“I’m here for the culture and experience”(A Beginners Guide To Travelling Abroad).
So, you’ve booked your flights, packed your bags, grabbed your passport (with that all-important insta post announcing your departure) and boarded the plane. Everything is exciting, and you’re pretty sure the world will be jealous because you’re abroad and they're not! Is a holiday really just about sitting on a beach all day drinking cocktails on your 10-day all-inclusive trip, or could you spice it up a bit more?
Let’s rewind to the start… I’ve found during many (failed) attempts to book a girl’s trip (gosh, why can’t you people commit!?) that people are keen to book the holiday but don’t tend to plan what they want to do once they get there (so end up throwing together lazy plans). Let’s use summer trips as an example: it’s hot, so the plan will be something like water sports, going to the clubs on the strip and lounging about on the beach with cocktails and books for most of the day (oh and we really must not forget that picture of your breakfast, decorated with flowers, exotic fruit and anything else that looks aesthetically pleasing)… Did I get it right? There’s nothing wrong with a plan like this, but there’s so much more to do and see! Let me get you started with the routine I use for each trip:
Usually, I like to find a location that has both “fun” and “boring” things. … actually, I’m going to scrap out the boring word because nothing is boring if you do it right. I love the beach, so if it’s a hot country I’m going to, I want to see beach (for days) and a nice bar! I also like scenery and the historical side of places so I try and find somewhere I can explore. I tend to try and stay away from places that are overpopulated with Brits because let’s be honest, we’re moody as it is (and who needs that on holiday?) plus, I’m here for the culture and experience…I don’t want to see a single British thing in sight! These are usually the key things I look at before booking a location and there have been times I've deliberately chosen somewhere I know won’t speak much English, simply so that I can explore a place without the privilege of knowing every other person will respond to “do you speak English?” I mean, it definitely helps, but I think we must all embrace feeling overwhelmed by culture at least one time in our lives.
First thing’s first, when I land in a new country and have settled into my accommodation, I ALWAYS do a “bearing’s walk”. Now, if you have no idea what I’m talking about, this is literally a walk around the area during the first day to take in the area and familiarise myself with signage and landmarks. You really mustn’t underestimate the effectiveness of this, especially after a night out when everything is dark (and for your general safety - take note ladies!). I find this helps me in particular as I have a good sense of direction and it enables me to explore on the following days with confidence that I can trace back my steps. It also allows you to engage with people along the way (or vice versa) as you are not rushed for time (this should be a casual walk and an opportunity to show your face too!). I must point out that it is always handy to mingle with the locals as they know their area the best and they can really help you out or save you some money! (I’ve befriended locals who have given me free lifts to the airports and hooked me up with contacts before). Once I've done this I usually go to the reception and ask for a local map and information on any activities (there is usually a pile of information available) which can help plan your days better. Activities such as tours are usually able to pick you up from your accommodation at set times which is handy to know. Although a plan beforehand will be useful, you’ll never really know what’s available until you get there (cancellations / off-peak seasons are real sabotages to the game). You may even discover a location you never knew existed; you can find some gems in locations that haven’t been hyped up but are still fantastic spots to visit (this is where local advice helps!)
Another handy tip to note is to find out the “local” price for things such as taxis, airport transport and food etc. You can find out general prices by asking around and getting a feel for the prices so that you are not heavily overcharged. This can be helpful for other information such as the local spots to go to, any upcoming events, or good places to eat! As mentioned in my previous blog, downloading travel and accommodation apps will really help, and when you find a deal, it's always best to compare between apps for a competitive price (one time I saw a £60 difference in price so it’s worth those extra minutes!). Additionally, having a travel card such as Revolut and Monzo can help get you a better rate. You can check interbank rates on these apps and on sites such as Xe.com.
You can also use this method when booking flights as prices change throughout the day and on different days (sites such as Skyscanner and google flights are good to check for some good deals!). Once you’ve found a flight, check the airline’s website for any deals; you can end up saving some extra money and put that towards spending instead. If you have been looking for a while, it’s best you search incognito or on private mode as your search history cannot be used to influence the pricing! Finally, it’s good to check out any local news before you go or any laws you should know to ensure you have a care-free holiday (I remember I was stressing because I had packed plastic bags when it was illegal in that country… I didn’t get caught but I was trying to find a way to dispose of the evidence like one criminal so I wouldn’t be put in jail! - that’s what I call character building!)
Of course, you don’t have to take all my advice and I would only encourage you to do things you are comfortable with. Not everyone will be confident enough to talk to locals (and you should also be safe when doing so for obvious reasons - don’t just talk to anybody!), but if you feel like you can, I’d say give it a go! You may even make some new friends!
Below is a list of things I always remember when travelling:
My travel documents (Money, passport, flight confirmation, insurance (if purchased), ID, bank statement (depending on the length of the trip) and a photocopy of my passport, just in case.
Unlocked phone (for a sim card if I am out of the EU - if not, Wifi is usually quite accessible so turn off data roaming!)
Plug adapters! Very important!
Basic medicine (paracetamol & Imodium) and a first aid kit if necessary.
Portable Charger.
A book or tablet!
There are many things you can do when booking a trip abroad and everyone has their own routine. Whatever your style, I suggest you try something new, whether it be an activity to tick off your wish list or simply a new activity you haven’t seen before - don’t be too shy to give it a go! I hope this helps! Send me a message if you would like more tips!
Remember: have fun, you’re on holiday… and above all, make some memories!
Liz x