The Complete Guide For A First-Time Traveller when your Roaming About!

The Complete Guide For A First-Time Traveller when your Roaming About!

When you’re hitting the road as a first-time traveller, here is a list of things you need to know before you go roaming about.

Everyone must start somewhere as a traveller and If you’re a first-time traveller, then this post is for you!

It has five helpful tips that will make your trip as smooth as possible and ensure that you have a great time. Whether you are going on an adventure with friends or by yourself, these tips will help ease the stress of travelling for the very first time.

 

first-time traveller

Thirsty Bay in Cervantes.

 

The Complete Guide For A First-Time Traveller when your Roaming About!

The first step in preparing for your adventure is to figure out where you want to go.

If you’re going on a group trip, choose a location that everyone can agree on. You also do not have to worry about planning the whole thing yourself if this is your first time travelling with friends or family. Many of them will probably be happy to take charge and plan something like transportation or accommodations. 

 

Get a Destination Planner

Get a destination planner book or download an app for your phone to help keep track of all the details and not forget anything. It’s a great idea to divide up the responsibilities with someone else to save time and avoid confusion later on. 

You can also explore sustainable tourism, where you will get to contribute to your destination’s wellness and enjoy the fruits of a delightful place. Use a destination management plan to ease your search and preparation. 

 

Packing

Next comes packing. It is probably one of the most stressful parts of travelling, but it doesn’t have to be that way at all. If this is your first time travelling by yourself, things might seem more daunting because you don’t know what you will require during international travel.

However, you can easily handle everything online these days, which means there are no excuses for missing out on those adventures just because you don’t know what to pack!

 

Start Local

Start local and take the time to explore your backyard first, you’ll be surprised at what adventure you can find close to home.

Whether you’re looking for a new adventure with friends or by yourself, taking some extra time on this side of the world can be just as rewarding because it’s easy and inexpensive compared to travelling abroad, which means there is no pressure!

 

Travel With Company

If you’re looking for a new adventure with some friends, then take them along! It’s much easier to travel as part of a group, and there will be someone else around who can help if anything goes wrong. 

It is also an excellent way to make sure that everyone has the exact expectations about what they will do so it won’t be difficult later when one person wants to rest while another is itching for action. These things tend to happen more often than not in groups of two or more.

 

first-time traveller

Happy and smiling on top of Koh Samui.

 

Exchange Currency

A topic not often discussed but important before any trip is how to handle currency exchange rates. When dealing with these numbers, always look at what they are about, that is, US dollars, so that way you know what you will potentially have after purchasing something from another country. 

 

Conclusion

There are many great resources online that can provide you with information on planning a trip and packing for your departure, so explore those options today. If this is just you, don’t worry; there’s plenty of valuable advice out there, too, which will help make things easier when booking flights or accommodations. 

It might seem overwhelming at first because you all have ideas about what international travel should look like. Still, thanks to technologies such as TripAdvisor, it has never been more accessible than ever before – no excuses anymore!

 

bako day trip

A day at Bako, where else would you rather be.

 

Essential Travelling Tips For Your Road trip – Travel Tips

Essential Travelling Tips For Your Road trip – Travel Tips

Penguin Island Perth

We all love to visit fantastic destinations and hit the road; therefore, check out these essential travelling tips for your road trip.

Road trips are on most people’s bucket lists for their sense of adventure. It’s a chance to enjoy the key locations you want to see across the country or travel off the beaten track to find some stunning areas that have been untouched.

Here is some advice that will help you out when setting off on your trip of a lifetime with these quick and easy travelling tips for your road trip.

 

travelling tips for your road trip

Travelling tips for your road trip.

 

Essential Travelling Tips For Your Road trip – Travel Tips

Whether you’re travelling solo, on business or with the family, take note of these essential travelling tips for your road trip.

 

Get yourself a trailer tent

Rather than staying in the car to get some sleep, get yourself a trailer tent where you can free up lots of room in the car. They are easy to set up and can be very comfortable. Keep everything you need in your trailer, allowing you to stretch out and keep things organised as your drive to each location.

