7 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip: Essential Travel Tips
Shoutout to the OG Instagram filters. Cringe? Absolutely. Iconic? Also yes.
Do you scroll through Instagram watching full-time travel influencers and wonder if you could ever do the same? Maybe you’ve bookmarked dozens of travel posts, created Pinterest boards of dream destinations, and told yourself, “someday I’ll go,” but the fear of the unknown keeps holding you back.
I get it. I’m right there with you.
When I had the opportunity to do an internship abroad in London during college, I was equal parts thrilled and terrified. It was my first big adventure outside the country, and while I had some help preparing for the journey, I quickly realized there were so many things no one had told me. Between the practical challenges and the emotional rollercoaster, I found myself learning lessons the hard way, and I wish someone had shared with me before I left. Now that I have a few more stamps in my passport and countless memories under my belt, I want to pass along the wisdom I've gained.
Whether you're planning your first solo trip, preparing for a mission journey, or simply dreaming of exploring the world with purpose, these seven tips will help you travel smarter, embrace the adventure, and stay grounded in your faith along the way.
In this post, you'll learn:
Efficient packing without sacrificing essentials
The importance of leaving room for spontaneity
Practical safety tips for confident travel
Maintaining spiritual health on the road
How embracing uncertainty creates lasting memories and deepens faith
Ready to turn those travel dreams into reality? Let's dive in.
7 Essential Things Every First-Time Traveler Should Know
These tips are a blend of practical travel advice and spiritual encouragement, because as women of faith, we need both to travel with confidence and purpose.
1. Pack Light, but Pack Smart
When I prepared for my three-month stay in London, I was determined to fit everything into one checked bag, which sounds reasonable, right? Wrong. I crammed it with "just in case" items, leaving no space for souvenirs or memories. I ended up lugging around clothes I never wore and products I could've easily bought there. Many first-time travelers make the same mistake, overpacking and spending their trip wrestling with heavy luggage through crowded train stations, narrow staircases, and cobblestone streets. A lighter bag not only saves your back but also gives you the freedom and flexibility to move more spontaneously.
Here's what to do instead:
Choose versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched. Stick to a color palette so everything coordinates.
Invest in comfortable walking shoes that you've already broken in (blisters abroad are no joke).
Pack a small first aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, bandages, and any prescription medications.
Bring travel-sized toiletries or plan to buy basics when you arrive.
Leave at least 20% of your luggage space empty for items you'll acquire during your trip.
Use packing cubes to stay organized and make the most of your space.
2. Don't Overplan Your Itinerary
I’m a natural planner, so when I arrive in a new city, I try to see everything. I’d pack my schedule with back-to-back activities, thinking I was maximizing my time. But I ended up exhausted and overwhelmed, ironically missing out on the spontaneous moments that make travel so sweet. Overloading your itinerary leads to burnout, leaving you rushing from one spot to the next instead of fully experiencing the place. Plus, you might miss unexpected opportunities, like a local festival, a conversation with a stranger, or simply discovering a beautiful park to rest and reflect.
Here's what to do instead:
Plan 1-2 major activities per day and leave the rest open.
Build in downtime for rest, journaling, or spontaneous exploration.
Research a few "must-sees" but don't feel obligated to check every box.
3. Embrace the Uncertainty (It Builds Your Faith)
Let me paint a picture of my first day in London: after an overnight flight with barely any sleep, I landed exhausted and disoriented. Upon arriving at my accommodation, I learned I couldn’t check in for another six hours. I had no plan, and was jet-lagged. Oh, and I forgot that the UK uses pounds, not dollars. [INSERT PANIC HERE] That chaotic first day forced me to think on my feet, figure things out, and rely on God’s provision when I felt entirely out of my element. The reality is, things will go wrong while traveling, flights get delayed, accommodations fall through, you’ll get lost (a lot), and the weather will mess up your plans. And you know what? That’s all part of the journey.
Here's what to do instead:
Expect hiccups and don't let them derail your entire trip.
Build in buffer time between connections and activities.
Have backup plans, but hold them loosely.
View challenges as part of the story you'll tell later, because they usually make the best stories.
Real talk: Uncertainty helps grow your faith, teaching you to trust God's guidance every step of the way. Some of my biggest moments of spiritual growth happened when my plans fell apart, showing me that God is the one constant you can always count on.
4. Learn Basic Local Phrases
While language wasn’t a barrier for me in London, traveling to other countries taught me the value of learning at least a few phrases in the local language. It’s not just practical; it’s just a sign of respect. Making an effort to speak someone’s language, even imperfectly, shows respect for their culture, and some locals are often more patient, helpful, and warm when they see you trying. Plus, knowing basic phrases can help you navigate emergencies, order food, ask for directions, and avoid tourist traps.
