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A guide to travelling to unknown places

The experience of travelling and immersing yourself in a new place and culture can be very thrilling. It provides several promises such as meeting new people and tasting new things and scents along the way. These are some of the reasons to broaden your horizons and traverse unknown places. 

Though travelling to unknown places can be fun, it could be dangerous if you have no plan or are not fully prepared. So, read on to find out everything you need to know before travelling to unknown places. 

READ MORE: Here’s how to use GPS on your phone without data when you travel

Let’s begin. 

Gain perspective 

When travelling to unknown places, knowing the local customs is critical
When travelling to unknown places, knowing the local customs is critical

Before embarking on a trip to unknown places, you should understand the political and social details of the place. Find out things like the crime rate. This is important as it relates to your safety. So, say you intend to visit states in the US like Texas for the first time, first find out the crime rate. 

Property crimes can happen. So, it would be best that you gain an advantage by seeking legal advice on the safety levels of a state. The knowledge of Texas crime rate by city would help you know where the risks of certain areas are. 

You can also speak with colleagues who have visited that city or read local papers. Ask thoughtful questions to know what the risk of the city is. Are there several cases of pickpocketing, stolen property, and cars? Or are a certain group of people targeted?

But, in all these, you should not generalize. This is because, even if there are crimes in one city, the other cities might just be free from these crimes. And even if someone has had a bad experience doesn’t mean that you would also have the same thing. So, be sure to do some reaches before exploring places unknown.

Share your travel itineraries with friends or families

A travel itinerary is important when travelling to places unknown
A travel itinerary is important when travelling to places unknown

It is vital that you leave a means of contact, or share your events schedule with someone when intending to travel to a new location. Ensure you have an international phone plan. This will ensure that your family and friends can be in contact when you travel out. 

Also, in case of a family emergency, and someone needs to contact you, you should leave a list of where you will stay. Also, leave the contact information of the places. If you are going out of contact or off the grid, then leave your intended schedule. 

This allows your family or friends to know when you are expected back. Inform them of when you will call in after you return. So, they will know to be worried when they don’t hear from you after a certain time. 

Have emergency contacts

Make sure you let people know where you are going and set your emergency contacts when travelling to places unknown
Make sure you let people know where you are going and set your emergency contacts when travelling to places unknown

Before you travel, ensure you find out the local emergency contact information for the ambulance service and the police. Remember, that 911 won’t help during an emergency as you might be in a foreign country or place. 

Also, ensure that your phone works internationally even when you don’t have service within the country. You can add the numbers to your phone. But, it would be best to write them down on a piece of paper in case you need them. 

Find out about the weather

Knowing the local weather is important when travelling to unknown places
Knowing the local weather is important when travelling to unknown places

Since you intend to travel to a new country or place that you are not familiar with, ensure you know every detail that might happen. This includes weather conditions. Having basic knowledge about where you are travelling is important. 

With this, you will know the right gear or clothes to take along on your trip. So, if it is going to be hot, then carry breathable clothes and accessories. 

For cold weather, you will need warm clothes. Don’t forget to mind the weather difference in your country and the place you want to visit. 

Know the customs

Local customs are important to ensure you don't offend or miss out when travelling to places unknown
Local customs are important to ensure you don’t offend or miss out when travelling to places unknown

When you intend to travel to a new place, you will be thrilled about the culture. But, ensure that you are armed with enough knowledge. This ensures that you don’t face any problems, some countries have particular or conservative dress codes which are enforced.  

So, you must wear the right clothing. This helps you in two ways. It allows you to not break any laws and stick out of the crowd. Knowing the traditions and culture of the place you are visiting helps you prepare for your trip and also ensures that you are respectful.

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Are you keen to explore unknown places?

The joy of travelling to a new place includes immersing in new cultures and exposure to different environments. But, travelling to unknown places can be scary, especially when it is remote. 

But, you must consider several things before you travel to an unknown place. The tips mentioned above should help you with everything you must know before travelling to an unknown place.

Kenny B
Kenny B
Kenny is an aspiring writer and someone who loves to discover new places and experiences. He is looking to build a career in travel.

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