Here is a list of what we recommend you do before you set out on your travels especially if it’s a round the world trip.
Before you start packing, it is very important that you have a clear idea of the required documents. Every country has a different set of requirements for entry and stay, so make sure to orient yourself with the different rules that apply in each of the destinations that you are traveling to. Another thing to include in your list is clothing and gear based on where you’re traveling to in terms of whether, terrain and accommodation.
Just like rules and regulations, culture and customs also vary greatly from place to place. Certain signals or gestures which may be acceptable in one country may be offensive in another. You must also observe any customs associated with your clothing and dress appropriately.
No matter where you are, certain precautions should be taken with respect to your personal safety. You should not venture into areas that you have been advised against and while you must always carry enough money, don’t carry all your valuables around, especially if you have a safe place to store them where you’re staying.
Rest well and keep yourself hydrated. We often forget to drink water when we have a busy schedule and this can cause a lot of problems for your health. Carry your own bottle and refill it at restaurants or fountains. You should also make sure you eat healthy so you can keep your immune system in good shape, especially to be able to cope with changing time zones and climatic conditions.
While it’s important to pay attention to all the points mentioned above, you must also remember to make the most of your trip, you should try to be as adaptive and flexible as possible to really enjoy yourself. Don’t hesitate about making minor changes to your plan if you get an opportunity to do something exciting.
And here are some ideas about what you shouldn’t do while traveling around the world:
There will be times when you get a little carried away and feel that it is alright to spend a little extra one night and then make up for it on another. But, if you have already budgeted a fixed amount for each night, you should stick to your budget. Otherwise, you may not end up having enough for souvenirs, presents or most importantly, emergencies.
Everyone will tell you to try different kinds of food and be open to tasting different cuisines. While its important to be able to do so, it is also important to be careful about ingredients and preparation especially when you have a busy travel schedule. Also, remember that restaurants at popular tourist sites often have very average quality food and can be very expensive.
Exchange rates at airports are always significantly higher than elsewhere. It is most advisable to do a bit of research and find a place that gives you decent exchange rates before you leave your home country. That way, you’re not stressed and looking desperately to change money as soon as you land in a new country. If you’re on a round the world trip, then keep a popular currency handy as you can use this in some countries with having to change money.
While it’s important to have the right gear for different situations and places, don’t carry any extra items of clothing as they weigh you down unnecessarily. Try to carry multipurpose items and accessories that you can use for a varied range of circumstances.
When on a round the world trip, you need to be able to prioritize and decide what you really want to see. If you try to see and do everything, you’ll end up getting overly tired and won’t enjoy yourself as much. Instead, just pick one or two places keeping in mind how much time you want to spend at each, so you can really immerse yourself in the experience instead of worrying about ticking all the boxes.
It’s not unusual to make a few mistakes, as a matter of fact they’re part and parcel of every journey. You just need to try and keep a few simple rules in mind that essentially apply to everything. Don’t get carried away, keep yourself well informed and plan with your health and safety in mind. If you’ve got a little extra on your budget, you could also consider booking a business class flight for one of the longer legs of your travels.