In the beginning, you make a lot of travel mistakes. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water. The Nomadic Matt website provides some nice tips about travel:
Buy a small backpack or suitcase. By purchasing a small backpack (35/40 liters), you will be forced to pack light and avoid carrying too much stuff. Humans have a natural tendency to want to fill space. Pack light; it's ok to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row. Take half the clothes you think you will need. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that.
Travel by yourself at least once. You'll learn a lot about yourself and how to become independent. It's a cliché, but it's true. Traveling solo will help you learn about what you are capable of. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you.
Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don't need to master the language but learning a few things like "Hello," "Goodbye" and "Thank you."
Read a history book. You can't understand a place's present if you don't know anything about its past. Read up on the destinations you are visiting. It will give you a deeper understanding of this place you've wanted to see for so long!
