20 things everyone should know about travel

20 THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL

Travel for many is a fun and exhilarating escape from the mundanity of life. For me, travelling is a necessity. Wanderlust is very addictive. It does not matter how many countries you have visited, it is and will never be enough. There’s always something new and intriguing to see, experience, and learn. Therefore, with proper planning (see how to plan a solo vacation – from research to lift-off), you can have a safe, economical, and fun getaway. Additionally, you will learn about the indirect benefits of travel with every trip. So, for the travellers but more so the non-travellers, I will share 20 things everyone should know about travel.

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Listing - 20 things Everyone should know about Travel

No, travel is not just a simple hobby or a yearly vacation-break away from your homes and workplaces. On the contrary, it is a total experience and freedom of the mind, body, and soul. There are many misconceptions and much more that you probably may not know surrounding travel. So, here are 20 things everyone should know about travel.

1. Travel is not for only Rich People

It is assumed by most that that one needs to be rich or financially well off to travel. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, you need some sort of income to begin with, and of course, the ability to meet your monthly financial obligations, FIRST. The extras spent on wants and unnecessities are what you divert towards your travel budget. It is all about prioritizing what is important to you. For tips and ways to save (see how to save money to travel and save US$1,700.00 in 10 months) towards your next trip.

After this, it all comes down to meticulously searching and planning for the best and most budget-friendly destinations, hotels, and transport.

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2. You Don’t need Company to Travel

Get the thought or belief that you need a companion to travel out of your head. You certainly do not need anyone accompanying you on your trips. I have always travelled alone within the last 16 years, except a couple of times during my early travel-years. Of course, I had fun, made friends, and made it back home safely with lots of priceless memories.

Besides, only when you are out there, will you appreciate that lots of people travel alone. I have met ladies as young as 18 years old and as old as 75 years old, travelling alone, on a different continent.

Undoubtedly, a companion is ideal for sharing some moments, but not a necessity. Besides, you will make new friends. For those worried about being bored, you will be too busy or tired at the end of each day to feel lonely or bored. So, there is no room for boredom, especially when you have an itinerary of tours and attractions to do and see. For best deals on attractions/tour packages, I recommend (#Ad) Klook). What’s left to do but move at your own pace and time and enjoy.

There are many other benefits of travelling alone (see the good, the bad, and better you). Travelling alone has its advantages. My favorite is not having to wait on or appease anyone else. Therefore, there is nothing to fear. Just learn how to stay safe on a solo vacation and get out and explore the world. Life is too short to wait for a companion to enjoy or live it!

3. Travel makes you more Open-minded

All travellers witness certain things or lifestyles they might be unfamiliar with, taboo, or scoffed at in their country. Moreover, in some territories, life and lifestyles might be more colourful than in yours. Consequently, even if you disapprove, you will learn to evaluate situations and mentally adapt without being judgemental.

Over time, you will become a more open-minded individual. Eventually, you learn to live and let live, without any hang-ups!

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4. You will develop a sense of Gratitude and Appreciation for your Country

Many people put down their countries without knowing the true reality in other countries, especially those who have never travelled. They rely solely on hearsay, the television, or the internet for their information. For this reason, they think their country and lives are worse than other countries, especially the developed ones.

Those who do not travel, think the rest of the world is better than theirs. The non-travellers also believe it is more appealing, safer, cleaner, cheaper, and has better health and social services than their country. In most cases, the reality is quite the opposite.

Travellers get a clearer picture of reality and interact and compare notes with the locals. I can say that in my country, (yes even though I complain about prices, at times), it’s not that bad. The transportation, gas, electricity, water, and prepared meals are cheaper than most of the 60 plus countries I have visited.

When you compare certain aspects of life in your country with other countries, you can’t help but feel grateful that you have it so much better in your country in every way.

5. Travel is a Stress-Reliever

What could be better than going on a vacation? Just the thought of it and the planning, release endorphins that are excellent for your overall health. Getting away from your job and mundane, routine life is the biggest stress reliever. Visiting a new location or country, meeting new people, enjoying different cultures, and tasting new cuisines is therapy for the mind and body.

