Five years ago, I recorded one of the earliest solo episodes of Winging It, sharing ten pieces of travel advice that I wished someone had told me before I set off exploring the world. Since then, I've visited many more countries, built a travel podcast, launched a YouTube channel, started a podcast production business and experienced everything from hiking to Tiger's Nest in Bhutan to travelling through Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador.

So I decided to revisit that episode and ask a simple question: Would I still give the same advice today?

In this episode, I react to each of my original ten travel tips, discussing what's changed, what I've learned over another five years of travelling and whether my opinions still hold true. From embracing flexibility and getting outside your comfort zone to documenting your travels, packing efficiently and making the most of working holiday visas, this is an honest look at how both travel—and I—have evolved.

Whether you're planning your very first backpacking trip or you've already caught the travel bug, I hope these updated reflections help you travel smarter, more confidently and make the most of every adventure.

If you've got your own travel advice that you'd give to a first-time traveller, I'd love to hear it. Get in touch on social media or leave a comment on YouTube.

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

02:30 – Why I'm revisiting one of my earliest podcast episodes

03:00 – 1. Be flexible when planning

09:00 – 2. Get out of your comfort zone

15:15 – 3. Make the most of work visas

25:45 – 4. Document everything

31:40 – 5. Take your time travelling

37:45 – Support the podcast

38:30 – 6. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones

42:45 – 7. Don't rely solely on guidebooks

45:55 – 8. Be sociable and friendly

48:30 – 9. Save more money than you think you'll need

51:15 – 10. Pack efficiently

54:45 – Final reflections on five years of travel

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Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com

Social Media - follow me on:

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Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

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