10 Amazing Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Having travelled a lot in my life I have come up with ten essential travel tips for first timer. Do you want that list? Then you have come to the right place today. While you are here you should definitely subscribe for more travel tips and tricks. After travelling for more than a decade living in Singapore and now in Morocco, I can confidently say that I have learnt a few essential travel tips along the way.

It’s funny because I actually remember my first adult trip abroad (no parents). I went to Spain for my friends 21st birthday and I was all over the place. It was both exciting and slightly overwhelming for me as I can imagine it would be for anyone. I can’t say why, but I just didn’t really know how to prepare. I had just got my British passport after years of struggle. And then searching flights, overpacking, stalking TikTok travel content at 1am, wondering if I was making the right decision were all things I worried about. Does this resonate with you?

When I started travelling solo, there weren’t that many resources for people like me (especially Black women) navigating the world for the first time. Since then, I’ve visited over 60 countries (all self-funded!) and learned so much through trial, error, and tiny wins along the way.

Whether you’re off on your very first solo trip, a birthday trip, baecation, or just considering travelling for the first time. Here are 10 essential travel tips I wish I had known when I started. I’ve also included a few extra thoughts to help you avoid common pitfalls and feel confident as you explore.

10 Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers

1. Check the visa requirements

Each country has its own rules. There’s no “Asian visa” or “African visa”. You’ll need to check every destination individually. Trust me, don’t book flights before confirming this. You can easily type in the Google search engine “do I need a visa for [X]”. I have heard so many horror stories where people literally get to a destination and they haven’t booked or applied for the right documentations. For ease you can also test to see if you need a visa here.

2. Do your research

Yes please spend some time doing your research. You are going to a new country! And no, three Instagram Reels won’t do it. You don’t suddenly become an expert in something after watching a few clips of a topic. I would advise for you to look into local customs, entry restrictions, weather, transport options, and currency. For example, you will want to know what types of foods you can eat when you get there. Or maybe activities, hotels, there is so much to it. Here are a few things to search:

Viator and GetYourGuide or even EatsWith for activities
Consider ways of cash not all countries accept card. Consider getting Monzo.
Not all airports are easy to navigate consider booking transfers with Booking.com
Research the accommodation, where will you be staying read reviews – you don’t want any surprises.

3. Download Airalo (or get an eSIM)

Wi-Fi is not always guaranteed. I use Airalo to download an eSIM before I even land, so I have data from the moment I touch the ground of the destination I am in. You then won’t have to worry about buying sims and queuing for it too.

4. Pack travel essentials

There are so many things you will need to pack. You will need the following items:

travel adapter – please check which one you need for your destination because it can be different.
portable charger,
first aid bits, medicines, vitamins etc you know what you need
yellow fever certificate (for some destinations again you should check before you arrive),
travel card like Monzo or Revolut to avoid heavy bank fees

And this list will go on and on. If you want an easy travel toolkit with a list of all the things you can buy. I have put together an easy travel packing checklist which you can download here.

5. Download offline tools

Google Maps offline is your best friend. I honestly live by Google Maps and and Google Translate. At some point I will write a post on all the apps you need for all your travels (working on a list of over 60 apps already). You will need to download the airline app that you are travelling with, and maybe even any movies with Netflix or Spotify playlists. You want to be fully prepared for anything. Make sure you have your passport pictures downloaded also.

6. Bring some local currency

You might not be able to use your card everywhere, especially in taxis, markets, or rural areas. Get a bit of local cash just enough to get around. I would advise asking a local tour guide for how much to take out. And suggest taking out less than more, it’s not great when you have to exchange the money when you are back.

7. Get travel insurance

It’s not a luxury; it’s a must. If you can afford to travel, you can afford basic travel insurance. Delayed flight? Luggage lost? Trust me, it’s worth the peace of mind. I have to many travel insurances that I know I am covered. I have with work, Barclays and with American Express.

8. Stay politically aware

Check travel advisories before you go. We live in a very geopolitical era right now. There are so many protests, elections, or social unrest that can affect your safety and access to a destinations. Sign up for your government’s alerts and keep up-to-date with regular new if needed.

9. Be respectful

You’re not there to “save” anyone or exploit hardship for content. Please ask locals before filming, taking pictures. Imagine if you are in your own country and someone randomly starts taking a picture or videoing you, without asking? Would you like it? I don’t think so so be mindful of these things. Always tip fairly, and engage with locals as people not props, they too are also trying to make a living.

10. Let go and enjoy the ride

Not everything will go to plan and that’s okay. In fact for me I would say thats the beauty of travelling. The most memorable parts of travel are often the unexpected ones. Be open minded, be safe, and take it all in.

Bonus Tip (11): Eat locally

Try and eat local food its a great way to taste the local dishes and it actually helps the economy. And if you want to a e-book that allows you to travel for food then get my Taste the World ebook now, for just £10.99.

Helpful Travel Resources

My Final Views On The Essential Travel Tips

And there you have it 10 essential travel tips for you to get started. Travelling has honestly changed my life and I want that for you too. These essential travel tips are a small start to what can become a huge transformation to your travels, whether you’re off for a long-haul adventure or your first girls’ trip.

MyBreakingViews has so many free travel resources that you can dive yourself into. And if you have any other questions, message me. I am always happy to help you with a specific travel questions.

Got a tip or lesson I missed? Let me know in the comments, or DM me on Instagram @mybreakingviews. Safe travels, always.

Speak soon,

MBV x