10 Honest Things Nobody Tells You About Travelling

I’ve always dreamed of going travelling, ever since I was little. I wanted to see the world and visit the places I’d only seen in films. I was particularly drawn to Asia and Australia. Growing up in Blackpool, I loved the beach, but I was just as fascinated by the idea of rainforests and seeing animals in the wild.

I got my first taste of Thailand when I left university and completely fell in love. That feeling of standing somewhere you’d only ever seen on a computer screensaver is something you can’t quite get over.

At university I often longed to take a gap year, but I was nervous about the money and worried about stepping away from the ‘normal’ path of getting a job and settling down. Still, the words from my volunteering mentor never left me: “Don’t regret not going, like I do.”

Fast forward a couple of years and I met my partner, who was just as keen to travel. One small upside of the pandemic was that we managed to save quite a bit of money. I felt I’d reached a point where I couldn’t grow any further in my job, so we bit the bullet and went for it.

We spent a year and a half travelling across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and I loved every moment of it. I’m so grateful for the experiences we had and the joy it brought me. Of course, it wasn’t always easy. No matter how much you research, there are always things you won’t be fully prepared for. That’s why I want to share the things I wish I’d known before setting off.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Travelling

In this blog, I’m sharing the lessons I learned along the way – the kind of things I wish I’d read beforehand to prepare me for some of the tougher moments.

1. Don’t Over-Plan Your Trip

I fell into this trap straight away. I’m naturally organised, so I planned our itinerary and accommodation in way too much detail. When you’re travelling, especially in Asia, flexibility is your best friend. You might hear about an amazing spot from other backpackers or fall in love with a place and want to stay longer. Because I’d booked everything in advance, we didn’t have much freedom and sometimes ended up staying in places longer than we wanted.

2. Stop Worrying So Much About Money

I spent a lot of time stressing about running out of money, which meant we skipped a few opportunities we really wanted to do – like swimming with dolphins in Bali or white-water rafting in New Zealand. In the end, we were absolutely fine. We even found work quickly in Australia. Not everyone will be as lucky but worrying too much steals joy from your trip. Set a realistic budget, use an app to track your spending, and if there’s something you really want to do, go for it.

3. Expect Things To Go Wrong

If you’re planning every detail, be prepared for hiccups. Flights will be delayed, buses won’t show up, and accommodation won’t always match the photos. That’s just part of travelling. I’ll never forget a transfer to the airport that took twice as long because the driver kept picking up strangers. We made our flight by 10 minutes, which turned out fine because the flight was delayed, but I was so stressed I made myself ill. Looking back, there would always have been another flight. Build in some buffer time, keep an emergency fund, and try not to let mishaps ruin the moment.

4. Know What to Do in Health Situations

Being in a foreign country means different hygiene standards, lifestyles and healthcare systems. You will get ill at some point – especially in South-East Asia. Between us, we dealt with stomach bugs, jellyfish stings and infected insect bites. It helps to know the basics of what to do and when to seek medical help. I’ll never forget trying to Google Translate with a pharmacist in Bali about my partner’s case of Bali belly. Bring a small medical kit, research at-home remedies, and make sure you have decent travel insurance that covers emergencies.

5. The Language Barrier Can Be Tougher Than You Think

Sometimes you’ll arrive at your accommodation or hop on a bus and realise nobody speaks your language. English is more common in younger generations across South-East Asia, but it’s far from guaranteed. Google Translate can be a lifesaver, but it’s not perfect – I once translated a menu only to find nothing looked edible! Learning a few simple words or phrases goes a long way, and locals really appreciate it.

6. Be Present in the Moment

I promised myself I’d do this, but honestly, I didn’t always succeed. Too often I was caught up worrying about the next stop or the next activity. Looking back, I wish I’d slowed down more to soak in the scenery and culture. It’s the little things, the sunsets, the laughter, the unexpected moments, that I miss most now. Try to put the phone down, breathe it in, and remember where you are.

7. Be Open-Minded (Especially With Food)

Travelling means embracing cultures that are completely different from your own. Things won’t always work the way you’re used to. For example, I remember trying to queue in India and getting so frustrated, when it just isn’t really a thing there. The best approach is to respect the differences and enjoy the adventure. Food especially is such a big part of the experience. Don’t shy away from trying something new – you might discover a favourite dish you’d never have known about otherwise.

8. Pack Smart (and Light)

Packing wisely makes all the difference. If you’re carrying a backpack, don’t over-pack – you’ll regret every extra kilo. Leave the fancy clothes and designer items at home. Most backpackers live in casual wear, even on nights out, and flashy items just make you a target. Sadly, I learned the hard way when my jewellery bag was stolen. Focus instead on practical items – a small medical kit, a raincoat, and comfortable clothes for long journeys.

9. Talk to Strangers

Even when you’re travelling as a couple or with friends, it can get lonely. People were less likely to approach us because we were together, so we had to make the first move. Whether it’s chatting to friendly faces, going to hostel events, or striking up conversation on a tour, push yourself a little. Everyone’s in the same boat, and most people will be grateful you started talking.

10. Take More Photos Than You Think You’ll Need

One day you’ll be home again, wishing you could relive those moments. Photos keep the memories alive – not just the picture-perfect ones, but the silly ones, the food snaps, and even the ones from the harder days you’ll later laugh about. If you’re into writing, keeping a travel journal can be just as rewarding. Trust me, you’ll never regret capturing too many memories.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – ten things I wish I’d known before travelling. I hope these tips help you feel a little more prepared for your own adventures. And if you’re hesitating about whether to take the leap, my advice is simple: just go. Take the year out. You won’t regret it. What you’ll gain are memories that will stay with you forever.