with trips to stable nations such as Canada or EU nations. When you’re more confident, you can arrange that five-nation kayaking tour you’ve always dreamed of.

Research Your Destination

Spontaneous trips to exotic locales always look amazing on television and in movies, but it’s better to plan your trips in real life. A little research into your destination will pay dividends once you arrive and helps prevent unwanted surprises.

Start your research by exploring travel blogs and travel guides centred on your destination and the type of travel you’re planning (travelling solo, for instance, is very different from travelling with a young family). Read as much as you can about accommodations, food, culture, local laws, things to do, and activities or locations to avoid. Don’t forget to check the weather, which impacts what kind of clothing you pack.

Check what time of year is best to travel to your destination. Do you want to be there for special events during peak season, or would you prefer the off-season? If you’re travelling on a budget, off-season travel can save you money, but you may not have access to all the events and activities you want to experience. Off-season travel can also coincide with unfavourable weather conditions.

Use your research to guide how much time you’ll want to spend at your destination. You may discover that the long weekend trip you were originally planning may need to be extended to a weeklong getaway to get the best experience. Remember to factor travel time into your plans.

Choosing the Right Luggage

Luggage sizes range from large, 62 linear-inch suitcases to handy carry-on rolling luggage and backpacks. Choosing your first piece of luggage depends on multiple factors, including how long you’ll be travelling, who you’re travelling with, and what souvenirs you’re planning on bringing home.

As a general rule, new travellers tend to overestimate how large their luggage needs to be. Opt for a carry-on roller like the Travelpro® Platinum ® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner for your first trip. It’s large enough you can pack several days’ worth of clothing, and you won’t have to deal with checking in and picking up luggage. For long weekends, you may be able to pack everything you need in the Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Large Backpack .

What Type of Clothes to Pack

Top travel tips always emphasize packing light. This makes packing a bit of a balancing act — ideally, you want to pack only the clothes you’ll use for the trip, and not one pair of socks more. Learning what you need to pack takes time and is dependent on personal preferences. Some people are fine spending a week mixing and matching a pair of jeans, one pair of shorts, and three t-shirts, while others feel icky if they don’t wear fresh, unwrinkled clothing every day.

As a very general rule for a week-long stay, pack two to three seasonally appropriate tops. Pack two pairs of shorts or skirts for warm climes and one pair of pants or a dress. For cooler destinations, switch out the shorts and skirts for warmer legwear. Add a pair of shoes, a seasonal jacket, underwear, socks, and any optional clothing, such as swimsuits or a particularly nice top for evening wear. Any more than a week’s worth of clean clothing is rarely necessary, as you can usually find somewhere to do laundry.

What Else to Pack

Thanks to smartphones and tablets, the amount of extra equipment people need to pack is much lower than it once was. Unless you’re a devoted photographer, why pack a camera when you can use your smartphone to snap pictures? A tablet takes up less space than a laptop and allows you to read, watch movies, play games, and listen to music as you travel. Invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for long flights, don’t forget your charging cables, and consider packing a USB battery pack to ensure you don’t run out of power when you need it.

Packing Smart

If you’re travelling with carry-on luggage, you want to make every inch of packing space count. Make the most of your luggage by using packing cubes to keep items organized. Shoe cubes, toiletry bags , tech organizers for cables and adapters, and a laundry organizer all help you get the most out of your luggage.

Preparing for Unexpected

Learning how to adapt to the unexpected  is important for new travellers. Here are some of the top travel tips for when travel doesn’t go as smoothly as you planned.

Stay in Touch

Smartphones make it easy to check in with family and friends as you travel. Apps such as Whatsapp, Skype, Messenger, and Instagram are great for sharing photos and news, and in a pinch, are also quick ways to contact people if your flight’s been delayed or to reach out during other unexpected travel events.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you from a range of travel-related woes, covering everything from medical emergencies to flight cancellations and lost luggage. Be sure to read travel insurance policies carefully to understand what is not covered.

Budget Extra Cash

Maybe you just found that perfect souvenir. Perhaps you just have to eat at a high-end restaurant you only heard about when you got to the hotel. Maybe you just discovered the actual cost of that activity you planned your trip around is higher than you thought. In any of these cases, having a little extra in your travel budget will help you enjoy yourself without worrying about the cost.

