Are You a Seasoned Pro or Total Newbie?
If you think you've mastered the art of travel, think again. Like most things, travel comes with a learning curve, and the way you pack or navigate busy airports can reveal a lot about whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie. Wondering where you fall? Here are 10 telltale signs you're an experienced traveler—and 10 that scream "amateur."
1. You Pack Light
When you travel often, you know exactly off the top of your head what to pack. You know to take only what you need and to leave ample space for souvenirs and other items you might bring home, allowing you to keep your bags lightweight until you get to your destination.
2. You're Punctual
You have great time management skills, which ensure you're always punctual and never late. You're never the person rushing through the check-in counter and security; you're the one who's already at the gate well before boarding time.
3. You Check In Early
You know that checking in at an in-person counter on the day of your trip leaves you with fewer seating options (and less favorable ones). Because of this, you're always checked in and ready to go as soon as check-in is open, allowing you to select your prime spot before other travelers nab it.
4. You Know What Should Go in Your Carry-On
Just as you know to pack light, you're not the type to overstuff your carry-on, either. Instead, you're familiar with exactly what you need to bring, and what sizes are TSA-approved. You also always remember to bring snacks with you in case you get hungry before your in-flight meals.
5. You Book Directly with the Airline
You don't book with third parties—you get straight to the source. That way, you won't be met with nasty surprises that booking with a third-party vendor might subject you to. Plus, if you travel frequently and are part of a loyalty program, you know to collect points so that you can redeem premium upgrades.
6. You Have a Travel Credit Card
As an experienced traveler, you know to have a dedicated travel credit card that allows you to collect points and offers you lower exchange fees. Plus, you always have two payment types ready; you never know whether cash or card is the most preferred, after all.
7. You Take Advantage of Local Transportation
Before you fly out, you already have a basic visualization of how you'll get from place to place and what the best modes of transportation are in your destination city. If a metro card is needed, you have that at the ready, too, or at least know where to obtain one.
8. You Have a Plan B & C
You don't just have a plan A mapped out—you have a plan B and C outlined, too. That way, if one doesn't work out, you always have a backup ready, ensuring you won't be flustered and stressed after landing in an unfamiliar place.
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9. You Have a Rough Itinerary Ready
As soon as you have your tickets secured, you're already planning out a rough itinerary. You do your research to see which attractions are must-sees, which restaurants are must-eats, and which activities are must-tries, meaning you won't waste your time trying to figure out what to do after you land.
10. You Teach Yourself Basic Local Phrases
No matter where in the world you're flying to, you always take the time to learn basic local phrases, so you're not constantly relying on a translation app to do all the work. Plus, knowing a few words of the local tongue helps make your experience feel less touristy.
Now that you know the signs of an experienced traveler, what might indicate you're still an amateur? Here are 10 telltale signs you're still new to traveling:
1. You Overpack
A telltale sign that you're still an amateur traveler is that you often overpack. You bring too many clothes and items to your destination, leaving you with little to no room to bring anything back. This means you're not only lugging a heavy suitcase around, but you're always bringing an extra one back that's just as stuffed.
2. You Don't Bring an Extra Suitcase
Building off the previous point, amateur travelers always forget one thing when heading to a destination where they know they'll buy lots of items: an extra suitcase. Experienced travelers, on the other hand, will know to pack light and stack their suitcases together so that they have another one at the ready.
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3. You're Always Running Late
Even when they tell themselves they'll be punctual and get to the airport on time, amateur travelers are always running late. They leave themselves with practically no time to spare, needing to rush through check-in and security to just make the boarding time.
4. You're Disorganized with Your Bookings
Amateur travelers might have their flights, accommodations, and rentals booked and ready, but their lack of organizational skills still leaves them frazzled once their trip actually happens. For example, their tickets might go missing, or they may have even booked them for the wrong date.
5. You Don't Have Local Currency Ready
Amateur travelers often think it's more convenient to exchange their money once they're at their destination, but this isn't always the case. More often than not, it just leaves them feeling frantic and unprepared, especially if they also know next to nothing about the local language and how to communicate in it.
6. You Don't Think Five Steps Ahead
Amateur travelers don't think five steps ahead; instead, they usually tackle problems as they come. Experienced travelers, in contrast, are always thinking about possible mishaps and different scenarios that might complicate their plans.
7. You Rely on Taxis to Get You Everywhere
Instead of learning how to use local transportation to save money, amateur travelers may often rely on taxis to get them from point A to B, even if rides are expensive. In their minds, they'll opt for the quickest and most convenient way, even if it's not necessarily the best or most preferred method.
8. You Book Inconveniently Located Accommodations
Amateur travelers don't dig too deep when booking accommodations: they rarely read through reviews, flip through photos, or even examine how conveniently (or inconveniently) located a stay is. And they won't realize until it's too late that this is a mistake that might cause a lot of frustration and wasted time.
9. You Book Flights Without Checking Visa Requirements
Another telltale sign that you're an amateur traveler is if you book flights without first checking visa requirements. After all, what's the point in flying somewhere if you won't be able to get your application processed and approved on time? And worse yet, if you didn't know you needed a visa in the first place?
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10. You're Always Jet-Lagged
Sure, jet lag can affect even the most experienced of travelers, but amateur travelers often have it far worse. Why? Because they're not familiar with tips and tricks that might lessen the effects of jet lag, leaving them feeling groggy at their destination and when they're back home.