Here's what to do instead:
Learn essential phrases before you go: "hello," "thank you," "please," "excuse me," "where is...," and "I don't understand."
Download a translation app like Google Translate for more complex conversations.
Write down your accommodation address in the local language in case you need to show it to a taxi driver.
Don't be embarrassed about your pronunciation
Bonus: While kindness and a smile can often help, they don’t always overcome cultural barriers, so it’s important to learn about local customs to ensure your gestures are received as intended.
5. Trust Your Instincts and Prioritize Safety
What I've learned is that God gave you intuition for a reason. As women traveling solo or in new environments, it’s crucial to listen to that inner voice to stay safe. While most people you encounter will be kind and helpful, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation feels off, it probably is. And if someone makes you uncomfortable, you don’t owe them anything, not your time, not your politeness, and certainly not an explanation.
Here's what to do instead:
Research your destination's safety guidelines for solo female travelers.
Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home.
Keep copies of important documents like your passport, IDs, and travel insurance in separate locations.
Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation immediately.
6. Prioritize Your Mental and Spiritual Health
No matter where I travel, my Bible always comes with me. My morning quiet time is nonnegotiable. It’s a part of my daily routine that helps keep me grounded. There’s something deeply comforting about flipping through familiar pages and connecting with God, even when everything else around me is new and unfamiliar. Travel can be emotionally challenging, especially when traveling solo. You might experience loneliness, homesickness, culture shock, or just feel overwhelmed by new experiences. The emotional highs and lows are real, so it’s important to prepare for them.
Here's what to do instead:
Maintain your spiritual routines while traveling. Don’t skip what keeps you centered.
Pack a travel journal to process your thoughts and reflect on how God is moving in your journey.
Stay connected with loved ones by scheduling regular check-ins via video calls or messages.
Take breaks when needed. Spending a morning in a café with your Bible is just as valuable as sightseeing.
Practice gratitude daily and listen to worship music or sermons during transit times.
Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s about taking care of the body and mind God gave you. You can’t pour from an empty cup, even if you're on vacation.
7. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
What I’ve learned is that pride and the fear of looking foolish kept me from asking for help more times than I’d like to admit. I’d get lost instead of asking for directions or struggle with public transport instead of just asking someone for help. Looking back, I see how much time and stress I added to my trip by not speaking up. I get that asking for help isn’t always easy, especially when there’s a language barrier or you don’t want to inconvenience anyone. But honestly, most people are kind and willing to help if you just ask. It’s not about weakness, it’s about being smart. Plus, you never know what valuable connections or insider tips you might get just by saying, “I need help.”
Here's what to do instead:
Ask locals for restaurant recommendations—they know the best spots tourists often miss.
Request help understanding the public transportation system to save time and avoid confusion.
Don’t hesitate to ask your accommodation host for safety tips and neighborhood guidance.
Connect with other travelers to share insights and exchange useful information.
Join local tours or use travel forums and Facebook groups to get answers to your questions before you go.
You're More Ready Than You Think
So there you have it! Seven lessons I learned the hard way so you don't have to. From packing smart and leaving room for spontaneity to trusting your instincts and maintaining your spiritual health, these tips will help you navigate your first trip (and many more after that) with confidence and purpose.
Here's what we've covered:
Pack light, but be strategic and only bring the essentials that you can mix and match.
Leave some space in your schedule for those unexpected God-ordained moments.
Embrace uncertainty, because it is a chance to grow your faith.
Show respect for the culture by learning a few basic phrases in the local language.
Trust your gut because it is a God-given tool to keep you safe.
Make your mental and spiritual well-being a priority during your trip.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help because community always makes travel better.
You’ll never feel 100% ready. There will always be unknowns and moments that make you uncomfortable, but that’s where faith comes in. Traveling teaches you to trust God, see how He provides, and feel His presence in ways you didn’t expect. Don’t let fear or feeling unprepared stop you from going on the adventures He has for you. Book that trip, take the leap, and experience how the Lord shows up in different places and cultures. And remember, you’re never alone. God is with you every step of the way.
Ready to start planning your first adventure? Drop a comment below and tell me where you're dreaming of going! I'd love to cheer you on and maybe even share some destination-specific tips.
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HEY THERE, IT’ STACY
I’m a faith-based travel creator, travel advisor, and blogger. I help you travel confidently so you can explore with purpose! Get the practical planning tools and faith-filled encouragement you need to see the world!
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