5 Travel Basics for the Beginner

This post, 5 Travel Basics for the Beginner, was originally published in January 2019 and has been completely updated in 2020.

Are you just getting ready to start a trip?

Have you booked it but now are stuck?

Not sure what to pack, how to pack, what you really need versus what’s extra?

Well, this is by no means an extensive list, but it is a great starting point.

It’s meant not to overwhelm you but is for those new to travel, those who have never traveled before or those who haven’t traveled for a while.

And these five tips will come in handy whether you are traveling domestic or international; by road, air, bus or train.

So let’s get started!

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#1 – Carry Identification

Let’s start with this basic in itself:

You should always carry some sort of ID with you.

Whether it be a driver’s license, an identification card, or a passport.

You never know when you will need it.

You may need it just to check into a hotel or if you’re traveling by air, you will definitely need it getting on an airplane.

It’s always best to carry it with you.

Are you are worried about losing it or it getting stolen?

There are some great items on Amazon like this money holder which is always great to have as a just in case. (One extra note – I would suggest getting one with RFID protection.)

Or, I think this scarf is beautiful.

It has a hidden zipper too, so style and function! What’s better than that 🙂

And for you guys out there, check out this belt with a hidden pocket!

#2 – Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will probably be walking a lot during your trip.

Whether it’s simply around the airport, bus terminal, train station, or back and forth from the car to the gas station/lodging.

Wearing comfortable shoes is a must!

If you will be needing dressy shoes during your trip, pack them.

There is no need to dirty them or to be uncomfortable.

If you will need them when you arrive at your destination, pack them.

Pack them where they will be easy to get to, but pack them.

You can always slip them on in the car, airport, or a bathroom.

And don’t feel embarrassed to be wearing comfortable shoes with a dressier outfit.

Nobody else cares – trust me! And you’ll be a happier traveler in the long run.

And just in case you still want to look fashionable then these Aviva shoes should fit the bill!

#3 – Pack Light

Packing light can seem like an art form to some but there are ways to do it.

Here is my tried and true method, in regards to clothing at least:

Put out all the clothes you think/know you’ll need. Then, half that! Yup, it’s crazy, right? Well, hear me out.

When I suggest you half what you’ve put out, do you have bottoms and tops that go with each other?

Will that blue t-shirt go with several different bottoms you want to bring? Will jeans/khakis go with multiple tops? Get the idea?

There is no reason to have a completely separate outfit for each day.

Unless you know your clothes are going to get that dirty or that you will not be able to re-wear any items.

Not only that, but no one else is ever even going to notice that you have worn the same shirt twice or the same pants twice.

Now, if you just aren’t going to be able to do the ‘halving’ technique then may I suggest Space Bags.

Related Post: Packing Tips

I love them so much!

Not only do I use them for travel, but I also use them at home for packing winter gear during the summer and summer gear during the winter.

You get the picture.  

You will get much more into your suitcases with them than without.

With that being said, be careful.

With the extra space you may be tempted to pack more, please don’t.

In terms of other items (toiletries, snacks, etc.), I say pack what you can as long as the bag isn’t too heavy to carry for some distance.

Even if you plan on using a porter, a friend, your significant other.

I’ve read lots of places to just buy what you need when you get to a place.

And if you’re comfortable with that by all means, go for it.

I, on the other hand, like knowing I have everything I need already packed.

I don’t have to worry about how or where I will be able to get the other items.

You never know when you might not be able to get to that place you know will have your shampoo, you know?

#4 Stay Hydrated

This one, for whatever crazy reason, took me a long time to learn!

Do you ever get headaches when you travel?

Granted, it can be stressful traveling.

Time differences, different altitudes possibly, different climates, humidity levels.

Not to mention different foods, customs and/or beds.

But adding dehydration to all of that never is helpful!

Always carry a water bottle or camelback of some sort.

Lots of airports these days have a special water fountain for water bottles.

Or safer yet, although I will admit more expensive, buy some water from a store, and fill up your water bottle or camelback.

Also remember, if you’re flying, you can get water during your flight to fill up your container.

Now, once you are at your destination, know whether the water is safe there or not.

We, personally, always get bottled water when we travel now. Even when we don’t ‘need’ to 🙂

So, speaking of getting water it may not be a bad idea to get some medicine that will help with diarrhea and tummy aches. Just in case!

#5 Be Researched but not planned down to the minute

If you noticed, I did not say to plan ahead, in terms of once you’re at your destination.

While I would definitely suggest having a loose itinerary in your head or written down, it’s not always ‘mandatory’ to have everything planned down to the minute.

For one thing, that will set you up for possibly more stress since things will not always go as planned.

Think of it as part of the fun of travel and you will be on your way to having a great trip.

Now, I will be the first to tell you, I like to have things planned, maybe not down to the minute but planned.

O.k., maybe planned is the wrong word – researched is probably a better way to state it.

I like to have all my options mapped out and everything thought out.

I probably go a little crazy with it but I like to have contingency plans.

And I do feel like, if you just make it up as you go along you may not get anything accomplished.

Research your trips but don’t plan them down to the minute!

Case in point: I traveled to Vegas with some friends a few years ago.

Half the group just wanted to ‘plan’ it as we went.

Needless to say, we saw one show because that had been planned.

Everything else we tried to go do we would always miss it because we were off with times.

The trip was relaxing but I feel like, especially if you don’t know if you’ll ever make it back to that place again, it was not productive.

And it drove me crazy! So research, and plan what you must or will, but be prepared for hiccups along the way.

With these basics, as a beginner traveler, you will be well on your way to becoming a seasoned traveler!

Now that you have your basics starter kit 🙂 grab your Never Forget Anything Again Travel Packing Checklist! and know that you’ll be really ready to go!

Unless you would also like some help with packing? Check out my How to Pack post 🙂

Did you find this helpful? What would you add to the list? Please share with us in the comments below so we can all be helped. Thanks!!

Do you need more help? More information, suggestions? Please just let me know and I’ll be happy to help how I can!

Enjoy your trip!!!!