TRAVEL || FIFTY TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

Travelling is an amazing experience! Filled with thrilling and spontaneous adventures that will challenge and surprise you. I learnt a lot while travelling, somethings I wish I knew before my adventure begun. I've complied fifty useful tips for travellers.

1. Pack light! Only carry the essentials and aim for about 12-15KG for a backpacking trip. You'll wear the same clothes every week so no need to take those maybe items.

2. If you're unsure if you'll wear/use it, don't take it!

3. If you're pretty sure you'll wear/use it, you probably still won't.

4. If it says "dry clean only" or needs ironing, don't take it!

5. You don't need hiking boots, trainers will do and are lighter to carry!

6. If you can't afford to loose it emotionally or financially, don't pack it!

7. Never carry money where it can be easily stolen.

8. Take lots of photos - You may only see these beautiful places and meet the people once in your life, don't worry about being "touristy" get that camera out and capture those memories. I love capturing those touristy moments with a sign or landmarks, take whatever pictures you want!

Photo: Tangoroo Crossing, New Zealand 

9. Back everything up! If the unfortunate happens and your laptop is stolen with all your important documents and photos, you won't be happy. Take some time to back everything up on an external hard drive!

10. Take a spare memory card or two, you'll need it!

11. Remember your chargers.

12. Take the time to get lost and explore a new and exciting place. Remember to note down where you're staying just incase you need directions to get back.

13. Eat local food and explore the countries recommended dishes.

14. Start a travel journal - Sometimes you forget the small details, write everything down! Where you went, what you did, who you met and what you ate. These details are easy to forget.

15. Stay healthy - Travelling can be a tempting time to over-indulge and it's great to try new foods and explore the local cuisine but it's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Especially if you're going to be travelling for a long period of time. Use meals out or desserts as a treat every week and buy the healthier food for the hostel. I know this is difficult in Asia but other countries its possible! 

16. Maintain your fitness routine - It's difficult I understand but whats 30 minutes out of your day 3/4 times a week? Or better yet, choose to go on a 2 hour hike and get your exercise while exploring the beautiful landscapes.

17. Get off the beaten path - It may be a cliche but get off the tourist track and explore the culture of each place.

18. Keep in touch with people back home - Just because you're 1000 miles away doesn't mean you can't keep your family and friends updated. Skype, call or even send a message to let everyone know you're still alive while having the time of your life!

19. Do things that scare/challenge you - If you're shy, talk to people. If you're not a hiker, go on hikes. If you're afraid of heights (like me), do a bungee jump or sky dive. Break out of your comfort zone.

Photo: Franz Josef, New Zealand.

20. Don't try to travel 6 countries in 6 weeks, take your time to explore and really enjoy each place. No need to rush just relax and take it day-by-day.

21. Take every opportunity to to say YES! Try something new or do something spontaneous!

22. Ear plugs will be your new best friend! Espeically when someone in your dorm room is snoring like a train or when a baby is crying on a 10 hour flight.

23. Pack some toiletries for the plane, after 20 hours on a plane and in airports toothpaste and deodorant will be your best friend!

24. A spare pair of underwear would be great in your hand luggage.

25. Don't forget your eye mask, living in a hostel means sharing a room with 6 people and they may want the light on after you go to bed.

26. Keep an open mind. Try new things, explore a different way of getting around and accept how others do thing.

27. Say HELLO! Be polite, give a stranger a smile and you may get one back. Being friendly can go a long way with people. The locals may even share a few hidden locations you should visit!

28. If you don't speak the local language, learn some basic phases. The locals will appreciate the effort.

29. Better yet, learn some basic phases in a few common languages like Spanish, French and German. It will be helpful.

30. Take a few moments to sit back and observe daily life, I love people watching :)

31. Pack something cosy, even if you're heading to Thailand it's handy to have something like a scarf or hoodie to snuggle up in on those flights.

32. A little planning is good, consider the time of year you're visiting certain places, is it peak time? If so then maybe its best pre-book some accommodation or popular trips.

33. Don't forget your first aid kit including, paracetamol, plasters, sickness tablets etc.

34. Being fashionably late may be your "thing" but the airline won't delay the plane if you're late! Leave in good time to arrive a few hours before your flight!

35. Make your luggage easy to spot! Believe it or not, you're not the only one with a black suitcase. Try adding some ribbon on the handle and a bright coloured luggage strap or two! Better yet get creative and add some felt on there too.

36. Public transport can be amazing in one place but terrible in another! You'll experience both.

37. Hostels aren't always the cleanest of places, pack a pair of flip-flops for the shower!

38. If you're staying in one place for a while, why not work for accommodation at a hostel to save money?

39. Toilet paper isn't a given, pack some pocket tissues just incase!

40. Take every opportunity to meet new people!

41. Learn something from every person you meet.

42. Be prepared to give your life story to every person you meet. It may be annoying but it's a great ice breaker!

43. Be prepared to have no privacy! Even when you put your headphones in expecting to watch something on your own and try have some "me" time someone will come and talk to you.

