Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
We all know the people, those who spent a month in Europe and now believe they are a modern-day Indiana Jones, possessing an encyclopedic understanding of all things related to travel.
Although usually well-intentioned, taking these tips from Indi 2.0 isn’t always your best bet. From warnings of avoiding any ‘foreign’ food to never prebooking your accommodation, here are six pieces of travel advice you should always steer clear of.
Never Travel Solo
Typically well-meaning and wrapped in a blanket of love, the “ohh you can’t travel on your own” worry is as old as time but wrong as can be.
Sure, solo travel comes with its risks and uncertainties, but sometimes you need to rip free of life’s comfort blanket and experience the world first-hand by yourself. Traveling by yourself opens you up to a world of exciting possibilities and life lessons that you simply wouldn’t experience with a friend by your side.
Plus, in today’s world, no one is ever truly alone when traveling. Technology is limitless and borderless, travelers can keep in touch with family and even meet other explorers in their area with a device that fits in the palm of their hand!
Don’t Bring a Cellphone
Of course, when you’re exploring the world, you shouldn’t have your neck craning down at your cellphone. But using it smartly offers you an abundance of incredible tools that fit nicely into your pocket.
Think of your phone as a wonderfully interactive and customizable travel guide that allows you to translate unknown languages, provide emergency medical details, and stop you from getting lost in the middle of nowhere.
And sure, when you really want to live in the moment, throw your phone in your backpack and lift that neck up to see the world!
Take the Cheapest Flight
If you’re under the age of 40 and are physically fit, you can actually follow this piece of advice. But for those of us who with a sprinkling of gray hair, or a distinct lack of hair, do not blindly book a cheap flight.
You might save a few dollars, but you’ll be repaying in tiredness, frustration, and likely lost sleep. Whether it’s booking a longer flight, an earlier take-off, or taking that 12-hour layover in JFK, your trip will either start or end on very rocky terms. If you can, pay that extra $30 and thank me later.
Don’t Prebook Your Accommodation
In 2023, this might be the worst possible travel advice anyone could offer. Long gone are the days when you could rock up to a nice hotel, or even a crappy motel, and get a booking that very night.
Even with fierce competition from companies such as Airbnb, there never seems to be enough accommodation to meet demand. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and either pay through the roof for a last-minute room or struggle to even find a roof to sleep under!
Do as Much as Possible
Sure, you might never visit Peru again, but do you really want your memories of your once-in-a-lifetime trip to be sullied by exhaustion?
It’s a cliched saying but a vacation is as much of a state of mind as it is a destination. Allow yourself a few days of lazing on the beach or reading a new book in one of the local cafes to recharge your batteries.
Avoid Street Food
If you’re willing to be adventurous and step outside of your comfort zone, you might just find a slice of heaven on the streets of Buenos Aires, Portland, or Mumbai.
By swerving street food, you could be missing out on a huge piece of culture and discovering your new favorite dish, too! Yes, in some parts of the world, it’s best to be cautious, but after some practice, you’ll be a pro at spotting the best foods available. Here’s one tip for free: buy from the vendors that have large lines outside; that way, you’ll know they have a good reputation.
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