Look, I’ve been travelling for years now, and I reckon half the “essential travel advice” you read online is either completely outdated or just someone’s weird personal preference that somehow became gospel. So here’s my take on which travel rules actually deserve your attention and which ones you can safely ignore.
Rules Worth Following
1. Book Your Accommodation Before You Arrive (Usually)
I know there’s this romantic idea of rocking up to a new city with just a backpack and figuring it out as you go. And yeah, that might work in some places. But honestly? After a 14-hour flight from Melbourne to pretty much anywhere in Europe, the last thing you want is to be dragging your luggage around unfamiliar streets at 6 am, looking for a place that’ll take you. Book at least your first night. You can wing it after that if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Always Have Travel Insurance
This isn’t negotiable. I don’t care if you’re just going to Bali for a week. My mate didn’t bother with insurance on a trip to Thailand and ended up with a $40,000 hospital bill after a motorbike accident. Forty. Thousand. Dollars. Just get the insurance.
3. Keep Copies of Important Documents (But Make Them Digital)
People will tell you to carry photocopies of your passport, but let’s be realistic – you’re probably going to lose those too. Instead, scan everything and email it to yourself or chuck it in Google Drive. Your passport, travel insurance policy, credit cards, the lot. Takes five minutes and could save you hours of grief at an embassy if things go pear-shaped.
4. Check Visa Requirements Early
This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people stuff this up. Some countries need visas sorted weeks in advance, while others you can get on arrival. Just check the Australian government’s Smartraveller website before you book anything. It would be pretty annoying to book flights to Vietnam only to realise you need to apply for a visa online first.
5. Tell Your Bank You’re Travelling
Banks have gotten better about this, but you still don’t want your card frozen while you’re trying to pay for dinner in Rome because your bank thinks someone’s stolen it. A quick phone call or online notification saves a lot of hassle. Also, find out what their international transaction fees are while you’re at it – some cards are absolutely brutal.
Rules You Can Probably Ignore
1. “Never Eat Where The Tourists Eat”
This is such pretentious advice. Sometimes the touristy places are popular for a reason – because they’re good! Sure, don’t just eat at McDonald’s (though I’ll admit, trying international McDonald’s menus is actually pretty fun), but if there’s a queue of tourists AND locals at a restaurant, it’s probably decent. I’ve had some of my best meals at places that were absolutely crawling with tourists.
2. “Pack Light – You Can Wash Clothes Along The Way”
Look, if you’re backpacking around Europe for three months, sure. But for a two-week holiday? Just pack what you need. I’m not spending my precious holiday time hand-washing socks in a hostel sink. I’d rather pay the extra $50 for checked luggage and actually enjoy myself. Life’s too short to wear the same three outfits on rotation.
3. “Wake Up Early To Beat The Crowds”
Every travel blogger bangs on about waking up at 5 am to see the sunrise at [insert famous landmark here]. But you know what? You’re on holiday. If you want to sleep in till 10 am, do it. Yeah, there’ll be more people around, but you’ll also be less cranky and more likely to actually enjoy yourself. I’ve seen plenty of sunsets that were just as good as sunrises, and I didn’t have to set an alarm for them.
4. “Always Haggle In Markets”
This depends entirely on where you are. In some places, haggling is expected and part of the fun. In others, it’s just rude, and the prices are already fair. Use your common sense. If something costs $2 and seems reasonable, don’t spend 20 minutes trying to get it down to $1.50. Your time is worth something, too.
5. “Stay In Hostels To Save Money And Meet People”
Hostels are great when you’re 22. But if you’re past that age and can afford a proper hotel, just get the hotel. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a good night’s sleep without someone stumbling in drunk at 3 am. You can still meet people at tours, bars, or just by being friendly at restaurants. You don’t need to share a room with seven strangers to have an authentic travel experience.
The Grey Area Rules
Learn Basic Local Phrases
This is a nice idea in theory, but realistically, if you’re only in a country for a week, “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” are about all you need. Everyone appreciates the effort, but you don’t need to be fluent. Google Translate works pretty well these days anyway.
Book Tours In Advance vs. On The Ground
It depends on the destination and the season. Popular stuff like the Colosseum or Machu Picchu? Book ahead. Random walking tour in a city you’re exploring? You can probably sort that out when you’re there. Just use your judgment.
Travel Off-Season
Off-season travel is cheaper and less crowded, which is great. But there’s also usually a reason it’s off-season – the weather might be rubbish, or half the attractions might be closed. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more to visit when things are actually open and the weather’s decent.
The Bottom Line
Most travel “rules” are really just suggestions based on someone else’s experience. What works for a solo backpacker in their twenties isn’t going to work for a family of four, and vice versa. The only real rule is to use your common sense, don’t be a dickhead to locals, and remember that things going wrong is sometimes part of the adventure.
Oh, and seriously, get the travel insurance.
