There is no doubt that most people would want to spend some time travelling and discovering how the world looks like from the other side of the globe. While others don't need help in planning their travels, there are those who do. Here are the some of the best travel tips for first-time and frequent travellers.
Matthew Karsten, a blogger who has been travelling for four years now, sold everything in the U.S. and ventured out on his most satisfying and challenging journey: to travel the world. To celebrate his fourth year, he laid out some of his best travel tips for individuals who want to embark in the same journey.
Wake Up Early
Matthew suggests that in order to be able to see and enjoy the best attractions, you have to wake up early. First, this would allow you to enjoy the moment without having to worry about what other people might think or say. Second, the time is also perfect for photo opportunities, especially with the soft diffused light. Third, you can easily interact with locals. Lastly, it is "less dangerous in the morning" because "touts, scammers and criminals sleep in" during that time.
Interact with the Locals
Make sure you spend some time with local people and learn about their culture and ways of living. Matthew believes that "People enrich your travels more than sights do". At the same time, keep that curve showing on your face so people wouldn't think that you are snobbish and stiff. If this is not your cup of tea, you can start by making eye contact and smiling. Also, it is important that you keep an open mind especially because the locals have different ways of living than travellers.
To even make your travel more in-depth and challenging, you can try couch surfing with the locals. Matthew believes it is fun and safer; plus you get to experience first hand what they do on a daily basis.
On another article, Phil Keoghan, host of the reality-TV hit The Amazing Race, said in a Q&A with Kitty Bean Yancey from the AARP The Magazine, that one must travel with the "understanding that you're a guest." One must always keep in mind that things aren't the way they usually go his or her way when travelling. You have got to accept the difference. "Our way isn't necessarily the best way of doing things. Treat people with respect and they will do the same," he said.
Keep Hold of Your Important Items
When you're in a foreign land, Phil only has one important reminder for you, and that is to keep all your important belongings together. Put your passport, your cash, your credit card, identification cards and other important documents and items together and make sure it is always with you wherever you go. "Strap your passport and emergency supplies (cash and credit cards) to your body -- they should never leave you." Also, it is advisable that you scan these important documents before leaving for worst-case scenarios.
These are just some of the thousands of tips you can find online. However, although just three, these are somehow one of the few most important tips you can find. Enjoy your travel!
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
