Think packing a suitcase and boarding a plane is enough to master when travelling? Think again. Often when travelling, one must be prepared for any bumps in the road that may hinder or change any plans made. The skills below might not always prevent issues and solve all of your problems, but they should help you get out of any awkward and dire situations you may face. Expect the unexpected as much as you can and become a master at the following before your next trip.
Map Reading
Google Maps, Sat Navs and the internet make it all too easy when navigating in places you’ve never been before. However, learning how to read a map will certainly pay off when you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstances of either no internet or a dead battery. This is something often overlooked and yet one of the most crucial skills when travelling anywhere in the world.
Speak Another Language
Speaking another language is like a superpower! It’s a great way to connect with locals, avoid looking like a tourist and a lifesaver for when locals don’t speak your native tongue. You don’t necessarily need to learn an entire language just if you happen to be away for two weeks, but it’s always a good idea to at least have a grasp of the basics. Enough to get by will put you so far ahead. I’d recommend that you at least learn a universal language, as the word “universal” suggests that it’s understood by most of the world’s population. Although when tailored according to the number of native speakers only, Chinese happens to have the most speakers in the world, however, unless you’re going to China, it’s more productive to learn Spanish, French, English or even Arabic for when roaming through multiple countries as these languages are used worldwide. Click here for our top 10 learning language tips.
Develop Situational Awareness
You should exercise situational awareness at all times, even in your home country. We’re not saying you should be a nervous wreck and panic every time someone approaches you, but to observe your surroundings, learn to people watch and understand the local customs of the country you are in. Sadly, women have been harassed while travelling and acts of terrorism do occur. Know your exits and learn to blend in with the locals to avoid becoming a foreign target. Use all your senses; smell, sight, hearing and if an area or certain person doesn’t feel right, walk away.
First Aid
Always travel with a pocket-sized first aid kit. Leave it in your hold luggage if there are certain items that might trigger security personnel when flying etc… However, when you’re out of the airport and at your destination, keep it on you with easy access for any issues that can occur. If you don’t travel with a first aid kit, then at least take the knowledge of basic first aid with you. Brush up and take a course or download an app on your phone. It also doesn’t hurt to have a book for when at home, to read just before you go or even pack a small pocket-sized book for when you do go.
Home Size: First Aid Manual
Travel Size: Pocket First Aid Manual
Confidence
You’re not born with confidence, it’s developed over time. Tough situations often improve character and increase confidence. If you lack confidence, you’ll find you’ll quickly gain some while travelling as often you’ll end up in the deep end and simply going with the flow most days. If you truly lack confidence but want to travel, go with a friend or with a group. There are options!
The Art of Haggling
The art of haggling is simple, but an art nonetheless. Some may argue, that you either have the gift of haggling or not. However, you can develop your skill in haggling by simply practicing it and once you achieve your first haggle, it can be addicting! Haggling usually does depend on where you are. In some places, the price is the price, end of story. However, start small and build up your haggling confidence by visiting outdoor markets and souvenir shops. In some countries, haggling is the norm. Get talking to the shop owner and of course, always be friendly and don’t drop the price to the point that you’re insulting. Ask open questions if you prefer, such as; “What’s your best price?”. If it’s too much, put the item back and pretend to lose interest and often you’ll find the shop owner willing to reconsider with a lower price.
Packing
This one does take a few attempts to get right and the right suitcase or bag does help. Packing is definitely a skill and doing it right can save you money! How? Because if you pack correctly, you may not need to buy a second or third bag to put the remainder of your items in, and most importantly, airlines charge based upon not only the size of your suitcase but the weight. If you manage your packing to a fine art and spread the load with your carry-on bag, which will also save you money from extortionate baggage costs. Also if you pack well enough and methodically, you can access certain times quicker. For example, next time you’re staying in a hotel just for one night, you can do so without emptying the entire suitcase or bag.
Basic Survival
Okay, this may sound extreme but often people who find themselves in extreme situations never planned to be in one. You’re not expected to be Bear Grylls and turn your travelling experience into a man vs wild competition, but to educate yourself with the core elements of basic survival. I.e. looking out for signs of hyperthermia, how to create a fire, how to build a temporary shelter etc… Who’s to say you’re on a hike and you’re out longer than expected. Day slowly becomes night and in the most extreme of cases, it may be looking likely you’ll have to create a fire and wait till the morning. Of course, don’t put yourself in certain situations without the right gear, but having basic knowledge on survival can really save not just your life, but the lives of others too.
Planning
If you fail to plan, you are simply planning to fail. In other words, try to know your next move. Be open to change and ready to make split-second decisions if necessary but otherwise have a plan that is somewhat flexible. If the train lines are no longer in operation, e.g. weather or strike, how are you going to get to where you need to go? Always try to have a plan B, but at the same time, don’t let it distract you from plan A. From the moment, let’s say you book your flight tickets, plan how you are going to get to the airport and what you will do when you arrive. How will you get to your accommodation? and from there how are you going to spend your days? Where will you eat?. These are just some examples of planning your next trip. If it helps, keep a journal and write things down. Get yourself a travel planner here.
Driving
Of course, you should have passed your driving test and have a valid driving licence before driving in any country, but knowing how to drive will certainly help you get around a lot easier should you find yourself needing to hire a car for example. This will allow you to have more options and venture off to places where public transport is limited. Not only that, but if you’re seeking work abroad, having on your CV that you have a driving licence, looks great as it shows you are able to drive should the job require it.
