As a curious and broke teenager whom set off the doorsteps of his cozy and comfortable home and into the perilous world of the unknown, there are many things for him to delve into and experience. The world awaited for this teenager. So in 2012, he decided to take on the world with countless of doubts, insecurities and of course excitement. Here are 5 golden traveling tips to help you get by. Let’s go!
1. Confidence is key
In your first or even several trips of being adventurous, there will be an avalanche of feelings rushing in you. From departing from your flight to trusting the locals in showing you around, you would not be at ease and always thinking of what may happen next. Sometimes all you need is to trust your gut feelings to get you through. By doing so and being confident, you’re repelling any looming tourist traps like touts or promotion scams. Tip to look confident; do intensive research of the area you will be visiting to look like a pro and not a tourist in the area (it helps).
2. Open-minded and Acceptance
The moment you enter a plane sitting next to a stranger, there is a certain connection going on between the both of you. From having to get up to using the bathroom to eventually sharing stories. Well, that is the beauty of traveling. You have this strong urge to share – stories, experiences, misadventures. Everything. You are bound to talk and that is when people starts to open up. Lend open ears and ask questions. Learn of the different plights and struggles from your own and gain deeper knowledge of the world you are in. To understand one another, one must actually meet and talk with each other. To understand how different cultures can live peacefully, one must actually do real interaction with other cultures. Eradicate these walls inside our minds and learn to accept one another in this same planet we are walking on.
In fact, I got an amazing blog from Lucy about ‘Ethical Traveling’. This post is amazing as it’s not only resonating to me but also, to what everyone should be. Let’s not ruin the beautiful Earth while traveling!
3. Enjoy being lost
Now this is my favorite point. I enjoy being lost. Being spontaneous is more exciting than following itineraries. There are so many things laid out for you that is not in the guide book, various off-beaten paths to explore and definitely for that one perfect Instagram shot. There is nothing like being lost in Sri Lanka or Penang and enjoy the mouth-watering street food from random push carts or end up hiking the Achasan Mountain in Korea for a different view of Seoul’s city line. Or even discovering a kickass shortcut from Canggu to Seminyak. Just get lost! (literally)
4. Picking up other languages quickly (like real quick)
It is easy to assimilate into yourself another country. For instance, having their delicacies almost everyday and talking to the locals. Through this, we tend to feel their rhythm of the languages and slowly be ingrained in our heads. Also, simply seeing the signs on the street or even the menu in a local café teaches you something about their language. Keren huh? (Cool in Indonesian)
5. Meeting unforgettable people
With the aforementioned four tips above, this point will come in naturally as you travel. So, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Be it sitting in a plane beside a stranger or meeting a random person whom go far beyond reach at the airport to help you settle down in the country, there is always someone you meet overseas that you would not forget about. Never mind the name, it is the connection you all had that makes it unforgettable and that is what makes traveling golden and invaluable. So go out there and witness the beauty of traveling!
I don’t think I will ever embrace enjoying being lost lol!
The points you make about confidence and being open-minded are awesome though, two things I had to learn as I traveled, and totally invaluable to having the best possible time.
Hey Phil!
It’s nice to step out of the comfort zone once in awhile. From there we can naturally find ourselves, be it thru good or bad experience hahaha. Cheers mate! Don’t stop traveling!
A few weeks ago, I was supposed to go to this little mountain town surrounded by nature, but was frankly not as interested in it as my friend. She ended up not being able to go, and then they sold me the wrong bus ticket. I ended up 4 hours north of my destination and decided to just go to Queretaro, Mexico, instead. Man, there was this massive festival there that turned out to be so much cooler than if I was just sitting in the mountains by myself.
Getting lost can be awesome.
You speak volumes my friend! Sometimes it just turn out to be a blessing disguise you may never know. Just stay safe!
I should call you wanderlust. I love traveling too and the things you have mentioned are absolutely necessary to enjoy the real travel.
