Comments on: 12 Stupid Mistakes Of The First Time Traveler http://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/ The Best Online World Travel Magazine Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:23:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Jakubhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-14171 Jakub Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:05:12 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-14171 LP is great and it's usually very accurate... at the time of writing. Before you buy a book, in those recommended restaurants/hotels/bars there were trillions of people with exactly the same book, just have a look around, you'll see the same people in the next city miles away. Someone once said that LP places are getting 2x more expensive and drop in half in the quality of service as soon as they appear in LP. I usually try to buy less popular travel guides, but I won't tell you which ones, sorry :) LP is great and it's usually very accurate… at the time of writing. Before you buy a book, in those recommended restaurants/hotels/bars there were trillions of people with exactly the same book, just have a look around, you'll see the same people in the next city miles away. Someone once said that LP places are getting 2x more expensive and drop in half in the quality of service as soon as they appear in LP. I usually try to buy less popular travel guides, but I won't tell you which ones, sorry :)

]]> By: Kimberlyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-8405 Kimberly Mon, 31 May 2010 03:25:27 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-8405 Having a dependable cell phone while backpacking is a must, but having one a durable and no hassle combonation of plan and phone is much more difficult. I highly recommend Net10 prepaid as a great travel item - low cost phones are totally your friend when you are traveling. Net10 is a prepaid company so contract is involded and you have the option to either drop the company or stick with it after your trip ends. Best of all, the international rates are great at .15 a minute to over 60 countries and many of them are in Europe and South America. Everyone needs to stay in touch and Net10 is a great tool. Having a dependable cell phone while backpacking is a must, but having one a durable and no hassle combonation of plan and phone is much more difficult. I highly recommend Net10 prepaid as a great travel item – low cost phones are totally your friend when you are traveling. Net10 is a prepaid company so contract is involded and you have the option to either drop the company or stick with it after your trip ends. Best of all, the international rates are great at .15 a minute to over 60 countries and many of them are in Europe and South America. Everyone needs to stay in touch and Net10 is a great tool.

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2781 TravMonkey Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:57:57 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2781 Hi Andira, Sounds like you like your gadgets! The trouble is if I had an iphone I'd be checking it all the time... we used to live without these things so surely when you're on the road you don't really need them?? Doesn't it spoil some of the adventure? Thanks, Paul @ TravMonkey.com Hi Andira,

Sounds like you like your gadgets! The trouble is if I had an iphone I'd be checking it all the time… we used to live without these things so surely when you're on the road you don't really need them??

Doesn't it spoil some of the adventure?

Thanks,

Paul @

TravMonkey.com

]]> By: happy andirahttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2769 happy andira Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:24:11 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2769 Keeping your friends and relatives at bay when you're bringing along your cell could be managed by flight mode :p I don't mind not taking a laptop,camera or vid cam as long as I have my Iphone around, take great pictures and movies, I can edit them and send straight to my blog and fb and can put notes,reminders and other travel applications...life saver! For snow or diving pics...well disposable sports camera is practical burn it to a memory stick later at the local kodak shop About first time traveler's mistakes... Blowing all your money on first class tours and hotel packages? Hahaha...yeah yeah... it was me. I wasn't backpacking though, it was a family trip... so hope it's not that bad. Don't carry too much cash around. Get all your cards ready, like credit cards, amex, visa debit, any cards that works on maestro,visa,cirrus link atm machines- Before you leave notify and ACTIVATE worldwide use on these cards and also allow withdrawals on them :) This practically saved me once. Money conversions are not very reliable and you could get less than the actually amount. Some countries like Indonesia would depreciate your USD cash value if your notes are crumpled or wrinkled by 30% less it's value. And again if these get stolen u have ur Iphone to deactivate these cards. Teehee...:) Keeping your friends and relatives at bay when you're bringing along your cell could be managed by flight mode :p

I don't mind not taking a laptop,camera or vid cam as long as I have my Iphone around, take great pictures and movies, I can edit them and send straight to my blog and fb and can put notes,reminders and other travel applications…life saver! For snow or diving pics…well disposable sports camera is practical burn it to a memory stick later at the local kodak shop

About first time traveler's mistakes…

Blowing all your money on first class tours and hotel packages? Hahaha…yeah yeah… it was me. I wasn't backpacking though, it was a family trip… so hope it's not that bad.

Don't carry too much cash around. Get all your cards ready, like credit cards, amex, visa debit, any cards that works on maestro,visa,cirrus link atm machines- Before you leave notify and ACTIVATE worldwide use on these cards and also allow withdrawals on them :) This practically saved me once. Money conversions are not very reliable and you could get less than the actually amount. Some countries like Indonesia would depreciate your USD cash value if your notes are crumpled or wrinkled by 30% less it's value. And again if these get stolen u have ur Iphone to deactivate these cards.

Teehee…:)

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2511 TravMonkey Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:34:31 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2511 Hi Richard, I checked out your site, great photos! I share a different view on the point about guide books. I think a lot of people use them way to much. Word of mouth works a thousands times better. Thanks for the comment. Hi Richard,

I checked out your site, great photos!

I share a different view on the point about guide books. I think a lot of people use them way to much. Word of mouth works a thousands times better.

Thanks for the comment.

]]> By: Richardhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2496 Richard Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:19:05 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2496 there are no stupid mistakes and whatever u can adapt as neccessay the only real mistake i can see about travelling/backpacking is Not to go I live in S ea and have travelled extensively and have a guide book for every counrty in the region. Nothing beats having an idea where ur going when u arrive somewhere new even if u dont make use of it. there are no stupid mistakes and whatever u can adapt as neccessay

the only real mistake i can see about travelling/backpacking is Not to go

I live in S ea and have travelled extensively and have a guide book for every counrty in the region. Nothing beats having an idea where ur going when u arrive somewhere new even if u dont make use of it.

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2400 TravMonkey Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:39:43 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2400 Hi Justin, You've definately got a point about lack of tourists. It's also cheaper and more relaxing when it isn't overrun by tourists. Guide books can be helpful but theres nothing like a word of mouth tip. Thanks, Paul @ TravMonkey.com Hi Justin,

You've definately got a point about lack of tourists. It's also cheaper and more relaxing when it isn't overrun by tourists.

Guide books can be helpful but theres nothing like a word of mouth tip.

Thanks,

Paul @

TravMonkey.com

]]> By: Justinhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2393 Justin Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:17:33 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2393 A stupid mistake I saw while traveling is people not thinking about the weather and going to places when they are absolutely cold and miserable to go to when they could have just done their trip in reverse. The past 3 falls I have backpacked for 3 months a piece and always went from north to south as it got later into the season to take advantage of the best weather and lack of tourists. I agree whole heartedly about planning too much...all you need is a general route; I didnt even have a guide book last fall through asia and it was the best time ever. A stupid mistake I saw while traveling is people not thinking about the weather and going to places when they are absolutely cold and miserable to go to when they could have just done their trip in reverse. The past 3 falls I have backpacked for 3 months a piece and always went from north to south as it got later into the season to take advantage of the best weather and lack of tourists.

I agree whole heartedly about planning too much…all you need is a general route; I didnt even have a guide book last fall through asia and it was the best time ever.

]]> By: TravMonkey.com » TravMonkey’s Top 10 Pointless Items To Take Backpackinghttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2196 TravMonkey.com » TravMonkey’s Top 10 Pointless Items To Take Backpacking Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:43:46 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2196 [...] own previous article 12 Stupid Mistakes Of The First Time Traveler also hightlights some of these as well as tackling some wider [...] [...] own previous article 12 Stupid Mistakes Of The First Time Traveler also hightlights some of these as well as tackling some wider [...]

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2153 TravMonkey Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:54:49 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2153 Hi Anthony, Thanks for you comment, some good points. "Stupid" is a little harsh, it's really just meant to be a attention getting headline. As for the point on mobile phones, I have to agree there is a case for taking one. I think it is very much up to the individual, I've tried one in many countries using local sims but always found them to have bad reception or other technical issues. They can be handy, especially when job hunting in countries like Australia, New Zealand, USA. Although you can usually get hold of a cheap handset when you need it when get there. Thanks, Paul @ TravMonkey Hi Anthony,

Thanks for you comment, some good points.

"Stupid" is a little harsh, it's really just meant to be a attention getting headline.

As for the point on mobile phones, I have to agree there is a case for taking one. I think it is very much up to the individual, I've tried one in many countries using local sims but always found them to have bad reception or other technical issues.

They can be handy, especially when job hunting in countries like Australia, New Zealand, USA. Although you can usually get hold of a cheap handset when you need it when get there.

Thanks,

Paul @

TravMonkey

]]> By: Anthonyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2150 Anthony Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:17 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-2150 I think you make some good points, but I wouldn't necessarily call these "stupid" mistakes. In particular, the mobile phone point. A mobile phone doesn't have to be expensive, and using local SIM cards I used mine to arrange a lot of social stuff with people I'd met on the road. Anthony I think you make some good points, but I wouldn't necessarily call these "stupid" mistakes. In particular, the mobile phone point. A mobile phone doesn't have to be expensive, and using local SIM cards I used mine to arrange a lot of social stuff with people I'd met on the road.

Anthony

]]> By: Namhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-1992 Nam Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:03:08 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-1992 Thanks for the article, it's a great help. Me and my friends are planning to go traveling in a few years, we're at the "saving" phase at the moment. But it's good to read these useful articles from real experienced travellers. Well done guys. Thanks for the article, it's a great help. Me and my friends are planning to go traveling in a few years, we're at the "saving" phase at the moment. But it's good to read these useful articles from real experienced travellers. Well done guys.