Additionally, no stress means no lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart attack, insomnia, and so many others. Be it alone or with friends, a vacation away from it all makes everyone happier and stress-free.

6. Travel Boosts Relationship and Intimacy between Couples and Family members

When families and couples spend quality time together in a different and stress-free environment, it rejuvenates and strengthens their relationships. Time away from busy schedules, stress, work, chores, etc., while learning and experiencing new things together, can boost any static relationship.

We all never stop learning and growing. So, therefore, what can be more fulfilling than spending uninterrupted, dedicated time with your family or spouse? Indeed, travel can seriously tighten the bond and improve intimacy.

7. Travel helps you make Friends and become more Sociable

Even if you are a loner, an introvert, or already a social person, travelling will either help you make friends, become more sociable or the life of the party.

You will encounter many travellers like yourself from around the world. Similarly, we all love talking about our travel experiences and relate to others with the same passion and interests. Because people on vacation are more free-spirited and open to meeting new people from around the world.

Whether on the airplane, at the airport, the hotel, or on a tour. Eventually, someone will talk with you, even if it’s to pass the time.

Questions like where you are from?… and information about your country are sure to occur, guaranteed. Apart from this, it is easy to make friends in public parks or asking someone to take your picture or vice versa. People tend to strike up a mutual conversation at a bar or a cafe, especially if they sense you are a foreigner.

If you are lodging at a hostel, your chances of meeting new people and making new friends are even higher. Due to you are sharing a dorm and the communal kitchen with other travellers. Furthermore, you are more than likely to site-see or hang out with them at the popular spots during your stay.

8. Accommodation is not as Expensive as Some may Think

It will be somewhat expensive if you are on a budget and looking at 4-star or 5-star hotels. Nonetheless, it is easy to decrease the overall cost of your trip by locating reasonably priced accommodation.

Here are some ways you can save on accommodation.

Bunking with friends or family in the country you are visiting can cut your cost to zero.

A hostel, which is the cheapest option. The downside to this is it offers little or no privacy. I will recommend this to people on a low budget and feel comfortable sharing washrooms and or bedrooms with strangers. That is a definite no-no for me because I dread sharing bathrooms and my sleeping space.
However, it seems a popular choice among many travellers of all ages. The reason being, besides being reasonably priced, solo travellers like the camaraderie and location (most situated in very accessible spots).
Airbnb is another reasonably priced option but may not be available in every country. This is the rental of a house or apartment for a stipulated period.

Couchsurfing is somewhat like hostels, except it is free. It is generally utilizing a couch or room at someone’s house, yes, a stranger. This service is in exchange for your future reciprocation, if someone needs lodging when visiting your country. Technically, another great budget option. However, you must join/sign up on the Couchsurfing site to use this service.

My favourite option is to do some detailed research and find a budget-friendly hotel in an excellent location with excellent amenities.

For the more adventurous travellers who love group/family road-trips, without paying for hotel stops. It will be advisable to rent a Motor home, RV, Trailer, or Camper. These options could be fun, and of course, cheaper than hotels, for extended vacations.

9. Money spent on Travels creates better Memories than Money spent on Material Things

Money spent on travel gives memories and stories to last a lifetime. Things expire, quickly go out of style, or newer versions replace them. So does the temporary high from new items. However, the experiences, friends, cultures, and added benefits gained during and after travelling, cannot be duplicated nor replaced. It can leave you feeling euphoric forever. For sure, travel memories will live with you forever, even when you can no longer travel. Simply put, travel memories are priceless.

10. The most Expensive Cost to your Vacation is your Airline Ticket

The most expensive cost attached to your vacation is your airline ticket. Understandably, the further you travel, the more expensive it will be. However, if you are smart with a keen eye for a deal, you will soon learn you can improvise to cut costs.

Here some cost-cutting measures you can use to save on airline costs and or the use of alternative transportation to your destinations.

Don’t book your airline tickets too early or too close to the travel date. An average of 2 to 4 months in advance is good.
Plan your flights to travel on certain days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days seem to be the cheapest days to fly.
Flights in early mornings (dawn) or overnight (midnight onward) tend to be the cheapest.
Avoid seasonal (esp. summer and spring), major holidays and weekend flights. They are more expensive.
Mix segments of your trip, along with airplanes. Use trains, buses, or ferries to cut costs. That’s if you don’t mind the long journey.
Long stopovers/connecting flights can be cheaper than direct flights, especially if you are not in a hurry to reach your destination.
Utilize alternative transport to cut costs. Instead of flying, I will highly recommend using the metro/trains or buses for your entire journey (esp. if you are in Europe).

What are the advantages of utilising Trains, Buses, Ferries instead of Airplanes?

Less expensive, of course.
Scenic, calming views.
More luggage at lower or no cost.
Less/no Airport/Custom/Immigration hassle.
More comfort and legroom.
A lessor or no cost for transport to/from the airport to your hotel/accommodation. The reason being, in most cases the trains and buses will take you to the heart of the city, leaving you steps away from your hotel/accommodation.

11. You don’t need a Travel Agent to Book, Plan or Organise your Vacation

Early in my travels, I utilized the services of travel agencies. However, after I got sick from food poisoning and cholera in the Dominican Republic, I discontinued their use due to their poor hotel choice. As a result of this incident, I started doing my research, reading guest reviews, and booking my tickets and accommodations before travelling.

When you book your tickets and or accommodation online, it is cheaper. Since you pay no service fees to either the airline ticket agent or travel agents, additionally, through research, you will learn more about your intended destination.

Moreover, you can meticulously choose your flight times, accommodation (in an accessible location), the amenities you desire, and transport. All this using (#Ad) CheapOair, TripAdvisor (for hotel, restaurant, and airline reviews) and or Skyscanner for the best comparative ticket, hotel, and transport pricing. Generally, planning your trip yourself is fun, and you can financially cut many corners.

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12. You can start a new Travel-related Career

Your travels or love of it can steer you into a new career path in the travel industry. Due to what you have observed, tasted, and experienced during your travels. Whether it might be part-time or full-time, the possibilities are endless. Here are some viable and exciting hobbies or career options that can emerge from travelling.

Content photographer. Anyone can join and sign up as a photographer on any of the platforms that facilitate this. Getty/iStock and (#Ad) Shutterstock (on both I am a registered content photographer). These are a few of the companies where you can register and upload your photos for sale.

A Travel or Content Writer. Many content writers (magazines etc.) and influencers with blogs, pay well for well-written travel blogs or other relevant niche content.

List your property or room in your home on Booking.com as visitors’ accommodation. As a result, you’ll start making money from travellers like yourself.

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Travel Agents/Ambassadors, Consultants, and Tour guides are other good career choices for an experienced traveller.

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13. Travel makes you a more Courageous Individual

Whether you travel alone or with others, the fact remains you are in a foreign land or new territory. As a result, it takes mental courage to embark on your trip and find your way around. Even more courageous are females like me who travel alone. Undoubtedly, this courage takes you even further in every aspect of life.

Notwithstanding, there are people, especially women, who are fearful of travelling alone. But many will be surprised by the number of women who travel alone as well. Therefore, what is to fear but fear itself, if you have done your research on the country before travelling.

Additionally, if you live in a country with a high crime rate, you are already living cautiously. I can guarantee that you also have the street-smarts and the courage to move around with some level of bravery. Consequently, visiting a country with or without the same crime rate should not be an issue. Just be sure to do your research before embarking on your trip.

Besides your security, travel gives you the courage to try new things and overcome some of your fears. My biggest fears are heights and roller coasters (and I will never ride one). Here are a few activities I was courageous enough to try.

A Hot Air Balloon ride.
Trying new and unusual foods (esp. after my food poisoning episode).
A helicopter ride.
Visited the top of the 3 of the tallest building worldwide.
Underground and tight spaces. I did this tour of the war remnants in Saigon – Vietnam, in the Cu Chi tunnels. This was built in the 1940’s and used in the war. To experience this, you must go underground in the tunnels and crawl on your hands and knees to get through the dirt tunnels to get back up to the surface. What made this so scary was there was no space to turn around if you changed your mind halfway through.

Through a bit of courage, I overcame some of my fears, but I still have the sky diving fear to conquer. Remember, opportunities may only come once in a lifetime and are worth taking. COVID-19 has clearly shown us that as long as we have life, go brave and enjoy it.

14. A Getaway/Staycation gives the same Travel Effects

Once you have packed your bags and left your home for a getaway in new surroundings, you will enjoy the same euphoria as travelling.

Whether it is a long or short Staycation/Getaway, it does not matter, your excitement level will be high, and you get the same satisfaction. Whenever you get away from familiar surroundings, your goal is to relax, celebrate and or explore. Without a doubt, you will be reaping the same benefits that international or regional travel bring.

15. You become more Organised and Disciplined when you travel Alone

Travel helps you to become a more disciplined individual. That is as a result of you travelling alone and being your own support team. It always takes discipline to be well-organized and on point to meet your schedules. Naturally, this includes being punctual for your transport, flights, tours, etc. The world will not wait on or for you, so you must get up and get things done, with no room for procrastination.

When you are alone in a foreign country, you have no support from anyone, and everything is dependent solely on you. Simply put, “if you slip you slide!” and your vacation can go downhill very quickly, if you are not organised and disciplined. Having all your travel documents and itinerary well organised, printed, and ready to present upon request to being punctual.

It takes lots of discipline as well, to be able to stick to your saving goals and to keep a tight budget while on vacation. This includes avoiding the temptation of spending or maxing out your credit card on frivolous and unnecessary purchases. Additionally, it includes settling your bills and repaying your credit card balance before the due date to avoid interest and penalties. These principles are then become a norm applied to your everyday living.

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These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .

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16. Travel makes you Smarter and Wiser

Travelling makes you a lot smarter and wiser because knowledge brings wisdom. With every country or region you visit, you are widening your view, knowledge, and understanding of the world. Travel activates your mind, senses, memory, feelings, and even your taste buds. Most people visit a country and learn a few words of their language, phrases, customs, cultures, etc.

Travel also boosts your memory and attention span as you try to remember new information and discover more. For example, something as small as remembering your way back to your hotel or using the metro stations, and different locations in the country takes brainpower.

Additionally, you will learn to assess situations, practice more vigilance, and become more street-smart. Especially after what you might have heard or seen on television. You are more aware of your surroundings, more observant, and consistently learning new things. The bottom line, if you are learning more and processing current information daily, then you are becoming smarter and wiser. Without a doubt, there will be little or no possibility of Alzheimer’s stepping in.

17. Be very wary of City Taxi Drivers and especially Airports taxis

A word to the wise traveller, be very wary of taxi drivers in ALL countries you visit. This applies especially to Airport taxis and City taxis. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying all taxi drivers are deceptive and dishonest. However, it wouldn’t hurt to be very meticulous and observant when dealing with them on vacation. Other travellers, myself included, have experienced so many incidents that I am obligated to advise others to be on alert.

I have witnessed the manipulation of meters. Some drivers do not restart the meter when you get in but instead has it running from last passenger, so you pay more.

The taxis without a meter will double or even triple the fare once they know you are a visitor.

Some airport taxis without a meter will agree to a negotiated price before you enter their cabs. However, on arrival at your hotel, they will demand more money and give a bogus reason for the increase.
On the other hand, some metered taxis will tell you they know your hotel location before entering their taxi. However, they will then pretend they cannot find it and then drive around to run up the meter and price.

There are taxi drivers who are tricky and greedy. To get more money from passengers, they join the slowest lane in traffic. They do this, even though other lines are moving or have no traffic, just to run up the meter.

I have also heard stories from other travellers, where taxi drivers sped off with their luggage on arrival at their hotel or to the departing airport. It’s sad, but you can be robbed or worse, by unofficial taxi drivers, in some countries. My suggestions to single ladies or generally anyone travelling to a foreign country?

If you can afford it, then rent a car. I recommend Discover Cars (available worldwide).
Most hotels have an airport taxi pickup (at an additional cost).
Visit the official taxi counter located at all airports.
When you are booking your hotel, also book a taxi pickup with Booking.com.
If you are a budget traveller with little or no luggage, the metro or buses are the best options. They are most economical to/from the airport and within the city.

18. All countries have Rules, Regulations, and Laws that may differ from yours. Familiarize and Comply!!

All countries have rules, laws, and regulations that are not necessarily the same in your country. What might be the norm in your country might be a violation in another country, and you can be fined or jailed. As per the famous quote, “when in Rome do as the Romans.” So, therefore, a word to the wise traveller is to research them before travelling.

Here are a few that might be normal in your country but can land you a fine or jail time in others.

Spitting, disposing of gum or cigarette butts on the street is a crime in Singapore and Hong Kong among other countries.
Urinating in public is also a crime in many countries.
In some countries, J-walking is a crime. In yours, it might be just a dysfunctional behaviour with no penalty.
Not using the pedestrian crossings and overpass or underpass, but instead darting across the road has a fine attached to it.

19. Travel improves your Independence and your Problem-solving skills

If you are travelling alone, in unfamiliar territory, you have no backup team. That means you must learn to solve your problems quickly. You must and will learn to think on your feet and make instant decisions. Eventually, over time, you get better at it and become more independent in all aspects of life.

Moreover, if you experience any issues or travel hiccups, you have no family or friends to provide emotional, financial, or physical support. Therefore, you are learning to be self-reliant, an independent thinker, and a problem solver.

20. Avoid bad-mouthing a Country or its Leaders while Visiting

Ill-talking a country or insulting its leader while visiting can get you into trouble with the host or government. In the worst-case scenario, doing so can land you a charge and or jail-time. It does not matter the settings or with whom. Avoid doing this, period, no matter if the locals or others are doing it.

Many countries frown on this, including writing bad reports on social media, even if it is factual. So, keep your political opinions to yourself because “loose lips can sink ships!!” That can ruin your vacation and cause you unnecessary financial and emotional stress.

The Take Away

I hope I was able to enlighten and inform you about some enticing and eye-opening things surrounding travel. In conclusion, get ready to get out there and explore some of my 12 must-see bucketlist countries and become a better version of you. There is always something new to see, experience, and learn. Many cultures and trends still to be explored.

Without a doubt, you can have a safe, economical, and fun vacation alone or with a companion. So, for those who didn’t know, travel goes this deep. It was a pleasure to share 20 things everyone should know about travel. Enjoy!!

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Listing - 20 things Everyone should know about Travel

1. Travel is not for only Rich People

2. You Don’t need Company to Travel

3. Travel makes you more Open-minded

4. You will develop a sense of Gratitude and Appreciation for your Country

5. Travel is a Stress-Reliever

6. Travel Boosts Relationship and Intimacy between Couples and Family members

7. Travel helps you make Friends and become more Sociable

8. Accommodation is not as Expensive as Some may Think

9. Money spent on Travels creates better Memories than Money spent on Material Things

10. The most Expensive Cost to your Vacation is your Airline Ticket

What are the advantages of utilising Trains, Buses, Ferries instead of Airplanes?

11. You don’t need a Travel Agent to Book, Plan or Organise your Vacation

12. You can start a new Travel-related Career

13. Travel makes you a more Courageous Individual

14. A Getaway/Staycation gives the same Travel Effects

15. You become more Organised and Disciplined when you travel Alone

MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS

Disclosure

16. Travel makes you Smarter and Wiser

17. Be very wary of City Taxi Drivers and especially Airports taxis

18. All countries have Rules, Regulations, and Laws that may differ from yours. Familiarize and Comply!!

19. Travel improves your Independence and your Problem-solving skills

20. Avoid bad-mouthing a Country or its Leaders while Visiting

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