8 Travel Mistakes I Made in Just One Month

I have officially been in Thailand for just over a month, and I am so blessed to have explored a new place every single weekend. Whether it was a quick 20 minute Grab ride or 4 hour bus journey, I’ve made a conscious effort to see as much as I can. 

Along the way, I have learned that there are numerous things I could have done to make the travels easier. Many of my so-called “mistakes” just came down to a lack of common sense and thinking things through. Although I don’t regret anything, I will definitely adapt my planning in the future based on what has occurred so far. So, without further ado, here’s a list of some of my  – harmless – slip-ups, and how I plan to avoid them in the coming months!

Failed to check the bus schedule beforehand.

This turned what should have been a leisurely three hour hike into a 1.5 hour sprint, as my friend and I rushed to the top of the mountain, then proceeded to run all the way back down to make sure we didn’t miss the only bus back to our district. 

My advice: Check both the duration of your activities, as well as the estimated travelling time. This will ensure that you have more time to enjoy your adventures, without constantly looking at your watch. 

Booked a bus online without asking about local transport first.

I spent twenty minutes with my Grab driver looking for a bus stop that did not end up being where it was supposed to. Because I only had the coordinates 12go had emailed me, I had no idea what to do, and was only able to find the station because of my amazing driver who asked around for me. When I told my coordinator this, she looked at me in disbelief and told me there was a bus station 5 minutes away from my school that would’ve taken me to the exact same place. 

My advice: Ask your coordinator or co-teachers about the public transport in your town before you leave for a trip.  

Booked a hostel 1.5 hours from where we were planning to be the next day.

My friend and I were so excited about our activities we planned one weekend, that we failed to see how close they would be to our hostel…each one ended up being an hour away, and there were luxurious resorts and beautiful campgrounds closer to our activities that we could have booked instead. 

My advice: Just because the excursions and hostel are in the same district, does not mean they will be close to each other! It seems obvious, but research where you are going, and make sure your accommodation is where you want it to be.

Forgot a lock and towel.   

More experienced travellers may laugh at this one, but as someone who is newer to the hostel game, I am still learning! Some places will provide you with a locker and towel, and other times they will not. 

My advice: Always bring a backup. 

Assumed everyone would know basic English. 

Yeah…I should’ve known better. I’m in a foreign country, where English is not the first language, and yet I still catch myself thinking that people will understand me, even when I speak really slowly. It’s not really fair for me to expect to be understood; if roles were reversed, and a Thai person spoke to me slowly in Thai, I still wouldn’t have a clue what they meant. 

My advice: Learn some simple Thai phrases to help navigate certain situations as you travel! Downloading offline Google Translate can also be a good option while travelling, especially within rural areas. 

Went to a local market with no plan.

Everyone knows the market scene in Southeast Asia is a must-see experience. But depending on which one you wander into, it is very easy to feel instantly overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and movements. Night markets can be especially intense with the blinding white lights, local music, and crowds weaving in every direction; your senses will certainly feel the overload. 

My advice: Honestly, I don’t know if there really is a way to not feel overwhelmed, but everyone will have different experiences based on their comfort level. I find it easier when I am with someone; you can both decide what you want to see, make a game plan, then jump right in!

Relied on Apple Maps for updated locations. 

Google Maps is more reliable than Apple Maps, but it can still sometimes lead you astray. 

My advice: Give yourself a buffer when you are travelling just in case something gets lost in translation in regards to your destination. And if you don’t have Google Maps already, definitely download it before your travels!

Skipped packing medicine. 

Adding basic medicine to your weekend packing list is something I highly recommend. You never know when a cold, headache, or flu will strike. In my case, it hit right before a 12-hour overnight bus journey, and needless to say, I learned how slowly time can pass when you’re in a lot of pain. 

My advice: Bring your go-to medicine on every trip!  

Despite these easily avoidable moments, I wouldn’t change a thing. Even though this list is likely to triple over the next few months, every misstep adds a memory to this ongoing adventure. The resulting laughter, utter disbelief, and unexpected surprises are exactly what make these trips unforgettable!