I can’t believe it has been over fifteen years since I set off from home with a one-way ticket and a backpack that towered over me, ready for my first solo adventure. It was my first time traveling alone, and I never looked back.
Traveling is like a drug, it opens your mind to new dimensions, but unlike psychedelics, these dimensions are real. You get to befriend the people who inhabit them, and amongst your country’s own quirks and your differences, you often realize that all the important things are the same. You learn things about yourself, and you learn not to judge other people.
Rather than becoming jaded and unimpressed about mundane experiences, you learn to be more curious and to approach everything like a traveler.
The more I travel, the longer the list of places I would like to visit becomes. And each journey feels better than the last, because you learn things along the way.
To save first time travellers some of trials and tribulations I passed along the way, here is my list of five mistakes to avoid, and what to do instead.
Mistake 1: Taking a 70L Backpack
The iconic image of the gap-year traveler is a small figure in elephant pants with a backpack bigger than they are. Most people are moving around with huge bags, 60L or even up to 90L, and so you might presume that is normal and sensible. It is not.
Even if you are traveling for months, you most likely only need a 40L pack. There are exceptions if you need specific material for camping or diving for example, but unless you are going to be doing so very frequently, it usually makes more sense to rent or to buy and resell gear.
This will save you so much discomfort and money. You won’t have to pay for luggage storage or for taxis to take you around town. You won’t spend hours unpacking and repacking and constantly lose things because you have no idea what is in your portable closet.
Just remember: There is nothing in your backpack that will ever be as useful as having a light backpack.
Mistake 2: Believing Big Attractions = Best Experiences
When I traveled to Cappadocia, Turkey, everyone told me I had to take a hot-air balloon ride. I am sure they were incredible: Cappadocia is basically a moonscape made up of white rock shaped into fairy chimneys, spread out as far as the eye can see. From above, it must have been spectacular.
But I was at the end of an 18-month trip and running out of money, so I didn’t have the 80$ it cost at the time. I never regretted it though, because even though I didn’t do the thing that was pegged as the most important thing to do in that area, I had experiences that were far more unique and unforgettable.
I hiked around the fairy chimneys, getting lifts from local farmers. I camped out in caves and met eccentric families living in hidden valleys. I climbed over limestone cliffs, and somehow ended up on top of someone’s cave house. They laughed and invited me in for a glass of wine.
We often assume that the highlights of our trip will be the big sites and major attractions. But they aren’t. Sure, it is amazing to look on the Taj Mahal or climb the Eiffel Tower but often the biggest adventures are to be found in more mundane places.
Mistake 3: Flying Too Often
Flights save time, but they also skip the journey. Traveling overland—by bus, train, hitchhiking, or even cycling—lets you see how cultures blend, notice the small towns in between, and connect with people in a way airports never allow.
If it’s your first time traveling internationally, try swapping one or two short flights for a train or bus. You’ll spend less money, lower your environmental impact, and gain a richer understanding of the country you’re in.
Mistake 4: Sticking Too Rigidly to a Schedule
A lot of first time travelers make strict itineraries to get the most out of their time. They book accommodation ahead, know which sites they want to see on what day, and are very reluctant to change this plan.
This is certainly the most efficient way to see the main sites in as little time as possible. But, again, this is not where you will have the most fun or the most enriching experience.
If your goal is to travel et to discover the world, it is better to let yourself be surprised by new countries, and to throw your plan out of the window.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to seize all the opportunities that come up: a local inviting you to their family celebrations, a friend met in a bar organizing a spontaneous road trip, a festival you didn’t know about which is only an hour away…
If you are a very organized person who likes to have a plan, you can make one, just treat it like a guideline, not a rule. Follow it if that still works for you, but don’t say no to great experiences because of an abstract idea you had before you were actually in a place.
Travel Tips for Beginners: What to Do Instead
it’s your first time traveling alone or your first time traveling internationally, here are a few tried-and-tested tips to help you travel like a pro from the get go.
Pack Light
Get a smaller backpack. Really. Just do it. A 40L backpack is enough for almost all trips. You only actually need 1 week of clothes and some handwashing soap. Work on the principles of a capsule wardrobe: everything should be interchangeable. Mixing and matching all your clothes means you have a way bigger wardrobe. Pack simple shorts, pants and skirts and some tops that go with them, as well as a couple of warm layers (if necessary) that can be paired with everything. Add to this a couple of statement pieces or fancy jewellery, so that you have something that makes you feel special or to wear out for a party.
Learn a Few Local Phrases
Learn a few sentences in the local language, before you arrive anywhere. It will help you connect with locals, which will lead you to some wonderful exciting experiences.
Note Down Essentials
Before you start traveling and end up with no internet, jot down a few essentials, like the exchange rate of the country you are going to and the address of a hostel you can go to on landing.
Do Your Research
The Lonely Planet and Rough Guide are generally very comprehensive, containing information about many hidden gems. Local tourist offices in small towns in the country are also great for finding minor sites, some of which will be boring, some amazing, and some downright weird. Read articles on travel blogs and books about the places you are going. And once you arrive in a place, ask locals you meet for their recommendations.
Say Yes to Opportunities
The best travel moments are unplanned. Keep an open mind, accept invitations, and don’t be afraid to step off the tourist path.
Have questions about your first time traveling alone? Let me know in the comments below.
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