THOUSANDS OF IRISH people head off every year to travel the world and have some new experiences.

Whether they’re going to Bangkok or La Paz, the fact is that they are going to learn some valuable lessons along the way.

Here are 18 things you know if you have been away travelling.

People are strange, even stranger than you might have originally thought

Bracelets are a perfectly acceptable accessory, no matter what your gender

When you think you’ve packed too little, you’ve probably packed too much

You have had personal experience of why you should distrust hostel matresses and bedding but you no longer care

You can survive on eating almost nothing

There’s a lot to be said for a continental hostel breakfast when you can make your sandwiches for lunch from it

You can unpack and repack bags in record time (even if you’re hungover)

You don’t fold, you roll

Hot running water is not a given

The bottom bunk is always better

Waiting for a towel to dry is one of life’s greatest pains

Being in a 16 bed dorm will not stop people from getting some action

Seen five European landmarks, seen ‘em all

Seen five temples, seen ‘em all

Dry shampoo is your friend

A hostel without wifi/internet is not a hostel

The sheer and utter panic of being down to your last capsule of Imodium when you’re in the middle of nowhere

You can make friends anywhere