International Travel - Twelve Things New Travelers Should Consider
- Food Blogger Journey
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Dirk Ebener - February 13, 2026
Travel has a beautiful way of reminding us how small we are in the world, yet how deeply connected we can feel when we step into a new city or sit down to a simple meal with strangers. Whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth, that mix of excitement and uncertainty always shows up at the airport gate. Enjoy reading "International Travel - Twelve Things New Travelers Should Consider."
I still get that familiar flutter myself—the blend of curiosity, anticipation, and the quiet hope that this journey becomes another chapter worth remembering. We all want our travels to be meaningful, to taste the local flavors, meet people who leave an impression, and return home with a few stories that stay with us. But for new travelers, the pressure to "do everything" or "not mess up" can overshadow the joy of discovery.
The truth is that travel is rarely perfect, and that's precisely what makes it unforgettable. A missed train turns into a conversation you never expected, and a wrong turn might lead to your favorite café of the entire trip. Over the years, I've learned that small mindset shifts can transform an ordinary itinerary into a journey filled with warmth, flavor, and connection.
These twelve simple reminders are meant to guide you, encourage you, and help you enjoy the journey with a little more confidence and a lot more heart.
1. Trust the Journey
Trust the journey you're about to take. Be mindful and alert, but resist the urge to overthink every corner or interaction. Travel becomes far more rewarding when you lean into curiosity rather than fear.
2. Travel Is Not a Race
You heard about a great café or a hidden street market? Go for it and break away from your itinerary. Take each day at your own pace because slowing down often leads to the most memorable discoveries.
3. Accept That Things Will Go Wrong
Delays happen, trains fill up, and itineraries fall apart. It's part of the journey, not a failure in planning. Take a deep breath, reset your expectations, and keep moving forward—you're already thousands of miles ahead of where you started.
4. Create Your Own Path
This is your journey, your food story, and your collection of memories. Listen to tips from locals and fellow travelers, then choose what speaks to you. Give yourself permission to explore in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
5. Go Where You Want to Go Next
If your heart pulls you in a new direction, follow it. You don't need a fully scripted itinerary to have a meaningful trip. This is your time to explore freely and let your instincts guide your next stop.
6. Think Within the 10% Travel Rule
Before any trip, I reduce what I pack by at least 10%—and then I do it again. I also set aside an extra 10% travel budget for exchange fees, unexpected expenses, and those small surprises along the way. It keeps the journey flexible and stress-free.
7. Pack Smart
I pack and repack several times, removing something with each round. You can always buy forgotten essentials at your destination—another small travel story in the making. Just make sure your VIP items stay with you and don't go into checked luggage.
8. Bring Extra Money
Budgets are significant—until you spot that irresistible pastry in Florence or the handmade bowl in a small market. Give yourself a little financial breathing room. Sometimes the best memories cost just a few euros more.
9. Stay Connected with Your Home Base
Share your meals, locations, small joys, and unexpected moments. Let friends and family feel part of your journey and know you're safe and thriving. They'll appreciate the window into your world.
10. Protect Your Communication Line and Wallet
Before you go, read up on local scams, phone theft hotspots, and transportation tips. Keep your cards, phone, and passport secure, and stick to official taxis or public transport. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping both your money and memories safe.
11. Be Adventurous and Safe
Step outside your comfort zone—just far enough to taste something new, meet someone unexpected, or see a place you didn't plan for. Adventure is excellent when paired with awareness and good judgment. Trust your instincts and stay open to possibilities.
12. Capture the Moments
Take the extra photo, buy the extra postcard, and pick up the t-shirt that makes you smile. I once took 150 pictures inside a single church in Germany—and I don't regret a single one. Memories are meant to be collected and shared.
Final Thoughts
Travel isn't about perfection—it's about the moments that stay with you long after you've returned home. Every taste, conversation, and unexpected detour becomes part of the story you carry forward. As you explore the world, embrace the small joys and trust yourself to navigate whatever comes your way. In the end, it's the stories and memories that shape a life well-traveled.
Stories and memories — the actual currency of a life well-traveled.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish and step at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
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