What NOT to do when travelling

With the holidays fast approaching for students and workers, many will be travelling overseas during the months of December and January.

Travelling the world can be full of wonder and excitement. But when you’re in a public toilet at a train station in China with no toilet paper it’s not so wonderful.

Here’s how to avoid situations like this during your travels, whether you’re backpacking or fancy-ing it up in first class.

First tip: Don’t learn swear words in other languages, the temptation to use them is too great. In some cultures swearing is a lot worse than here in Australia, and can have major implications. For example, there are certain words in Greek that can get you the evil eye.

Second tip: Don’t underestimate the power of travel sickness. You may never have had it before in your life, but chances are that one day on a bus coming down a volcano it’s going to suddenly hit you. When you’re flying over to your destination, swipe as many vomit bags off the plane as you can and keep them in your backpack.

Third tip: Don’t purchase items that may be considered ‘weapons’ when coming back into Australia. It might look like a really cool ancient Chinese sword but customs isn’t going to like it.

Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire
Image: Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire