Most people love to travel. Whether it’s the excitement of seeing a new place, being engrossed in a different culture, or simply looking to try exotic food, humans have travelled for thousands of years, and we’re not stopping any time soon. Times have changed, however, and more than ever there are things to keep in mind before hopping on a plane and shooting off to an exotic destination.
Every country is different, and every country has different rules and customs to understand, appreciate, and adhere to. Whether you’re flying off to Vegas to have a night of bingo for money, or deep into the African savannah to spot the Big Five, the first step is to make sure you’re 100% prepared for anything that that country can throw at you.
With that in mind, these are some helpful tips for those who are flying out for the first time.
- Get The Right Shots
Not all countries have first world medical facilities, which means that many countries out there suffer with a number of diseases. This is especially true with developing countries, and for a foreigner entering said country, any diseases can hit that much harder. Doing some research on what kind of medical problems you need to look out for is the first place to start, and ensuring that you have the right shots and vaccinations is the second step to take.
- Travel Methods
If you’re from a first world country that has a great public transport system, it may be a bit shocking to fly out to a country where public transport is poor, or doesn’t exist at all. Places like Africa and Asia are mostly devoid of the kind of transport that the West enjoys, which means that you will need to adapt if you want to get around.
This doesn’t have to be difficult, though. There is always cheap and safe transport available, and while it can sometimes mean hopping on the back of a scooter or bike, it’s just another way of acclimating to the culture. It can also mean saving a ton of money – you don’t always need to hire a state-of-the-art sedan to see the sites.
- Know The Crime
There is no country in the world that is devoid of crime, but criminals tend to target tourists in particular, often because of their lack of knowledge. For Westerners travelling to South East Asia, this can be especially true, where there are entire syndicates who prey on the unwary foreign visitor. This can easily be alleviated by doing the right research.
The general rule is to hide all valuables out of plain site, never carry too much cash, and always have your most important documents in a place where you simply can’t lose them.
Lastly, when travelling for the first time, try and stick with a few cities and countries at a time, the experience from a first trip is invaluable, and will ensure better travels in the future.
Categories: Travel, Travel Tips
