What I would tell you before your first big trip abroad
Headed out on a trip that is longer than the standard one or two weeks? It can be intimidating, but oh so fun. Here’s what I’d tell you before you set off abroad:
You can find everything you need, just about anywhere in the world. The first time I went on a trip that was for a month or longer, I remember thinking I had to pack enough of everything to last for my entire time away. I then learned, just because people live in a different country doesn’t mean they don’t need the same things as you. Obviously. Which means you can find q-tips and razors, spare articles of clothes, sunglasses. Familiar brands of shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and toothpaste. Even skincare brands such as Laroche Posey and Cetaphil can always be found at pharmacies around the world. So don’t stress too much about packing everything you may need, because odds are you can find it on the road.
The duty free section of the airport is your friend if you have high maintenance beauty needs. If you read the above tip but thought, “but I use luxury skincare” or “what about makeup? I can’t find a decent brand where I’m traveling.” Then the duty free section of larger international airports are for you! As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten pickier in my skincare and makeup. If I’m traveling for months on end or simply forgot a crucial item, this is when I do some shopping at the airport. Here you can find big names like Kheils, Clarins, and Chanel. They’re fully stocked with skincare and makeup essentials.
Don’t plan or research too much for your trip. The magic of a long trip is that you now have time and therefore flexibility. Know the main sites and destinations that you want to see and explore, but leave room for the magic of each destination and the people you meet along the way.
Talk to strangers. I’ve found that most people in life are kind and friendly. The assholes just demand more attention, so it feels as though there are more of them. So talk to the strangers and make new friends! Learn new things! You already have a huge thing in common with everyone around you—you’re both in that same destination. If it’s a local, ask if that town is where they are from. What is their favorite restaurant? Their favorite thing to do in town? If they’re a traveler, strike up conversation to see where they’re from and what type of trip they’re doing. I’ve chatted people up at a hotel breakfast in Morocco to learn that they’re best friends with my godmother. My husband and I have struck up conversation on a ferry with a couple 30 years older than us and led to us having many late night conversations throughout the week in Albania. I’ve chatted with a girl at a hostel in Thailand and then proceeded to travel with each other for 5 weeks through 5 different countries. You never know where a conversation will lead.
Keep a travel journal. Write it all down! It’s not that serious and it’s not that intimidating. It’s just for you! It can be as pretty or as messy as you’d like. Whether it’s quick notes, painted pictures, long form writing, or all your tickets and receipts glued inside (or a happy combination of all), keep some sort of record of your travels. Your future self will thank you. I have been keeping travel journals for 13 years and they’re so fun to be able to go back and read.
Try to pack as light as you can. If you’re traveling for a long time and you plan to bop around to different locations, the lighter you pack, the easier it will be. It can be hard, but once you have everything you need in one backpack, it’s quite freeing.
It’s okay to have a rest day. Traveling is amazing and fun, but it’s also exhausting. The constant go go go, the lack of routine, the always being “on” and social can be draining at times. Not to mention some destinations and cultures can be overwhelming compared to your home country. It’s okay to take a day or two to stay in one destination and just relax. Sometimes you need to check yourself into a hotel, buy an overpriced coffee & an American meal, take a hot shower, and binge Netflix in bed. Speaking from experience, sometimes that’s the best medicine when you’re feeling burnt out.
The travel advice you see repeated everywhere is still good advice. Yes, sarongs and wraps are very convenient for travel. Take a picture of your passport and bonus points if you email it to yourself. You will want luggage locks. Pack a mini med kit. If you’re staying in hostels, quick dry towels are a must. A packable backpack is very useful. Earplugs & eye masks are a necessity if you’re a light sleeper. Put an emergency credit card or $100 cash away from your wallet, hidden in your bag.
Soak it up! Not everyone gets to go on a trip that is more than 2 weeks, many people don’t want to. It’s such a privilege and an amazing experience to travel for weeks or months on end. It’s easy for long term travel to become your new normal everyday, so don’t forget to pinch yourself every now and then to remember how lucky you are.