Weather Delays

Changes in weather can result in flight delays. Many airlines now allow travellers to change but not cancel their travel plans due to severe weather. If the airline issues weather advisories, you may be able to reschedule your flight without paying flight change fees.

Phone Security

Before you travel, set up your phone with a PIN and biometric security. Phones are small but expensive, making them tempting targets for thieves. By using your phone’s security options, you can lock unauthorized users out of the device, remotely track missing phones, and even wipe the phone of data should it go missing.

Starting Your Traveling Journey

Ultimately, the best beginner’s guide to travelling is to, well, travel. Getting out there is the best way to familiarize yourself with airports, hotels, and the many little challenges that make travelling for beginners seem intimidating. Travel will become second nature once you have a few trips under your belt. Before you know it, you’ll be passing your own top travel tips on to others!

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From saving on gas to driving with kids, here's your ultimate road trip planner

"Easy Travel” is a 10-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

Ina Daly has spent most of her life on the road.

“My dad was a truck driver and that led me to becoming a truck driver,” she said. “What we do in a day, on a daily job would be like a long road trip to most people.”

With nearly 40 years of driving for freight transportation services provider XPO and numerous industry accolades under her belt, including grand champion at this year’s Arizona Truck Driving Championship , Daly is a pro. She’s also a mom and a grandmother who’s happy to share her experiences to make everyone’s road trips better.

“Some of the things I'm telling you are what we truckers tell our family members,” she said. “I've had a lot of accomplishments in my career and going to the National Truck Driving Championships (this month) is a reward, but the bigger reward is being able to share some things … that have the potential to save lives.”

What to do before a long drive

“Make sure that your vehicle’s road trip ready,” Daly said. ”Really pay close attention to your tires, your coolant, your fan belt.”

She notes tire dealers often offer free inspections to ensure tires are properly inflated and undamaged.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advises getting the whole car serviced before hitting the road.

“If you're a car person and you can, do that yourself at home, by all means,” she said. Otherwise, she recommends getting the oil changed and battery and tires checked professionally. 

To save time and avoid stress, Diaz also suggests filling up on gas the night before leaving and making hotel reservations well in advance, noting that many hotels allow cancellations without penalty up until the day beforehand. 

What do you need before a road trip?

It’s always good to keep an emergency kit with supplies like first aid, a flashlight and extra batteries, and basic tools in the vehicle.

“You want to make sure that if you do have a tire issue, you have the proper tools and jacks in your vehicle to be able to change it,” Daly said. She said warning signals like reflective triangles can also warn other drivers to steer clear in the event of a breakdown.

For road trips, both she and Diaz recommend shelf-stable snacks like protein bars that won’t melt and plenty of water. “Don't think that a bottle or two for everybody is enough,” Daly said. “You've got to have, you know, five or six bottles for everyone.” 

Diaz also recommends wet wipes, blankets during the winter, and any time-sensitive medication or pet food that might be needed in the event of an extended delay.

“These things ideally wouldn't take up too much room in your trunk but they're just good to have in case of an emergency,” Diaz said. “Just think, ‘If I were stuck for a long time, what would keep me comfortable until I was able to (get) help?’”  

A printed map and a general sense of the route can also help in case there GPS hiccups or a phone dies.  AAA’s free TripTik planner can help travelers plot their trips in advance and find rest stops, lodging, food and gas along the way. And its free Gas Cost Calculator can help locate the cheapest average gas prices for drivers when it’s time to refuel.

'Get out there': This mom is using a never-ending road trip to inspire Black family travel

What I should know before a road trip?

“Everything can be a distraction in the car – the radio, the kids, etc. But the phone is a big one,” Daly advised. “When you’re driving, that thing should not ever be in your hand.”

More than 3,500 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2021 because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . 

Daly also recommends watching out for distracted drivers.

“You can tell a distracted driver by their fluctuating speed,” she warned. “They're drifting in their lane. Their head is looking down instead of focusing on the road. You want to give those people a wide berth.”

How long will a road trip take?

Road trips always take longer than expected because of traffic, construction and other things that arise en route.

Diaz says to expect at least an hour longer than whatever the GPS predicts. Daly recommends leaving at least two hours early.

