First Time Travellers seem to make the same mistakes that many of us made years ago. Maybe it is one of those mandatory learning curves that every generation insists that, ‘it has to experience for itself’. Perhaps, it is simply one of those subjects which parents never think about teaching to their kids. Alternatively, it could just be that travelling, is so prevalent in today’s world, that everyone assumes that it is easy to do.
“What is the worst that can happen?” your kids may ask.
They will be surprised as to how much can, and does go wrong every single day, all over the globe!
We have decided to put out the entire guide as a series of blog posts, which will be available over the coming weeks and months. In total there are 69 posts. They cover a whole range of subjects, and each one is filled with great advice.
If you require all of the information and advice sooner, we will also be releasing the book for purchase.
First Time Travellers – Our Guide
Our guide, ‘First Time Travellers’ includes several lighthearted stories, based on fact, and views on going on vacation. There is also lots of sensible travel information about how to do it correctly, and how to keep out of trouble.
Travelling on your own for the first time can be daunting. In fact, travelling without your parents for the first time or even as a new parent can be a challenging prospect for many people. The safety net has disappeared, and you are on your own as First Time Travellers. It is ultimately, a right of passage, that you will all experience.
Classes in ‘How to Travel Correctly’, could stop you making a fool of yourself, irritating other people and above all, keep you safe when on vacation. The only problem is that currently, no classes are available.
Some British friends used to use the expression,
“Don’t leave your brains at the airport.”
It means that just because you are on holiday, you should not stop thinking sensibly, and you should not behave like an idiot. You should not do stupid things, which could jeopardize your health, your finances or those of anyone around you.
If you can remain rational and consider your actions before you act, then you will most probably have a fantastic time on vacation, regardless of where you decide to travel.
We have travelled throughout Europe, parts of North Africa, the States and parts of Central America. We have talked with others who have, quite literally, conquered the world and accrued more stamps in their passports than should be allowed. Honestly we do not know where they find the time!
First Time Travellers Guide
Our guide is an insight, taken from our experiences and those of more experienced travellers on how to get it right the first time. We have either done or observed virtually everything in this book and each time we travel we see it being repeated on a daily basis.
Our blog posts are an attempt at keeping you and your family safe.
First Time Travellers Blog Posts
In the following weeks and months, we will be posting a series of posts which will hopefully give you a giggle, educate you and keep you safe. These will be posted in the following alphabetical order.
$$s, ATMs and Cards
The last thing you want is to be a long way from home, with no access to the internet, a poor phone signal and no access to your money. You may even have several hours of time difference between where you are, and when you can speak to your bank.
Read about ‘Money, ATMs and Cards
All-Inclusive Vacations
Love them or hate them, ‘All-inclusive resort holidays’ are part of modern day vacation choice. For many they will be absolutely the right selection, but for others, we believe that there are some more rewarding experiences available for you to choose instead.
Read about All-inclusive Vacations
Aromatic Flyers
Imagine getting on a plane to find that the passenger sat next to you is ‘a bit whiffy?’
Read about not being the smelly passenger
Baggage Reclaim
It can be reminiscent of free for all, at an all you can eat buffet when the shrimp comes out,
Read about Baggage Claim and doing it correctly.
Beach Etiquette
Bad beach etiquette is seen far more frequently than is necessary during the summer months. First time travellers arrive and they seem to have no respect for fellow sun worshippers.
Old hands will read this blog and say “Yeah, we did that!”
Newbies will say ‘We will never do that!” … but you will!
Read about the rules of Beach Etiquette
Bed & Breakfasts
Bed & Breakfasts are one of the most underrated accommodation options in the world. Forget what you thought what you knew about them. Things have really changed for the better.
Be brave and give them another chance!
Read about Bed and Breakfasts and why you should try them
Being Too Amorous
The ‘Mile-high Club’ still hits the headlines at least once each year. It is, however, not the only issue that airlines have to deal with.