44. Laugh at yourself and enjoy the silly mistake you make.

45. Don't forget your sunglasses.

46. Souvenirs are great but remember you have to carry them! Maybe try buying postcards, stamps and keeping some currency from each country.

47. Keep all your train, boat, bus and plane tickets. There great for making a scrap book back home!

48. Be prepared for the creepy crawlies, each country has different ones! Australia for example has way too many cockroaches!

49. Take more money than you think you will need!

50. Enjoy and love every moment!

Any other pieces of advice for travellers?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

TRAVEL || FIVE TIPS FOR NEW TRAVELLERS

Travelling can be an amazing adventure; you explore new exciting places and meet interesting people. You even grow as a person and learn a lot about yourself you didn’t already know. Travelling truly pushes you to your limits and your more open to trying new things and taking on new opportunities.

Before I left in June 2014 for one of the best trips, I did some research online and spoke to travellers about their experience and what I should expect. I was told about the amazing beaches, incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences but not all the little useful bits of information. I thought these 5 tips are something every new traveller needs to consider before starting your trip.

1. Packing

Packing can be a difficult task for most people. The best advice I can give you is to pack light and only take the essentials, especially if you have to carry it. Do you really want an extra 25KG on your back? At the end of the day most people wear the same 20% of their wardrobe, lay all the items out then reduce the pile by at least 50%.

If you're not sure if you'll wear it, don't take it!
If you're pretty sure you'll wear it, you probably still won't!
If it can't be worn for 3 days and then washed in the hostel laundry, don't take it!
Are you seeing a pattern? Basically pack simple, easy to wash pieces!

I know its always important to have your favourite pieces with you, although if it says "dry clean only" leave it at home. It will still be there when you get back! Pack plain coloured clothing, this way you can mix and match almost everything. Pattern clash is great but not for everyday! Plain colours and styles makes your wardrobe versatile. Finally, remember there are shops in other countries so if you pack light you're able to bring something new back home with you.

It's not only important to know what to pack, but also how to pack. Using all the space efficiently is a big task but anyone can do it trust me! Here are a few quick tips:

• Roll your clothes don't fold them
• Don't waste space - If you've got some trainers, put some socks or toiletries in your shoes
• Don't use all your baggage allowance on toiletries, buy them when you arrive

2. Budget

The best way to understand how much you will need is to talk to people who have travelled the countries you'll be visiting. Then you'll get a realistic answer. There are various things to consider in your budget, such as:

• Travel - Plane, train, bus or boat? Let's imagine ... You've arrived at your destination but you're thinking of the next town away, you haven't pre-booked any transport so you've got a choice. A bus which takes 13 hours and cost $30 or a plane that takes an hour and cost $150. Think about your budget in every decision you make that $120 difference could mean accommodation for the next week.
• Food - Don't believe the horror stories of 2 minutes noodles for 3 months, it's not always the case you just need to know where to get cheaper but good quality food! Have a look around, find a small fruit and vegetable stand and only buy meat for a few days a week to save money.
• Accommodation - hotel or hostel? Realistically if you're travelling for a long time hostels are the cheapest option and you'll meet so many people travelling this way. Download apps such as HostelWorld, you can find the cheapest hostel in your area

Basically, take more money just incase!

3. Don't underestimate the distance between towns/countries

A map can be deceiving, take the time to learn the distances between your locations. Take Australia as an example, the distance between Bryon Bay and Sydney doesn't seem that big although it's a 13hour overnight bus. If you were'nt aware of this and you had a plane to catch, well you would be in trouble.

4. Be organised but not to organised!

Travelling is about exploring the world and being spontaneous, take some time to get lost in the city. That said its still good to have an idea of the places you want to visit and things you want to see. Every week take 15 minutes to map out your next steps. If your anything like me your plans will change every day or so!

A great time to be organised is travel days, make sure your packed and ready to go! You don't want to be leaving valuable things in the hostel or missing a flight. Also double check if you need an outbound flight otherwise you won't be able to fly. This happened to me in both New Zealand and Philippines when I was asked to produce evidence that I had an outbound flight. Unfortunately I didn't have one for New Zealand as I though I would book one nearer the time I wanted to leave, in the end I booked a flight online while in the airport so I was able to go on my trip. Although this was double the price I would have paid if I pre-booked. 

5. Be prepared to talk to people

Even if you're a shy person it's important to communicate with the people of the world! You may meet your new best friend or the love of your life! I was quite shy when I left for travelling, now I can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Travelling and meeting people can push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop you confidence. Sometimes you will come across people who clash with your personality, this is bound to happen! Just go with the flow and don't let them ruin your experience.

If you're off travelling I'm sure you'll have a great time but remember every now and again to consider the "boring" aspects of travelling, such as budget, flights, packing etc. It will save you a few headaches and some money!

I hope these little tips will be helpful!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx