Turning 31 and have never traveled

[simply]

It's ridiculous, I feel that I've wasted so much time. There are plenty of people who never make it to this age and I've done nothing with it.

 

I have never traveled abroad. I'm 31 without having ever been on a plane. Growing up, my parents didn't have enough money to take me and siblings on vacation. Growing up I was always just working menial jobs and getting by.

 

So here I am about to turn 31 and I've finally saved some money and have figured out where to go(Scotland). However, I've been getting serious anxiety just thinking about it. I've researched most of what I need to know, and things are somewhat in place, yet I feel reluctant. Also, just a side note, I would be taking this trip by myself as no one in my family, or inner circle of friends can afford to go. I'm wondering if this sort of feeling is unusual.

 

I honestly know very little about traveling, and am very nervous about stepping out of this 31 year old shell that has been hiding behind fear, uncertainty and doubt. I feel like I need to do this but I feel like i'm so unprepared. I really want to do this by my 31st birthday which is in one month, but have so many questions that need answering. I've yet to book the flight and hotel, but know the costs of everything.

 

If I actually go through with this, I won't be telling my friends or family until I have actually landed in Europe. That's the plan anyways.

 

So I guess what I'm asking for is if anyone can relate to this sort of thing, and any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[annie24]

Don't worry! just have fun and go. I know you feel some anxiety about not having traveled anywhere, but it's never too late to start. Gosh-- where to begin.

 

-Logistically, i think it's important to bring half the clothes you think you'll need and twice the money. Most people overpack.

-Ensure that you have a valid passport and visa

-Inform you credit cards and banks that you will be traveling, so they do not freeze your card for odd purchases

-Plan some day trips in advance - are you going with a tour group or by yourself? If you are going with a tour group, then just sit back and relax. If you are going by yourself, make sure that the sites you want to see are open on the days you want. i.e. - don't show up to some tourist site only to find out it is closed on Sundays, or whatever

- Get foreign money from the ATM, don't bother with the airport international currency exchange. Though try to stick to using credit cards, because there you will likely have the best exchange rates. Get cash for just small things you buy along the way.

- Don't be a conspicuous tourist - don't read your map in the middle of the street. If you are lost or are trying to get to the next destination, then duck into a cafe, or better yet, plan the trip before you leave your hotel room

- Be careful of pickpockets.

- Photocopy your passport and keep it in a safe location, just in case you lose it abroad and need to replace it

- Get a data plan/international phone call plan just in case, but stick to Wifi to save money

- Get to the airport at least 3 hours early for an international flight

- Go to the tsa.gov site to learn about what you can and can't take on an airplane

- bring music/headphones/earplugs to keep you occupied on the plane, and also if there is loud noise in your hotel and you need to drown it out

- Go to a travel site like TripAdvisor so you can find out what others say about the neighborhoods, hotels, sites to visit. It's always good to hear from other travelers if a hotel is awful or if a neighborhood is unsafe.

- I get one of those guidebooks (Like Lonely Planet or others) to help me figure out what attractions I want to see and where are the best places to stay.

- Smile!!

 

As for not telling your family and friends, I can understand if you think they'd react negatively/jealously about your trip.

[annie24]

Regarding booking: It may be more expensive to fly on such "short" notice to Europe. Usually fares are lowest a few months in advance of the trip, and very expensive if you are flying within 14 days. The prices really can fluctuate. That being said, it doesn't mean that you can't find a good deal. I often go to link removed and have it search all of the sites in parallel to find the best deal. September/October are actually good times to travel to Europe because students are back in school, vacationers are back in their home countries, so you may be able to find some good deals and while the weather is still decent.

 

Edited to add more!

 

On a few random occasions, the airline has lost my luggage. They usually find and return it within a day or two, but it can be a huge hassle. Just in case, bring along a backpack as your carry-on, and have a clean T-shirt, clean underwear and socks, along with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't check any medication in your bag.

 

Before you leave, become very clear with the customs regulations on what you can and can't bring on the plane, and upon entry into Scotland, and entry back in your home country. Most airlines do not let you bring more than 100 mL of a liquid in your carry-on, and all of the bottles (like travel shampoo, travel toothpaste, etc...) must fit into a pint-size plastic bag. Check also what you can and can't bring back into your home country. For example, in the US, you cannot bring in fruit, vegetables, seeds, meats, live animals, etc... through customs. Or if you do, you must declare it. If you buy a piece of fruit as a snack, you should eat it on the plane and before you go through customs. If you decide to buy a special bottle of liquor, you should buy it either at the Duty Free store on your way back (at the airport), or you can put it in your checked luggage but make sure to tell the store owner that it will be in checked luggage so that they can give you a proper container to store it, so it doesn't break during the loading and unloading of luggage.

 

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[shellyf62]

Annie gave you awesome advice!!!

 

You will have a wonderful time.

 

I have been to Scotland twice and it is the most beautiful country on earth. It felt like home to me, and I was very sad when I left to come home.

The people are very friendly, and many times my family & I walked into a pub or bar & the locals bought us drinks.

 

Make sure you go to the local tourist information centres to get info on local attractions. A lot of hotels have these things in their lobbies as well.

 

Also make sure you go to Edinburgh, the castle is breathtaking!!!

[LC8328]

Amazing advice, Annie! Methinks you've done this thing before...LOL...

 

OP, just to chime in, I definitely understand the feeling of wanting to travel alone. You seem to want this strongly, so I think you should do it. You will remember it the rest of your life.

 

As far as feeling a bit unsure of coming out of your shell, that's perfectly understandable. Continue doing research to make yourself feel comfortable and yes, definitely book ASAP because the rates can be totally unpredictable. I just booked a flight that used to be $89 and then 3 days later it was $300+ (of course that was domestic).

 

I had that feeling too, and I got it out of my system by accident because on a trip with Hubby, he didn't make it to the plane so I had a day to myself in a new city. hahaha. I'd say it was like 5% scary and 95% exciting, mainly because I was prepared with money in my account and I always travel with just a carryon, so I made believe I was backpacking through Europe when it was just another American city. haha. Got a small hotel room by myself and talked to Hubby on the phone, consoling him for missing the plane, then the next morning, checked out, took the shuttle back to the airport, and picked him up. So I had my one day of traveling by myself, and I got it out of my system. Even though it wasn't long, I still think of it fondly and am proud of how I handled it. LOL!

 

Anyway, I'm excited for you and by all means, do it! Definitely take note of Annie's advice and seek more safety travel tips so you can be prepared in emergencies. Safe travels and have fun!

[Lucia Amman]

Well you already got some amazing advice

I've been traveling since I was a baby but two years ago was the first solo vacation for me ever. I was feeling really anxious, very nervous and it didn't look like a good plan at all to me!!! It was horrible up until the point I sat in the airplane and thought: yes I made it. Because once in the airplane you can't go back. So my advice would be: live through this fear, sit with it, let it get you. Go sweaty and heart raising but GO. Once your ass is on the plain and the plain in the air you can breath. There is no turning back anymore and really: you would be fine. Traveling alone actually makes people open up to you far more easy than if you were in a group or as a couple. People always want to help foreigners in their country. Most people are proud of their country and want you to have a nice experience so everyone will want to help you. Especially if you're alone!

Despite I have travelled quite a lot my solo vacation was the best vacation I ever took. And I'm so extremely proud still that I did that. I can't imagine how it must be for you since it is your first time travel ever! Good for you.

[Fudgie]

It's okay to feel reluctant and a little scared. This is a big step for you, you've never been on a plane, let alone over sees. I've done some traveling in the past but honestly, I look forward to traveling more in the future when I have more money. 30s is a GREAT time to travel. You have the funds, you have the smarts/common sense. You don't have to stay in hostels with other poor kids and nor will you be doing dumb things like getting excessively drunk. The world is your oyster.

 

Annie gave great advice. I don't have anything to add except go to your bank before you leave and get some traveler's checks. They are accepted worldwide and are good in a bind. You can cash them back when you get back home if you don't end up using them, so no loss.

[Man with Dog]

For a solo trip, I would consider somewhere nearer than Scotland. I would consider Canada, especially if you haven't been there before. Mexico is reputedly not a safe place to visit at the moment.

 

Also, it depends on how much vacation you get from work. Too short a vacation and you spend more time recovering from lack of sleep on the flight and jet lag than you do exploring.

 

I had my first solo holiday at 30 having recently split from my 1st wife. Even though it was in the same country that I lived, I was a bit scared, too.

[hidden_kitten]

Hi Simply! Honoured that you have picked my country for your first adventure! However I don't think that you should be ashamed about not having gone abroad. I blame consumer culture for ramming down our throats that we need to escape once or twice a year on a plane on package holidays. There's no shame in staycations/putting in the hours to save money.

 

That said, a solo trip will probably do wonders for your confidence and it's great to see another part of the world. The others have given great advice for you to think about and help plan your trip. Living in Scotland, I would advise you to bring a good waterproof coat with hood and maybe an umbrella that folds smaller and can be packed away. Our summer has been rubbish this year and with autumn coming I don't see the weather improving lol. Also good comfy shoes that will survive a lot of walking and bad weather.

 

I get most nervous about transport when I travel. The others have said to arrive in plenty time at the airport. Keep an eye on the departure boards and keep an ear out for any announcements that may be relevant to you. Look into how you will get from the airport to your hotel. Can you book a transfer in advance? If not, look up transport links beforehand:

 

Edinburgh and Glasgow have 'black cab' taxis. Edinburgh is serviced by Lothian Buses and First Bus, they have journey planners and timetables on their websites, we also have trams now as well. Glasgow has First Bus, Stagecoach and also the subway run by SPT. To go between major cities you can look up ScotRail trains or Megabus (really cheap if you know when you are travelling in advance).

[simply]

I would first like to thank all of you for taking the time to read/respond to this thread. Sorry for the late reply, I posted this thread on a tipsy night and almost forgot about it. I was happy to see all of these replies.

 

Annie24 - This is one of the most thorough responses to anything I've ever posted. You've just about covered everything I spent hours researching online. I wish I had come here first. Thank you for the detailed insight, it was very helpful. Especially the bit about customs regulations. I never thought to even check up on that. The more I research about this trip, the more I realize how little I know about this sort of thing, and how much effort goes into it.

 

Shellyf62 - It is definitely a good sign that you have gone to Scotland, not only once, but returned a second time. Seems I've chosen the right country to visit.

 

I'm glad you mentioned the pub/bar, because I was somewhat worried about going to any pub alone, but from what I've been hearing, the people are quite nice.

 

CML342 - I definitely want this strongly. I know this has to get done before anything else. The idea is ingrained in my mind.

 

However, in regards to booking this trip ASAP, I felt/feel that I don't have enough info to make me feel comfortable with just jumping on a plane and winging it(pun intended). I've decided to keep saving, and wait a few more weeks. You were dead on about the prices fluctuating. I checked a package for one week, flight + hotel in the downtown core for $933. The next day the same package was $1200. It's crazy how quickly prices change.

 

Lucia Amman - I hear that traveling alone tends to be the most memorable travel experience. I guess it makes sense seeing as how all the responsibility is on you, and you alone. I was thinking the same thing in regards to actually being on the plane. I figured if I could at least make it to the plane, I'll be alright. Thank you for confirming that idea.

 

Fudgie - You're absolutely right about avoiding the silly things as they no longer appeal to most 30 year olds. I certainly won't be getting hammered beyond belief, although the odd drink won't tip me over. Also, hostels are out of the question. I'm not bashing them, I just think that if I can afford to travel to the UK, I can afford a hotel. And trust me, the hotel I chose is nothing special, but it surpasses the hostel idea any day.

 

Man with Dog - You think I should travel to Canada eh? well sir, I like the way you think. The thing about that is, I am Canadian and have been to quite a few provinces around this enormous country. I will never stop traveling through Canada, that is for sure. But I feel that I need to go overseas simply for the adventure and something that is completely different from my own continent. I've been to a couple States in the U.S. and as nice as it was, I need to head overseas.

 

hidden_kitten - I'm honored that you're honored! We have a lot of Scots/Scottish descendants living here. So I figured Scotland would be a good start for my little adventure.

 

Thank you for that bit about the transportation, it definitely saved me some time. Cheers. On that note, is it better to take a taxi into town? The airport isn't far from where i'd be staying. Or do you think a bus is easier? So far the plan is start off in Glasgow for a couple of days, then bus it to Edinburgh. I imagine the trip wouldn't take too long. Have you got any recommendations for where I should visit? All I know is that downtown Glasgow has a few Casino's I will be visiting, as well as some museums. But I haven't done much research about where else to visit, or where to eat.

 

Also, do you think the locals, will have any problem understanding me, or vise versa? I've met a few Scottish folk and understood them fine, however, I know they were slowing down their speech. Any tips on what I should know before chatting up a local? Thanks again for all your help.

[shellyf62]

Try & see the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, see as many castles as you can, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Culloden Moor,

It might be a good idea to look into a bus tour to take you through the Highlands if you have enough time & money.

[Snny]

Have you thought about taking a cruise? I never traveled out of the county and am going on one in a few months after visiting my husband's family! From what I gathered from people who have gone on cruises:

 

1. People on cruise ships are the most friendly.

2. On-board excursions lets you explore islands/countries. Most are very organized and aren't as stressful as trying to plan something yourself without knowledge of the area.

3. Very laid back atmosphere without the rush of navigating yourself. You are practically pampered on the ships and the port areas.

4. Port areas are very safe and regulated.

5. Far less expensive than gong to Europe.

 

 

There are also cruises to Europe to look into.

[hidden_kitten]

sorry for late reply, but the thing I prefer about taxis from the airport is that they'll get you to the door of your hotel withour bothering about getting off at the right bus stop or whatever. Of course, it'll be more expensive but if you say it's not that far away from the airport, maybe it's six and two threes lol.

 

Bus to Edinburgh from Glasgow is 1hr and a half max, so totally doable for a day trip or two. In centre of Glasgow you have GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and the Royal Concert Hall. In the West End is Kelvingrove Museum, Hunterian Museum and the Botanic Gardens. I don't know many places to eat at because I'm only really through there for gigs. I like Rose Street in Edinburgh for restaurants/pubs/local dives. It's right behind Princes Street so slap bang in the middle of everything. Also the Grassmarket is basically a street of pubs with great food haha. In Edinburgh there's the National Gallery, Scott Monument, Portrait Museum, the Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood, and the National Museum. There's a Harvey Nicks department store off Princes Street as well. But, I don't know what your interests are so all of that may bore you to tears! TripAdvisor might be a good place to check out and see if anything else comes up!

 

The locals will understand you no problem. If anything your accent may be a curiosity itself and could help with the chatting up

[melancholy123]

I went to Scotland with a friend about 8 yrs ago and we had a great time! Flew to Glasgow and got on the train to Inverness in the northern part. Lovely time there, took day trips all over the area. We both love to travel and Scotland is beautiful.

 

My husband and I go to Mexico every Feb. for about 3 weeks. We travel light and that's my best advice to you, dont drag a bunch of stuff with you! Lay out what you want to take on your bed, then put half of it back! We travel only with backpacks, no checked bags. That way the airline never loses your bag and you can get in and out quickly when you have only carry on.

 

We ride the buses, walk around the towns, go to the beach, eat great food, drink a lot of cervezas too!

 

Get your money from your home bank, dont buy it at the airport as the conversion rate is awful. Lots of good advice ahead of my post. I hope you take that trip and have a great time! It's a great way to get some personal growth too.