I had my first travel last June 2013, it was a two day hike in Mt. Asog, Iriga in Bicol together with my colleagues in non-government organization. The first time was really a full of excitement because I dreamed to do it since college but didn't had the chance, besides my parents won't allow me. So when I started to work and earn some money, all the great opportunities knocks in. Since I am working in a environmental law office, it expose me so much
in so many things especially in nature. I always imagined myself to travel, to search and see, to learn and adapt new things and to accept the challenge of life outside from the campus. And so it helped me a lot.
Since we had a current project on-going in Lake Buhi, Bicol, we decided to take a side-trip--Hiking. Ate Len, my colleague who's into this activities prepared the itinerary. She give me some insights on what to expect, things to bring and do when we get there, so I started to do some research about the mountain--Mt. Asog. It is approximately 1,140 ft above sea level and its difficulty is 4/9 but from my experience it is very difficult hahaha maybe because it's my first time. Anyways, I realized when I did some research still it wasn't applied in actual. It is so wrong to assume and predict what's going to happen when you get there specially if it rain and you don't bring any shield to protect you from wet. Aside from the things you need to bring, I realize the more important thing to prepare is your body. It is really important to get fit and do some exercise so your body and muscles won't get force, most importantly, mentally healthy. A good sleep will boost your energy when you hike whether this is a major or a minor climb.
So I created this list base on what i experience as a first-timer traveler and add a little information base in my research.
1. Leave your expectations at home- I mentioned earlier that it is very wrong to assume and predict anything unless you use it for forecasting the weather and some scenarios that might happen. Once you get out of your house, it means you jump out over your comfort zone. So rather expect the worst.
2. Prepare your travel pack- as a first time-traveler you must invest in travel packs which will help you to survive outside. These packs includes the following:
* travelling shoes
*travelling bag (make it light as much as possible)
*travelling clothes (use cotton or dry fit items)
*packing organizers (for toiletries and important documents)
*travel pillow (plush pillow recommended)
*sun screen protection
* shades
*wet wipes
* travel lock
*flash light
*lighter
*plastic bags/zip lock bags (for wet protection)
*media items (camera, battery, sd card, cellphone)
*bottled water
*travel food (biscuits, nuts, sweets for energy booster)
For hiking you must invest in the tools and items which includes the following:
*hiking shoes (water proof recommended)
*hiking bag (make a light pack as much as possible)
*hiking clothes (used cotton and dry fit items such as leggings, shorts, t-shirts, water proof jacket)
*trekking pole
*trekking gloves/hut/cap
*plastic bags/zip lock (for wet protection)
*travel pillow, mat and tent
*map and compass
*flash light/head light and extra batteries
*sun screen protection
*shades
*wet wipes
*lighter
*portable gas stove and folded cooking wears
*knife and hiking threads
*media items (camera, battery, sd card, cellphone)
*bottled water
*trail foods (canned foods, mix nuts and chocolate for energy booster)
3. Pack light- this is very recommended for you to have a stress free while travelling. You don't need to bring everything in your wardrobe. Try to buy some clothes that are less thicker or if you can afford, disposable items. For ladies, it is best to bring some extra panties as this is very important for our hygiene, but for tops and bottoms bring at least 2 pieces each. Learn to fold your clothes also as minimal as possible so it won't eat all the space of your bag. Check this video on HOW TO PACK EFFICIENTLY.
4. Do some research- well make sure if you do it just make some adjustment also because information in the internet changes from time to time especially the cost of living in different places. Always prepare your itinerary and double check all the details before leaving. As much as possible, read some blogs and reviews, if you can call them for confirmation much better. Do not trust hear say because sometimes it cause us trouble. So to make your first travel happy and worry free, make time and do it perfectly.
5. Learn about the culture, ethics, language and nature of the place- they say for you to have the best travel experience, learn their nature. You go there not just to be a tourist but to explore and witness the life being there. Know their language and learn the common words so you can speak with them. Know the culture, mostly their ethics so you won't offend anyone when you visit them. All traveler must know how to respect one's ethnics to understand the purpose of your expedition. For example, cost of living, transportation costs, the proper clothes you should wear, the traffic rules, do's and don'ts acts, smoking ban, littering ban, etc.
6. Trust your gut- we are all familiar with the fame word "gut feeling" which you should never ignore anytime or anywhere. When you go to a new places always think about the possibilities-- shoplifter, kidnapping, rape, pick-pocket, etc.--so be prepared. It is true that majority of victims for these crimes are mostly tourist who have a little idea about the areas they visited. To make sure that nothing bad happen in your trip always bring your security tools like pepper spray, survival knife and a whistle to caught immediate attention of the public. Never talk and trust easily on strangers or drink any liquids they gave you, this is much applicable at the bar. Never take a dark path at night, go to the crowd places as much as possible and the most important thing is to save the emergency number of your loved ones or better the police station of the place you visited. Always secure your self no matter what.
7. Be physically and mentally ready- this is very important believe me because I've experienced it. Whether you're going on a little trip or a hiking it is recommended to at least have some exercise. Prepare your body and your mind as this will be the key factor for you to survive the trip. Your body needs to be stretch out before hopping to any feet above sea level of the mountain. Believe me, it will gives you chill if you don't. Have a deep sleep at least 6-8 hours so your mind can focus on what you will see and encounter. Eat the right food. Have some energy booster before beginning the trip. Grab some energy drink or chocolates and eat your BREAKFAST--this is the very important meal. See below sample video of cardio exercise for your muscle workout.
8. Leave No Trace- this phrase is very well known by all travelers around the world and this is their motto. Wherever you are, whatever you do, do not leave any traces of you. This imply to a garbage left in a mountain trail, campfire left over, cigarette butt, candy plastics or any items that will damage the appearance of the nature. Never leave any mark as well to the place you visited. For example, vandalizing your name to a tree, a wall, a post, etc., collecting any items like sand, rock, leaves, flowers or anything that might have an impact in the future.
I hope with these eight major tips of mine can help those first-time traveler in terms of their preparation for their upcoming activities. I'm wishing you the best of luck and may you enjoy the moment outside your comfort zone. Remember to live your life to the fullest as if this is your last so take all the opportunity you have and be open to experience.
If you have anything in your mind, please feel free to share your ideas and comments on the box below.
Chao!
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