Read about how to keep out of trouble with your loved one
Car Hire
Renting a car is a great way to explore a country and get a genuine feel for what it is like outside of the main resorts and beaches. The only real downside to renting a car are …
Read about how to avoid the pitfalls
Check-in & Hand Luggage
Every airline has it’s own limitations when it comes to luggage sizes and allowances. Make sure that you get it right.
“No. Wait a minute. It think that it will fit in my hand luggage!” And so it begins.
Read about how to not become the person everyone hates
Check Your Flight Times
Daylight saving is not the only time that you need to be careful. Getting the wrong time could leave you stranded.
Read about making sure you catch your flight
Confiscated Items
The list of confiscated items seems to grow each year and you do not want to be caught out.
Read about what you can and cannot take onboard a plane
Connecting Flights
When travelling long-haul, multiple layovers may mean that unfortunately, your luggage may not arrive at the same place or time as you.
Read about how you can make sure your luggage arrives when it should
Culture Shock
Culture shock can really put a downer on some people’s holiday. It is one of the most underrated things that is rarely ever considered prior to your arrival.
Read about the shocking things you are not prepared for, but may see on vacation
Customs & Immigration
Customs and immigration around the world is under a great deal of pressure not to let undesirables into their country. Do not let them frustrate you.
Read about the different kinds of customs and immigration you might encounter
Dangerous Destinations
Most places around the world will be safe regardless of your grandparents telling you about warlords and drugs gangs from 50 years ago. Do your homework before you book your trip.
Read about how to make sure you don’t end up in danger
Day Trips & Excursions
Cruises, Hotel and resorts all offer a range of day trips and excursions which seem like a chance to ‘see the country’. There are, however, much better ways to explore.
Read about how you can make the most out of day trips and excursions
Declaration Forms
Many countries will ask you to complete these forms prior to the custom check. They can be confusing, but make sure that you fill them out before you need to hand them in.
Read about getting declaration forms completed properly
Disabled Travel
Disabled Travellers and the people accompanying them, often need to engage in far more preparation and planning than most people.
Read about how easy it now can be to travel with a disability
Driving Holidays
Different plugs and connectors are required in many countries around the world. Make sure that your phone or laptop can be charged when away.
Read about making the most of a road trip in a safe manner
Getting The Right Airport
This happens far more regularly than you can imagine. Booking the wrong airport destination or getting on the wrong plane can lead to stress you do not need.
Read about the easy to make errors, you need to steer clear of
Global Entry Systems
Many countries have ‘global entry systems’ to supposedly ease your transition into their country. Unfortunately, there is no standard operating system and they are often different systems.
Read about global entry systems and their benefits
Holiday Budget Savings
As many of us know, the price of things, just keeps going up. You can often save a chunk of money by doing some homework before you travel.
Read about how you can make your money go further and where the savings are
Holidays Are An Adventure
Holidays are the time of the year when you can become Indiana Jones or Christopher Columbus for a couple of weeks. Go on, be daring!
Read about turning your vacation into a memorable adventure
Illness When Away
No-one ever likes being ill, and getting ill on vacation is just the worst. Taking a few essential items with you can be the difference between a week of bed or and overnight bug.
Read about how to cope with getting ill on vacation
Immigration Officers
Often loathed and even despised by tourists, immigration officers have an important job to do. Are they really that bad?
Read about the kinds of immigration officers that you will meet
Important Documents
Losing your passport, drivers license or credit cards is a nightmare situation a the best of times. When you are overseas and don’t speak the language, you can times that by 10.
Read about taking care of your important docs.
Inattentive Parents
Your kids are your kids. We are not their babysitter, guardian or grandparents. You can entertain them until you get where you are going.
Read about how to not fall out with an entire plane load of people
Jet lag
Have you noticed that you rarely ever get jet-lagged on the way to your destination. It only seems to hit you on the way home. Find out how you can deal with it.
