Avoid These 10 Mistakes Made By Beginner Travelers
“If only I knew these tips earlier!”
I’m here to help! As someone who has been traveling for over 10 years solo, I have been through a fair share of mistakes in my days. If only I knew these tips earlier!
Below are 10 mistakes beginner travelers make. Avoid doing the below to help you get ahead of the game and act like a professional at the get go!
1. Not asking for discounts and negotiating.
I hate to break it to you but you will get taken advantage at some point during your travels. Part of being respectful wherever you go is realizing that you are the visitor or tourist of the country and not a local. As much as I always try to be a local, I still owe the upmost respect to the people who have live and grew up there. They are trying to make a living off of selling you tours, souvenirs, food, etc. Especially with the way inflation is hitting everyone right now, I understand. But, what I am trying to be an advocate for is not getting taken advantage of. Do you feel like you are getting ripped off? Don’t let that happen. Shop around for the best tour price. Don’t go with the first choice. Negotiate if it feels right. Many times I ask other travelers what they paid before I go ask for myself. This way I at least know the starting point. In my opinion, I would consider myself a very advanced negotiator. This is after years and years of experience. I feel confident now when asking for a lower price. All in all, don’t be afraid to ask, for a discount, advice, anything!
2. Not getting a card that reimburses you for all of your ATM fees
This has been a recent way that I save a lot of money yearly. The below articles list banks that have no ATM fees
https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/bank-accounts/atm-fees/
https://www.bankrate.com/banking/these-banks-reimburse-atm-fees/#avoid
3. Not bringing packing cubes
I have no idea how I traveled in my early backpacking days by just throwing clothes into a big backpack and praying for an organization miracle. I now use the below and consider them a life saver!
4. Not figuring out how to go from the airport to your accomodation before you land
We all know that airport wifi isn’t reliable. Before landing, research the best way to get to your accommodation. This will save you a lot of stress and time when you land. Pro tip: also make sure you have google maps downloaded before you land. This way you can navigate the route without service. Smart travelers alert at all times!
5. Going to ALL of the tourist traps and not talking to any locals
Accept the fact that you can't do it all, and if you do, your money will be gone quickly. Take the time to really think about what will bring you joy and what you will remember in 5+ years. Instead of going to the tourist traps, I recommend you find something involved with locals. This will truly educate you on the area/country instead of hanging around with other tourists. Don’t be afraid to be different and think outside the box. I will always remember the faces and stories I had with locals more than a random tourist trap tour or activity. Some tourist tours great, yes but push yourself to find unique experiences. It will change your life.
6. Not learning about travel hacking: credit cards (that give you free flights, TSA Precheck, Global Entry and Priority Pass) and how to live and eat for free by volunteering
Two of my favorite credit cards are offering these benefits at the moment. Sign up with the links below.
Chase - Sign up offer click here
Capital One - Sign up offer click here
My favorite platform to find volunteer opportunities is Workaway.
Sign up with this link to receive a discount
7. Packing one thing that brings you a lot of comfort
For me, it is my sweatshirt. It’s cozy, comfortable and resembles a hug. Weird I know but it works for me. I’ve seen other people bring bracelets from home, a small stuffed animal, a photo, a towel/blanket, and a handwritten note from a loved one.
Shop for black hoodies on Amazon
8. Bring a lot of neutral colored clothes. Mixing and matching is the best way to go.
Shop for neutral colored clothes on Amazon
9. Travel with a purpose/goal in mind
This one is an absolute game changer. Why you ask? Because, “It gives focus to your preparation, inspires action, and provides strength in challenging moments—both before and during trips.” - Authentic Traveling
Here are some examples that I have done in the past:
I lived to Hawaii for 6 months because I wanted to learn about permaculture, farming and food. So, I lived on farms (for free), took classes, practiced, learned everything I could and… had the best time.
I volunteered at a surf camp in Costa Rica for 2 months because I wanted to learn how to surf
Go travel AND learn that new hobby of yours!
10. Not keeping in touch with the people you meet
If you created a special bond with someone abroad, keep in touch with them! Don’t let something special go to waste!
Pro tip: keep a list of the people you meet (and felt a good connection with) and where they are from. My Germany list is very long after years and years of traveling haha!
I hope these are helpful! Tag me on Instagram and let me know where you’re traveling to next!
Before you go!
A few helpful links to help you get started on your journey!
Amazons most recommended affordable backpack: Click here
My favorite water bottles: Click here
Want free housing? Click here
Don’t worry your mom. Get travel insurance. Click here
Best place to book hotels? Booking.com
Best place to book hostels? Hostelworld.com
Looking for volunteering opportunities? Click here
Did you set up an alert to get a cheap flight? Scotts Cheap flights, sign up here
My favorite credit card that allows me to fly for free: Click here
Please know that some of the links are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your items, or sort your insurance through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for your support!