]]> By: lurkerhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-618 lurker Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:32:52 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-618 I bought a 'Jolly Jumper' diaper bag. This bag was fantastic, with 2 inside pockets, 2 pockets at the front, one which zips, a very noisy flap covering these and a bottle pocket suitable for carrying your water or an umbrella. Wow. I also bought 3 tops [2 short, 1 long sleeved] 2 pair pants, 1 semi fancy jacket, 2 fancy scarves & 2 pair travel socks & undies. All of the above fit nicely into my bag. Wearing, jacket, top, pants and carrying the rest; I travelled through England for 3 weeks. All my clothes except for the jacket were from "Tilley's" a Canadian company which makes wash and wear travel clothes. And yes that's what I did. Sink washed everything at night. So as you can see, you can travel light. I bought one jumper for the colder evening which I dumped before getting back on the plane. Why carry more? lurker I bought a 'Jolly Jumper' diaper bag. This bag was fantastic, with 2 inside pockets, 2 pockets at the front, one which zips, a very noisy flap covering these and a bottle pocket suitable for carrying your water or an umbrella. Wow.

I also bought 3 tops [2 short, 1 long sleeved] 2 pair pants, 1 semi fancy jacket, 2 fancy scarves & 2 pair travel socks & undies. All of the above fit nicely into my bag.

Wearing, jacket, top, pants and carrying the rest; I travelled through England for 3 weeks. All my clothes except for the jacket were from "Tilley's" a Canadian company which makes wash and wear travel clothes. And yes that's what I did. Sink washed everything at night.

So as you can see, you can travel light.

I bought one jumper for the colder evening which I dumped before getting back on the plane.

Why carry more?

lurker

]]> By: travmonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-531 travmonkey Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:05:28 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-531 Hi Craig, 22 Months, had a great time, saw a lot of places and meet many great people. I'd say that not everyone needs to do 22 months, I would say that 4 months would be an ideal amount of trip of a good backpacking trip. Hi Craig,

22 Months, had a great time, saw a lot of places and meet many great people.

I'd say that not everyone needs to do 22 months, I would say that 4 months would be an ideal amount of trip of a good backpacking trip.

]]> By: Craighttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-530 Craig Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:54:46 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-530 Good summary; I especially like the pack light and don't be paranoid references. Travmonkey, when you say "...recovering in London after traveling solo for 22 through Asia..." do you mean 22 weeks or months? Good summary; I especially like the pack light and don't be paranoid references.

Travmonkey, when you say "…recovering in London after traveling solo for 22 through Asia…" do you mean 22 weeks or months?

]]> By: Fare Checkhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-45 Fare Check Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:57:00 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-45 Probably one of the most innocent mistakes that I've seen was a an elderly lady who brought along with her knitting needles as a carry-on... Probably one of the most innocent mistakes that I've seen was a an elderly lady who brought along with her knitting needles as a carry-on…

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-44 TravMonkey Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:29:00 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-44 It could do!I wrote a whole new entry on "5 Reasons Not To Trust Your Guide Book"! It could do!I wrote a whole new entry on "5 Reasons Not To Trust Your Guide Book"!

]]> By: Ethan Zarahttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-43 Ethan Zara Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:13:00 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-43 Does using Lonely Planet count as a mistake? ;)-Ethan<a href="http://jacktraveler.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Backpacking on Little Money</a> Does using Lonely Planet count as a mistake? ;) -EthanBackpacking on Little Money

]]> By: Jose Aneshttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-41 Jose Anes Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:46:00 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-41 I agree with everything except the waterproof jacket.I travel to a lot around the world, on business and on pleasure. For business I always bring an umbrella and for pleasure I bring a very lightweight, very packable (12 ounces) rain jacket. But then again I am extra skinny, I do not sweat too much, and I don't mind being under pouring rain as long as my chest is dry.I pack light, however. Two shirts (the short sleeve and the long sleeve ones), one set of pants, only two sets of underwear/socks. In cold climates I add a wind-blocker fleece jacket/gloves/hat. I guess that and washing on the road compensate for the extra weight with the rain jacket. I agree with everything except the waterproof jacket.I travel to a lot around the world, on business and on pleasure. For business I always bring an umbrella and for pleasure I bring a very lightweight, very packable (12 ounces) rain jacket. But then again I am extra skinny, I do not sweat too much, and I don't mind being under pouring rain as long as my chest is dry.I pack light, however. Two shirts (the short sleeve and the long sleeve ones), one set of pants, only two sets of underwear/socks. In cold climates I add a wind-blocker fleece jacket/gloves/hat. I guess that and washing on the road compensate for the extra weight with the rain jacket.

]]> By: TravMonkeyhttp://www.travmonkey.com/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-40 TravMonkey Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:16:00 +0000 http://www.travmonkey.com/2007/03/24/12-stupid-mistakes-of-the-first-time-traveler/#comment-40 Very good point Timen.I remember turning up at a guest house recommended by a guide book. To cut a long story short it was more like a brothel than a guest house!This was a guide book that was supposed to be up to date as well! Very good point Timen.I remember turning up at a guest house recommended by a guide book. To cut a long story short it was more like a brothel than a guest house!This was a guide book that was supposed to be up to date as well!

]]>