Travelling can enrich us with incredible experiences and scintillating knowledge that helps us transform into better human beings. However, if you are a first-time traveller, you are bound to make some mistakes.

Fortunately, these mistakes would make you stronger and wiser, enabling you to plan better. Here are some common mistakes that first-time travellers make and how to avoid them.

Lighter luggage

Carrying heavier luggage is a common mistake made by travellers. Walking around carrying two or three heavy bags would surely kill the joy. Make sure to pack lighter clothes that get dried easily. You need not carry a pair of clothes for each day of your trip; you could always buy clothes from the place you visit.

Besides, you could keep these clothes as a beautiful reminder of the journeys. Ensure that each item that you pack is essential. If you travel with just the essentials, you could make the trips fun and enjoyable.

Too much planning

Planning your trips better helps you avoid unnecessary confusion and problems. However, planning too much may create unexpected headaches too. Always remember that most trips do not end as you plan. No one can do something exactly as they had planned. Visiting too many places within a short time can be exhausting.

Sustainable trips

Trips that keep you close to nature are always rewarding. While safaris and hunting trips are opted by many, environmentally-friendly trips, without exploiting natural resources can be more enriching and exciting if you truly love animals.

Local shops

Even though you might feel that enjoying exotic cuisines at luxury hotels is the best way to try the unique tastes of a place, local eateries serve authentic food items at an affordable rate.

Do not ignore intuitions

It may not be wise to ignore your intuitions while travelling. If you feel that the person who is offering you help is conman, then do not hesitate to move away from them. You could say ‘no’ with a smile to the taxi drivers who crowd around you offering rides. They add that saying ‘no’ at the right places would save you from disasters, not just during trips but in life too.

Travel insurance

Do not forget to get travel insurance if you are someone who goes on trips regularly. Most people think that they could easily return home if something goes wrong. However, it may not be possible at all the time. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially when on a foreign land.

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking

Hiking is quite an adventurous activity but at the same time it is also quite strenuous and thus requires to be done properly especially in extreme conditions like winter and summer. So, it’s important to prepare for your hikes in preparation because it might come in handy whenever and wherever you are.

Studying a few winter hiking guidelines can help you get ready for any hike you plan to go on while staying warm and safe. Whether you’re walking through the snow outside or simply admiring the scenery, this winter hiking advice will surely make your experience enjoyable. All of the factors that contribute to a trek in the great outdoors being secure can be met with the right equipment, tips, clothing, and attitude for winter hiking.

“Cold weather might be a problem on any hiking trip at any time of year, not just in the dead of winter. Depending on your location and the area you’re hiking in, you may come across chilly weather at any time of year, which might make your journey uncomfortable or, worst yet, result in a significant injury or disease,” says Gayatri Mohanty.

Check the weather and trail conditions in advance

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking. Knowing the weather conditions also makes it easier to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, chances of heavy snowfall or poor visibility. It is therefore advisable to be aware of the anticipated temperatures and wind speed ahead. You can always hike safely in the snow if you follow our advice.

Maintain constant hydration

When trekking in the cold, always make sure you have an insulated bottle and a bottle sleeve with you. If you do this while hiking in bitterly cold weather, the water won’t freeze. If you forget to bring an insulated bottle on your trek or don’t have one, you can also use a spare sock or wrap the water bottle in a towel to keep it warm and insulated.

Carry the proper winter hiking equipment

If your upcoming trip includes hiking paths, you must pack the appropriate winter hiking equipment. When hiking, wearing the appropriate shoes, bag, jacket, and even jeans can make a big impact. The most important thing to remember when trekking in the snow is to keep yourself warm. You can begin by donning a base layer, followed by a fleece jacket that serves as your intermediate layer, and finally a jacket or down jacket that will aid in insulation and safeguard your body from the cold. Softshell trousers are typically advised when trekking in the winter because they are great at maintaining body heat at all times and shielding you from severe winds and snow.

