New To Traveling?

… new to traveling ??? You can do it! 

People say to me “You go everywhere” “You travel a lot” “How do you do it”

I traveled a lot when I lived in USA. I traveled domestically all the time with friends and solo (I posted about solo traveling months back so I will share that post again). I remember my first international trip- to Guatemala and I loved it. I am non-stop on the go. I love to travel. As long as I am able I will take a trip once a month. By train or by plane. I want to see all that I can see.

I know taking a trip can be overwhelming. From the money, to going to a new place, being unsure of the food, not knowing how to navigate a new city so many things! I encourage to travel when you are given the opportunity !

Car. Bus. Plane. Train. Ferry. 

There are so many ways to explore and see the world. We have to expand our horizons! Look at your budget, plan, and go!

If you are in the states (USA) … check out a new city in your state that you have never been to. Take a day trip!

Here are 25 KMG tips for travelers:

• Think about what you like to do or really enjoy and plan your trip around that. If you really enjoy a certain cuisine take a trip to a city or country where that cuisine is based and take a cooking class there.
• If you enjoy running or athletic obstacles register for an athletic even in a destination city so you are committed to the trip. You will have to train and prepare for the event then you can enjoy a new city.
• Start a savings account specifically for traveling. Depending on your own budget put aside a certain amount of money each month and the following year or after “X” amount of months you can take the trip you’ve been waiting for.
• Think about your really close friends and see if there are 2 or 3 you can travel with. This can help keep costs low because you can split some lodging and transportation costs.
• Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally keep a copy of your ID Card/Passport in your checked luggage and in your backpack/carry on luggage. Also email it to yourself, to a family member or friend, and text it yourself. You may think this is overkill, but you never know what will happen and you will have documentation in more than one place. It can come in handy!
• Don’t let anyone shame the way you travel. If you want to drive. Drive. If you want to take the bus. Take the bus. If you want MEGABUS (in the states do it. If you want to take the train. Boom. Take the train. If you want to fly. Fly. Whether you are economy/economy premium/business/business first/or first class you are traveling and that’s all that matters! Take YOUR trip for you – not for anyone else – not for social media, but for you!
• If you are traveling domestically your bank card/credit card should be fine, but having cash always comes in handy. For some traveler’s who want to stay in budget you could put a certain amount of money on a Visa gift card or purchase a Visa/American Express/Mastercard gift card and use that as your spending money while on vacation. If you don’t spend it all you could save it for your next trip and already have some money ready! This will keep you on budget and you can freely enjoy your trip.
• If you are traveling internationally check the exchange rate for where you’re going. This will help you to know how much to save for your trip. $100 USD is a lot of money in another country or even a lot less depending on where you’re going.
• Look online for the top things to do where you’re going, top free things to do where you’re going, check IG and Twitter hashtags for where you’re traveling, use YouTube for vlogs. People have been everywhere! This will help you to get an idea of the place you’re going to and help you to make informed decisions for your schedule while you are there.
• Be Flexible. You can plan. You can research. You can prepare. And you can show up for your trip and things can often not go as planned. You have to be okay with this. You are in a new place. You are not at home. Be open to asking for help. Enjoy the journey.
• ^Don’t be afraid to ask for help^
• If you are traveling to a new country download a translator app. This will be helpful in case English isn’t so strong where you are going. Try learning some simple phrases and responses for those phrases.
• Always get the hotel business card with the address on it. You may have it in your phone, but often times its easier and quicker to show the printed address which is in English and the language of the place you are traveling to.
• Get a local map! Don’t be afraid to use a map.
• Check the local news and weather for where you are traveling to.
• McDonalds/Starbucks/Cafe’s will usually have free wifi. Also Pack extra charged batteries for your phone! Phones are important and your phone is out juice … uh oh!
• Check international plans so that your phone works while you are away/If your phone is unlocked you can get a local SIM card for when you arrive in new country/You can purchase pocket wifi so that your phone works while you’re out – all your choice. Research what is best for you and your budget.
• Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites!!! Enjoy
• If you can avoid it don’t eat near a tourist attraction – it will often cost more, and it will be packed full of people. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. They usually have the same dishes on the lunch menu as the dinner menu. Smaller portions and smaller price.
• Try new food! Be open to local food and try new dishes when you are in a new place. You don’t have to love it, but be open to trying it! I have tried lots of things that I didn’t ever want to eat again. Sea Urchin being one of them. Yuck!
• Try free walking tours! There are so many free walking tours. You can see so much when you are on your feet and its all for free. Take it all in. Just keep the weather in mind if you are going to do a walking tour!
• Have comfy walking shoes! You do more walking than usual when doing a walking your. You want to be as comfortable as possible.
• Be frugal not not cheap! Look for deals and don’t wast money. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.
• Pre-book your attractions. You will often find better deals online. When you arrive for your trip everything is taken care of and you just have to show up and enjoy.
• Enjoy the trip.

I know that was a lot. I do hope that this is helpful! Happy Traveling. 

Travel Changes You! 

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#IHaventBeenEverywhereButItsOnMyList ✈️ 🚊 🚎 🌎 🧳 🎫 💺 😴 🏖 🍹 

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“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE