11 Signs You’re a Newbie Traveler

We recently asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter to fill in the blank in the following sentence: “You know someone’s a newbie traveler when they _______.”

Our readers, experienced globetrotters all, offered up dozens of suggestions in response. The most popular answer? “Overpack” (suggested by @CharlesMcCool, @molyneux_davis and @tourismpure on Twitter). Below are a few of our other favorites.

“Wear heels on a walking tour in Europe. The cobblestone streets will get them!” — Julianne K Fulcher

“Have full-size hairspray in their carry-on.” — Ron Buckles

“Travel to a foreign country … and forget their passport.” — Larry Shaine

“Bring the full-size pillow from their bed at home — I’ve seen adults do this so many times. On a road trip, okay, you’ve got extra space in the car, but on a flight???” — Jenny Szymanski Jones

“Don’t have customs forms filled out!” — @ChefStaib

“Bring a bag they can’t handle themselves (as a carry-on).” — Lavida Rei

“Wear multi-color neon running shoes with matching neon earrings AND leggings to walk down the Champs-Elysees.” — @Carellirec

“[Bring] more than a pair of heels, too much cosmetics to put in one handbag — new travelmate blues…” — @derahma

“[Wear a] camera around the neck; [spend] too much time looking at maps; guidebook in hand, ask me for help while I’m also ‘away’ & happy to help!!” — @CollCostello

“Follow the ‘rules’ too closely. Take some risks and if someone tells you ‘oh no we do not do that here’ you’ve learned something about a new place!” — Clare Olivares



Related: 16 Signs You’re Addicted to Travel



What would you say is a sure sign someone is a newbie traveler?