Your first travelling experience should be an exciting one but it may also be daunting. Apart from all of the arrangements to be made, there is the task of packing and understanding travelling etiquette, not to mention ensuring personal safety and security.
TrekAmerica is a tour operator that organises treks across North America for 18-38 year olds. Its sister company Footloose also arranges trips throughout South America. Many first-time solo travellers join group tour with TrekAmerica to meet like-minded people while still enjoying an independent experience. The added security of a knowledgeable local guide is an added bonus.
It is following this ethos that inspired TrekAmerica to devise a list of ten tips for first-time travellers on its group trips.
1. Make sure your passport is in date and that you have the correct visas, if needed
2. Have sufficient travel insurance to cover adventure sports such as kayaking and mountain biking, if you plan on doing these activities whilst away
3. Know at least one good card game – this is a great way to meet new people if you are staying in a hostel or on a trek
4. Learn how to cook one simple meal before your trip – this will keep you going when money is tight
5. Research your trip and have an idea of where you are going and what you will be doing
6. Keep mobile calls to a minimum or buy a local sim card to cut the costs of phone calls
7. Pack light – if there’s one mistake first time traveller will make, it’s taking too much stuff, most of which will not be used
8. Don’t forget sun cream and a hat – even in the shade you can get burnt and you won’t want to miss out because you have sunstroke
9. Take a journal to record your experiences and contact details for the new friends you will make
10. Try a multi charger or solar-powered charger to keep your MP3 player and mobile phone batteries topped up