10 Best Tips for a First Time Traveller

10 Best Tips for a First Time Traveler: The Unspoken Realities of Travel

A story of a first time traveller.
I want to share a story about one of my dearest friends and my goddaughter that brings a smile to my face. At 55, my friend decided to gift her daughter a trip to Japan for her 21st birthday—a fantastic present, no doubt. But here’s the twist: neither of them had ever travelled overseas before. They knew next to nothing about international travel, and while Google can be incredibly informative, it can also be overwhelming. To add to the challenge, my goddaughter is on the autism spectrum and takes everything she reads quite literally. Meanwhile, my friend was working tirelessly to fund this trip and left most of the planning to her daughter.

So, there I was, back in Perth for a brief visit, meeting my friend for coffee. She was in tears, utterly overwhelmed, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at some of the amusingly misinformed plans and information they’d come up with. Having travelled extensively since my late teens, I’d forgotten that exhilarating yet daunting feeling of embarking on a first big trip like when I took off to New Zealand all those years ago.

This whole experience got me thinking first-time travellers could really use some basic guidance to help them make the most of their holidays. With the right information, they can fully enjoy their adventures and feel inspired to plan their next amazing trip around this incredible planet.

Travelling for the first time can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. You’ve seen the Instagram photos of tropical beaches, exotic foods, and ancient ruins, and now it’s your turn. But there’s a gap between the romanticized version of travel and the reality of it—something only seasoned travellers will fully appreciate. So, before you set off on your adventure, let me share the real tips that nobody tells you, because trust me, you’ll be glad you knew these.

You’re Going to Overpack—And You’ll Regret It

This is a universal truth among travellers, especially first-timers. No matter how many blogs or videos you watch, you’ll end up bringing too much. At home, it seems reasonable to pack six pairs of shoes for a week-long trip or “just-in-case” outfits for every potential weather condition. But once you’re at the airport, dragging a massive suitcase that weighs more than you do, you’ll curse.

Here’s what happens: You’ll arrive at your destination and realise you’re sticking to a few favourite items. That perfectly coordinated outfit you brought for fancy dinners. You’ll likely never wear it. That extra jacket. It stays in the suitcase, untouched. And the extra toiletries you packed Guess what, most places sell shampoo. If you’re going to multiple destinations, it gets worse. Navigating trains, buses, and cobblestone streets with an oversized bag is a nightmare. Lesson 1 Pack light. It’s not just a cliché its survival.

Tip: Lay out everything you think you need, and then remove at least half of it. Try a carry-on-only challenge. You’ll feel lighter, move faster, and avoid extra baggage fees. Leave space for the items and souvenirs you may purchase.

Jet Lag Isn’t Just Tiredness—It’s a Full Body Confusion

People tell you about jet lag, but they don’t tell you how weird it feels. It’s not just tiredness; it’s like your body has entered some alternate universe where time doesn’t make sense anymore. You’re awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling, wide-eyed, while everyone else is sound asleep. Or worse, you’re falling asleep in the middle of a daytime tour because your body thinks it’s the middle of the night.

The best way to handle jet lag is to prepare in advance. Slowly adjust your sleep schedule a few days before departure. When you land, try to stick to the local time, even if it means forcing yourself to stay awake until bedtime. Get plenty of sunlight during the day it helps reset your internal clock.

Tip: When flying long distances, try to book flights that arrive during the day so you can force yourself to stay awake. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals or alcohol on the flight.

Getting Lost Is Inevitable—But It’s Where the Adventure Happens

No matter how much you plan, getting lost is part of the travel experience. Google Maps? Lifesaver. But even with the best apps, you’ll still find yourself wandering through backstreets, unsure if you took the right turn. Here’s the thing: that’s okay, and sometimes it’s even better than knowing exactly where you’re going.

Getting lost forces you to engage with locals, explore areas you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and stumble upon hidden gems. That little family-run café where no one speaks English. You wouldn’t have found it if you stuck rigidly to your itinerary. Those unexpected moments often become the best parts of your trip.

Tip: Download offline maps before you go (Google Maps allows this), so you don’t always have to rely on Wi-Fi. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for directions locals usually love helping out a lost traveller, and you might get an insider tip on something amazing nearby.

Airports Are a Special Kind of Chaos—Learn to Embrace It

The airport experience is like a roller coaster. First, you rush to get there early (everyone says, get there 3 hours before, only to spend 45 minutes in a security line that moves slower than molasses. Then, you sprint to your gate, only to find out your flight is delayed, leaving you with three hours to kill.

Seasoned travellers know that airports are all about hurry up and wait. Flights get delayed. Gates change without warning. Luggage takes forever to show up. And don’t get me started on customs. If you’re connecting through a major hub like Heathrow or JFK, budget extra time for transfers these airports are like cities unto themselves, and it’s easy to get lost.

Tip: Keep snacks, a refillable water bottle, and entertainment handy. Delays are inevitable, but a good book or downloaded shows can turn a frustrating situation into a relaxing break.

