On May 31, 2016, I had the privilege to co-host a #RTWChat with BootsnAll Travel on Twitter about common long term travel mistakes and how to avoid them! I was both excited and nervous because I had never co-hosted a chat before and I barely even have any Twitter followers, so I totally didn’t want to come off as a noob.
So how does it work? You can either follow BootsnAll on Twitter, or just search the hashtag: #RTWChat. We ask followers a total of 10 questions. I’m supposed to come up with 5 questions about the topic that I would like to answer, while BootsnAll comes up with the other 5 questions. Coming up with the questions was probably the most stressful part because I’m labeled as an “expert co-host” — yikes!! Anyway, during the chat I retweet the questions that BootsnAll tweets, answer each question, and interact with other participants. Pretty simple, right? (Until I say something stupid… jk)
If you missed the chat (which is probably why you are here), you can read the recap below:
Q1. What was the biggest mistake you feel you made when you started traveling? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A1 Planning out EVERYTHING and trying to see too much in too little time. I ended up wanting to stay at a place longer but couldn’t #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
A1 Letting my guard down for 30 secs as I exited a store. Wallet + passport got stolen! Always keep your bags in front of you #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q2. What are some common mistakes you’ve seen others make when they first start traveling? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A2: Seeing too much in too little time. Slow down and really get to know the city/town. Make time to get lost and people watch #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q3. A common mistake is over-packing. What do you do to keep your luggage to a minimum? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A3 Pack a week’s worth of clothes even if you’re gone for months. Pack colors that can be mix+matched to create different outfits #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
A3 If you’re questioning whether you need it or not, then it’s not important. Read my travel-must-haves: https://t.co/mfh3nYVDwt#RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q4. On the same note: What is the craziest thing you packed that turned out to be totally unnecessary? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A4 Guidebooks. They’re big, take up room, and I didn’t use them! I just ended up looking it up on the internet or asking locals #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q5. Keeping track of your funds can get difficult. What tips do you have for managing your budget on a long-term trip? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A5 Make yourself a daily or weekly budget and only bring that amount of cash with you when you go out so you won’t overspend #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q6. What are some common travel scams long term travelers should watch out for? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A6 If you’re in a tourist area and someone tries to give you something for “free” – ignore them. They’ll demand money from you #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
A6 Ignore people who tell you an attraction is closed. It’s not closed. They’re just trying to get you to go to their tours/shops #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q7. Being on the road traveling from place to place can get tiring. What can you do to prevent or cure burnout? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A7 Slow down, stay put, and splurge on a place to yourself so you can re-energize for the rest of your trip #RTWChatpic.twitter.com/oU5EqDc7tr
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q8. How can you avoid making embarrassing cultural mistakes when traveling in foreign countries? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A8 Research before you get there. Know the laws, appropriate dress, etc. Once you’re there, observe before you react #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q9. Long-term travelers must navigate many foreign-speaking countries. How can travelers get by in these places easier? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A9 Learn a few phrases before you get there. Not only will it make things easier for you, it’s also polite to know the language #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
A9 Have addresses in the native language so you can ask locals for help. Have them on paper in case your phone dies #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Q10. What is your top advice for first time long term travelers that you wish someone had given you? #RTWChat
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
A10 Document as much as you can. Memories fade. I always regret not writing, drawing, or taking more photos #RTWChatpic.twitter.com/gf08sCY84r
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
A10 Most importantly, leave your comfort zone! A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there #RTWChat
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
Thanks everyone for a great #rtwchat today. And special thanks to @globetrotartist for co-hosting! Check her and her art out!
— BootsnAll Travel (@BootsnAll) May 31, 2016
Thank you for having me co-host! It was so much fun @BootsnAll😃#RTWChathttps://t.co/fpEmodEGEF
— Globetrotting Artist (@globetrotartist) May 31, 2016
And that’s the end of #RTWChat. I hope you learned something from my mistakes har har. It was loads of fun and I have never had my phone blow up with so many notifications before. I hope to co-host another chat again in the future! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @globetrotartist