Read about coping with the after effects of travelling
Jewellery And Expensive Things
We all have some expensive items that we like to keep with us. Vacations may the one time you should leave them at home.
Read about why it may be better to leave the sparkles at home
Keeping Money Safe
The majority of hotels and accommodations have a safe for you to use. Do not get caught out carrying all of your important documents with you 24/7.
Read about how to keep you money safe
Kids Clubs
Kids clubs have changed dramatically in the last 10-15 years. They offer a kaleidoscope of entertainment for children of all ages, but do your kids need to be there everyday?
Read about kids clubs
Know Your Embassy
If the worst comes to the worst and you need your government’s assistance when overseas. You are not Jason Bourne or 007 and you should know how to contact your embassy.
Read about why you should know how to contact your embassy
Legroom
Every year, it seems like the legroom on planes gets smaller and smaller whilst people get bigger and taller.
Read about the pitfalls of less legroom
Lost Luggage & Theft
Lost luggage and theft can ruin a vacation, but there a re a few things you can do to prepare for the worst.
Read about what to do and how to cope
Lost Luggage Offices
First of all, the person at the lost luggage office, did not steal your suitcase, so be nice to them.
Read about why you should keep calm
Loud & Obnoxious
We all have stories of parties getting out of hand that we can tell. Being loud and obnoxious on a plane is NOT one that you want to be retelling in the future.
Read about keeping it down until you arrive
Machine Ticket Check-In
Many airports offer machine ticket check-ins to assist you in getting through to your flight as fast as possible. They are not all the same …
Read about the glitches of check-in systems
Menopausal Travellers
One for the ladies
Read about why you should take a trip and how to deal with it
Mosquitos & Emergencies
Mosquitos and minor cuts and grazes are often part and parcel of a trip to somewhere hot. DO not let them put you off – go prepared!
Read about dealing with bites and minor ailments
Overweight
The human race as a whole is getting larger, whilst plane seats are getting smaller thanks to the accountants in charge. A little consideration is perhaps called for.
Read about why things need to change
Packing Smart
Packing smart can alleviate a whole host of issues when flying overseas. A little preparation and forethought and you will be good to go.
Read about becoming the world’s best ever packer
Passports & Visas – Important Information
In the majority of countries, passports are typically valid for either five or ten years. The expiration date and the date of issue on your passport, may be different and different rules may apply. Visas also have expiration dates.
Read about this well before you travel
Solo Travellers
Safety is of primary concern, especially for many first timers. We recommend that you do not jump in the deep end, having never travelled before. Break yourself in gently and learn as you go. Get a solid understanding of what to look out for – both good and bad.
Read about what it is like to go it alone
Seat Recliners, Kickers & Armrest Hoggers
Often the bane of flights are the ‘seat recliners, the kickers and the armrest hoggers’. FYI, I paid for my seat as well.
Read about … actually just read this one
Staying In Contact When Away
Parents and other family members want to know that you are safe, and especially when you are in a foreign country.
Read about the importance of being in contact
The COVID Effect
For the most part, COVID restrictions have ended in just about all parts of the world. There may be however, certain destinations who still have restrictions and rules in place.
Read about why you need to adhere to local rules, whether you like it or not
Theme Parks
Theme parks offer you and the family a great day out. They will get your hearts racing, inject you with adrenaline and you will leave exhausted.
Read about making the most of a day at the theme parks
Too Much Alcohol
Do not arrive at the airport and turn into an alcoholic. Many of us like a tipple, but at 7am, really?
Read about reasons you should not indulge in too much
Tourist Scams
The world is full of scammers and some of the best are located in holiday destinations. They know that you are far more likely to panic.
Read about the types of scams and how to cope
Travel Insurance
If you can afford to take the family on vacation, you can surely afford to get travel insurance. If you don’t have it, it could cost you a fortune.
