Travel Lessons Learned | Learn from My Mistakes

Every trip I take teaches me something new and helps me grow as a traveller (and person, to be honest). Here are a few of the travel lessons learned on my previous travels. I hope you can learn from my mistakes!

You have to pre-order uncommon money

I’ve mostly travelled in the EU where the currency is Euros and banks have always had some bills in stock when I’ve gone. However, other less common currencies (such as the Czech crowns and Hungarian Forint) need to be ordered from banks at least one week in advance. Save yourself the huge mark-up on exchange rates charged at the airport or international ATM’s and pre-order cash. ALWAYS bring at least some local currency. I once got stuck in Germany with no cash and the restaurant didn’t take Visa/Mastercard and I had to run to an ATM to pay for dinner.

Do not check bags

I typically travel with just a carry-on but I brought a checked bag that was included in my flight on a recent trip to Europe. Never again (unless absolutely necessary). My bag didn’t make it from Paris to Prague with me so I had to wait around for them to deliver it to my hostel. Also, dragging it around in Europe (think: cobblestones and a heavy piece of luggage) was not fun. I know I can pack lightly which is what I’ll plan to do next time.

How to meet people when travelling

As my second solo trip to Europe (and I think my fourth trip to Europe overall) I think I finally figured out how to meet over travellers! Sticking around the hostel and striking up conversations while out and about (either on walking tours or pub crawls or in the hostel common areas) is the easiest way to make new friends abroad! I’m not overly outgoing or chatty but other people are, which works for me. Having a few questions up my sleeve to initiate a conversation (“where are you from”, “where are you going/have you been”) is enough to get a conversation started and then take it from there! Even if you don’t become best friends, at least you’ve had someone to talk to for a few hours.

Read more: How to Meet People Solo Travelling

Slow travel

I used to plan my trips to the minute and give myself too many things to do during the day. I recently read this article about slow travel and I have been adopting it to my usual travel style. You’ll end up really enjoying the activities you have planned, and have some time to relax if you want to. It also gives you the opportunity to change your plans to activities the locals recommend. Unless you stay in one place for a long time, there will always be something you feel like you’ve missed so you should at least enjoy everything you do! I now love giving myself time to wander around, sit down and enjoy a tea, spend more time in places I enjoy etc. rather than always running off to the next thing.

Getting sick

I always used to get sick while travelling. Without fail. I do recommend brigning sanitary wipes for planes/ buses/ trains, having hand sanitizer and bring some medicine. Wearing a mask on the plane has been the only thing that didn’t get me sick on my last trip.

What are some lessons you’ve learned while travelling. Leave a comment and help out a fellow traveller!