Top Travel Tips for beginners

As a self-confessed wanderluster, I love sharing my favourite travel tips and honest insights to help fellow adventurers, especially those heading off on their first big trip. Over the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring more than 20 countries, and while it feels like yesterday I was boarding my very first flight, I’ve learned a lot along the way.

While there’s no better teacher than experience itself, a little preparation can go a long way in avoiding common travel mistakes. So whether you're planning your first overseas adventure or just looking for a smoother journey, here are some of my go-to tips for first-time travellers:

Packing

You already know what I’m about to say… don’t overpack! Trust me, dragging a heavy suitcase around - especially when you're racing to catch buses or navigating train stations without lifts - is no fun. There will be stairs. Lots of them.

Honestly, I never end up wearing everything I pack anyway. I usually reach for the same comfy favourites over and over! The trick? Pack light and plan smart. Choose versatile pieces that mix and match easily, so you can rewear items and still switch up your look for those daily travel snaps.

Leave a little space in your bag - you’ll likely do a bit of shopping, and if you forget something or realise you need an extra layer, it’s the perfect excuse to pick up something new on your travels. Win-win!

My carry-on essentials

• Passport
• Phone with music, games and kindle books loaded
  (or a hard-cover book) 
• Phone charger 
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Hand sanitizer
• Gum/mints
• Chapstick
• Panadol

I always keep my most valuable items with me in my carry-on - just in case my checked luggage decides to take a detour (touch wood that never happens!). This includes my camera, jewellery, and any other irreplaceable things I’d hate to lose. I also like to pack a spare t-shirt and a change of underwear - just in case or to freshen up during long layovers, especially if I’ve got over 20 hours of travel ahead (usually the case going anywhere from New Zealand!).

If I’m bringing my laptop, it stays safely tucked in my carry-on backpack too.

For long-haul overnight flights, I never board without my little inflight essentials: a toothbrush and mini toothpaste, ear plugs and eye mask, tissues, makeup wipes, mini face moisturiser, a neck pillow, and a pair of comfy trackies and warm cosy socks. Kick off your shoes and pop those on, and you’ll feel a thousand times more comfortable.

And if I’ve got a layover longer than four hours, I’m absolutely finding a shower - even if it costs $20. It’s totally worth it in my opinion. That sticky, grimy feeling after a flight is the worst, and nothing beats the refresh of a hot shower before hopping on another plane. I can’t sleep on flights (though I always try), so a shower always helps me feel more human (and less zombie).

Drinks! 

As tempting as it might be to take full advantage of the in-flight bar (especially if you’re of age and it’s free!), having more than a couple of alcoholic drinks can do more harm than good. Airplanes are very dehydrating - the constant air conditioning saps moisture from your skin and body - so you’re already working against the odds when it comes to staying hydrated. Add alcohol into the mix, and you’re likely to feel sluggish, bloated, or worse when you land. Not the ideal start to your holiday, right?

My advice? Stick to a maximum of two alcoholic drinks during the flight, and drink plenty of water - more than you think you need. I always bring an empty water bottle with me through security and fill it up before boarding. Most airports have filtered water stations, and on the plane, you’ll often find water dispensers near the toilets where you can top up. Staying hydrated really does make all the difference to how you feel when you arrive.

Jet lag

How do you deal with jet lag? While there’s no magical fix, there are a few things that really help. Staying well hydrated is key - drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Getting your body moving also makes a big difference, so try to fit in some light exercise once you land.

As tempting as it might be to crash on your hotel bed the moment you arrive, it’s best to resist the urge for a nap. If you arrive during the day, take a shower, freshen up, and head out for a walk in the daylight - it’ll help reset your body clock. If you arrive at night, aim to stay awake for a couple of hours to ease the transition before going to bed.

One of my go-to tricks is to start adjusting to the new time zone before I even land. I set my watch to the local time at my destination and start thinking in that rhythm - your body will catch on faster than you think!

Planning activities

One of the most important things to keep in mind when travelling - especially on shorter trips - is that you won’t be able to do everything. Unless you’re staying for weeks, you’ll likely be packing a lot into a limited amount of time. Try not to plan anything too ambitious on your arrival day if you've had a long journey. Instead, take it easy - go for a walk to get your bearings, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a relaxed meal at a local spot.

For the rest of your trip, pace yourself. Avoid booking full-day activities back-to-back, especially if you’re still adjusting to a new time zone. A good rhythm is alternating full and half days - leave space for downtime so you don’t burn out. After all, you want to feel good and enjoy your trip, not power through it like a checklist.

It pays to do some planning ahead. Research your must-see sights and group them by location to save time and energy. Be sure to factor in things you might not be used to - like heavy traffic, long queues, or crowded public transport - especially during peak season. If you’re travelling in summer or during holidays, booking tickets online (especially skip-the-line options) can save you hours of waiting - and often comes with discounts.

Prioritise the experiences that matter most to you so if something unexpected cuts your time short, you won’t leave with major regrets. And always have a Plan B for outdoor plans in case of bad weather.

Most importantly, carve out time for yourself each day. Whether that’s a quiet coffee in the morning, a spontaneous shopping detour, or an hour by the pool with a good book - build in moments to unwind, savour, and simply enjoy the experience.

Sanitize!

Coming from New Zealand (and it's much the same in Australia), we hardly ever use physical money anymore - EFTPOS or contactless payments are the norm, even for something as small as a $1 pack of gum.

So when I went on my first big trip to London, I was oddly excited to use actual coins and notes again. I’d often count them at the end of the day to see how much I had left. But looking back, I’m pretty sure I forgot to wash my hands a few times afterwards… and I got really sick.

Now, I rarely get sick - but between the long-haul flight (hello recycled air) and all the germs from handling cash and touching things like handrails on the Tube, it all caught up with me. Money is surprisingly dirty, and when you're in busy cities constantly on the go, it's so easy to forget how many germs you’re picking up.

So here’s my tip: wash your hands often and always carry hand sanitiser. Use it before eating, after using public transport, or whenever you’ve been handling money or touching high-contact surfaces. It’s such a small habit that can save you a world of discomfort while travelling..

Free walking tours

One of my favourite ways to get to know a new city is by joining a free walking tour. Most major cities offer these tours, where a local guide takes a small group on foot around the key sights for a couple of hours. It’s the perfect introduction to a destination - giving you a great overview of the layout, history, and major attractions, while helping you get your bearings on your first day.

The guides are usually full of fascinating stories, quirky facts, and hidden gems you wouldn’t find on your own. They’re also a fantastic source of local tips - at the end of the tour, you can ask them anything from the best cheap eats to what neighbourhoods are worth exploring further.

While the tours are advertised as ‘free,’ it’s customary (and fair!) to tip your guide at the end based on what you felt the experience was worth - this is their job, after all. In my opinion, it’s an incredible value and one of the best budget-friendly ways to start your journey in a new place.

I’ve personally used Sandeman’s Free Walking Tours in cities like Barcelona, Berlin, Dublin, London, Munich, Prague and Krakow - and I’ve even booked a few of their specialty food and drink tours, which are also fantastic and reasonably priced.

Try the local food & drink

Speaking of which - one of the absolute best parts of travelling, in my opinion, is indulging in the local food and drink! Every destination has its own unique flavours, and discovering them is half the adventure. I always do a bit of research before a trip to find out what dishes and drinks are a must-try, then jot down a little foodie wish list. After a long day of exploring, you’ve definitely earned a good meal (and maybe a cold local beer too!).

Honestly, I’ll never understand people who travel all the way to somewhere like Italy and then eat at McDonald's. Why?! Embrace the culture - have pizza for breakfast if you want to. That’s what travel is all about!

Get off the beaten track

Sometimes, to truly experience a destination, you have to venture beyond the main tourist hubs. My first trip to London was incredible - I spent two weeks based right in Trafalgar Square, did all the iconic sights, took day trips to places like Stonehenge and Bath, and soaked up everything that makes London such a classic destination. But looking back, I realised I didn’t really experience what I’d call authentic London.

It wasn’t until my second and third visits that I got a taste of local life - staying with a friend in Tooting, a suburb on the fringes of central London. I was just as excited to be there as I was the first time. The neighbourhood felt like something out of a British TV show, with rows of charming, matching old houses and a bustling, multicultural vibe. And my favourite part? The foxes! They’d trot around the streets at night like little urban mascots - I became completely obsessed.

The same thing happened in Rome. The first time, I stayed in the heart of tourist central, where the food was often overpriced and underwhelming. But on my return, I stayed in a more local neighbourhood and discovered incredible restaurants serving authentic, freshly made Italian dishes - at half the price. A Roman guide once gave me the best advice: avoid menus with photos. They're a sure sign you’re in a tourist trap, and the food likely won’t be the real deal.

