I’ve done a little bit of travelling in my 20s, but I’ve always had this deep desire to see more of the world, its beauty, its magic, and all the cultures that make it so fascinating. Travelling isn’t just about ticking countries off a list; it’s about meeting new people, learning different customs, and experiencing life in ways we never imagined.

Since I’m still pretty new to the whole “travel life,” I figured why not ask an expert? Enter Cherylconquers (you may know her from Instagram and Pinterest). She’s an incredible travel blogger who has already visited over 30 countries and inspires thousands with her adventures.

I had the chance to do a quick interview with her, where she shares her beginner’s guide to traveling, including travel tips for first-time travelers, packing hacks, budgeting for trips, and how to make the most out of every destination. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or looking for ways to travel smarter, Cheryl’s insights are pure gold.

1. What’s one mistake most beginner travellers make that you wish someone had told you about?

Cherylconquers: A common mistake I wish someone had told me about is when booking flights and accommodation, try selecting the cheapest currency instead of your local or home currency. This can save you between 30% -70% on costs. Another useful tip is to visit nearby cities and countries. For example, if you’re in New York City, you could take the Amtrak train to Philadelphia or a coach to Canada. From Miami you can fly to places like Jamaica in 1 hour.. Similarly from Japan to Taiwan will be at domestic prices. This way, you save tons of money and don’t waste time buying another expensive round trip later in the future.

2. Do you think it’s better to start small with local trips, or just dive into international travel headfirst?

Cherylconquers: Both my first group and solo were abroad. I started with international travel because my main purpose was to see my friends who lived overseas. Travelling overseas is great because it forces you to learn to adapt faster to new cultures than local trips. It also pushes you outside your comfort zone, which is really good for personal growth. But really, it all depends on your budget. Your money will determine if you take a local trip, a staycation, or go overseas.

3. What are your go-to packing hacks that actually save space (and stress)?

Cherylconquers: My best packing advice is to use sample-sized or paper sachets for your beauty products and toiletries. This saves space in your suitcase, makes your bag lighter, and prevents any spills. Plus, it’s better for the environment because sachets are easier to recycle and help reduce product waste. It’s also easier to get ready since many travel spaces are small, and you can neatly lay out all your sachets. Most of these sachets are given for free in magazines or stores, so you don’t have to spend money on toiletries, which is also one of my best travel saving hacks because it’s free. In the past, these were mostly perfume samples, but recently they have included moisturisers, foundation, and other products. This hack creates compact organisation that makes travelling much easier and less stressful.

4. How do you budget for a trip without feeling like you’re missing out on experiences?

Cherylconquers: You don’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy your trip. For example, I’ve never spent more than £300 on my trips around Europe and some other countries. Once, I booked a 3-night trip to Paris with the Eurostar, a boutique hotel, and Disneyland tickets for just £120! Another time, I flew to Venice during the peak Easter holidays and visited Florence, Pisa, and Milan, all for less than £300 including flights and hotels for 10 days. It’s all about finding good deals, planning ahead, and being flexible with your dates. When budgeting on the trip, I decide how much I want to spend on food daily. I always make sure breakfast is included in my accommodation because it saves money, letting me spend more on activities and experiences. You can also use food saving apps and websites abroad to cut costs, like “Go To Good” and “OpenTable,” which offer discounts internationally. I also use local companies and Airbnb experiences to have great experiences at lower prices.

5. What’s the one mindset shift that helps turn a trip into a real adventure instead of just a vacation?

Cherylconquers: Shift from “What’s popular” to “What’s authentic" and explore off the beaten path. Forget the long queues at the tourist spots and follow your senses instead to the aroma drifting from a side street, the laughter spilling out of a tiny cafe, the menu scribbled in the local language.

Eat where the locals eat, not where the guidebooks point you. That's how you find true hidden gems. Because real adventure doesn’t live in the polished version of a place, it hides in the raw, flavour filled, community loved corners. When you choose the back street bistro over the 5 star brunch, you’re not just tasting new food; you’re tasting someone’s story and giving back to small businesses

Anu Aborisade