I've only just recently passed my PPL (
), but here's a simple but good tip to remember whilst on navigation trips :
Before you look down at your map, have a DAMN good look out the window!
Although this might seem obvious, it's very easy to spend more time than you realise looking at your map or writing down ATC instructions etc, and VERY easy for another plane to sneak up on you whilst you do it.
So have a good 180º lookout before looking down, because you really do NOT want an "Oh !!!!!" moment when you're in an aeroplane...