Traveling abroad for the first time can be an exciting, nerve-wracking, and overwhelming experience. There are so many things to consider, prepare, and do before and during your trip. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some practical tips that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the most important things you need to do before and during your first international trip, such as checking your documents, signing up for a travel rewards card, booking your flights and accommodation, packing your bags, contacting your cell service provider, respecting immigration and customs, reading up on your destination, and learning some basic words and phrases in the local language. Whether you’re traveling for work, study, or fun, these tips will help you travel more confidently and enjoyably. So read on and get ready for your first trip abroad!
Traveling abroad for the first time can be an exciting, nerve-wracking, and overwhelming experience. There are so many things to consider, prepare, and do before and during your trip. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some practical tips that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the most important things you need to do before and during your first international trip, such as checking your documents, signing up for a travel rewards card, booking your flights and accommodation, packing your bags, contacting your cell service provider, respecting immigration and customs, reading up on your destination, and learning some basic words and phrases in the local language. Whether you’re traveling for work, study, or fun, these tips will help you travel more confidently and enjoyably. So read on and get ready for your first trip abroad!
Check your documents before you start booking flights
The first thing you need to do before you start booking flights is to check your documents. Make sure you have a valid passport and see if you need a visa for your destination. Some countries may require you to have a certain amount of validity left on your passport or proof of onward travel. You don’t want to miss your flight or be denied entry because of a document issue. So do your research and apply for your passport and visa well in advance.
Consider signing up for a travel rewards card
Another thing you should do before you book your flights is to consider signing up for a travel rewards card. If you planning travel frequently, you can earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Some cards also offer perks like travel insurance, lounge access, or no foreign transaction fees. This can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Just make sure you read the fine print and pay off your balance every month.
Give yourself a long booking runway
Once you have your documents and card ready, you can start looking for flights and accommodation. Don’t wait until the last minute to book them. You can save money and avoid stress by planning ahead and comparing prices and options. You can also use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track fares and get alerts when they drop. You might be able to score some amazing deals if you’re flexible with your dates and destinations.
Be selective about lodging
When it comes to accommodation, you have a variety of options to choose from, such as hotels, hostels, Airbnb, couchsurfing, or camping. Do some research on the location, amenities, reviews, and safety of each option before you book. You want to stay somewhere that’s comfortable, convenient, and secure.
Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on
After you book your flights and accommodation, it’s time to pack your bags. One of the main tips for first-time travelers is to pack light. You don’t want to lug around a heavy suitcase or backpack that will slow you down and cost you extra fees. Pack only what you need and what you can comfortably carry. Use packing cubes, compression bags, or rolling techniques to save space. You can also check out my video on how to pack for a week in a carry-on for some tips.
One thing you should always pack in your carry-on is a change of clothes. You never know when your checked luggage might get lost or delayed, so it’s always a good idea to have some essentials in your carry-on bag. This way, you can freshen up and enjoy your first day without worrying about your clothes. You should also pack some toiletries, medications, chargers, and valuables in your carry-on.
Contact your cell service provider
Before you leave for the airport, don’t forget to contact your cell service provider. Check with them about their international plans and rates. You may want to switch to a local SIM card or use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype to avoid roaming charges. Alternatively, you can turn off your data and use free Wi-Fi hotspots when available. Just be careful about using public Wi-Fi networks and protect your personal information.
Respect immigration and customs
When you arrive at your destination, you will have to go through immigration and customs. Be prepared to show your passport, visa, and any other documents they may ask for. Be polite and respectful to the officers and follow their instructions. Don’t joke about anything illegal or suspicious. This will help you avoid any trouble or delays.
Read up on your destination
After you clear immigration and customs, you’re ready to explore your destination. Before you go, do some research on the culture, history, customs, laws, weather, currency, and attractions of the place you’re visiting. This will help you avoid culture shock, respect local norms, stay safe, budget wisely, and make the most of your trip. You can also watch some videos or read some blogs from other travelers who have been there before.
Learn some basic words and phrases in the local language
One more thing that will make your trip more enjoyable is learning some basic words and phrases in the local language. If you’re traveling to a country where English is not widely spoken, it’s helpful to know how to say hello, thank you, please, sorry, excuse me, how much is this?, where is the bathroom?, etc. You can use apps like Duolingo or Memrise to practice before you go.
And those are some of my tips for first-time international travelers. I hope you found them useful and that they inspire you to travel more confidently and enjoyably. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more travel tips and stories. Thanks for reading and see you next time!
Adrenaline junkie with a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding unique ways to stay active. Expect stunning scenery, challenging workouts, awesome travel tips and a whole lot of fun. Let’s get sweaty and explore the world together!