Turbulence

On my first flight ever, at the start of a six-week summer trip to Spain, I can’t deny I was scared. I had to leave the house around 4:30am – unheard of for me – to make it to the airport on time. The fear of the unknown, coupled with the early start, made me feel unnerved as the flight took off. My nerves weren’t help when the plane started shaking soon after take-off – I wasn’t aware turbulence is a common occurrence on flight – and I started to panic that I wouldn’t even make it out of the UK.

My first time

The short incidence of turbulence aside, I hadn’t been worried about my first trip, even though I was going alone. I had been excited to finally start exploring overseas. I had slight concerns about my level of Spanish, which was justified. But even that didn’t prove to be problematic, for English was enough to get by alongside the other Brits, the many Dutch, and other Europeans who flocked to Salamanca for the summer.

I didn’t know what to expect, and I didn’t really know what my plan was, or even why I was truly doing it. I had set myself a rough goal of improving my Spanish. Other than that, I felt I should try and see more of the world after spending the previous summer working nightshifts. That was enough for me to decide to spend the summer away in another country.

A new continent

I booked my first trip outside of Europe, three months in Central America, shortly after being made redundant in my first full time job. I wasn’t upset about leaving the job, and I had been fortunate to have been living rent free – thanks to my brother and sister-in-law, who had recommended the region. I booked it without much thought – I had the opportunity and went for it.

Again, I hadn’t had much thought about the reality of the trip. I know that the night before, in the comfort of my family’s home, I did have some pre-flight nerves and worried about the uncomfortable journeys, strange places, and possible danger I might encounter.

The risks

I think the most important thing for the first trip is to go ahead with it, despite any worries. If you want to go, and you have the means to, then you can make it happen.

That’s not to say, if war breaks out in the country you are visiting, you should disregard the travel warnings. It is worth researching any potential hazards in that place you heading to, such as crime, health and safety – including vaccinations, and the local climate.

Research is vital to help you decide what kind of place you want to see, and manage any risks there might be. Taking precautions can help avoid problems, ensuring the first trip is an enjoyable one.

What to do

The first adventure could be as simple as catching a train to the next town over, driving to a previously unexplored beach, spending a weekend in the mountains, by a lake, taking a day to saunter through a forest or over a moor.

Whatever you do, you will learn from your first trip. You may not know beforehand what you want to do, or what you will enjoy the most. Some plans will almost certainly go array. Be prepared for this. Try not to panic and think of the best solution. Research of where you are going and what you might encounter beforehand is advised. Having emergency contacts and items such as a first aid kit are essential.

An open mind

As important as organisation can be, over planning burdens you with time constraints or deadlines, taking the spontaneity and fun out of it. Your first trip is an opportunity to explore the possibilities of travel. So, keep an open mind for your itinerary, speak to new people, listen to stories, and find out about places you didn’t know existed. If you enjoy your initiation into travel, you will likely embark on further journeys, discovering more and more along the way.

Take the opportunity

If you have the opportunity to travel, I encourage you need to take it. The first trip will give you a sense of whether you enjoy travel and, if so, what aspects you enjoy the most. It will give you a taste of the wonders of travel; new sensations – sights, language, music, food; engaging encounters with people of different cultures, nationalities, religions; and unforgettable experiences in areas of natural beauty, or stunning architecture.