Pack extra equipment

A fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack are a few other items you can bring with you on your trek. Bringing an extra kit on your hike will always come in handy and be beneficial for surviving in adverse weather. When you are trekking in snow, all of these things will make a huge impact. Since trekking in snow can be slick and slushy when the snow is melting, they also give you protection and a better grip on the snow.

For your winter hike, bring snacks

During your hikes, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated and energised at all times. Your body often needs twice as many calories to stay warm and hydrated while trekking in the winter as it does at other times of the year. In order to keep energised at all times, be sure to pack yourself some meals that are both very nutritional and protein-rich. Organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even your own homemade trail mix are all suitable for carrying as cold-weather snacks.

Consistently keep your feet warm

While snowshoeing, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm. Make sure you include several pairs of wool-based hiking socks that will keep moisture off of your damp skin. In the event that it gets wet while you’re hiking, it dries rapidly and also aids in heat insulation. When trekking, snow is kept off of your feet at all times by donning hiking boots that go up to the ankle. A pair of gaiters, which save your feet from getting buried in the snow, is another item you can get. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your boots during your winter excursions, it’s ideal to wear comfy ones.

Hike during the daytime

When we hike on our trails in the summer, we often try to stay out of the sun. In contrast, hiking in the winter is completely different. To feel the warmth of the sun in the chilly months, we would basically do anything. You’ll be able to stay warm and have a better time hiking if you plan your hikes for when the sun is out and blazing brightly in the sky. Due to the drop in temperature in the evening, it is also recommended that you schedule your hikes so that you begin early and finish before the sun sets.

Diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Here are a few vital tips that heart patients should follow while travelling

Summer vacations have begun but are you one of them who has recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Then, you will have to take utmost care of your heart while travelling.

Worry not as we got an expert on board to sort your health and travelling woes with a few vital tips that heart patients need to follow to stay heart healthy! Summer vacations mean relaxation and travelling to get rid of stress but heart patients who are planning to travel should be extra cautious.

Dr Sameer Pagad, Senior Consultant- Cardiologist at Global Hospitals in Parel, suggested some of the measures recommended for the heart patients:

• When patients with heart disease travel, they tend to forget their medicines. Post angioplasty and any other heart procedure, it is imperative for them to take the medication on time as suggested by the doctor. If one is traveling then he/she should stock medications as sometimes the medicines may not be readily available at the place you are going to visit. Skipping medicine can be disastrous for the patient if he/she has undergone any cardiac procedure. One should not face any problem as long as he/she is taking medication recommended by the treating doctor.

• If one is planning any adventure sports or hiking or climbing mountains at a higher altitude then it is recommended to take an opinion of a cardiologist and get evaluated.

• One should stay physically active and keep moving especially in long flights.. Try to do light exercises such as walking or spot yoga while traveling.

• It is necessary for heart patients to pay attention to their diet. Try to eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of oily food, canned and processed food.

• Visit the doctor to get cardiac tests, ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests before traveling. So, travel only when you are declared fit to do so.

• Get jabbed for Covid-19 if not get done.

• In flight wear comfortable footwear, drink enough water to stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings, if needed, take short walks to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs.

• Do not neglect symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems, or even undue tiredness, and immediately consult the local doctor if need be.

A trip to Europe can be one of the more memorable voyages of your life. But the last thing you want to do is sour your voyage by finding yourself unable to pay for dinner or train fare while you’re there.

While it’s okay to put most expenses on your card, it’s wise to also carry some cash for emergencies. Being over-prepared can help you avoid a lot of trouble—and perhaps some missed sightseeing opportunities—while you’re traveling.

Don’t Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There’s a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don’t expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you’re a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.

Don’t bother to load up on cash before your flight. You can simply visit an ATM once you arrive and withdraw euros—the currency of 20 European countries—or other local currencies. With a conversion fee between 1% and 3%, and sometimes a nominal transaction charge, ATMs can be one of the least expensive and most convenient ways to get cash overseas—though you might want to check out local currency exchange bureaus, just to compare rates.

If you have more than one bank account, you may want to compare the different international ATM fees beforehand and of course, go with the one that’s more economical.

Tips for Using a Credit Card Abroad

Many businesses, particularly those that cater to travelers or are in cities, accept credit cards. Carrying plastic also cuts down on how much cash you have to carry, which eliminates some of the pain if your wallet is lost or stolen. Pickpockets are not uncommon in most European cities, and they know how to identify tourists.

If you’re planning to bring a credit card, there are a couple of things to remember. First, bear in mind that some cards are more widely accepted than others. MasterCard and Visa are among the most commonly used payment networks in Great Britain and the Continent. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are less widespread, though some merchants will take them. Some cards also offer travel perks or cash rewards, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best credit cards for your needs.

You can use your credit card to get cash at an ATM, of course (and you may have to, if your bank card doesn’t participate in an overseas network). However, this should be a last resort: a credit card withdrawal will be considered a cash advance, which normally comes with higher interest rates than ordinary purchases. In addition, check with the card issuer (or dig out your terms and conditions paperwork, if you can find it) to see if there’s a transaction fee for foreign purchases or a currency conversion fee. They add up.

Some merchants now give you the option to pay with your card in either the local currency or in your own home currency (dollars or whatever). Paying in your own currency is a way to get around that foreign transaction fee. If your card doesn’t charge one, you might as well pay in the local currency.

Ensure Your Card Will Work

It’s also important to realize that Europe’s credit card technology is far more advanced, often using chip-and-PIN software. This means their cards have an embedded chip that helps validate the card’s physical presence and legitimacy. Rather than signing a receipt, cardholders often enter their four-digit PIN code to complete the transaction. American banks have rapidly rolled out cards that have the chip due to changes in fraud liability laws, but the PIN portion is often still not the norm.

You may still get away with a standard American card, as long it has a chip. If it doesn’t, the merchant will likely ask for your PIN. If you don’t know it—after all, PINs are rarely used for U.S. credit card transactions—it’s a good idea to get the four-digit number from your bank before embarking, or re-set it via telephone or computer to something easy to remember.

Also, remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas. Many banks have enhanced their fraud detection protocols, and if they notice suspicious activity, such as an ATM withdrawal in Venice when you’ve never been there before, they could deactivate your card out of an abundance of caution.

Forget About Traveler’s Checks

If you’re worried about carrying a lot of cash, another option is to purchase traveler’s checks. The nice thing about these checks is that, as long as you record the number on each one and store it in a secure location, the issuer can usually replace them for free if they’re stolen.

However, traveler’s checks are a dying breed; many places don’t take them anymore. Even if a merchant accepts traveler’s checks, it’s often with a poor exchange rate. And they’re costly: Banks may charge a fee worth 1% to 2% of the face value to purchase the checks.

One alternative is to carry a modest amount of emergency cash with you in a location pickpockets can’t easily get to—in other words, not in backpacks or an unsealed pocket. Few retailers or hotels accept personal checks, so you may as well leave those at home.

Going Digital

Increasingly, merchants throughout Europe accept Apple Pay and other digital “contactless” payment systems. Apple Pay is accepted in over 70 countries as of March 2023. Doing it all with a tap of your phone can alleviate security concerns about having pockets picked and wallets stolen.

If you use Apple Pay to pay with a card overseas, that card’s same overseas charges, as discussed above, will apply. If you’re using the Apple Pay Cash card to pay (it’s accepted wherever Discover cards are), there’s a 3% across-the-board fee for international transactions.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe?

Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It’s also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

What Is the Most Common Credit Card in Europe?

Visa, Mastercard, and EuroCard are widely accepted throughout Europe, and American Express is usually accepted in tourist destinations.

Will My Bank Card Work in Europe?

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure. You should also let your bank or card issuer know about your travel plans in advance, or else they might flag some of your overseas transactions as potential fraud.

The Bottom Line

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” These days, that means carrying a chip-enabled credit card and a little cash, just in case. Also, pack your bank debit card for ATMs to keep yourself supplied with additional coin, as needed.