Are you a newbie when it comes to travelling? Just about to board your first international flight ever? Got the nervous butterflies going on in your belly? Welcome to the club. You are about to become a traveller. It’s a scary world out there… so much of the unknown so much could go wrong yet we do it anyway because so much can go right and there are so many adventures out there waiting to be had. Travelling is not easy and you will often hear me say ‘travelling is all about being comfortable with being uncomfortable’. It’s also something you can only learn through the actual act of doing it, experiencing it, getting amongst it.

So to ease you into it, here are some of the travel tips I have learnt along the way;

- Learn your passport number and expiry date off by heart. The number of times you need to provide it while travelling is a joke. It will save you time and the fuss of having to pull out your passport each time. A few letters and numbers. You can remember them. Shocking memory? Consider getting it tattooed on your wrist.

- Pee when you can, not when you have to. Seriously, it is not a joke. Particularly when you are on a tour and the next stop is unpredictable. Even if you don’t have to go, it is worth just trying. Sit there, breath slow, relax your muscles and release every last drop because if not, once back on the road you will be wishing you did. Road conditions could change, you may get caught in afternoon peak hour traffic or the driver will simply not stop for anyone. It’s an uncomfortable position to be in so do yourself a favour, go potty.

- Buy a passport cover for your passport. Whilst travelling, your passport is your most treasured possession. So, treat it like it is gold. Protect it from liquids and whatnot with a cover. It doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive or flashy, just cover it up.

- Travel light. So you may have bought a huge suitcase thinking you are doing the right thing as there will be plenty of room to pack all you need but realistically you will not need half of what you have packed. My sister does it every time. Listen to me. Leave the hair straightener, five pairs of shoes and the dressing gown at home. A good weight to aim for is roughly 15kgs. Pack light. It is okay to wear the same clothes on repeat. I give you permission. If you stick to a colour theme it will make it easier to mix and match outfits. Mine is black. All I wear is black and it works. Plus how much shampoo can a person use in two weeks? They sell the travel size ones for a reason. Invest in a bottle. It will save your back.

- Don’t wear a belt or difficult shoes to the airport. When going through security you will have to take your liquids out of your bag as well as your electronics to go through the scanner. Aside from that, you have to remove your belt if you are wearing one and nowadays they are wanting us to remove our shoes too. Wear slip-ons or something that doesn’t involve buckles and laces. And don’t wear a belt. All of that takes time and you want to move through security as quickly as you can. Particularly if you are running late for your flight. Which if your new to travel you will have probably underestimated how much time you need at the airport and are now running behind. Leave the belt at home and wear pants with an elastic waist. It will be much more comfortable for you on your flight too. You won't regret it.

Hopefully, these life tips for travelling come in use, saving you some time and hassle. It won't be long before you are an expert traveller. Let me know if they do help or if you have something to add to the list by commenting below. I would love to hear from you…