You can move these to the shoreline or the forest if you like to keep your sleeping environment interesting. With a window, you’ll be able to look out on the sunset, not to mention the PVC flooring, which is hard-wearing and will protect you from the awkward ground underneath. 

 

Have a rough idea of where you want to go

If you have any places you want to visit, put together a rough idea of where you want to go. A plan will save you from missing out on any critical spots you want to tick off your bucket list.

Planning will enable you to view and stop off in exciting areas. It also allows you to save money as often you can spend hundreds of miles that you do not see much, wasting your valuable time. But be flexible as going off your plans often can lead to finding some beautiful hidden locations. 

 

Cook your food when you can

If you are travelling on a budget, buying and cooking your food can save you a lot of money as the products you buy can often last you a few days, such as bread.

Of course, you want to eat the local food, but when you can cook your own, it allows you to save. For example, breakfast is often an easy meal you can cook from your tent. Bring your portable stove to help you out, and stocking up on canned food allows you to have a quick, easy snack easily. 

 

Make use of the facilities. 

Finding facilities such as a shower, toilets, and tables on your road trips can be challenging. When you visit a new place, look for accessible facilities such as open swimming pools where you can freshen up. You can even look at maps and your phone to find places nearby that offer these sorts of facilities, accessible or at a low price. 

Hopefully, with these tips, you will be able to travel in style by having a trailer tent and saving money on daily meals by stocking up on the essentials such as canned food and bread. Setting out on a road trip can require a lot of energy but is well worth it. 

 

Jurien Bay

Roadtrip will take you to many amazing destinations.

Best Way to Carry Money Abroad and Travel with Peace of Mind

Best Way to Carry Money Abroad and Travel with Peace of Mind

Money is always on our minds!

Whether during our everyday lives or when we’re out on the road and travelling the world, carrying money is a regular occurrence.

It’s the travel aspect I wish to discuss with you right now and the best way to carry money abroad so that you can feel safe and secure on the road.

 Everyone has methods of dealing with precious travel money, whether travelling with cash or getting by with a credit card as your primary use of spending.

Either way is acceptable, I use both, sometimes one more than the other depending on where I travel, and whatever you use, you’ll always find suitable means on the best way to carry money abroad.

 

Bang Nieng Khoa Lak

The best way to carry money abroad.

 

Disclaimer: A side note, some of the products below contain Amazon Affiliate links where if you purchase a product or two, I may earn a small commission, don’t fear, it’s at no further expense to you.

 

Best Way to Carry Money Abroad and Travel with Peace of Mind

Often securing your hard-earned money and virtual devices is at the forefront of your mind while roaming out and about at your intended destination. 

Therefore, let’s discuss the best way to carry money abroad and a couple of handy money travel tips while touring the globe.

 

Lock up the cash and carry the minimum amount required

The in-room hotel safe is ideal for locking up secure documents of passports, visas and extra money. You can use it to the maximum val, storere away extra cash and only taku the bare minimum needed while out for the day exploring.

If the hotel doesn’t have an in-room safe, find an alternative method of storing away your extra cash securely in your room so it’s not coming with you. If you’re going to be a victim of theft while roaming about, it’s best to minimise the damage and travel light.

 

Keep your cash secured with a travel money belt

Anything wrapped around your waist in the form of a travel pouch or a travel money belt is a fantastic way to secure money, cards and other essential items.

The belt is securely around your waist with secure zippers storing the goods, therefore, making it hard for anyone to snatch away your holiday money.

 

Click here to purchase your handy travel money belt from Amazon!

 Australian customers Click here!

best way to carry money abroad

 

 

Secure the cards with an RFID Card Holder

Perhaps you don’t need to physically lose your cash for your balance to go down because these days, tricky thieves are scanning your credit cards to get the digital information required to steal your money with alternate methods.

An RFID Cardholder, wallet or backpack will block any attempt for your thieves to scan your credit card details, therefore, giving you further peace of mind when travelling.

