For those who haven’t travelled this way before it can be daunting, but it’s also a truly liberating experience. What’s the key to successful independent travel? Relax and enjoy!

1. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed – and you haven’t even left yet

It’s completely normal to be nervous before a trip and being organised is a good way to reduce any excess anxiety. There’s a lot to plan when you travel independently, and while this can be overwhelming at first, once you’re in control of your itinerary it’s very reassuring. 

Travel tip
• Ditch the crowds -Travelling in the off season can make a big difference to both your wallet and your anxiety levels. Accommodation is easier to find, the queues are shorter and the ice cream tastes just as good. 
• Arrive to a friendly face - The most stressful part of any journey is arriving when you’re jetlagged or you don’t speak the language. Avoid the mayhem by organising a hotel transfer. Seeing your name and the smiling face of your driver has never been so comforting.

 

2. I’ve planned for everything – except for spontaneity 

On the other hand, being too organised might not be the best way to travel either.  By pre-planning every detail you may feel completely in control, but you’ll end up exhausted and you’ll miss out on wonderful spur-of-the-moment experiences.

Travel tip
• Plan to be unplanned – Have some free days in your itinerary for flexibility. It’s best to do this on day 2 or 3 in a new location so you have your bearings, and you can go back to any of the quirky museums or fabulous people watching spots you discovered.

 

3. The suitcase won’t close! 

There are two words that every regular traveller will advise - travel light! It’s easy to overpack and one of the best ways to ruin a holiday. Before you head off decide what you need, and then halve it. 

Travel tip
• Wear it more than 3 ways - Search the web for ‘travel capsule wardrobe’ and get some packing ideas from the experts.
• Take the right bag – Hard suitcases on wheels are great but they don’t squeeze into small spaces and when faced with lots of stairs they can be a nightmare. Do your research and find out what bag suits your trip.

 

4. To insure or not to insure? 

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable when you travel. Do you have travel insurance? Have you had a recent medical and dental check-up? And when it comes to personal safety, trust your instincts. If it feels dodgy then remove yourself from the situation.

Travel tip
• A spare pair of glasses – especially if you’re known to misplace them often!
• Write it down - Ask your doctor to write out a list of the medications and the dosages you require.
• Safeguard your valuables - Use the hotel safe for your passport and set an alarm so you don’t forget it when you leave. Give yourself a variety of options for accessing funds overseas, and then if the worst happens, you have a back-up.

 

5. The hidden costs of travelling 

Everyone’s read the story about the traveller who racked up a big mobile phone or restaurant bill overseas. Don’t be this person! Make sure you turn your data roaming off before you depart Australia, and if there are no prices on the menu, get up and leave! Try to keep your wits about you and don’t be intimidated—if it feels too good to be true, then it probably is.

Travel tip
• Own your mistakes - With time you’ll laugh at your travel fails and realise they make fantastic stories for family barbeques and dinner parties. 

 

6. I’m not good at trying new things

When you travel independently the world is your oyster. Don’t be afraid to try new and bizarre foods, sip a cup of home-grown tipple and enjoy all the local festivals. You don’t want to return to home with an “I wish I’d done that” list, so leave your shyness at the door and set out to experience all you can.

Travel tip
• Be brave - A great way to meet new people when travelling independently is to book yourself on day tours. If you meet people you connect with, no matter what their age, be brave and suggest you meet up for dinner. 

 

7. They do what over there?

As the saying goes, travel broadens the mind, and it’s not until you start travelling independently that you realise how true this is. You don’t want to be seen as rude or ignorant, so read up on where you’re going to make sure you understand local customs and laws. It’s also good to do your history homework to get a better understanding of how past events have affected the current way of life.

Travel tip
• Live like a local – Take a cooking class, a guided tour with a local, or even organise a homestay and get a real appreciation for how the residents live.

 

Once you’ve tasted the freedom and slower pace of independent travel it’s very hard to go back to touring. So, grab your partner, your friends, or take the plunge and head off solo, and turn those travel worries into worldly adventures!