11 Signs You’re a Newbie Traveler

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Sarah Schlichter

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

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

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