Read about why you should have insurance
Travelling With Illness & Long Term Conditions
Being diagnosed with a long term illness should not put you off taking a vacation. Speak too your doctor and get professional advice, then go and enjoy yourself.
Read about getting away even when you know it could be difficult
Travelling With Kids – Especially First Time Travellers
Travelling with kids, especially for First Time Travellers, can be a steep learning curve for young parents. Be prepared for every eventuality.
Read about getting it right and keeping them safe
Travelling With Pets
We know that you all love your ‘furries’ and they are part of the family, but do you really need to take them with you?
Read about taking your pets on vacation with you
Vacation Food
It is going to be new, it can be exciting and delicious or it could taste awful. The key thing is, you will not know until you try it.
Read about taking a risk and trying something new
Vaccinations
A large number of countries around the world require tourists to be inoculated against locally prevalent diseases. Arrange these vaccination when you book as they are rarely something you can get overnight.
Read about what for and when you need to get vaccinated
Vegans and Vegetarians on Vacation
In the last decade or so, we have welcomed a quickly growing number of vegan and vegetarian establishments which cater directly to us. However, once off the so-called beaten track, our options may disappear altogether in some areas.
Read about overcoming some of the awkward moments of not eating meat
Volunteering While On Vacation
In the last decade or two, volunteering vacations have really taken off. You get to visit somewhere exciting, help out the locals and sometimes even stay with local families. Turn your vacation into a worthwhile experience.
Read about the different kinds of opportunities available
Water Bottles
Just because it comes in a bottle, it doesn’t always mean that the water is bottled water.
Read about how the water in the bottle may not be what you think it is
Weak Bladder Syndrome
Having a weak bladder can put many people off travelling, especially the older crowd. As with many things in life, if you are prepared in advance, you will most likely be fine.
Read about coping with a weak bladder
Your Vacation Rental
If you have decided to rent accommodation instead of staying in a hotel or resort, well done for branching out. With that said, the property will probably be someone’s home, so treat it with respect. Some First Time Travellers have been known to destroy vacation homes to the point that they needed redecorating.
Read about making the most of a vacation rental
Travelling With Young Children – First Time Travellers
Essential Baby Items
Understanding where you are travelling to and how the local climate can change throughout the day, allows you to plan for what your children will need to have with them.
Read about the essential gear you need with you
Suitable Baby Clothing
Very young children are unable to tell you if they are too hot or too cold and it is the parent’s job to ensure that they are dressed accordingly.
Read about making sure your kids are suitably attired
Getting Around
Things like child seats are typically available for hire at most popular destinations. Not every hotel or private accommodations provide cots or high chairs. Do some research before you leave home, so you do not get caught out.
Read about how you should prepare for
Passports & IDs
Did you know that even small children need their own passport in most countries. Do not leave it until it is too late, or your little First Time Travellers may not be joining you or you will need to stay at home.
Read about children’s passports and IDs
Travelling Alone with Children
Travelling as a single parent can raise several issues that you never even considered. This really applies to the First Time Travellers and their parents amongst you.
Read about how to avoid being arrested for child abduction, even with your own kids
Just because you are First Time Travellers it doesn’t mean that you can’t get it right. In fact many First Time Travellers do get it right. Hopefully our blog has pointed you in the right direction in finding solutions to potential problems that you do not need.
Travel guides for kids
We have series of travel guides for kids available which are aimed at young children of 7+. These guides feature Gil The Travelling Gecko and his adventures to various locations.
Gil learns some of the language, tries new foods and meets up with friends. Through the use of ‘false cognates’ or ‘false friends’ Gil finds himself in humourous situations due to misunderstanding what is being said.
Kids remember things which make them laugh, and this is the key to the Gil stories.
Each story has a list of questions at the end to make sure the kids were paying attention. There are also a list of common phrases for them to use and some puzzles.
There is also a list of phrases for the adults in the family.
Find out more at www.gilsworld.com.