Your Feet Will Hate You—Invest in Good Shoes

You may think you’ve packed a sensible pair of shoes, but travel will put your feet through an obstacle course you didn’t sign up for. Exploring new places often means walking more than you ever do at home. That perfect pair of trendy shoes you’ve been dying to wear. Not the best choice for a 10km walking tour through uneven cobblestone streets.

The blisters, sore arches, and foot fatigue are real. Trust me, nothing ruins a day of sightseeing faster than aching feet. Invest in quality walking shoes, preferably ones you’ve broken in before your trip. You can thank me later when your feet aren’t screaming by day two.

Tip: Pack some blister bandages and a small foot-care kit. Even with the best shoes, your feet might take a beating.

You Will Look Like a Tourist—Embrace It

No matter how hard you try to blend in with the locals, it’s going to be obvious that you’re a tourist. That’s fine. You’ll pull out maps, take pictures of everything, and probably ask for directions in a clumsy mix of English and hand signals. Guess what That’s all part of the experience.

The trick is to avoid acting like an obnoxious tourist. Be respectful of local customs, don’t be too loud, and try to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Locals appreciate the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation. And remember curiosity is a good thing Ask questions, explore, and soak in the culture.

Tip: Learn a few polite phrases in the local language (hello, thank you, excuse me). It shows respect, and you’ll get a warmer reception.

Train Stations Are More Confusing Than Airports

You may think you’ve mastered travel once you’ve navigated an airport or two but wait until you hit a train station, especially in Europe. Unlike airports, where everything is organized with gates, security checkpoints, and clear boarding procedures, train stations can feel like the Wild West.

The signs might not be in English, the platforms may not be clearly labelled, and if you’re in a big station like in Tokyo, it’s a maze of tracks, shops, and people running in every direction. Trains don’t hang around for long either, so when your train pulls in, you need to be ready to board within minutes.

Tip: Arrive early, study the station map in advance, and always ask station staff for help. In many European stations, you need to validate your ticket before boarding, so watch out for those little machines.

Paying to Use the Bathroom Is a Thing—Be Ready

One of the rudest awakenings for first-time travellers in Europe (and some other places) is the fact that you sometimes must pay to use public bathrooms. That’s right, you need to have spare change ready if nature calls while you’re out and about.

Even in places where the bathroom is free, you might find yourself in situations where there’s no toilet paper. It’s a good idea to carry a small packet of tissues or wipes, just in case. And don’t be shocked by the squat toilets in some parts of the world—it’s a whole new level of bathroom adventure.

Tip: Always have some coins handy for paid bathrooms, and carry hand sanitiser and tissues for emergencies.

You’ll Spend More on Food Than You Think

You’ll budget for food, but once you’re in a new country with unfamiliar cuisine, your food budget will quickly go out the window. Street food, pastries, snacks from local markets it all add up. You’ll find yourself wanting to try everything, and that’s great! But remember to keep an eye on your spending.

What starts as oh I’ll just grab a quick bite can easily turn into a day of eating your way through a city, which is fun—but also expensive. That being said food is a huge part of travel, so allow yourself to splurge here and there.

Tip: Balance out fancy meals with budget-friendly options. Local markets or small bakeries can offer delicious, affordable meals.

Culture Shock Is Real, But It’s Part of the Magic

At some point, the differences between home and your destination will hit you. Maybe it’s the language barrier, the unfamiliar customs, or even just the pace of life. That feeling of disorientation is called culture shock, and it’s completely normal. It can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s also one of the most eye-opening parts of travel.

The best way to handle culture shock is to embrace it. Travel isn’t just about seeing new things—it’s about experiencing a different way of life. Be open, curious, and patient. Before you know it, the things that felt strange at first will become part of the charm of your trip.

Tip: Do a little research on the culture and customs of your destination beforehand. Being aware of basic etiquette can help you feel more prepared.

Your first trip is going to be a roller coaster of experiences—some amazing, some challenging, and some outright weird. But that’s the beauty of travel. It’s not just about the destination or the Instagram moments, but about the journey itself. The unexpected hiccups, the people you meet, and the lessons you learn along the way will make the trip unforgettable.

So, pack your bags (lightly), keep an open mind, and get ready to collect stories you’ll be telling for years. Welcome to the world of travel.

So, let’s revisit the saga of my friend—the human hurricane, roller coaster, and possible soap opera star all gearing up for her grand adventure next week. She’s a whirlwind of emotions, oscillating between sheer excitement and the kind of panic that makes you wonder if she’s attempting to set a world record for most feelings felt in a minute. I’ve become her personal guru, therapist, midnight Google search assistant, and 24/7 hotline, offering sage advice like Yes, you need a passport before the toothpaste and maybe leave the kitchen sink at home and no you can’t pack your goldfish.

Meanwhile, my goddaughter has been overpacked since the Jurassic era. Her suitcase is so overstuffed it could be classified as a small planet or rival a cargo ship’s load. She’s convinced she knows everything—probably because she watched a YouTube tutorial once and now thinks she’s Bear Grylls. But reality will hit harder than an airline baggage fee or a suitcase over the weight limit when she realises her carry-on could double as a car and won’t fit in the overhead compartment. Honestly, I should sell tickets to this spectacle. Who needs Netflix or comedy clubs when live family comedy unfolds at Terminal 5?

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