Every traveler will agree that the first trip, no matter what it is, is an unforgettable experience. But who would want to carry in their memory the impressions of a completely unsuccessful first trip? So how can an inexperienced traveler avoid as many problems as possible during their first trip? We have tried to put our many years of travel experience into ten tips that will help avoid unnecessary problems for both first-time travelers and seasoned vacationers.
1. Plan your trip in detail
Buying a trip is not everything. If you bought a trip from a tour operator, then find out exactly what is included in its price: have you purchased transport tickets (what luggage do you own?), have you booked a hotel, or do you need transportation? If any service is missing, order it additionally through your tour operator or find out how to purchase it yourself.
2. Make sure you have all the necessary documents
Make sure that your personal documents that you will need for your trip are valid for a sufficient period of time (when traveling to certain countries, the passport is required to be valid for 6 months after returning to home). Also, find out whether a visa is required for your chosen destination and what the procedure is for obtaining one. Recommend that you also purchase travel insurance for your trip to avoid additional headaches in the event of an accident.
3. Learn about the local currency and payment culture
If you are traveling to a country where a different currency is valid, be sure to exchange some cash, as you will definitely need cash during your trip. Also, find out about the local situation: whether there are enough ATMs at the destination, or whether there are limits on cash withdrawals. We also recommend that you inquire about the payment culture, i.e. how you can usually pay (do bank cards accept everywhere, or do you often have to pay in cash). It can be quite useful to find out how much a tip is and for which services it is customary to leave for the service staff. Another tip: take two bank cards with you on your trip, because, both in Lithuania and abroad, various curiosities sometimes occur: for example, an ATM will not return the inserted card.
4. Get to know your travel direction
The trip will be both easier and more interesting if you arrive "having done your homework" and are interested in the country's history, culture, and attractions. You will impress the locals if you learn to say just four words in their language, translating at least these: "good morning", "good luck", "thank you", and "excuse me". We recommend reading about the climate, traditional cuisine, and etiquette of the place you are traveling to.
5. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst
Try to imagine the worst-case scenarios that could happen during your trip and prepare for them in advance. For example, one of the unpleasant incidents that can happen is theft. Try to think about what could reduce the unpleasant consequences in case of theft? Our advice is to have copies of your documents, and distribute cash and bank cards in different places of your luggage. This way, if you lose your backpack or handbag, you will still have money and documents that were kept in another bag, a waist bag or locked in a hotel safe. You can do this exercise by coming up with at least five unpleasant situations and this will help you reduce the impact of these incidents if luck turns away and the predicted event actually happens.
P.s. a waist bag is a great travel companion, because it not only helps protect against theft, but is also very comfortable to wear.
6. Pack your things according to the direction of travel.
Check the local climate information and what kind of weather you can expect during your trip. If you are traveling to relax by the water, we recommend that you find out what kind of surface the beaches are made of and what the seabed is like (you may need swimming shoes to avoid hurting your feet). It is worth taking a look at the culture of the country, for example, in some eastern countries you may look indecent to the locals if your clothes expose your shoulders or legs above the knees. Also, check whether the electrical outlets used in the country match the plugs of your electrical appliances, you may need an electrical outlet adapter.
7. Safety = top priority
When traveling, remember that you are in an unfamiliar country, and even if you feel completely safe, remain cautious. If possible, choose well-lit routes in the evenings, avoid walking alone after dark. When in a bar, keep an eye on your drink, do not leave it unattended. Drive carefully and attentively. Things that are customary at home may not be acceptable in a foreign country. We say it is better to be safe than sorry.
8. Get to know!
Talk to street vendors, locals in bars or your taxi drivers: local people will reveal the true face of their culture to you. Eat like a local: try their cuisine and enjoy their drinks, this will help you feel the rhythm of local life better. And, of course, get to know the country's nature, culture, architecture, because there is nothing more interesting when traveling!
9. Don't forget to rest
Listen to your body and soul, you are traveling to rest and relax. Therefore, it is very important to ask yourself whether the intensity of the vacation is still right for you. Don't feel bad if you just want to spend the whole day lying on a sunbed by the pool, it is your vacation and only you decide what your daily routine will be. Don't go overboard to see all the attractions, it is better to promise yourself that you will come back next time to see the ones you haven't visited. Vacation should be about relaxation and good mood, don't exhaust yourself
10. Program yourself into a good mood every morning when you wake up
Just when you wake up, tell yourself that “today I will feel so happy and in a great mood that no event will be able to change this!” Let this sentence become your vacation mantra and no rain, a flat tire on a rental car, a clogged hotel shower or a lost wallet will ruin your vacation mood. It is impossible to avoid unpleasant situations during travel, just like in life, but by changing your attitude towards them (at least for a while), you can radically change your vacation impressions.