Here are some things I wish I knew before travelling

It’s safe to say over the past few months I’ve really chosen to spend my time out of the country exploring new places and re-visiting ones I love. After Uni I knew that all I wanted to do for a little while is travel, however I can’t say I’ve done it in the usual travelling style. - so if anyone would like to share an article about their backpacking experience please do, I think everyone has very different opinions and experiences of it.

Saying that, I have been to a number of places this year, which I feel very grateful and fortunate for. But I now know I need to get my head in the books again hehe. It was nice to escape reality for a while and was definitely needed after Uni. Last week marks a year of me finishing/graduating dance college, which feels crazy to me and oh my has time flown.

One thing I felt in uni was that time was escaping me as I watched all my friends, who weren’t at uni, travel and see the world. And then when I would have the time off in summer and easter break etc, and the prices being crazy expensive being in peak out of school time. So after having that travel itch for so long, I knew it was definitely something I wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong I still have so much to see and do, but for now I feel like I’ve made a nice dent in it. And oh my, would I recommend it! I think seeing the world really does open your eyes, from seeing how others live, to how big the world really is, what you may want out of your own life. 

In a humbling way it really puts things into perspective and the big stressful things in life all of a sudden seem so small and more manageable, it’s quite hard to put into words but hopefully some of you will be able to relate. Not to mention, ITS SO MUCH FUN! Ahahaha we really got a little deep there, but like I say the world has so much to offer that we don’t have in the UK like swimming with turtles, quad biking through jungles, or sailing across blue waters.

Saying that though if travelling doesn’t appeal to you - SO FINE!

Everyone is different, and if we were all the same life would be boring. 

Taking me to tip number one! Travelling can really not be very glamorous at all and that’s the reality of it. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely more than one ways to go about it, and that can fall down to the money side of things. But regardless of all of that, I actually can’t recommend doing hostels enough. When my boyfriend and I were in Australia, I don’t think we’ve ever had so much fun, and I do think that it was down to all the people we would meet and talk to in the hostels. Yes, you might have some awkward encounters sharing a dorm, but I think that’s the beauty of it. You will just look back and laugh.

As long as you embrace it for what it is, you can make the most out of your experience. I think that relates to travelling as a whole. It’s not going to be the most aesthetic, gorgeous thing ever, but it is 100% fun. You’ve chosen to be there, and most likely worked really hard to be there! So make the most of it, and it won't disappoint you. Meeting new people from all over the world, is yes daunting, but it’s also so beautiful. Like when you actually think about it, how God damn cool is that. All experiencing new things together or learning from one another. 

Saying that though, TAKE SOME NICE CLOTHES. Tip number 2, I was told pack things “you don’t mind getting dirty”, “pack your worst clothes”, “a dress? You won’t need that”. Which true, do pack things you don’t mind getting dirty cause depending on what you do but some excursions might require that kind of clothing. But when you are going for dinner, or some drinks with friends you will wish you bought something nicer. I did. Especially in Australia, everyone in Aus looks so nice the whole god damn time. They wake up though and choose beauty, I don’t know what’s in their water. But I need it.

Saying that though depending on budget, you may want to do a little shopping and I know it’s hard but save some space in your luggage ‘cause you will just accumulate stiff along the way. Don’t ask me what, it just happens… It’s like an unspoken fact that things just crop up in your luggage and before you know it your carrying 6 tote bags around with you as not everything will fit into your backpack. 

Do your research. Tip number 3. You don’t need to go crazy on this but do check the countries entry requirements. Because my boyfriend is an airport princess everything is left to me aha. So, when we went to check into our flight and they go “where are your visas?”, we reply “kind sir, WHAT VISAS” you aren’t then left to scrounge around to apply for a visa online 30 minutes before your check in closes… That may be something really simple, but for those travelling Europe you will get a big shock when venturing further on how difficult it can get.

And in general, learning a little but about where you are going culturally. Even by simply learning what’s polite, especially when in a country where religion is heavily focused, Its very appreciated and will keep any unwarranted looks or discussions at bay (I’m talking about clothing here, lots of places don’t approve of people walking around in bikinis). Locals always also appreciate it when you learn the basic manor, it’s not needed everywhere but it just means you’ve taken the time to be polite. However, the more rural you go, Duolingo and Google translate may be your best friend.

When using your phone, it’s up to you how you want to go about using your data and I can’t say I’ve ever changed my sim. But when I was in Bali everyone else did and swapped their sim over as its more cost effective. However, they all said don’t buy it at the airport, as in the airport they rack up the prices. You will see them either in the supermarkets, shops, on the street, or tourism stands for much cheaper.  

To backpack or not to backpack? You know what, really a look have at where you are going as I think the locations matter. Just in the sense that if it’s quite rural the roads may be bad and you will need a backpack, but if its more built up it may not be necessary. Cause I love a backpack I think they are great, but oh my by the end of the trip you will want to bin it and go home with nothing. I think for the majority of a lot of places you can definitely do a suitcase, but when it comes to island hopping or anything like that a backpack can just be better when carrying it around destination to destination. Just think of the gains, do a few little squats along the way. 

So if you can get away with it take a suitcase, just maybe try to keep it under 20kg which I know for us girls can be hard. Also packing cubes will be your best friend, more so if using a backpack. It really does keep everything neat, so that every time you go into your backpack not every single item has to come out.  

I feel as though I could go on about a million different things, maybe a will do a little IG swipe post with a few little more tips. But for the now I hope I haven’t chewed your ear off. Equally I know I didn’t touch on budgeting, I think that could be a whole other post in itself. The moral is, travelling is such an incredible experience and I genuinely recommend it to everyone I meet. It is 100% a privilege and does take the time to save up for it, but oh my is it worth it. Do let me know if anyone has any questions or wants any little travel segments so we can focus on things in detail a little more.

Love Imogen x