“You don't want that stressful drive,” Daly said. “You’re hurrying. That lends to bad driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding, which leads to accidents. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”

How many hours a day should you drive on a road trip?

“It just varies so much from person to person, how long they’re comfortable driving,” Diaz said. “We want to err on the side of safety. We want people to be safe on the roads and drive the speed limit and not rush it, but everybody's different.”

Switching out drivers can lighten the load, but no matter who is driving, Daly said, “If you're starting to feel a little, less attentive, maybe a little fatigued, it’s time to take a break.”

What time is best to drive?

“We always recommend, especially during the holidays, leave early in the morning,” Diaz said. “The later you leave in the day, the worse it's going to be because a lot of times during the week … you're going to mix with those commuters on the road.”

“Some people enjoy night driving,” she added. “Once you get to like 8 p.m., 9 p.m. traffic comes down a lot.” 

However, she noted drivers who leave in the evening should watch out for fatigue and plan to drive less than if they started fresh in the morning.

How do you take a good road trip with kids? 

When possible, Daly recommends having a designated passenger to help with kids so the driver can focus on the road.  

Another important thing is to keep seatbelts on the whole way.

“Kids have a tendency to take those off,” Daly said. “Make sure they stay buckled up. I've seen some horrible things out there.”

'I just want to see more of us': The importance of seeing people like you while traveling

What do kids need on a road trip?

Entertainment helps pass the time, but it doesn’t have to be digital. There are all sorts of screen-free road trip games . 

Diaz recommends printing a map or list of sites or cities for kids to watch for along the way.

“You know, yell it out or mark it on your sheet,” she said. “Have some crayons in the car with them so they're following along on the trip, and they feel like they're part of it.”

“Point out historical landmarks and scenery; enjoy nature,” Daly echoed. “That's one of the things that we truck drivers love about our jobs is we get to see the country and nature.”

Stop at points of interest every few hours or simply for everyone to stretch their legs.

And for those times when kids are on screens, make sure to pack car chargers.

What is the best way to save gas?

Don’t speed. 

“Fuel economy peaks at around 50 miles per hour on most cars, and then it drops off as the speeds increase,” Diaz said. “You think, ‘OK, if I just go 70, I'm going to get there faster, and it'll be better,’ but essentially, you're just wasting gas at that point." Fuel economy can be increased by as much as 15% by reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 miles per hour, she said.

Don’t idle unnecessarily either, like at rest stops.

“Your car engine consumes about a quarter to a half a gallon of fuel per hour while it's idling,” she said. “But a warm engine only takes about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart, so if it's safe to do so, just shut off your engine.”

Story continues below.

What happens if my tire blows out?

“When you blow a tire, kaboom, it freaks you out. Do not panic,” Daly said. “Don't slow down abruptly or brake hard or jerk the wheel because that will cause you to lose control and have an accident.”

“Just focus on steering,” she added. “Slow very gradually, off to the side of the road in a safe area, and you won’t have any issue from your blown tire.”

How do you drive around semitrucks?

“Be aware of our needs and limitations,” Daly said. “You know we’re big. We need a lot of space around us. We have big blind spots. … If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the mirrors of the truck, the truck driver can’t see you.”

She advised against passing on the right. 

“If you have to pass quickly, don’t linger over there. We see people driving over there for the shade (and it) puts us in a very dangerous situation,” she said. “And don’t cut in front of us and then hit your breaks. People don’t like to follow a truck because they can’t see around us, so they pass us and then cut in front of us.”

“It takes away that safety cushion we leave in front of us,” she added. “When you see all that space in front of a truck, that's not for your convenience so that you can pass us and cut into it. That’s for our safety and yours.”

By the same token, she advised fellow drivers to leave plenty of space in front of their own vehicles, so they have enough room to stop quickly in an emergency. If another driver cuts into that space, she suggested, “Take a break. Slow down again. Recreate that space. Bite your tongue and think pure thoughts.”

That last tip may not be so easy.

What has been your best or worst road trip experience?

Why the Amex Green is great for points and miles beginners

Editor's Note

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We've been recommending the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for a while now to anyone who wants to dive into travel rewards cards. The card makes it easy to earn and redeem points with one of the most valuable rewards programs out there. However, the American Express® Green Card can be another great option for points and miles beginners.