I love all of these points and definitely have to agree. I moved from the US to Spain several years ago, so being a foreigner is a part of my life. I have learned Spanish, which really has helped me to build connections here. I also spend my free time traveling in Europe and have met some awesome people in my travels. You should definitely always be open.
Hello Nina!
Hey that’s nice! Maybe you too can impart some golden knowledge on traveling and being an expat?
Have a great day Nina!
These tips r really great. I must say I love getting lost too.
Hello Monidipa!
Yes getting lost is where you can find yourself, literally.
We love your travel tips! We’re already planning our next adventure.
I love your travel tips. It makes me miss the days of when I would travel alone! It is so great to just get lost without any plans when you’re visiting a different place.
Hi Vivienne!
Wow that’s cool, don’t stop traveling yo! Spontaneity is so much fun when traveling, you have no idea what you might chance upon.
Safe travels!
I just love the article these are some amazing tips.
Hi Sundeep!
Glad you liked it! Never stop traveling!
Sometimes being lost brings us good memories, but we need not to be more lousy about it. We still need to be cautious.
Hello Blair!
Agree with you! Being lost is when you can find yourself, literally!
These are some great tips. I wish we traveled more often!! I ahve so many places that i want to go!!!
I have a plan for my solo travel next month and this post encourage me to go travel alone nice one! very great advice
Hi there Maysz!
Glad you liked it! Never stop traveling and do stay safe too 😀
Thank you Fad.
I never would have thought of doing it as enjoying being lost. But that’s what I love about going on a trip, being somewhere you are a little insecure and discovering something very new.
Hi there David!
You may never know what’s behind the corner if you always stick to the plan and that’s the beauty of traveling!
Honestly, I love the wisdom you shared on here. What I especially love is the inclusion of the local people in the wisdom scenario.T hey are a great part of any true experience. Great insight.
Hi there Lina!
Ohyes locals provide authentic experience and it just makes country even more beautiful. It’s something that can never be bought or even explained. 😀
Having the ability to enjoy and not get stressed over being lost is really key to travel in my book. I think getting lost leads to adventure!
Hello Madlyn!
You can try it sometimes too! Being lost is when you can truly find yourself 😀
There’s nothing quite like getting lost, on purpose or not, while traveling. That’s usually when I see the most incredible things!
Hi there Chris!
Spontaneity/being lost leads to greater adventures and golden memories too. Do try it sometimes 😀
I absolutely love this. I believe travelling is one of the best ways to expand within. Love the pointers you gave out and enjoying getting lost sticks out to me because it just means to trust the process! ♥️
Hi there!
Getting lost is always scary at the same time an eye-opening experience as you may never know what’s around the corner. Glad you enjoy being lost as much as I do too 😀
I like to mix a bit of planning and being spontaneous at the same time. Just enjoy your journey, go with flow, and everything will become a great experienc. Good luck!
Hey there Tala!
Ohyes that’s a good and safe mixture to travel with. Godspeed on your travels too! Enjoy!
It has been a goal of mine to travel to a different country all by myself, but I haven’t mustered up the courage just yet! I would really love to learn a new language!
Hello Angel!
Traveling solo is not easy especially if you’re new to it. It’s always about the start that is the hardest, take that leap of faith. You’ll be fine, Angel! 😀
I’ve been on a few trips that have been way outside my comfort zone. It’s still my favorite stories to tell. The best experiences I’ve ever had.
Hello Jennifer!
That’s nice though, stepping outside of the comfort zone already earns you the bragging rights. Flaunt them! 😀
I love the part about being ok to get lost. Some of my favorite trips were ones we got lost while traveling. Off-road adventures make the best memories!
Hello Amy!
Being lost is scary and memorable at the same time. You may never know the hidden spots for the gram hehe
I could agree more! Travelling is what feeds your inspiration, your creativity. Nothing beats a new travel adventure!
Hi there Shawn!
You are absolutely right! Never stop traveling, it’s the experience and memories that counts!