So whenever you can, take a step off the beaten path - you’ll often find the most memorable moments where the tour buses don’t go.

Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it - seriously. I travelled solo quite a bit last year, and wow, the number of times I had to rely on the kindness of strangers!

From trying to navigate Zurich’s train system with zero German, to getting lost in Krakow and asking a shopkeeper for directions (someone even let me borrow their Wi-Fi!), to a moment in London where I had to ask a random guy to use his phone because mine wasn’t working and my friend was over an hour late to pick me up - I’ve got a few good stories, trust me.

But here’s the thing: every time I asked for help, someone gave it. I’m normally a pretty shy and cautious person who tends to avoid chatting to strangers (unless they start the conversation!), but those moments really restored my faith in humanity. People were kind, helpful, and genuinely happy to assist. And now, when someone asks me for help - whether it’s directions or travel tips - I always try to pay it forward.

Just one caveat: don’t accept random offers for rides from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. Use your common sense - but don’t be afraid to reach out when you need a hand. Most people are good.

Be aware

Speaking of strangers, you’ll hear a lot of warnings about pickpockets and scams when travelling - but there’s no need to be afraid, just stay aware.

I’ve been lucky to never have anything stolen (touch wood!), despite visiting some of the world’s busiest and so-called "pickpocket central" cities like Bangkok, Rome, and Athens. The key is being mindful.

I usually carry a crossbody satchel with a secure flap, and I’ve developed the habit of keeping a hand over it in crowds or while walking - simple, but effective in deterring any sneaky flap-lifters.

Backpacks are totally fine too, especially if you're travelling light or you're not into handbags - but just know they can flag you as a tourist. If you do go for a backpack, I’d recommend using a decent lock or swinging it around to your front in crowded areas.

When I need to carry a few more things, I opt for a larger handbag or a satchel that helps me blend in a little better - especially around Europe. In fact, I’ve been asked for directions in Germany, Austria, and even Poland… because apparently I look like a local!

When it comes to scams, I’ve had a few close calls - but thankfully, I caught on quickly and walked away before things went too far.

This tends to be more common in parts of South-East Asia, like Indonesia and Thailand, where people might approach you with scratch cards or something similar, claiming you’ve “won a prize.” It feels exciting for a second - until you realise it’s just a ploy.

I’ve also encountered a few classic scams in Europe. In Paris, for example, I’ve had people (often posing as gypsies) try the old “found jewellery” trick - where they pick something up off the ground, pretend it’s yours, and then pressure you for money. Thankfully, I’d read about that one in advance, so I just kept walking and didn’t engage.

And on one of the Greek Islands, I saw men placing thread bracelets on unsuspecting tourists without consent, then demanding payment afterwards. It's incredibly uncomfortable to witness - but unfortunately, it happens.

You don’t need to be scared of these situations, just aware. Stay firm, don’t engage or just say no thank you, and walk away confidently. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel in control when these moments pop up.

Be present

This might be one of my most important travel tips: put the phone down and forget about the internet while you’re out exploring.

You don’t need to hunt down a café just because it has free Wi-Fi, only to end up scrolling social media while ignoring your surroundings, your meal, or the people you're with. Sure, your phone is great for maps and looking things up on the go - but don’t let it steal your attention from the actual experience.

Try to be present. Soak it all in. Your friends and family don’t need a constant stream of updates (trust me, they’re already jealous enough!). Save the photo dumps for when you get home or when your resting later in bed.

Take lots of pictures, of course - but also take time to look around with your own eyes, not just through a lens. Disconnect a little. It’s surprisingly freeing.

Stay positive

And finally - have fun, stay patient, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Travel rarely goes exactly to plan, so expect a few bumps along the way.

There might be delays. You’ll probably spend more time in airports than you’d like. You could get lost, eat something questionable, get caught in the rain, or be hassled by the occasional street seller. These things happen.

But here’s the thing: all those little annoyances pale in comparison to the magic of the moments that do go right. If you keep a positive mindset and a sense of humour, they’ll become part of the story - not something that ruins it.

So get excited and embrace it all! Travel is one of the most rewarding, life-changing things you can do - and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be hooked in no time and already dreaming of your next adventure.

Thanks so much for reading. I'd love to know in the comments if you have any upcoming trips you're excited about or if you have any travel tips of your own I may have missed!

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*This post contains images that are not my own.