10 Foolproof Travel Tips for Beginners

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of U.S. Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.

Being a beginning traveler can be quite an exciting and nervous experience. It’s so exciting to discover new places, and so you don’t have to worry about the nervous part I’ve come up with 10 foolproof travel tips for beginners! That way you can learn from all the travel (ok, moving) that I have done over the years.

Having been someone that’s been traveling since I was six weeks old, it’s hard for me to think that over 20% of Americans have never even left their home state. Born in Hawaii, I took my first plane ride at the age of six weeks. Since then I’ve lived in over 11 states, and I’ve moved over 25 times. Even though I’ve moved a lot, I still remember my first plane ride by myself to see my grandparents when I was 9 or 10. It was so exciting. It made me feel like I could take on the world.

My grandparents were amazing world travelers in my eyes. Every summer when I would stay with them, they would show me pictures of Ireland, Scotland, Italy, or wherever else they had been that year. Each time they would come back, they would bring me, their oldest grandchild, a fun souvenir and some coins. I still have those coins to this very day. Their passion became my passion for taking the road less traveled.

 

As I grew up finances, and life in general, really kept me from traveling the globe the way I had hoped, but I have traveled through tons of the states in our country. At 14 years old, I headed out to South Dakota all by myself to see the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Monuments. When I was 17, my band took us to the Bahamas to play for a local elementary school. At 28, I earned a trip to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a few days. Each new trip helped keep the travel bug alive in me, something I can thank my grandparents for creating.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot of travel do’s and don’ts. Whether you are looking to catch the travel bug or just looking to get inspired check out these travel tips for beginners. Even more exciting for that look into the open casting call for Big Country! US Cellular, Food Network, and the Travel Channel are joining together to take lucky participants on a travel journey they will never forget!

The first show features Julius who is from Hawaii (mahalo) and has NEVER traveled to NYC. Having just been there myself, I can tell you that is an amazing experience. New York City is one of my absolute favorite places in the US. It’s filled with so much life and vibrance. Food, people, culture, all within a few blocks walking distance.

Before you start planning your dream trip with Andrew Zimmern and US Cellular, check out these 10 foolproof travel tips for beginners to get you ready for your journey!

10 Foolproof Travel Tips for Beginners

 1. No Sparkles: This first travel tip may seem weird, but TSA and their magical gadgets are weird too. I’ve learned from experience don’t wear ANYTHING with sparkles, shimmer, or bedazzling. It will guarantee you a first class pat down.

2. Cuffs or layers: Did you know that if you cuff your pants, you are likely to set off the censors at TSA? Yup, bulky hems, layers, cuffs have all set off the TSA alarms for this gal. Try to keep your traveling outfits plain and simple.

3. Liquids Got to Go-Go: If you’ve never flown before, it’s important to know the 3 oz. rule. That means anything that is liquid, and in your carryon, has to be less than 3 oz. and in a clear bag you can pull out from your items. Don’t think you can take half full 4 oz. bottle through either. Take my word on it, learned the hard way.

4. Be flexible with your bags: Lots of airlines are charging for bags now. One way to save some money (possibly) is to take carry on size luggage and check it at the gate. A lot of times flights over book and ask for volunteers to check their bags at the gate for free.

5. Check the local weather: Lots of areas can have varying weather. Make sure to check the weather highs and lows for the year to help you know how to pack. If the weather is hot, but dips at night, pack layers or a light jacket. It’s not necessary to overpack but always good to be prepared.

6. Roll, roll, roll: One of my favorite ways to save room in my suitcase and to keep my clothes from wrinkling is to roll them; another great trick I learned from my grandparents. Lay them out flat, and then roll them as tight as you can. It helps make room in your suitcase and prevents alot of things like t-shirts from being all wrinkly.

7. Be aware of your surroundings: When you are in a new place it is so important to be aware of your surroundings. If you are traveling with someone, ask them to look out for you when you stop to take photos. Ask the concierge at your hotel great places to visit and places to avoid at certain times of the day.

8. Enjoy your stay, but walk with authority: One tip that is a must in my book is to walk or carry yourself with authority. This let’s people know that you know where you are going, and you are less likely to be bothered by hagglers and people on the lookout for tourists.

9. Leave Your Info at Home: When you set off to travel, let friends and family know where you are going and your tentative itinerary. That’s a great way to make sure they can check up on you if they haven’t heard from you in a bit. Plus, in cases of emergency they know how to get a hold of you.

10. Secure Yourself and Your Items: When traveling it can be easy to take so much stuff you don’t know how to keep track of it all. To have the most fun with the least amount of worry, make sure to take just what you need. Sling your purse to the front (I love Crossbody purses for this) and if you have a camera, make sure the bags you have it in are comfortable and don’t get in your way all the time.

That’s it! Now check out US Cellular and Big Country and start dreaming of your next adventure. I warn you though, once you catch the travel bug it’s something you will have for life but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

U.S. Cellular is looking to cast one more special customer to take on a trip of a lifetime for the season finale of Big Country! Please visit the link to apply for the opportunity to find yourself in the middle of anywhere with national coverage from U.S. Cellular and TV host Andrew Zimmern on the show Big Country.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of US Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.