The Amex Green Card comes with generous bonus categories and travel benefits. You'll earn 3 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible travel (including transit) and at restaurants worldwide. The card also has two annual travel credits: up to a $189 statement credit toward a Clear Plus membership and up to a $100 statement credit for LoungeBuddy purchases .

New cardholders can now get a welcome bonus of 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership.

Here's what makes this card particularly great for points and miles beginners .

High-value bonus categories

The bonus categories of the Amex Green Card are common expenses for almost anyone, not just frequent flyers. The Amex Green Card defines the travel bonus category broadly to include transit, home rental sites like Airbnb, campsites, taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, and more. This allows beginners to earn rewards on more than just airfare and hotels, the two travel expenses other Amex cards typically focus on.

The card also provides bonuses for dining out worldwide — including food delivery services.

The Amex Green Card's bonus categories are comparable to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , a premium credit card that also earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $550 annual fee, while the Amex Green Card only charges a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

It's more than the mid-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred charges ($95), but the Sapphire Preferred only earns 2 points per dollar on travel. If you spend enough on travel, you can easily earn enough to offset the annual fee of the Amex Green Card.

Perks built for beginner travelers

The benefits offered by the Amex Green still don't compare to The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve , but that's to be expected from a mid-tier card. The two annual travel credits you'll get with the Amex Green aren't meant to compete against premium cards that target luxury travelers and frequent flyers. These are benefits that are built for beginners.

LoungeBuddy is an airport lounge booking and reviews platform that was acquired by Amex in 2019. The $100 credit will most likely get you two passes per year into choice lounges (although you could stretch it out to three or four passes if you only book budget lounges).

This isn't as valuable as a Priority Pass Select membership or the Amex Platinum's unmatched lounge access, but many beginners don't travel enough yet to need more comprehensive access. Two passes a year are a great bonus for less-frequent flyers.

The Clear Plus statement credit is something all travelers can appreciate. A Clear Plus membership helps expedite the ID authentication process at participating airports plus select live event venues, and it can be a great companion benefit to TSA PreCheck .

There are plenty of cards out there that will cover your TSA PreCheck application fee , but it's rarer to find a card that covers your Clear Plus membership fee. Even if you don't have TSA PreCheck, a Clear Plus membership can still help you shave time off of your wait at airport security.

Membership Rewards is a great program to get started with

At TPG, we are constantly advising readers to keep a diversified portfolio of points, and you have to start somewhere. Amex Membership Rewards is one of the top rewards programs available, offering flexible redemption options, valuable transfer partners and plenty of opportunities to maximize earnings with Amex Offers .

TPG values each point at 2 cents, which is only matched by one other major card issuer — Chase.

While this is a great program for beginners, Amex Membership Rewards will become even more valuable as you travel more and maximize transfer partners and bonuses . There are also multiple cards in Amex's lineup geared to travelers, so you can sign up for complementary cards that also earn Membership Rewards.

Bottom line

The Amex Green Card can be a compelling choice for your first foray into the world of credit card points and miles. With 3 points per dollar on assorted travel purchases and at restaurants worldwide — as well as great travel credits and a welcome offer — the Amex Green Card may be a great addition to your wallet.

For more information, read our full review of the Amex Green Card .

For rates and fees of the Amex Green card, click here .

V Rising beginner’s guide – our 10 best tips and tricks

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• Collect and store everything you can and use your tools to their full effect to optimize gameplay.
• Keep an eye on the day and night cycle and plan your goals and strategy accordingly.
• Always strive to increase your power by upgrading equipment, castle, and spells. If you’re ever stuck, check what’s next in the main questline.

Starting out in V Rising can be a daunting task even if you’ve played similar games before. The game has plenty of quirks that set it apart and you can feel that you’ve made a wrong step in the beginning. A beginner guide can help alleviate some of the problems that can arise when starting out in V Rising. Fortunately, there is plenty of room for error, but having an optimal start and being mindful of some elements can go a long way. 

Collect everything

You’ll find plenty of resources along the way after leaving your tomb. Hundreds of bones, and plenty of wood, stone, and plant fibre from incidental hits along the way. Try not to leave anything behind if you can help it. After establishing your initial base, it will be easy to store everything in chests. They are cheap and easy to make, and you’ll soon find that the more you bring back with you, the easier it will be to progress.

