When I left to travel the world on my first round-the-world trip, I didn’t know what to expect.
Now, with fifteen years of travel experience under my belt, I know better. Traveling is second nature to me now. I land in an airport and I just go on autopilot.
But, back then, I was as green as they come.
To compensate for my lack of experience, I followed my guidebooks and wet my feet by going on organized tours. I was young and inexperienced and I made a lot of rookie travel mistakes.
I know what it’s like to just be starting out and have a mind filled with questions, anxieties, and concerns.
So, if you’re new to travel and looking for advice to help you prepare, here are 12 tips that I’d tell a new traveler to help them avoid some of my early mistakes:
1. Don’t Be Scared
Fear is a powerful deterrent. Taking the leap into the unknown is scary, but remember: you aren’t the first person to travel the world. You aren’t discovering new continents or exploring uncharted territories.https://b5f730a1b1fd06c80c08c1097ccee534.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
There is a well-worn travel trail out there and people to help guide you along the way. If millions of people can make their way around the world each year, you can too.
You’re just as capable as anyone else. After all, you did the hardest part: deciding to go. Having the courage to make that decision is the hardest part.
You’ll make mistakes. Everyone does (myself included). But that’s just part of the experience.
There will be lots of people out there to help you. You’ll be shocked at just how helpful and kind people are. You’ll make friends, you’ll survive, and you’ll be better for it.
