5 essential travel tips for beginners

Portia Arthur

July 25, 2018 12:25 PM

Follow these simple and clever tips for a smooth vacation.

Update your social media status

Once you arrive at your destination, ask your social media followers for information on how to live

Ask in your status update: Does anyone know a good-value hotel in Eastern Region? Coolest spots for dessert and coffee? The best place to get affordable shoes for my friend’s wedding? You'll be surprised at the number and variety of suggestions you'll get.

Pack light

Write down the things you’ll need for your trip and stick to it. Remember, the goal is to travel with one luggage. Mix and match everything, so you can coordinate more outfits with fewer clothes. Shoes are the big space hog, so limit yourself to two pairs.

BYOE

Bring your own everything to make your flight or commute memorable and peaceful. Bring a travel pillow, a blanket or a sweater if you tend to get cold, entertainment (PSP, iPod), headphones and food to save money and avoid any health complications.

Alternate dwellings

Hotel ratings don’t really mean anything anymore. Ask around and look for alternative lodging that is economical and may offer more value not forgetting the adventure and experience. Don’t forget to check the mattress for any traces of bed bugs too.

Take photos

Always carry along a good camera or get an extra battery or power bank to charge your phone when traveling. First, take photos of your belongings before you set off and other memorable photos of the places you visit, video of yourself trying new food, dance lessons with locals and other exciting things.

Portia Arthur