The chances are that you are already daydreaming about your next big global adventure. Whether you want to pack your thermals and hunt for the spectacular Northern Lights or head to the Ngorongoro Crater to spot some of the best wildlife on the planet, the options seem endless. But no matter what adventure suits your preference, there are a few handy tips that any budding explorer should know before heading out into the big wide world.
Create A Budget
A budget might seem like an obvious suggestion, but it is vital. If you blow the bank too early, then you might miss out on must-see opportunities further down the line. Similarly, if you return heavily in debt, you might not look back on those memories as fondly as you would have done. Figure out how much you can afford and where that can take you. Some countries are much more expensive than others. If you are a detailed planner and like to book ahead, make sure and leave wiggle room in the budget for any surprises. Unexpected events might be a disaster like your luggage being lost or your accommodation not being up to scratch. But it can be fun too. If you stumble across a bar that you are having lots of fun in, you don’t want to leave because the pennies won’t let you enjoy another round. A budget also can be an excellent motivation for saving towards the holiday. If you have a target amount in mind, this will let you know how much you need to put aside each month as you countdown on the calendar until your traveling begins.
Create An Itinerary
This one is particularly important if you are traveling with friends or family. A rough schedule will help you plan your journey and make sure that no one misses out on the one thing they are desperate to experience. You don’t want to arrive at your last destination with only a few hours before your flight home and have to rush to squeeze everything into your final moments. You also don’t want to stay somewhere so long that you feel you have squeezed every last bit of fun out of it. Depending on how much of a planner you are, itineraries can be incredibly detailed or only a light sketch of rough ideas. There are even apps out there that can take the stress out of creating the schedule and let you share it with all the travelers. Remember, an itinerary is only a plan, and you can amend it as you go if needed. Wriggle room is also useful. Don’t fill every hour with a plan. Give yourself wriggle room to wind down and relax or take more time at an exceptionally breathtaking beauty spot.
Style It Out
When budgeting and planning, remember you might need new apparel for the journey. Style isn’t’ just a luxury. It is to ensure you make the most out of your trip. You don’t want to get to your destination and realize you have to squeeze into last year’s thermals. That is not going to help you enjoy the experience.
Similarly, if you are going sightseeing, then you want to see the sights. Consider getting your eyes tested to see if you need to change your glasses. Investing in spectacles with some style will also mean that you will look great in those all-important holiday snaps. You don’t want to be making up your album thinking, why did I wear that, and what did I think when I put those on. You want to look as stunning as the nature that surrounds you.
Speak To The Locals
The guidebooks are excellent, but they will almost instantly be out of date as soon as they are written. That restaurant it recommends may have closed down or changed chef. There might be a new must visited a location that only sprung up weeks ago. There might be a festival or a local celebration that will be fantastic to participate in. Please speak to the locals, find out what is happening, and don’t be afraid to depart from the tourist traps and take their advice. The locals will most likely want to show off their hometowns and countries in the best light and will be proud to tell you their particular favorite hotspots.
Speak To Other Thrill Seekers
If you are staying in hostels or you are on long train or bus journeys, then take the opportunity to speak to other adventurers. They will have handy hints and tips to share. Whether places best to be avoided or stunning viewpoints, you must visit. Their knowledge is valuable. You will be able to offer something back too. Telling people about your adventures will help you relive those experiences and cement them in your memory.
Do Something New
Challenge yourself. If you have always gone scuba diving, then try skiing. Surprise yourself. Learn a new skill even if it is just something small. You will never know what you enjoy until you try it all. There are so many adventures to choose from, but you will be amazed at how many adventurers stick to what they know. Sure, surfing in every continent will be cool, but it might also be great to try rock climbing. You never know, you might develop a new passion or meet new friends. The more you get out there and try something different, the more you will learn exactly the type of adventures that you will want more of and which you wish to avoid in the future too.
Mix It Up
If you are going interrailing around Europe, then consider going to one destination via boat or bus. If you are staying in hostels, have one-night camping. You don’t need to stick to one travel type. Mixing up your accommodation and travel varies the experience and makes those moments as much of the holiday as the destinations themselves. Traveling at a different pace will also allow you to appreciate the countryside differently.
Pick What You Pack
Packing doesn’t just mean selecting the right type of clothes for the climate. Nowadays, it would be best if you considered what packing might mean for the values you espouse. For instance, if you are an eco-lover, can you pack a little lighter and save your carbon footprint. Or if you want the fully immersive cultural experience, can you pack nothing at all and only buy when you arrive, so that you’re even testing the toothpaste brands the locals might use. Think about what you are packing and why.
Check Health and Travel Restrictions
The last thing you want is to find yourself at a border, unable to cross it or to realize you are exposing yourself or your family to a dangerous health risk. Take time to read up on your planned destinations. Look at what vaccinations are recommended, traveling from your home country. If your holiday country has had a history of political strife, read up on the local news to make sure you don’t get caught up in any upheaval that might make your journey stressful and potentially risky. This type of planning will take a lot of the worry out of traveling and make your experience much more enjoyable.
Lastly, remember the experience is about just that, experiencing it. Don’t become bogged down in trying to plan every detail or snap every moment. The pictures are essential. The plan is useful. But also take time to enjoy the adventure and go along for the ride.