Ah, the infamous “Bubble”. A word that once made us think of birthday parties and bath time, but now usually carries a heavy insult: “You live in a bubble.” Translation? You’ve never stepped outside your daily routine to experience the bigger, weirder, and more exciting world.
Of course, not everyone chooses to stay in their bubble. For some, life circumstances – kids, jobs, money troubles – simply don’t allow them to travel. But when a bubble-dweller finally has the chance to escape, something magical happens: they discover a world beyond their predictable orbit.
I’ve met and traveled with a few of these former bubble-dwellers. They’re usually grateful, curious, and ready to try new things… but let’s be honest, they’ll probably need a bit of hand-holding along the way. Here’s how you, the “experienced adventurer,” can guide them to have a trip they’ll never forget.
Before Arrival
🐾 Communication first.
Start planning by determining what your friends’ goals are for the trip. Maybe your friend is the super-chill, kind of go-with-the-flow person who will be happy doing anything as long as it’s with you. That’s great! They’re easy. But most newbie travelers won’t be like this and will instead have at least a few must-see sights or must-do activities. Be sure to work these into your itinerary as best as possible. Be prepared to help plan and book things like tours, guides, or tickets. Oh, and be sure you inform them if a visa is needed. A surprise deportation will surely make your adventure memorable, in all the wrong ways!
🐾 Packing 101
Your friend may have zero clue what they should pack. The big ones that they should not pack would be an electric shaver or hairdryer. Voltage can vary between countries and your friend will be deeply embarrassed if they blow a circuit. And definitely confirm they are aware of which power adapter they will need for the destination. Be sure that they carry any important medication in the original bottle and pack it in a carry-on just in case their checked luggage is lost. Ensure that they do not overpack or, at the very least, have space left over in their checked luggage for souvenirs.
Share with them any “packing hacks” you’ve learned over the years. My packing hack is always carrying a puffy down jacket on a plane and stuffing its pockets with anything I might need for the flight, rather than having to go fishing for it in my carry-on in the overhead bin. Some of my pocket items are lip balm, a facemask, a phone charger, tissue, a spare headset, my glasses, and melatonin. Furthermore, since planes are basically equivalent to a flying refrigerator, having a down coat can make a huge difference.
Travel apps galore.
Recommend apps that will save them time, money, and confusion. Some of my favorites are Google Translate, XE Currency, WhatsApp, Rome2Rio, TripAdvisor, and an e-SIM app like Saily.
Language basics.
Encourage them to learn at least “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” in the local language. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is, frankly, laughable.
First Impressions
🐾 Culture shock happens.
Even with research, nothing prepares a first-timer, or even an experienced traveler, for everything. Traffic patterns, tipping customs, or even just how people line up (or don’t) can throw a newbie traveler off balance. Be patient.
🐾 Jet lag, the sworn enemy of every explorer.
Ensure your friend does not try to sneak in a nap on the first day. Please encourage them to hydrate, drink very little alcohol (or none at all), and eat lightly the first day or two until they know how their body will react to the change in food. Being dehydrated, drinking alcohol, and having a stomachache (or being overly full) can all delay adjusting to a new time zone. Furthermore, encourage them to take melatonin or something similar for the first night or two.
🐾 Even the mundane will be magical.
Everything will be new and exciting for your friend. So let them bask in the wonder of it all, even if it’s over a glass of cheap wine at a corner café.
Challenges to Overcome
Navigating public transit.
If your friend has never used a metro or taken a train, it may feel like rocket science. Show them how to read a metro map, buy tickets, and not accidentally hop on the wrong train. (Though, let’s be honest, it happens to everyone.)
Food and meal times.
Menus will be intimidating. Google Translate’s camera function is your friend here, especially if food allergies are involved. Be prepared for different meal schedules, like dinner in Spain at 10 p.m. or restaurants closing mid-afternoon for siesta. Your friend may struggle at first, but soon they’ll be bragging about their posh late-night tapas like a pro.
Emotional and Social Impacts
Moments of vulnerability are unavoidable.
Homesickness happens, especially during long trips abroad. Video chatting with friends or family back home can help a great deal, but it’s not perfect. Perhaps your friend is missing that extra big hug from a parent or partner, or cuddles with their pet. Be sure to validate these feelings if they occur.
Moments that will leave them in awe.
Seeing an elephant in the wild, stepping into a stunning European cathedral, or witnessing a unique cultural tradition for the first time can leave your friend gobsmacked. The first time my best friend went to Europe was to Rome to visit me when I was studying abroad there. I did not warm her up to the splendor of European churches by first taking her into a simpler one. No, I escorted her straight to one of the most gorgeous ancient churches in the city. It was so overwhelming for her that she was nearly brought to tears. She then had to borrow my phone to immediately call her parents to describe in minute detail everything she was seeing. This was before video chatting on smartphones was common, so it was the only way she could share such a special moment with the people she cared about the most.
There will be small victories and they should be celebrated.
There will be little moments to celebrate, like when your friend successfully navigates the metro on their own, bargains at a local market, or has their first simple conversation in a foreign language.
The Greatest Gift
Both your friend and you will be rewarded.
Traveling with a newbie isn’t just about showing them the world; it’s about showing them that adventures don’t have to run smoothly to enjoy them. Share your own missteps and faux pas: the wrong trains, the lost luggage, the language fails, the “oops, I forgot to ask for still instead of sparkling water, again” moments. They’ll see that mistakes are part of the journey and feel reassured when it’s their time to make them.
Traveling with an inexperienced friend may take patience, planning, and the occasional deep breath, but it could also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. After all, you’ll get to relive the magic of seeing the world for the very first time – through their eyes.