Lying about your home country or not booking a hotel room in advance... these are some of the worst travel advice.
Tips to Avoid While Traveling
Before traveling, you often seek advice from experienced individuals to avoid repeating mistakes. However, not all advice is sound, even if initially convincing.
1. Avoid Booking Hotel Rooms in Advance
Before embarking on your journey, you may come across advice such as: “Hotel rooms on websites always look pristine, but in reality, they're disappointing, far from what's shown in pictures” or “It's best to arrive at your destination and then look for a room; you'll see for yourself.”
The Reality: You Might Waste Your First Day Searching for Accommodation
2. Bringing Traveler's Checks
Many people often receive advice to purchase traveler's checks issued by international payment organizations to guard against theft. Travelers exchange these checks for local currency at banks or payment organization branches when abroad.
However, buying these checks can be inconvenient as you'll need to spend time finding the right bank to exchange them and you may not always get the best exchange rate. Instead of traveler's checks, carry a credit card for emergencies. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid account suspension.
3. Avoid Renting Homestays Abroad
Those advising you against this may have been overly influenced by Hollywood horror films set in cheap hostels.
In reality, this is a method that can save you a lot of money while traveling, especially for solo travelers. Check out websites like Hostel World or lists of the best hostels in the world for more booking options when traveling.
4. Solo Travel Isn't Off-Limits
You'll surely hear this advice from many people, especially if you're a female traveler.
Many female travelers admit they initially felt apprehensive about this advice. However, the world isn't as terrible and dangerous as you might imagine. As long as you have clear, sensible plans and avoid unsafe areas, you'll have a fulfilling trip.
Many solo travelers recount feeling challenged on their first solo trip but realizing its undeniable allure soon after.
5. Street Food Isn't Forbidden
Many believe eating at these places is unhygienic and potentially life-threatening, such as food poisoning.
The truth is, you've missed out on a worthwhile experience if you haven't tried street food. Places like Vietnam, Thailand... offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable street food. And it's not just about eating in hotels to avoid food poisoning.
However, you should still avoid eating raw vegetables, unwashed or unpeeled fruits to ensure hygiene.
6. Lying About Your Birthplace
Some suggest claiming to be citizens of advanced, wealthy countries to impress or garner admiration from locals.
However, remember that when abroad, each individual represents their country. Your polite and respectful behavior will leave a positive impression about your homeland. Claiming to be a citizen of a wealthy country is the most disputed advice among travelers.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourNovember 19, 2014