Key tips for a trip to the big city

 

Big cities can always be a bit confusing, it's a lot of information to take in after landing that sometimes is a small shock that needs to be overcome quite quickly... But there's no reason to worry, many cities are adapted for tourism and countless people travel there, just like you._cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_

 

In general, before arriving in a new city and especially if this is the beginning of your journey (I would recommend lodging for the first day or two in a place you booked in advance)

 

And some tips worth following:

 

1. Orientation in the city

 

There are tours in tourist cities by bus, this tour is called:  A Hop On, Hop Off tour

This is an excellent way to get a general overview of the city before you delve into it. (Usually you can get the information about this bus from the hotel or the hostel (schedule, price, etc.)

 

2. Walking!

 

There is no better way to understand the culture and structure of the city by walking the streets and alleys. It will slow you down and let you understand the city closely-  the culture, the people, the customs and how society works there. 

For example, when I was traveling in South Africa - I walked a lot in the streets of Cape Town and during the walk I met a woman near the beach and we started talking about a lot of topics. From there it turned out that I started volunteering in an organization she started with her daughter - an organization for at-risk youth. This woman opened up to me a lot of general information about the history of the place and hers. She was half South African and half European and was a child during the time when South Africa was an apartheid state. Her stories gave me a broad understanding of the sad reality in South Africa, apartheid no longer exists there but you can see many nuances from history and a sad separation between the communities even today.

I'm not saying that you should walk down the street and talk to every stranger, but it's good to open your heart and mind and hear from the locals their side.

 

3. Travel by public transport

 

If you are going to a country that does not speak English - do a comprehensive search beforehand on how the transportation works there or ask at your place of accommodation. Sometimes there are also deals and promotions for tourists. Public transportation is another great way to see and explore the city.

There are countries that pay cash for the card and there are some that require a special card (that's why I mentioned to find out first).

 

4. Trip between destinations

 

Whether you choose to travel by train, bus or plane - I would recommend traveling with a small side bag and another bag that is used for clothes and personal belongings on the back, for reasons of convenience it will be easier to move from place to place. 

Of course there are girls who are more comfortable with a suitcase, on my first trip I flew with a suitcase and after a month I found out how uncomfortable it was for me and donated it.