Travelling can be rewarding, but to ensure you make the most of your time touring the world, there are some golden rules that we think are necessary to follow. Don’t worry; these rules won’t restrict you or make your travels any less enjoyable. Rather, they are there to protect you as you go, and to make your time away easier than it otherwise might be.
Golden Rule #1: Be prepared
As any good boy scout will tell you, this should always be your number one rule. The better prepared you are, the safer you will be on your travels. You should make sure you’re insured, for example, because in the event of a disaster while you’re away, you might struggle to cope financially if you aren’t properly covered. As well as general travel insurance, you might want to shop around for a policy that suits your specific needs, such as Travelers auto insurance or specific medical insurance. You should also make sure you have your passport in place, as well as your Visa, and enough savings to cover you for the duration of your trip. You should also learn the lingo of the country you are visiting; you will struggle to communicate your needs otherwise, especially if you are heading to a non-English speaking country.
Golden Rule #2: Take a few risks
While travelling is about being prepared, it’s also about taking a few risks. We aren’t telling you to do anything that puts your life in danger, of course, but there are times when you should step out of your comfort zone to make your travels more memorable. You might wander off the beaten path and away from popular tourist spots, for example, as who knows what you might find around unfamiliar corners. You might want to take part in activities that shake your nerves, such as diving with sharks or bungee jumping from cliff tops, as these might help you conquer any fears you have. And instead of visiting countries you have been to many times before, you might want to visit somewhere a little different. When you take risks, you will broaden your mind and create more memorable experiences, so don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.
Golden Rule #3: Pack lightly
If you’re going to be on the road a lot, you don’t want to be weighed down by the bags you are carrying. You don’t want to pay a lot on baggage fees at the airport either. By packing as light as possible, you will face less strain on your back and on your finances. You also won’t be a target for thieves, as the less you have with you, the safer you’ll be when you’re on your travels. Therefore, resist the urge to pack loads of clothes. There will be plenty of places to wash your clothes on your travels, be that at the hotels or hostels you stay in, or in a nearby river if you’re planning on roughing it. And don’t pack loads of snacks or bottles of water, as you will be able to source these on your travels. Check out these tips on packing lighter to save yourself a heavy burden.
We have missed out on one other important rule, and that is ‘have fun!’ But if you follow the golden rules on our short list, this should come as standard when you’re on your travels. Let us know what you think, and if we have missed out on any rules that you think are important, be sure to share your ideas with us.
