Important Tips for First Time International Travel
2024-07-25
Travelling International for the first time is an exciting yet a worrisome prospect. There's curiosity for what's coming and the added fear of “What if something goes wrong?”. But what if I told you that, sooner or later, something is bound to not go according to plan? Keep in mind, these moments where we improvise and still manage to have fun, are what make these trips so fruitful. We pretty much learnt this in school, “Prevention is better than cure”, so we’re there to save the day and give you some tips and tricks to help you make this trip as perfect and memorable as possible.
Plan Everything in Advance
It's great to play footsy in new countries and try to explore it by natural instinct or just visit the popular tourist attraction rather than planning exactly where you want to visit and in what time duration. But a good trip is when you plan in advance and know what's coming rather than being stranded in a different country that you know nothing about. We’re not saying that you need to plan it to the dot and be exactly where you planned on exact timing. Just scope everything out including flights, stays and popular destinations that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Check Passport and Visa Requirements
If you’re travelling to a new country then it's necessary to carry your passport. Before you leave for your trip, just make sure that your passport expiry is at least 6 months past your return date. Also check for vis requirements that you might need to comply with in advance. You can check the visa requirements on the destination country’s own website. Some countries have Visa on Arrival (VoA) but make sure of the fact before you make any further moves.
Purchase Travel Insurance
We know that this is a very boring topic and must seem like an insignificant expense on your part, but travel insurance is a must for an international trip. These trips usually cost a lot of money and it would hurt to see all go away if anything unfortunate happened. These travel insurances cover things like unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. Compare different plans and see which one takes into account, mishaps that might occur during the trip and best suits your needs.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Making copies of important travel documents like passport, visa paperwork, travel insurance, etc is a must. Keeping a set of copies with you and others with a trusted person or a family member is generally good practice to not find yourself stranded in an unknown country. Also try and keep a separate digital copy on a secure cloud service for better reinforcement of your security.
Inform Your Bank and Credit Card Company
You need money to move around in foreign countries and will obviously want to spend some money there for yourself. Just make sure your bank and credit card company are aware of your travelling plans so that there’s no restriction or hindrance while using your credit card there. Also try to get a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees, to save some more of your hard-earned money.
Only Pack Essentials
We know, at the time of packing, it might seem that you need to bring your whole closet and other stuff labeling it as “important”, but you need to reconsider. Airlines offer a set number of weight allowed on the aircraft, passing which charges levy. Remember to include any prescription medications, travel-sized toiletries, and a first aid kit. Also, pack an extra change of clothes and some essential items in your carry-on, in case the checked luggage is delayed.
Understand the Local Currency
Familiarize yourself with the local currency and what it means in comparison to your currency. Just make sure you don’t overpay or underpay for a service. Also exchange some money before you leave or withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive. This was you can keep a mix of cash and credit card or either of them get stolen. Just a sidenote, we always advise people to keep some cash separate in a safe space so you can use it in emergency situations.
Learn Basic Phrases
Travelling to a new country means a language barrier. With any luck, the country you chose to will speak English as it is the second language to most of the countries but still don’t expect everyone to understand what you’re saying. Try to meet them halfway by learning the basics of the local language. Simple greetings and phrases like thank you, you’re welcome will help you over some this barrier and mix in the crowd well. It might even lead to some wholesome interactions and moments.
Stay Connected
The internet is your tool, use it wisely. Staying connected is a must while travelling. Keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Also consider using an international phone plan, a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi. There are many new travel apps that help you navigate, translate and provide local information for the destination you are going to.
Stay Safe
Okay this may not seem like such a big tip, but this is the most important one. It's good to have fun on your trip, that’s the whole point of travelling, but stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Remember that how much ever fun you’re having, you still must be responsible for your belongings. Keep your valuables safe and avoid displaying expensive items. Keeping the local emergency numbers memorized is necessary. Also have a plan ready to connect with your travel companion, if any, in case you get separated.
Your first international trip is an exciting opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and create lasting memories. With careful planning and these essential tips, you'll be well-prepared to march forward on your adventure with confidence and joy. This is just the start of an amazing travel journey, the first step to exploring the world and there are many more to come.
Best of Luck and Happy Travels!