What NOT to do While Traveling
It is important to learn the tricks of the trade when traveling the world and there are a ton of tips out there to help you do it in a way that is cheaper, more efficient, and more enjoyable. However, sometimes it is just as important to understand what NOT to do in order to become a better explorer. Below are some of the pitfalls and obstacles that should be identified and avoided in order to have the best travel experience possible.
Don’t overpack
One of the most common of rookie mistakes. One of the cool things that travel can show you is just how few earthly possessions you really need. Always strive for less when packing for your travels. This will make you more mobile, you’ll get less tired, and it will be easier to do random adventures without having all kinds of baggage in tow.
Don’t go in with no plan
If you are like me, it is tempting to buy a ticket to an exciting destination and then just see what happens when you get there. I am here to tell you not to do it. At least have an outline, some semblance of a plan of what days you will be in which locations. Doing this planning ahead of time will save you so much money and a lot of potential headache as well. Planning out your lodging and transportation ahead of time will ensure you don’t waste your money or your time, the two most valuable things you have when traveling. Once you have the plan in place, you can always divert from it if an opportunity arises. Some of the best memories in travel come from unexpected adventures. However, you at least have a plan to fall back on should the random adventures not happen.
Don’t go in with an attitude
Everyone needs to understand that when traveling abroad, this is not your home country. Things are done differently, people are different, and you are a guest. If you go to a new country expecting all of the comforts of home just with a different landscape, not only are you going to be disappointed but you are going to miss out on some of the most spectacular things those cultures have to offer. As long as you go into every situation with humility and an open mind, you will find just how much this beautiful world has to offer.
Don’t flash around a lot of cash
This is getting easier in an ever more digitalized world, but cash is still king in most countries. You will inevitably need to get out some cash in the country you are visiting, but you should never carry too much cash on you nor be showing it out in public. Anyone who takes out a large wad of bills is asking for trouble, even in the seemingly safest countries. Instead, carry a little cash on you. Better yet use something like the Charles Schwab debit card and only take out a little cash at a time whenever you need it. This will help make you less of a target and in the unlikely event that you are separated from your wallet, you aren’t left destitute.
Don’t go too fast
This is one I fell prey to in my early days of travel. It is understandable that your time is precious and you want to see it all. However, trying to go too fast will strip you of real experiences and will get you to burn out fast. When you try to travel from place to place too fast, you don’t really get to experience the culture and there are almost no opportunities for the random adventures mentioned above. You end up spending half of your time (or more) on planes and buses and taxis until it seems like they were the whole trip. It may be frustrating not being able to go to as many places but trust me, choose quality of quantity. Just make sure you choose the locations you want to see most and give yourself at least a few days in each location. You will enjoy your experience that much more and you will give yourself some important time for rest.
Don’t forget to make memories
Your travels are adventures that you will be looking back on for years to come so don’t forget to make memories. Take pictures or videos when the urge hits you. Don’t let them take you out of the experience, but I’m always glad a year after a trip that I took more pictures rather than less. More importantly, of course, are the experiences themselves. This is what traveling is all about: to broaden your horizons and to step out of your comfort zone. It’s understandably uncomfortable to step out of your comfort zone but the best things in life are on the other side of fear. Who knows which new experience will become the most memorable?
Bottom Line
International trips are so rewarding, but there are several things to avoid if you want to be a good and responsible world traveler. Now that you are aware of some of the biggest ones, hopefully you will go into your next trip with the right attitude and armed with the tips and advice that will make it your best travel experience yet. Get out there and explore!












