Tips for first-time travellers

Here are the best tips for first-time travellers, so you can make the most of your trip to Portugal, Norway or anywhere else.

It's hard to find someone who doesn't like travelling. And, of course, there are those who love travelling and want to start their journey on the road. However, first-time travellers may have some doubts.

That's why we've written this post to help you get away from home and travel the world. Follow the article to the end to get the best tips and make the best trips of your life.

Tips for first-time travellers

Travel slowly

This is one of the points that most first-time travellers learn the hard way. Remember that going from city to city every day of your trip is just a way of making you stressed and tired.

Even if it makes you try out countless activities, in the future everything you did while travelling will just become a blur. Of course, you'll have beautiful photos on your social networks. But is that really why you chose to travel?

It's worth pointing out that, for a good traveller, travel isn't about quantity, it's about quality. Don't worry about the number of things you're going to see, don't try to impress others with the number of places you've already seen. Absorb destinations at a slower pace.

When it comes to travelling, less is more, and you'll even save on your transport costs. In other words, travelling slowly is cheaper.

Take out travel insurance

Whether you're a first-time traveller or a veteran in the field, don't start your trip without knowing that you're safe in case something goes wrong. As we've been taught over the last few years, emergencies suddenly arise without warning.

Something can get in your way, because remember that anything can happen at any time. And to make sure you're safe, don't leave your home without buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance will also guarantee you peace of mind and give you greater confidence throughout your journey.

Don't do everything according to your guide

This is another first-time traveller's tip. Although guidebooks are very useful for giving you a great overview of your destination, you won't find any restaurants or bars that are out of the ordinary with them, or the latest attractions.

Guidebooks are great for giving you a flavour of the cities and countries you want to visit. But to get up-to-date information and even exclusive tips, you'll need to connect with the locals.

There are websites such as Couchsurfing and Meetup.com where you can make a direct connection with the place you're travelling to and get advice, suggestions and tips that will allow you to get the most out of your trip.

This way, you'll be aware of the best places to eat and the unusual activities each place has to offer.

You can also take a free walking tour every time you arrive at a new destination.

That way, you'll be able to communicate with a local guide, who is specialised and has the task of sharing his best advice with you.

Finally, talk to the staff at your hotel and other travellers to clear up your doubts. Don't forget that you can also ask your local tourist board.

In short, use the guide as a basis for your planning. However, supplement all the details with current references from the locals.

Earn extra money

As many people think, travelling isn't that expensive. Even so, you'll have to make a budget that meets all your requirements. The conundrum of long-term travelling is managing your money intelligently.

It's important to overestimate the amount you need. You never know what the roads have in store for you. No doubt you didn't waste so much time saving all that money to miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, did you?

No matter how you've planned everything, always leave the house with a little extra cash. At least R$500.00 more is needed for your emergencies and desires.

Travelling bag light

Even if it seems like a good idea to take more than you really need, don't forget that you have the option of buying whatever you need on the road. You'll be able to find everything, new shoes, socks, jackets and even shampoo.

So travel with a light suitcase. You won't have so much to carry, and you'll reduce the stress and hassle of lugging around a huge suitcase for weeks or months.

And if you're going to a cold destination, opt for a bag of around 40 litres, which will be enough.