 

Click here to purchase an RFID Card Holder from Amazon!

Australian Customers Click here!

 

 

Use an Anti-theft Backpack for general use on day trips

A secure backpack is the standard purchase for travellers these days, especially when you think about the expensive items that travel with you besides cash.

That’s right! I’m talking about cameras, laptops and other essentials that are by your side during your travel.

That’s why, when you travel, a light and comfortable anti-theft backpack becomes an essential travel item to take on your adventures.

 

Click here to purchase an Anti-theft Backpack from Amazon!

Australian Customers Click here!

 

 

Wear clothing with secure pockets

At times, you want to keep the cash at easy access instead of digging around for it in a bag or pouch.

When it’s possible, wear clothes that have secure zipper pockets where it will take skill and effort for the thieves to part with your money.

Not that it is entirely foolproof, as some of those thieves have mastered the art of taking valuables away from you without realisation.

 

Lookout for the best exchange rate

Let’s get away from securing your cash and cards and have a look at how to maximise your money value.

While travelling, you shouldn’t rush to the first exchange bank you find, especially the airport outlets, upon arrival. In that case, you can exchange enough to get by.

Try searching around for the best foreign exchange rate at several outlets in an attempt to betterment the money you have brought with you from home.

More spending money means fun stuff for you on holidays.

 

Always travel with freedom and purchase travel insurance

One last thing and the one item you must buy is travel insurance.

If you are a victim of theft, whether it’s a camera, smartphone or cash, don’t lose it completely. Travel insurance can ultimately save you thousands of dollars if you’re a victim of theft, or in the worst-case scenario, need medical attention.

I hope this little information of advice can help you travel with peace of mind when visiting the globe because the last thing you need is to lose what is rather valuable to you.

 

Ditch Phuket

Jump for joy, you’re keeping safe while travelling.

Booking.com

What to Look For When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine

What to Look For When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine

Many travellers wish to find suitable accommodation at the lowest cost possible!

It’s what I seek when finding the appropriate hotel deals on hotel booking sites like Booking.com or Agoda.

I have a system I use, mainly through booking.com, the best hotel search engine out there I feel, and with this system, I’ve hardly left a hotel feeling disappointed by choice of hotel rooms.

What to Look for When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine? 

I can tell you a few secrets right now, so you too, won’t be left disappointed in your choice of hotel accommodation that you’re seeking for your getaway to the perfect paradise.

 

Find your perfect hotel at Booking.com and save money!

 

Mai Khao Lak

What to Look for When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine? 

 

 

What to Look for When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine?

 

In the past, I have had to find the best hotel deals for family travel, a solo trip or a romantic getaway.

In doing so, I have used the same basic research to find the best hotels available to fit a personal criterion.

And you know what?

The system is necessary too because I don’t like to leave things to chance and I’m sure you’re in a similar boat when searching for a hotel online.

Therefore, let’s get into at What to Look for When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine? 

 

 

Put the essential requirements into the hotel search engines

Naturally, this is all up to you, the final destination, the number of people travelling, type of accommodation you seek and the specific dates of your travel?

Once you fill in the essential information into the hotel finder, it’s then time to narrow down the online hotel search even further.

 

Do you have a budget?

We all have a budget while travelling, whether it is $30 a night to a thousand bucks a night and once again, that is for you to decide.

I always start with the budget first, so I am narrowing down the hotel search options and not looking at any accommodation out of my budget range.

Also, by doing this, I’m not getting teased by extravagant hotel deals entirely out of my price range by putting it into the conversation, and I’m focusing on what is affordable.

 

What to Look for When Booking a Hotel through an Online Search Engine

Even in paradise, you could find a budget.

 

 

Select a preference of Hotel Star Rating

Perhaps it matters, then again, maybe it doesn’t.

You might be the type of traveller that doesn’t mind a one-star hotel, or you’re might be travelling with kids, and you’ll need a few comforts of a higher rated hotel.

I always find bargain hotel rooms when I only select accommodations of three-star hotels or above, it is what I prefer, and I am hardly ever let down.

Therefore, I filter the hotel rating to three, four- and five-star hotels and move onto the next step.

 

 

Narrow it down further with a selection of 8+ Customer Rating

People’s opinions matter when seeking a hotel, and that’s what I pay most attention to when looking for the right hotel.

In the filters on Booking.com, once again, I only select hotels that have a customer rating of eight or above.

In this scenario, I’m choosing a room favourable with guests who stayed at the hotel and completed their review.

Keep in mind; the reviews consider the factors of the price they paid, the comforts of the room, the attitude of the staff and any added features of the hotel.

Let me tell you when you’re taking the opinions of thousands of travellers who generally love the hotel they stayed in; it’s hard to get it wrong as your final choice.

 

Mai Khao Lak Rooms

What do the guest think of the hotel?

 

Set the filter to lowest price first

Start from the lowest price and work your way up; that’s the way I go through the process.

Naturally, at the end of my thorough search, I have gone through every single page, clicked on many hotels and made a personal shortlist of hotels.

 

Put at least ten hotel options on the shortlist

By the time I have gone through the process, I have at least ten hotels on the shortlist.

Yes, several hotels will be a clear favourite, but with my due diligence and study techniques, I am careful to consider every appealing hotel.

Hence the shortlist of a minimum of ten hotel options.

 

DIning Mai Khao Lak

Maybe the hotel comes with a cooking station of your favourite eggs.

 

 

Carefully read through the hotel features

I have narrowed down the accommodation options, and now I am going over the hotel selection process by reading through the hotel features, going over the reviews by guests and considering the final price.

Even while doing it, hotel search engines like Booking.com will give a guest rating for specific type traveller who stayed at the hotel. For instance, an average rating provided by solo travellers, families, business people or couples.  

 

Make your decision and enjoy your holiday

After hours, or even days digesting the information, it’s time to make your final selection.

Don’t fear, with the hours you have put into your research and realising what works for you; you’re bound to make the right choice.

Of course, there will be times when left disappointed, that’s life.

However, through this process, I’m confident you’ll find the ideal hotel to settle for your dream vacation and enjoy the time in paradise.

Remember, many hotel search engines have a free cancellation policy depending on the price option you select; therefore, if something is not right, you can cancel the booking with no hidden costs.

Enjoy your holiday!

 

DIning Mai Khao Lak

Selecting the right hotel deal means happy family vacation.

Booking.com
Booking.com
8 Ways To Reduce Your Holiday Travel Stress and Vacate with Freedom

8 Ways To Reduce Your Holiday Travel Stress and Vacate with Freedom

Whether you’re going on a holiday over the winter period, or are planning your next summer vacation, you’ll want to cut down the holiday travel stress before you go navigating the globe.

The point of a holiday is that you’re going away to recharge your batteries and get some decent downtime; therefore, you don’t want to return from your time away feeling frazzled and burnt out by the experience.

To cut down your holiday travel stress, below are some tips you might find helpful for your intending trip, with the end goal being a relaxing and pleasant holiday experience. 

 

Are you travelling the world anytime soon? Find accommodation at Booking.com!

 

bako day trip

While you’re travelling, avoid the stress.

 

 

 

 

8 Ways To Reduce Your Holiday Travel Stress and Move with Freedom

Let’s get stuck into the list with these eight ideas to reduce holiday travel stress and navigate the globe with freedom. 

 

1. Plan ahead of time, it could save money

Unless you’ve booked a last-minute package deal, plan way ahead way of time. ‘

Write down everything you need to do, such as booking a hotel, reserving travel seats, sorting out pet arrangements, etc. The earlier you can get things done, the less panicked you will be in the days leading up to the holiday.

 


2. Print everything or Save on the Smartphone

From receipts to booking information, print out everything and keep them in a safe place. You will need them as a physical reminder of important details, as you never know when your computer or smartphone may go wrong.