Pick a good castle location

If you play on a PVP server, picking a good defensible location can be paramount to securing your base. Look for a high-ground position with funnels to protect from raids by other players. You can study the map beforehand and pick out your preferred spot, then rush to it to put down roots. 

While defensibility is less important on a PVE or solo server, you should still think about finding a good base location. In this case, look for a place that is well connected and has access to good farming spots and teleports. Travel times can be an issue early on, so look for a spot that won’t take you all night to get back to. You’ll be able to relocate your castle later as you progress, but cutting down on travel is good when you’re just starting out.

Build, upgrade, and expand

V Rising is a survival game at its core. Building structures, collecting, and refining resources will take up a lot of your time which in turn allows you to progress through the game. It’s good to have a plan on what and where you want to build, but V Rising is pretty lenient when it comes to remodelling. You can salvage a structure for 100% of its cost, making it easy to relocate and expand (press and hold Space while in the Build menu). 

Always look for what you can build next, as that is likely to unlock some new aspect of the game for you. Similarly, if you enjoy the aesthetics of the game, take your time to slowly build and expand your castle. Properly set up rooms will provide additional bonuses to productivity down the line, so it pays to specialise. 

Use the right tools for the job

Your weapons double as tools with different specialisations for resource gathering. While all weapons can gather any resources within the same tier, they provide faster yields if used appropriately.

• The sword is best used to cut plants.
• The axes are best used to cut down trees.
• The mace is best suited to breaking rocks and ores.
• The spear is best used for hunting creatures. Note that this applies to animals (ie, farming hides for leather ), not humanoids.

By using the proper tool during farming, you’ll ensure higher and quicker yields, therefore being able to return with more resources with less time spent. Always try to keep your weapons up to date and at the highest tier you can craft. 

Manage combat and your abilities

When it comes to combat, you can use any weapon that you prefer. Each of them provides a different fighting style, as well as different abilities at higher tiers. Combat management can mean the difference between efficiently clearing a large camp or respawning in your coffin after a defeat.

Master the art of pulling and positioning, and you’ll find it easy to win even against groups of enemies. Pay attention to your health – in-combat healing options will become available later in the game. Watch for ranged attacks and melee attack wind-up times, then dodge out of the way.

During a fight, make full use of your vampire abilities, spells, and weapon attacks. Most abilities come with a cooldown, so keep tabs on which one is up and use it to its full potential. For example, use the Shadowbolt from range to pick off an opponent or the Blood Rite if you’re cornered to block and reflect damage on your enemies. Once you start beating bosses and drinking their blood, you’ll be able to unlock new vampire powers and spells.

• Prepare for boss fights by clearing the surrounding area of any enemies first. That will make it easier to maneuver and allow room for mistakes.

Use blood type bonuses

Blood type bonuses are closely tied to your vampire’s performance each night. Naturally, you’ll need blood to sustain yourself, and different enemies “taste” different, providing a hefty bonus. Each of them has their use and you can plan around your goals to seek out specific prey. Note the percentage next to a creature’s blood type – that represents the potency of their blood. The higher the percentage, the more effects you’ll get when you feed on them.

• Creature blood: Increases speed, durability, and sun resistance, making it good for general travel and exploration.
• Worker blood: Increases mounted speed and resource gathering, making it amazing for farming.
• Brute blood: Increases damage and in-combat healing, making it great for sustained fighting.
• Rogue blood: Increases critical strikes and movement, making it great for quick-burst combat.
• Warrior blood: Makes you tankier, stronger, and reduces cooldowns for weapon skills, making it a good all-around combat buff.
• Scholar blood: Increases spell power, reduces their cooldown, and provides spell life leech, perfect for a heavy caster build.
• Mutant blood: Lowers blood drain, increases all resistances and even has a chance to turn the victim into a mutant. It can completely change your playstyle.
• Draculin blood: Increases speed during the night, damage against wounded opponents, healing from Blood Mend and adds an extra Bite. A true vampire power fantasy.

Travelling and exploration

During the early game in V Rising, you will spend a lot of your time travelling around the map. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the layout and explore different camps. Each one you find will be marked on your map, along with brief tips on the types of resources you can find there. Therefore, exploring as much of the map of the zone you’re in during the first few nights will be extremely helpful later in the game. 

