Travelling can be incredibly exciting. Whether you’re visiting a new city in your car, going to another country in the United Kingdom or fastening your seatbelt on an aeroplane and jetting off to an exotic destination far, far, away, you just can’t beat it. If you’re a first-time traveller, then read our five great travel tips to ensure you have the best time possible.                  

  1. Get a good deal on your hotel 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a tight budget or you just want to be sensible with your money – finding a good deal on your accommodation is important. If you haven’t booked a hotel before, then the chances are that you’ll be tempted to go direct to the hotel or bed and breakfast and book your room. Instead, you should book through a hotel price comparison website to ensure you’re getting the very best value for money, and also compare and contrast the various bed and breakfasts that are available in a particular area.

If you’re travelling in and around London, for example, then you could consider a cheap hotel in Peterborough to save money and give you excellent transport links into the capital.

  1. Go with someone you love 

Even the most seasoned holidaymakers can find travelling a stressful experience. Whether you’re headed to the airport, you’re travelling by train, or you’re driving, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your fellow travellers – so only book a getaway with a close friend or member of your family. Don’t forget that, when you’re away from home, emotions and tensions can rise, so it doesn’t make sense to go away with somebody you can’t relax with.

A great way to decide on your travel partner is to start small – book a night away in a nearby city and see how you get on before booking an around-the-world trip. Alternatively, you can consider the possibility of travelling in a group; doing so can often be more relaxing and help you score discounts on group hotel bookings and excursions in tourist destinations.

  1. Do your research before you set off

Sometimes, it can be exciting to spend time away from home and have no idea of what you’re going to get up to, but if you’re new to travelling, then researching and planning is the most sensible idea. If you’re staying in the United Kingdom, then consider booking an activity such as a boat journey, a West End show or a guided tour; if you’re travelling abroad, then booking excursions in advance can save you time, help you relax and ensure that you’ll secure a place on must-see attractions. If you don’t, you’ll be disappointed when you see that you can’t do what you came to do.

Because of this, travelling with someone with prior experience of the destination is often a great idea. They’ll not only be able to recommend things to do, but they’ll be able to take charge of travelling and spending time at your destination, ensuring your days are action-packed and as fun and stress-free as they can be. 

  1. Pack sensibly 

It’s easy to over pack for your holiday – especially if you haven’t travelled before and want to prepare for every eventuality. It’s important, however, to travel light, so make sensible decisions when it comes to your wardrobe so that you won’t be presented with expensive excess baggage fees or an aching back after a day of catching buses, trains and taxis.

The Telegraph has put together the ultimate packing guide – from basics such as your passport and phone charger, right through to accessories such as playing cards, foldable chairs and neck warmers. Make sure that you write a list and check off everything before you fasten up your suitcase – there’s nothing worse than leaving things behind.

  1. Make memories 

If you haven’t travelled before, then the chances are that you’re going to feel overwhelmed on your trip. Whether it’s the sights, sounds, smells or just the different pace of living, travelling to exotic destinations can change your outlook and make you a better person. If you want to truly enjoy your break and remember it when you’re home, then be sure to take a digital camera, or use your smartphone, and buy gifts and trinkets on your journey.

Some travellers create scrapbooks of their travels or document holidays on social media or their blogs. Plan in advance how you want to capture the memories, but be careful that you don’t spend too much time on your phone when you’re exploring a new city – you want to be able to remember your experiences first hand, not through camera lenses!

There you have it – five great tips for first-time travellers. Wherever you’re headed, have a great time… we’re definitely not jealous!