Perhaps you want to save money? That’s fine too, save all important documents, hotel bookings and flight itineraries onto the smartphone and have every pre-organised.


3. Get specialist help from a experienced travel agent

There are advantages in planning your holiday with a travel agent, as some will make arrangements on your behalf, including accommodation, itineraries, and travel tours.

Check out Best Of The Kimberley for what we mean. The only thing they won’t do is pack your bags for you, although they may advise what you should carry.

 

Ditch Phuket

Reduce holiday travel stress and jump for joy instead.

 


4. Make a packing checklist and don’t miss the valuable items

There is always something we forget to pack when we go on holiday. Often, these will be easily sourced items, such as a toothbrush or phone charger.

However, there are some things you don’t want to forget, such as your passport and travel tickets, so you need to make yourself a reminder.

We recommend this packing list wizard which will help you remember everything you need, for each member of your family.

 


5. Delegate the tasks responsibility

Imagine the scene. You get to the airport only to discover you are missing the required documents.

You thought your partner had them; they thought you had them. Wrong! They are still on the kitchen counter at home.

Cut down on this awkward and holiday ruining situation by delegating specific responsibilities to one person.

Knowing who is doing what will reduce the stress, and you will also know who to blame should something go wrong.

 

white-water rafting

Pack for emergencies because you never know when a Band-Aid is required.

 


6.Pack for emergencies, accidents happen even when travelling

Especially when travelling somewhere by car, you need a bag containing emergency items, such as a first-aid kit, and medications.

However, you should still have a carry bag when travelling on a plane, so you don’t want your essentials locked away in the luggage compartments. We aren’t only talking about medical emergencies.

Your kids may need something to play with, and you may want something to do on a long journey to stave off boredom. A few snacks should also be on hand for hungry bellies.

 

7. Purchase Travel Insurance, you’re fool if you don’t

Does this need a mention to purchase travel insurance? Well Yes!

Surprisingly there are still many travellers out there who neglect insurance, while sometimes they get away with an incident-free holiday, there are times where it’s not the case, and it costs you a fortune.

Whatever you do, purchase travel insurance first and foremost.

 

8. Get into holiday mode and have a lot of fun

Finally, you aren’t going to have a great holiday if you are thinking about work or other life pressures.

On your travels and at your destination, focus on your vacation.

You won’t be able to relax if you are continually checking work emails or a family member insists on ringing you with unimportant issues.

While you will be using social media to upload your holiday pics, you might want to turn your smartphones off occasionally, to get rid of these unwelcome distractions.

We wish you a stress-free holiday wherever you’re going around the world!

 

 

Phang Nga Bay

Settle back, you’re on vacation!

Booking.com
Booking.com

How to pack 7kg Carry On Luggage When It’s Your Only Bag For Air Travel

How to pack 7kg Carry On Luggage When It’s Your Only Bag For Air Travel

When flying with budget airlines, you sometimes need to keep things light. Here’s how to pack 7kg carry-on luggage when it’s your only bag for travel.

 

For a solo trip to Malaysia, I wanted to challenge myself to travel with only a backpack that does not exceed AirAsia’s cabin bag allowance of 7kg of carry-on luggage.

The challenge arose because during my adventures in Southeast Asia, I had five different flights, and I wanted to keep costs down by adhering to the AirAsia baggage policy.

AirAsia includes extra charges for luggage, seat allocation, meals, and in-flight entertainment for those familiar with the budget airline carrier.

Therefore, I knew that if I could travel to Malaysia with only a 7kg travel bag, I would save around AUD$150 over the five flights. It’s quite a substantial saving, and money is better spent on other things, like more travel adventures.

What is the best advice for packing a 7kg carry-on luggage when it’s your only bag for air travel?

As you’ll see further into the article, I found the challenge relatively straightforward. I thank my lucky stars for making Malaysia a hot country and allowing me to travel light.

 

anti theft laptop backpacks

How to pack 7kg carry-on Luggage for air travel.

 

The best advice on How to pack 7kg Carry On Luggage When It’s Your Only Bag For Air Travel

Below is general advice on packing hand luggage for air travel; if you have any other advice, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

 

Purchase an ultralight Backpack.

An ultralight backpack becomes an indispensable companion if you are concerned about weight limits during air travel. The bag aims to be as lightweight as possible to accommodate all your travel necessities without surpassing the airline’s weight restrictions.

My backpack for my trip to Malaysia weighed less than 1kg, allowing me to quickly pack my essential items, such as a laptop, a camera with multiple lenses, and various clothing.

 

 

Pack the essentials only in your hand-carry bag.

You must make sacrifices when your luggage is limited to just 7kg. As much as I would have loved to bring along more items for my trip to Malaysia, it simply wasn’t possible on this occasion.

When preparing your packing list for a backpacking adventure, it’s essential to carefully review the list and omit any items that you can do without, even if they’re hard to part with. Once you’ve packed all the essential items, it’s worth weighing your bag. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that there’s still room for a few extra items.

 

 

Wear your heavier clothing on the flight and limit luggage size.

When you’re getting your cabin luggage ready, consider dressing in your bulkier clothing items for the flight to help reduce the size of your carry-on bag. This includes wearing long pants, a cozy jumper, a jacket, and multiple t-shirts. By wearing these items, you can free up space in your 7kg travel bag for other essentials.

A backpack can be practical if you’re travelling to a warmer destination. You can comfortably wear thicker clothing during the flights and quickly change into lighter attire once you reach your destination.

 

 

how to pack 7kg carry on luggage

Have the essentials ready for carry-on baggage.

 

 

 

Stuff your pockets

When travelling overseas, it’s important to note that airline staff typically don’t weigh passengers during check-in. This presents an opportunity to carry additional items without detection, allowing you to evade weight restrictions to a small extent.

It’s advisable to don a jacket with zippered pockets and trousers with ample, secure pocket space to accommodate and conceal smaller items.

 

Don’t exceed 100ml containers with liquid products.

When preparing for air travel, it’s essential to remember that any liquid items you plan to bring, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste, must be contained in receptacles holding no more than 100ml. Failure to meet this requirement will result in these items being confiscated during security checks.

It’s also prudent to prioritize lightweight options for these items, as the aim is to reduce the contents of your carry-on bag. This can help make your travel experience smoother and more convenient.

 

 

Purchase a digital luggage scaler.

My digital luggage scale has become an essential asset for my travels. It is invaluable for weighing my bulky suitcases before a flight and ensuring that my carry-on luggage meets weight restrictions.

Although I didn’t have the scale with me during my trip to Malaysia, I took the time to weigh my backpack at home before departure. This allowed me to meticulously manage its weight and avoid packing unnecessary items, guaranteeing a hassle-free journey with consistent luggage weight.

 

 

Don’t exceed the limit allocation (Whatever you do)

Whatever you do, don’t exceed the limit, and while some airlines may be lenient if they are a little over the restriction, Some Airlines won’t, and unwanted fees could be charged to you. If you exceed the 7kg carry-on baggage limits by a kilo or two, expect the airline fees to be substantial; they’re often strict regarding the weight allowance.

The best practice is to avoid the situation and pack intelligently and tightly. Therefore, you’re not creeping over the weight restrictions; you’re travelling the skies with a single backpack and saving quite a few dollars. All in all, there are a lot of positives, and it makes for quick clearance at customs checkpoints when you don’t have to wait at the conveyor belt for luggage.

 

 

The Lightest Carry Backpack for Air Travel

Are you looking for the perfect backpack for your next adventure? Look no further! Check out the fantastic deals on the Amazon marketplace for cabin-sized backpacks—ideal for travellers needing a compact yet spacious carry-on. These backpacks offer the perfect blend of style, durability, and functionality, ensuring you have everything you need close at hand while on the go.

It’s important to note that the links provided are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. If you purchase through the link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps me continue to provide you with the best recommendations. Happy travels, and thank you for supporting my work!

 

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