In the beginning, you will have to do most of the exploration on foot. Consider getting a Creature blood type to get faster movement speed. After beating the first boss, Alpha the White Wolf, you will unlock Wolf Form vampire power, which will increase your movement speed out of combat. Later, when you reach Dunley Farmlands, you’ll be able to grab a horse for even faster travel speeds (horses can gallop by pressing E). 

Lastly, don’t forget to make use of Vampire Waygates. These fast-travel points will get you instantly from one to the other, or back to your coffin. However, bear in mind that you can’t transport most resources through fast-travel. They are best used to get near your planned farming location, then go back to your base on foot (or other means) after you’re done.

You will unlock a Castle Waygate through a quest. Building it will give you easy waygate access from within your castle.

Mind the day and night cycle

As expected from a vampire game, there’s a day and night cycle in V Rising. On default settings, nights last around twice as long as days. During the day, staying under the sun’s rays will build up and start dealing damage as long as you’re exposed. You can dash into the shadows of the surrounding terrain to escape. Obviously, during the night there are no such limitations.

To keep tabs on the day and night cycle, you can always refer to the clock located in the upper right section of your UI. It will tell you exactly how much time you have in each cycle, so you can plan accordingly. For example, avoid starting a lengthy fight if the sun is about to come up.

Set goals for each day and night

Connected to the above point, it’s very helpful to try and set a goal for every upcoming day and night cycle. For example, you can use the day to farm up nearby resources while utilizing shade. Or you can stay in your castle, expanding and building with the help of Mist Braziers. Then, you can set up resource production and organize your coffers while waiting for sundown.

Once it’s nighttime, you’ll be all set to fulfil your next task. For best efficiency, try not to deviate from your goal. If you want to hunt down a specific boss, don’t stop and fight every patrol along the way. Don’t farm resources that you don’t immediately need. Focus on the task at hand. Then, after the boss is down and you got what you came for, check how much time you have until daybreak and use it for miscellaneous tasks along the way back to your base. You can use the same approach to any activity – farming, seeking blood types, exploration, etc.

Follow the main questline

Our last tip may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. If you’re ever stuck on what to do next, just take a glance at the upper left corner of the screen. There, you’ll see your next task in V Rising’s questline, which is always followed by a useful new unlock. Progressing through the quests will make you stronger, give you new recipes and buildables, and offer options to get further in the game. While getting into a loop of farming and killing can be enticing, make sure that you work towards these goals which will open up new options for you. With that, you’ll be able to visit new areas and zones, fight new enemies and bosses, and unlock new resources.

How to Create a Travel Art Kit for Beginners

Summer plans are being made! However, your plans are not complete without a travel art kit .

Remember my post all about travel art vacations ? You don’t have to wait for a special tour or workshop to be artistic during your travels. Create a travel art kit to take out when creativity calls.

Basic Travel Art Kit

Start with a basic kit. Add to it depending on the art medium of your choice. I start with pencils, pens and erasers.

• Fine point pens ( Pilot Precise V5 , JV Pen Java )
• Sketching pencils ( MET Art Supply , General Kimberly )
• Plastic eraser ( Prismacolor )
• Gum eraser ( Prismacolor )
• Pencil sharpener

Watercolor Travel Art Kit

For watercolor painting, add watercolors and special watercolor paper. I cut regular sized paper into smaller rectangles. This makes the paper easier to travel with. Strathmore is my favorite brand for watercolors pads. I buy most of my art pads from them.

For all the travel art kits that include paint, I use a small container with water and a piece of paper towel. This allows me to clean the brushes in between colors. Fun fact, the water container I used came from a printer ink cartridge.

Palette paper has a shiny surface and is used for blending colors. You can also use a plastic palette.

Brushes can be expensive. Many are sold individually. I’m linking a set that I bought recently. It is very good quality for the price and includes a wide variety of brushes.

• Watercolor paints ( Yarka )
• Paint brushes – (1) flat wide, (1) round thin, (1) round medium ( Craft Smart )
• Watercolor paper ( Strathmore )
• Paper towel squares
• Water container
• Palette paper or plastic palette ( Dollar Tree )

Acrylic/ Gouache Travel Art Kit

Acrylic and Gouache paints are a little harder to use in a travel art kit. This is due to how messy they can be. Either are still a good option if you’ll have enough room to spread out when you paint.

