Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Travelling

Heading off on your first big trip abroad, you'll be filled with anticipation, trepidation and a whole lot of excitement. I for one, thought I had it all sussed when I ventured off with my backpack stuffed full of clothes I didn't need and 672 bikinis. I was ready to explore what delights South East Asia had to offer, looking back though I hadn't a breeze what I was doing or what to expect. So here's a few things I WISH I'd known back then...

10. Not everywhere you go is going to look like it does on instagram:

Lets face it, tourism has a huge impact on a place, both positively and negatively, but unfortunately when you mix thousands of tourists with countries slow to wake up to the huge issues of pollution and plastic consumption, it makes for a worrying sight on some of their beaches. Thankfully there are some incredible beaches which are near spotless, you just need to do a bit of research and venture off the tourist trail. Moral of the story; Not everything that glitters is gold. Sometimes its just tinfoil floating in the fucking sea..

9. Bring a little first aid kit:

This is one, I got SO wrong. We all laughed at our friend, who'd come away with a full medical kit, complete with bandages, gauze, anti-septic ect. but little did we know, we'd all be taking turns getting our toes patched up from repeated slider mishaps (sliders and Asia don't mix my friend we've discovered) Anyway the kit was a life saver and its vital to have something on hand to stop infections. While we're on the subject, bring as many antihistamines as humanly possible, they're the best for reactions to bites, allergies and heat rash. Also if you're prone to anything, like eye infections, cold sores or ear infections, bring something to treat it. Trust me when I say a flare up in Asia is always a lot worse!

8. Beware of mopeds:

Everyone is lulled into a false sense of security when you see every man, woman and child (literally not joking) driving on scooters. They have ultimately grown up driving them, where as the vast majority of us, have not. This is evident in the countless tourists you'll see in bandages and on crutches. If you feel confident to drive one, it is undoubtedly the best way to get around the place but drive with caution (says the woman who drove head on into a wall... but I digress..) failing that, find someone who'll take you as their passenger and marvel as an Asian family of seven, plus a fully grown pig, speed along beside you on one bike.

7. Bring a back up and copy of everything:

Bring a copy of everything, copy your passport, your insurance information, your accommodation information,your visas and your flights. Bring extra passport photos. EVERYTHING. Chances are you won't need them but if you do, you'll be so happy you have this all with you. Multiple bank cards is always a good call, in case you lose yours, then lose your friends, then lose yours again (hahaha oh my, that was stupid)

6. Don't over plan/Get off the tourist trail:

Don't over plan your trip to the point where you don't have room to change your plans. Book the essentials and leave the rest as you go. Even if its just once, push the scope of your adventure and go somewhere off the beaten track. It might be hard to get to and accommodation might be limited but when you're on your own little untouched piece of paradise, it'll more than likely be your most memorable experience of your trip.

5. Stay in hostels:

For some people, the idea of sleeping in a single bed, along with 30 other people in the same room sounds incredibly grim. It may not be the best night sleep you've ever had or the comfiest, but it is easily the best way to meet people and normally leads to a good night out. I couldn't recommend "Nap Park" in Bangkok enough for a clean and social hostel.

4. Talk to everyone:

Following on from my last point, challenge yourself to speak to as many people as possible, some will be wonderful, some will be super duper weird and some will be everything in between, but they'll make your adventure and the best advice and recommendations come from the people you meet along the way.

3. Beware of questionable alcohol:

In all my experience of being a solo backpacker through South East Asia, I've never felt unsafe or in any real danger, However I did fall victim to the infamous "Thai Alcohol", its widely known during the full moon, that some bucket vendors take to refilling known brand alcohol bottles with home made, and potentially dangerous brews. Its near impossible to tell the difference, so always ask if you can open the bottle yourself to check the seal is closed. Most vendors are honest and will happily let you check the bottle, if they get annoyed at your request chances are that bucket was going to be the undoing of you anyway..

2. Face some fears and take a few calculated risks:

Now I don't mean pay a visit to mushroom mountain during the full moon (which is exactly what it sounds like) and try swim out to sea, I mean try and push yourself a little with things you may never have dreamed of doing, whether its as simple as going to speak to a group of new people or going out swimming without fearing whats underneath. You'll be surprised at what you can face while out of your comfort zone, so make it count.

1. Travel solo:

Last but not least, my number one piece of advice to anyone, no matter age or gender, is to travel at least once, on your own. The idea of it to most people is overwhelming but in truth it will be the greatest thing you do. It teaches you to be secure and content in your own company and ultimately will develop your confidence in ways you never imagined. You'll never be completely 'alone', as everyone fears, only the times you choose to be. Discovering a new place and having someone to experience it with is incredible, but there will always be something extra special, about feeling like you're the only one seeing something in that moment. Enjoy the isolation, then go meet another group of people and get back to the madness.