Affiliates
Contact Us
Century International Hotels
TravelSmart.NET

PHILIPPINES
HONG KONG
CANADA
EUROPE
USA
INDONESIA
SINGAPORE
THAILAND


THE WEBSITE
Philippines

Top 10 A travel newbie? Here are useful tips
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Jaser Marasigan
Date: 2007-08-08
 
Travel has changed so much in the past few years. People are traveling a lot more these days that it has already evolved into a lifestyle. Friends always ask me about my frequent travels and how I do it.


Before I got this job, I had not even left the city. If I went to Cagayan and Quezon (where my parents are from), it was just to visit, not really to explore.

So, if I could pass on some tips to "travel newbies" or to people who are considering taking time out from their usual routine, this is what I’d say.


1. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Most especially in Asia or around the country. There are always free things to do in the area and free stuff given away. Well, wandering is always free.


2. Helpful people are just a few clicks away. There are a lot of amazing travel sites and blogs now with user reviews and tips. People love answering travelers’ questions. Check out the Lonely Planet website.


3. Make a to-do checklist before you go. Don’t wait for the last minute and get caught on a panic. Work through your list - visas, tickets, items to pack, and list of phone numbers, etc.


4. Do not overpack. For my first travel assignment, I went to Baguio City for the weekend with a backpack I could hardly lift. I had packed clothes good for almost two weeks! Obviously, I was excited about my "outfit changes". My advice: Travel light!

5. Put the guide book down. Guide books may help but also sometimes limit a trip if followed to the letter. Use the book for useful, relevant tips but don’t work your entire schedule around it. The best things are discovered by accident.


6. Learn the language. If you are going to a non–English speaking country, learn some of the basic words or phrases. You don’t have to be fluent. I think it is plainly, the polite thing to do.


7. Travel doesn’t have to drain your savings. There have been times when I’ve traveled and watched my money disappear slowly, especially when it is time to buy those "pasalubong". This doesn’t have to be the case. Remember to always set a budget and stick to it.


8. Be careful, not paranoid. Yes, there are scam artists and potential dangers when traveling. But there are also dangers where you’re sitting right now. Make sure someone at home has copies of all your travel documents. And please, don’t wander down alleyways in the middle of the night.


9. Bring a good camera. Photos can be the most precious part of a journey, after memories. Don’t just rely on your cellphone for pictures.


10. Try not to compare too much. When traveling it is very tempting to compare everything with how it is back home. Of course you’ll compare, but try not to do it all the time, especially if you are getting frustrated with the differences. Remember why you went there in the first place. Ordering McDonald’s in Beijing is often more expensive than a corner noodle house. Adapt to local tastes.
 

Indonesia Thailand USA Europe Canada Hong Kong Philippines