• Acryl Gouache paint ( Turner ), Acrylic paint ( Blick Studio )
• Paint brushes – (1) flat wide, (1) round thin, (1) round medium ( Craft Smar t )
• Mini canvases ( Dollar Tree )

If you really don’t want to get messy, choose colored pencils.

Colored Pencil Travel Art Kit

• Colored pencils ( Raffine )
• Small sketchpad ( Strathmore )

Illustration Markers Travel Art Kit

The last type of travel art kit includes illustration markers. Illustration makers are great for capturing cars, trains and similar items.

Illustration markers, like watercolor, need a special type of paper. Otherwise, the markers will bleed through the paper. Use what is called bristol paper.

• Illustration markers ( Prismacolor )
• Bristol paper ( Strathmore )

What are you going to add to your travel art kit? Where will you create your art? Don’t think you need to travel far. Discover art right in your own backyard. 

The post How to Create a Travel Art Kit for Beginners appeared first on Passport by Design .

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 11 Best IPL Hair Removal Devices, According to Experts

Easier hair removal without the mess

Shop the Best IPL Hair Removal Devices

Most Customizable

Bosidin ipl laser permanent cooling-care hair removal device.

Best for Face and Body

Ulike laser hair removal device.

Best for Fast Results

Roseskinco. og ipl hair removal handset.

Best Editor-Approved

Smoothskin pure fit intelligent ultrafast ipl.

Best for Dark Hair

Smoothskin bare+ ultrafast ipl device exclusive collection.

Best for Beginners

Nood the flasher 2.0.

Best All-Around

Braun ipl silk-expert pro 5.

Best for Blondes and Redheads

Iluminage touch permanent hair reduction system.

Best for Travel

Silk'n flash&go express.

Best Cordless

Sensica rpl pro.

IPL devices are designed with special mechanisms that convert light into hair-removing heat, which targets the pigment of hair follicles instead of your skin. Double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jaimie DeRosa tells Bazaar , “When the heat energy reaches the pigment, it damages or kills the hair follicles, preventing hair from growing.”

Using many of these high-tech tools is practically a no-brainer, but experts note that choosing the right device for your needs according to your specific hair and skin tone is paramount to ensure a safe hair removal process. To help you make an informed decision, we spoke with leading experts to source the best IPL hair removal devices worth adding to your body care rotation.

Related: The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According to the Pros

According to DeRosa, this multifunctional IPL hair removal device changes its settings based on the location and depth of the hair you’re aiming to remove. It also features an option for red light that can help stimulate collagen. And as an added bonus, the tool aims to remove full-body hair in as little as 15 minutes.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: Unlimited

One satisfied customer writes: “Been using it for three weeks now and I do notice a difference, my hair growth has really slowed down. The hair on the arms has become thinner and even bald in some places. I will keep using it until it is completely removed.” — Michelle C.

Another of DeRosa’s top picks, this IPL handset is easy to use and aims to deliver noticeable hair reduction results after four weeks of use. It also contains a built-in freezing technology that helps protect the skin, along with five different energy levels that work for the body and face.

Power source: Power cable

Number of flashes included: One million

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m very hairy all over my body. I’ve gotten professional laser treatments and spent well over $2,000 with no results. I have thick dark hair on pale skin and I have seen results in just my 3rd use.” — Stephanie A

This hardworking device not only adds a touch of charm to your bathroom shelf, but is also FDA-approved to visibly minimize hair growth after four uses. The tool also includes five intensity settings and can seamlessly be used on any part of your body.

Number of flashes included: 300,000

One satisfied customer writes: “I bought this product out of desperation and did not think it would work. I was wrong! After three weeks of use, I have several large patches of skin on my legs with no regrowth! Its amazing! Cannot wait because in a few months my legs will be completely hairless.” — Lindie H.

Bazaar editors and professionals like celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross agree: SmoothSkin's IPL device is one of the best.

"At first, I was hesitant to start using the device, because I thought it would give a burning or painful sensation. But, much to my surprise, its multiple wavelengths made the pain level relatively low," associate beauty editor Katie Intner says in a review . "You feel a warming sensation and a feeling similar to rubber bands snapping."

