You’ve finally booked your first guided tour. Exciting? Absolutely. Slightly overwhelming? Maybe. But don’t worry – we’ve gathered 17 smart, practical and useful travel tips shared by real Trafalgar guests who’ve been exactly where you are. These are the things they wish they knew before that first unforgettable trip – and now they’re passing them on to you.
1. Pack less than you think you need
It’s the golden rule for a reason. “No matter how many times people told me not to overpack, I still did,” one guest admitted. You’ll rewear outfits, do laundry if needed, and probably shop along the way. Leave space for souvenirs – your future self will thank you.
2. Bring a small bag for the coach
Your main suitcase goes in the hold of the coach, so you’ll want a smaller bag with your daily essentials: snacks, water, sunglasses, a book, maybe a travel journal. One guest even suggested having in that bag “a foldable shopping tote for market stops and local goodies.”
3. Keep your passport in the hotel safe
Multiple guests echoed this one: don’t carry your passport unless you absolutely have to. “Take a photo of it or carry a photocopy,” one guest said. “Then stash the real one somewhere secure at your hotel.”
4. Say yes to optional experiences
Sure, you could have a quiet evening in, but Trafalgar’s optional experiences are often the heart of the trip. “I nearly skipped a flamenco night in Seville – it ended up being my favourite memory,” said one guest. Take the leap, that’s where the magic is.
5. Take notes or keep a travel journal
The days fly by, especially on a trip this full. “I jotted a few notes on my phone each night,” one guest shared. “Looking back, I’m so glad I did – it helps you remember the names, the places, the little moments.”
6. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes got rave reviews from seasoned guests. “They make life so much easier when you’re hopping between cities,” said one. “No more suitcase chaos. You can even colour code!”
7. Learn a few words of the local language
You don’t need to be fluent – just a few words go a long way. “Locals love when you make the effort,” said one guest. “Just a ‘hello’, ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ in the local language gets big smiles.”
8. Bring medication, not just for you
Think beyond prescriptions. “I was the hero of the coach when I handed out Imodium,” one guest joked. Painkillers, motion sickness pills, plasters – someone will thank you for it.
9. Get to know your Travel Director
They’re your guide, your cultural expert, your storyteller and a friend “Our Travel Director made the trip,” one guest shared. “We learned so much more than we would have on our own.”
10. Go solo – even if you’re nervous
Plenty of guests admitted they were nervous about travelling solo at first. “It was the best decision I ever made,” said one. “You meet so many people, and the tour format makes it so easy to connect.”
11. Don’t stress about group travel
Worried about being with the same people all day? Don’t be. “We had a great mix of couples, solos, families, friends – and everyone was so respectful,” one guest said. “You find your rhythm and your people.”
12. Bring a reusable water bottle
You’ll be on the go a lot, and having a bottle handy (especially in summer) is a must. Bonus: it’s better for the planet, too.
13. Layer up
Weather can be unpredictable – especially across multiple regions. “One day it was 28°C in Rome, the next I needed a jumper in the Alps,” said one guest. Light layers are the key.
14. Download Google Translate and Google Maps offline
A practical lifesaver. “Both apps helped me out more than once,” said a guest. “Especially in places where data was spotty or signage wasn’t in English.”
15. Don’t over-plan your free time
Tempting as it is to schedule every second, leave space for spontaneity. “Some of my favourite moments were the ones I didn’t plan,” one guest wrote. “A local tip, a quiet wander, a surprise café down a side street.”
16. Try everything – especially the food
Even if it’s something you wouldn’t usually eat. “Octopus in Portugal? Yes please. Goulash in Hungary? Loved it,” said one guest. “You don’t always get second chances – taste it all.”
17. Let go of control – and just enjoy
This one came up again and again: trust the journey. “Once I stopped trying to manage everything myself and let the tour flow, it was amazing,” one guest said. “You’re in good hands – just be present and take it all in.”
Thinking about taking your first tour?
If you’re reading this and still just thinking about taking your first guided tour, you’re in for something truly special. With Trafalgar, you’ll go beyond the guidebook and connect with the people and places that make a destination unforgettable. If you want more real advice from past guests before you make a decision join our community on Facebook, or check out our blog for more tips from the road.