No matter how much travel you’ve done in your home country, the thought of your first trip abroad can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Going to a whole new place can be scary and confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Before your international trip, follow these simple tips to ensure a smooth journey:
Prepare your travel documents
The most important tip to avoid unnecessary stress is to apply for your passport early. Without a passport or travel visa, you will be severely limited in how far you can travel.
passport
This may be an oversight for some, but a 10-year passport validity period can make people feel safe and forget that they actually need to renew it.
Many countries may not allow you to enter if your passport is valid for less than six months, and your visa application may be rejected if your passport does not have enough free pages.
A general rule of thumb is to make sure you have a valid passport before booking your flight, as not applying in advance can delay your trip while going through the process of applying for and collecting your passport.
visa
You should find out in advance whether you need a visa, which is a document issued by the country of your destination to allow you entry. If you show up to your flight without the necessary visa, you may be refused, especially if you cannot apply for a visa on arrival.
US and UK passport holders can travel to many countries visa-free, or can obtain a visa on arrival, but rules vary from country to country, so be sure to research entry requirements thoroughly.
Search for a destination
To have the best experience, it’s important to spend enough time researching your destination. Although spontaneous travel may seem more fun, it’s much more practical if you study tips for your first time abroad and can anticipate some of the nuances of your destination country.
Not only are there differences in language and culture, but laws can also vary. Did you know that chewing gum is illegal in Singapore? Did you know that feeding pigeons is illegal in Venice? If you were planning to ride a bull while drunk in Scotland, you’ll find that that’s also prohibited. There are many laws in foreign countries that may be unfamiliar to you, simply because it’s not your culture. Knowing up front can help you stay out of trouble.
Dealing with Money Issues
You should let your bank know you’ll be traveling before you leave for any far-flung destination, so they won’t suspect fraud if they suddenly see your card being used in a Thai market.
Depending on your destination, you may not have easy access to ATMs. In countries with a predominantly cash economy, most restaurants and businesses may not have card readers. In that case, be sure to bring enough cash with you to cover the costs of a day’s outing. Some travelers like to keep large amounts of cash in a money belt for safety.
Book everything in advance
If your itinerary is set, it’s best to book your trip when you have the money and the determination to travel. While it’s nice to have the freedom to choose your accommodation last minute, don’t be surprised if accommodation is scarce or suddenly very expensive when you arrive at your destination.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of last-minute travelers who end up scrambling to find accommodation because they didn’t book anything in advance. Not only do you end up paying extra to book available accommodation, but it can be incredibly stressful to go to a new place for the first time and not have anywhere to stay.
The same goes for transport tickets – booking in advance will allow you to find the best prices. The peace of mind of knowing your trip is seamlessly planned from start to finish is something money can’t buy – giving you more time to enjoy your trip and less time to worry about it afterwards.
Avoid travel fatigue
As you start booking your first international trip, you might be excited and want to go all out. How many cities can you visit in one trip? How much can you see in one day? Do you want to go from north to south or east to west? Follow this advice: Take your time.
Here are some tips to help you overcome travel fatigue
*Allow time to recover from jet lag: Recovering from a long-haul flight is hard enough, but jet lag is inevitable when you’re in a new time zone.
*Traveling across time zones can throw off your body clock and it may take time for it to get used to a new schedule. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to recover and rest before traveling to your next destination.
* Be prepared for motion sickness or motion sickness: Whether you are traveling by plane, car or boat, motion sickness is a possibility. Make sure you bring motion sickness medicine with you and allow yourself plenty of time to rest to recover.
*You don’t need to worry about something going wrong while traveling, but being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions to stay safe can go a long way in helping you enjoy your new adventure.
Safety tips to follow while abroad
Protect your belongings from pickpockets and petty thieves: A crossbody bag or waist pouch is the most effective way to thwart pickpockets and keep your phone and wallet safe. Valuables should never be placed in a back pocket or the outside pockets of a backpack. If you’re really worried, a money belt or anti-theft wallet that you can wear under your clothes are also good options.
Stay in touch: Before you leave, share your itinerary with friends and family so they can document your adventure. Include your accommodation addresses and contact details.
Pack it properly
Packing properly makes traveling easier. Packing too much, too little, or simply leaving with a disorganized suitcase can negatively impact your travel experience.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when packing.
*Use packing cubes: Never underestimate how much easier packing cubes can make your trip. They help you stay organized, save space, and keep your clothes neat. Packing cubes are relatively inexpensive and can help you stay both literally and figuratively organized when traveling.
* Pack light: You should always have something for warm weather, cold weather and rain, but be careful not to pack too much. Too much luggage can make it hard to move around (especially in old buildings with no elevators!). Worried you’ll run out of clean clothes? Use a laundry service or, even better, treat yourself to a keepsake in the form of clothing.
* Keep your belongings safe: It goes without saying, but there are many ways to keep your belongings safe. Put a lock on your backpack or suitcase to thwart luggage thieves. Put important belongings (electronics, jewelry, etc.) in your carry-on. If you’re still not sure about staying in a hotel, keep your belongings in your room’s safe. Hostels often have lockers, but you’ll need to provide your own lock.
Read Airport Travel Tips
Pre-departure and airport anxiety is common for new and experienced travelers alike. Being in a big, sprawling building with hundreds of people running around can make you feel anxious or overwhelmed, especially if it’s your first time traveling abroad.
But getting through an airport is a relatively straightforward process, especially when broken down bit by bit: find out which terminal you’re departing from, check in, go through security, and then enjoy a pre-departure coffee.