The Pure Fit Intelligent Ultrafast IPL contains 10 power settings with three removal modes for expert-level results. It also features an automated skin tone sensor that prevents it from accidentally singeing you during the removal process.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve been to salons and spas that offer hair removal treatments and paid for the service. This product gives the same result while saving thousands of dollars by doing your own at home treatments.” — Maria V.

Here’s a slightly smaller version of SmoothSkin’s powerhouse Pure Fit device; it can be used on your legs, arms, bikini line, or face. It also offers two treatment options that produce up to 100 flashes per minute.

One satisfied customer writes: “After just 3 weeks, I have already noticed significantly less hair on my legs. My hair does not grow back as fast, so I am excited that this product truly works. Now that I know it works, I am going to use it for my whole body. It is also extremely simple and easy to use. I highly recommend buying this product!” — Christine P.

Here’s another FDA-cleared IPL tool that experts love. “This option is a really great value in terms of cost, and it also comes with a warranty which will replace the device if there are any issues with it,” Ross says. Compared to other IPL devices, the Flasher has a wider window that allows for faster treatments with fewer flashes.

Number of flashes included: 600,000

One satisfied customer writes: “I have to admit, as a former certified laser technician I was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of this device. Not only did it work, but it wasn’t painful either! Win/win!!! Kudos Nood!” — Jessica I.

According to Ross, this option is particularly well suited for individuals with sensitive skin and has a remarkably short treatment time. It flashes every 0.5 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about missing any spots, and you can get back to business as usual in as little as 10 minutes.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this device. I have really dark, thick, coarse hair across my entire body and after 3 months of weekly uses I already have bald patches and significantly finer hair on my bikini, legs and arms. Really recommend.” — RebeccaK

Board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban recommends the Iluminage hair reduction system, as it is especially effective for fair blonde and red hair follicles that are typically more difficult to treat. It also comes with its own cradle to help it recharge once you're finished.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have had the Iluminage Touch now for over a month and I am very happy with the results! First it was easy to use…all you had to do was open the (beautiful) box and plug it in! After just a few sessions, I have already seen great results! I am now pool ready!” — NJane

Silk'n Flash&Go Express

This handheld device is a perfect match for removing unwanted body hair while on the go. It nicely features five energy levels and over 300,000 flashes that disable hair growth at the root.

Power source: Corded

One satisfied customer writes: "This is easy to use and painless. I can't confirm if it really works as I only used a few times so far." — nmd

While this tool is technically an R PL (reactive pulsed light) device—said to be even safer than an IPL model—we still think it deserves a place on our list. With six adjustable energy settings and the ability to use it on both your face and body, this essential is worth the investment.

One satisfied customer writes: “This works perfectly if you follow directions & are patient. The unit is easy to use and maneuver around the area you want hair removed. Do wear sunglasses because the laser flashes are very bright.” — Anonymous

Yachyee IPL Hair Removal Device

At under $100, this top-rated IPL device provides lots of bang for your buck. Its manual mode makes it easy to target smaller areas like the bikini line and armpits, while its auto mode is used for larger areas, like your arms and legs. Plus, the device features a cooling function to combat its intensity while preventing overheating.

Number of flashes included: 999,999

One satisfied customer writes: “The device is very easy to use and comes with clear instructions. It has multiple settings to accommodate different intensities and features. The device is also relatively painless, which was a huge relief for me. I recommend buying a soothing gel or something if you have thin skin or cannot tolerate the pain on the 9 intensity.” — KooshaKalhour

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Meet the Experts

• Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is a double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of DeRosa Clinic Facial Aesthetics, based in Boston.
• Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab based in Manhattan Beach, California.
• Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Ava MD in Santa Monica.

Is this type of hair removal permanent?

The overall hair loss achieved through IPL is considered to be semipermanent. According to Shambam, a full course of treatment will damage the majority of hair follicles and significantly slow down the production of hair. However, over time, if the follicle is still functioning, it may produce more hair, albeit thinner, finer, and less dark than before. “Eliminating the full function of the follicle is like killing weeds. It’s tough!” she says.

Is the IPL hair removal process painful?

At-home IPL devices typically use a lower amount of energy, so discomfort should be at a minimum and feel like a warm pulse. In contrast, in-office IPL may require numbing to reduce discomfort, which can feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin, Ross says.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper's BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.

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