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Blissful i Tips for First Time Travelers Image from David Cox/iStock
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raveling to a foreign land should be not so much a chore as an art. You should have the best time possible, see as much as you can, and at the same time be diligent about keeping yourself — and your valuables! — in one piece. As many methods of travel are offered today for the excited traveler, I thought I would offer some tips I keep in mind when I embark on my own travels. I like to take a backpack when I travel to throw in an umbrella, a few bottles of water, snacks, sun block, and even a small poncho — just to be safe. This served me faithfully throughout my spring trip to Greece, a city prone to sporadic rain showers and cool temperatures in its winter season. Though rain is unlikely for July in Italy since this is when the Mediterranean becomes a huge baking oven for tourists. My backpack then turned into an uncomfortable layer of ‘this is really hot, please get it off me’ accessory. It all depends on what you prefer: the ultra prepared backpacker or the lackadaisical tourist out for a spin. If you want to blend in with the crowds and lose the backpack, try a purse that can fit under your arm. Pickpockets are the main problem in most European countries. If you are planning on carrying your valuables in a little bag make sure you can zip up, button up, and sling that bag in front of you at all times to prevent some sticky fingers finding their way inside. Personally, I prefer to leave most of my essiental valuables in a hotel safe that can be found in your room or at the front desk. Passports are especially important because they are super valuable as a stolen item, let alone as your main mode of identification in foreign countries. Make sure to bring a lesser form of ID with you, just in case you run in to trouble. This includes that lovely photo of you on your state license, though an equally ravishing photo of you on a campus ID card will work in a tough spot — that card may also get you a student discount as well, so double bonus! For the backpackers, what method of clothing supply you choose is entirely up to you, but I definitely recommend the ‘layer technique’ as my dad –an intrepid traveler for business and pleasure — has dubbed. To be prepared for all types of weather bring clothes that you can layer: a hoodie that is big enough for you to wear a sweater underneath and t-shirts that you can layer on top of one another. My favorite layering device is my super-duper raincoat! It is really thin, but large enough that I can slip my leather jacket underneath (also nice to protect the jacket on rainy days), it is water proof (obviously), and conveniently folds into a small packet which fits right in that fabulous day-pack I mentioned.
In any case, be sure to be prepared for any type of weather: hot or cold, wet or dry, especially if you are going to be traversing several countries with just one backpack. Always check the annual weather expectations before you visit the area, but still pack in case of surprises. Are you country or continent hopping? Get maps and little phrase books beforehand. You can get these maps online or in airport bookstores, and even check out your local travel agency to see if they keep any in stock. Phrase books in the language of the country you are visiting can be found at any bookstore at the ‘travel’ or ‘international’ section and are invaluable for asking for that emergency bathroom you find yourself needing in an overcrowded public area you are bound to wander into. It is also useful when you are ordering food, unless you would love to add that surprises to your day. I nearly ordered calf brain sausage my first night in Germany if not for a friend who speaks German (having one of those is nearly as useful as a phrasebook though perhaps more likely to prank you). Trust me: both the map and the book (though having friends is better!) will definitely make your journey much more enjoyable. Of course, you can probably do without those: for me it is becoming a hobby. Make sure all your modes of transportation are taken care of before heading out from home: are you going by train, plane, or vehicle? Double check whether you have all your tickets and reservation confirmations tucked inside that handy-dandy backpack. This also includes your travels by foot. Planning on hoofing it or hiking as many mountain trails as you can? Get the best footwear and break it in before you start hiking all those miles. I favor gel pads even in my most comfortable sneakers because just a little more cushioning between your bunions and the pavement will make a world of difference at the end of a very long day (the walk from Notre Dame to the L’Arc De Triomphe in Paris is a killer even with those lovely park benches). Also make sure all of your forms of ID and cash are safely tucked away before you go. Checklists are going to save you a lot of stress, so make one up as you are planning out your adventure even if it is just to a resort’s poolside. Finally, do a little research. Yes, I see you yawning, but I’m serious! You may not even be a huge history geek — like me — but knowing a little more about a place where you travel will make everything you see have more context and even double the fun of finding special monuments or places that you find interesting. For instance, did you know that the city of Dresden, Germany was totally leveled in WWII? Or that the Place de la Concorde was originally where the guillotine stood that Marie Antoinette lost her head to during the French Revolution? And the obelisk that stands there now is over 3,000 years old and took 4 years to travel to Paris from Egypt by barge? That is what I mean! So get out there, get some walking shoes, grab a bag, and find out what the world has to offer while you have a fantastic–and safe– time exploring and learning and growing. I wish you all the best!