By Matt Belsey
Learn the Lingo
Don't be afraid to find out what the local language is in the countries you visit, and learn the local phrases, or sentences. Just ones to get by. Learn the questions, and then also the responses, so you know what they are answering back to you. Things like, How much?, How do I get to...? Even just learn words like hello, thank you, and how are you? go along way for the locals. They can see you are trying. Anyway, are you not traveling to learn something about the places you visit? Why not one of them be the local language.
Get yourself some travel insurance
You most probably have been planning this for years, and have saved up thousands to do it. If this is the case, then I'm sure you would not like to say good bye to this opportunity, just because you have had to spend a fortune on medical bills. Even the smallest thing like a broken arm could set you back your spending fund.
Set the price
Make sure if taking public transport, or even just booking a tour, make sure you agree on the price before you get onboard, or inside the transport. Don't rely on flyers, or cards, or even word of mouth from locals within your hostel.
Don't burn to a crisp
Yes, you are going away, most probably to a place where the sun is shining bright, and the weather is hot. However, if you plan on doing this for a while, do not burn your skin multiple layers to get that tan to show off. Trust me, your skin will get used to the sun, and the heat, but until then, make sure you are wearing suncream. You have plenty of time to top up the tan before you go home, so let your body adjust first, and don't get sun stroke in the first 48 hours.
Go make friends!
I understand that this is a bit out of your comfort zone, but you have come to explore this world in all its beauty.What better way to do that than with new friends with the same interest. It can be daunting doing this on your own, but trust me, after a few weeks this will become second nature. Force yourself out there. Find out where the local backpackers hangout. Not only to meet new people, but this is where you will find the cheap drinks, and indeed the food too. On a serious note though, even if you want to travel alone, go and find out what the best things to do are from like minded people. Don't just rely on tour guides, and guide books. These may be ways of getting you to spend money. Other travelers will have found out how to get around this without spending a small fortune. Also, please go and enjoy it. Don't get lonely, and decide this isn't for you after a week. Give it time.
Make a note of where you are staying
You may remember where you are staying, but locals, and also taxi drivers may not speak any English, and not understand you. Where as, if you have wrote it down on your phone, or taken a picture of the Hostel/Hotel sign, then there is a good chance they will know where to take you. Its easy to get lost in big cities. Especially in places like Bangkok. Get lost, good luck haha.
Try the local cuisine
You are here to learn about the culture. The culture also includes the food. Be more open minded. Their food may be different to what you are used to. You may not like it, but at least try it. Even if a scorpion on a stick on Khao San Road doesn't look too appealing! It still tasted like crispy bacon haha.
Be cautious with Open Free Wifi
Be careful when using open free wifi, especially if its within the streets. Try not to login to your online banking, or anything you don't want others seeing. There have been many cases of these being logged accounts where you can be viewed what you are doing, and bank accounts have been hacked in the past. Be careful, and wait until you are somewhere legit, preferably with a password.
Always have a camera on you
So many times I have missed out on the best shot of something amazing because I decided to leave my camera back in the hotel. Take a spare. Something small that will fit in your pocket when you head off out just for a stroll, or even for a night out. I missed out a few times because of this. I won't tell you what, as you wouldnt believe me without a photo.
First Aid Kit
List it!
It is never a bad idea having a small first aid kid with Antiseptic wipes, plasters, and small bandages around. Especially if you are going off on a hike.
You know where you are going, but now make a list of what you want to do. Cross it off once you have done it. You don't want to get home after all that time, and be dissapointed because you forgot to do something. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you. Make it count.
Stick to bottled water
I know people always say don't have drinks with ice, and don't brush your teeth with the water. Most places you can, and the amount you would injest would be little, and probably not do anything to harm you. However, to be on the safe side, if you dont trust the water, brush with bottled water, and ask if they use spring water for the ice. Some legit restaurants, and bars these days do this in most places around the world. No harm in asking. However, for drinking, just stick to bottled water, and make sure it has not been opened before you receive it.
Keep an open mind
Remember that you are a guest in their country. don't judge locals on the way they do things. Even if you do not agree with the way they live there life, or ways they do things, at the end of the day, you are a guests in their home. Repect that.
Inform your Bank of you Travels
I should have learnt with all my years traveling, but still made this mistake a few times. Banking security is designed to block your card if it thinks it may have been cloned, and used overseas. Let them know you are going traveling, and where you are going to. If it sees you in Vietnam one day, then Thailand two days Later, it may get suspicious. Just let them know what you are doing, just incase you need to use that card in an emergency, and it is blocked, or the machine swallows your card.
Make sure someone back home knows you movements
Makes sure you are always letting someone know from back home where you are staying, and when you start moving again. Even if you are traveling with friends, make sure they know what city you are in, and what hostel you are staying at. Best to be safe.
Separate your money
Hopefully it will never happen, but theft does sometimes happen, and sometimes things get broken in to. Dont keep all your money in one place. There are lots of hidey holes you can keep money in. There are even belts, and travel shoes that have secret compartments for money these days. What ever you do, just keep some in different places just incase some does go missing.