by How excited were you for your first international visit : Thinking about my first international visit filled me with both anticipation and nerves. As my departure date approached, my anticipation increased greatly–my mind raced with questions like these: Who will live there and experience their culture? Will anyone speak my native language? And more. As time ticked away until my adventure could finally commence: “Would the people speak English or is this another foreign culture altogether? Will anyone even understand me when we arrive?” Food, language and culture would likely differ dramatically; I had read travel blogs and watched videos as preparation. Still nothing could fully capture the feeling of that first journey abroad. Not just sightseeing: it was about becoming a better person and exploring something completely unfamiliar, while creating lasting memories to look back upon in years’ time. Here I share how it felt to leave my comfort zone, the moments that stood out, and how my experience has transformed my outlook on the world.
My experience on travelling abroad for the first time
Your first trip abroad can be an extraordinary adventure; providing you with opportunities to discover new environments, meet people from various cultures and try unfamiliar cuisine. Although traveling may initially make you homesick or lonely due to unfamiliar settings, once negative feelings no longer rule your life travelling can become exhilarating and thrilling – I made my maiden voyage overseas several years ago and am proud of being the sole member of my family to experience another country; hence why I’ve chosen to share my travel stories here on XZoomr!
The country visited is Srilanka
Areas covered include: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and Galle.
Days remaining: 5
My thoughts when I travelled across the border of my country.
As soon as my GPS indicated that my flight had crossed across India’s South, I began looking out the windows to assess my surroundings. Through them, I could clearly view India’s Southeastern part. It was breathtaking. For minutes after, my attention was kept captive by its beauty; eventually becoming lost within it until my thoughts returned back home; finally reaching an area with views of both Indian Ocean and its coastline! With my initial anxiety over potentially landing in water being alleviated thanks to our pilot’s skills navigating, there was no cause of alarm!
My flight once was in a different country.
As my flight was only 15 minutes from its point of departure, I was intrigued about where my destination lay. Once there, however, I felt overwhelmed at clearing border control; being my first foreign country visit ever. To my delight and the help of immigration officers who gladly provided their services in clearing border controls. Once completed I headed directly to an exchange for currency exchange (1 USD = 150 Lankan rupees). With new notes of currency I purchased one on arrival before purchasing local sim card at entrypoint to airport.
Explore the country of tomorrow
As soon as I hopped aboard, and my shuttle started moving, I could take in my country of choice across long, calm roads without feeling bored to appreciate its scenery and highways, they looked incredible! Oh yes! Srilanka appeared completely different to India – though similar in many respects with beautiful infrastructure and ambience that contrasted well against India. As soon as my vehicle reached Colombo center my initial impression was one filled with busy streets and packed crowds!
Other tourists were bothered by tuk-tuk drivers trying to recruit them onto their rides and Buddhist monks who enjoyed strolling by. I arrived at my hostel as it began getting dark. Once inside, I headed straight for my room where I could rest up before starting another exciting day tomorrow.
The remaining day of Srilankan tour
My three days spent exploring Srilanka were exciting and unforgettable. First stop: Gangaramaya Temple with its impressive Buddha statue collection and antique car collection. Following that I visited Museum of Srilanka, Premadasa Cricket Stadium and Colombo Beach- all worthwhile visits for sure!
Once I arrived in Galle, the journey itself was breathtaking; our highway followed along oceans as we followed ocean views towards Galle. I spent 3 thrilling and exhilarating hours driving towards this breathtaking town that remains more stunning than Colombo even with 2004 Tsunami devastation; visiting Cricket Stadium, Fort and Marine Museum before driving back home again to Colombo.
On my next outing I visited Dehiwala Zoo in Srilanka’s new capital Sri Jayawardene Kotte with discounted admission costs as a SAARC member. While at Dehiwala I witnessed many species like Bactrian Camel, Orangutan and Lynx enjoying meals and relaxing; additionally I held an eagle secure within my arms!
A review of the food and people
As I’m Vegetarian, finding quality vegetarian food was both challenging and costly for me – I paid around 2000 Sri Lankan rupees per lunch buffet but even at that cost it tasted amazing!
Srilankan locals were extremely kind to me as I spoke fluent Tamil as well, introducing me to native speakers who asked if I wanted to join facebook and form relationships with Tamil speakers in Sri Lanka despite civil strife; people here treated me as though we’d always known one another! They created an exchange like old times!
Infrastructure-wise, Srilanka stands tall. Traffic rules in Srilanka were implemented for security reasons to safeguard citizens, making any attempt by drivers using mobile cellphones while operating tuk-tuks illegal. Traffic light regulations must also be strictly observed so as to prevent jams and collisions.
Last Day in Srilanka
Thank you to Sri Lankans who made my time there enjoyable and unforgettable. While travel and meals were more costly than India, I thoroughly enjoyed myself there nonetheless. When I finally reached my destination I felt at once nostalgic yet content being there; spending approximately 25-30K was satisfactory to my budget and returned safely within 2 hours with many memories for loved ones and friends back home in India.
8 First-Time Traveller Stories to Inspire Your First Overseas Adventure
Kaitlyn of Carry On Only Travel
The First Morning Changed My Life
My family had always included members traveling the globe; as a child I spent hours gazing upon their photos and asking about specific destinations such as “how bustling were Turkey’s souks? or where exactly in Bangkok did their rickshaw take them”. For my first experience travelling alone abroad I chose Kuala Lumpur; it proved everything that could have been expected!
One morning when I awoke and heard Adhan (the prayer service held at a nearby mosque), which brought tears to my eyes – I never imagined I’d become converted so soon after! What an extraordinary journey. I visited many temples and mosques as I made my way towards Batu Caves by climbing its steps; explored its forest-lined center; indulged in street food from vendors around town; got lost in its vast Central Market; boarded trains both ways with fascinating locals – I came away having had an incredible trip. Smells, images and sounds were so different to my hometown in Australia; I was amazed at all that variety. One particular experience stands out in particular; listening to Adhan at Malaysia National Mosque while people prayed. Experience was amazing in every respect – mind and heart alike. Everyone I encountered during my initial trip overseas was extremely kind and welcoming, giving me strength and faith that everything would turn out fine on its own.
Ana of Travels The World Online
That Special Something
Since I was young, trips across the globe have always seemed exciting and adventurous to me. Over 25 years this feeling has never diminished; the first time I traveled overseas as part of my mother’s preparation and realization process still brings excitement both before and after I leave; when arriving I kept seeking more! From food experiences, different cultures and meeting people of various origins I never seem satisfied; my favorite are “day to day life” travel experiences where being focused, calm and at one with nature are combined with new challenges that are unpredictable but unpreventably enjoyable!
My first solo travel experience began during my second year at university. With two other students from across the globe in tow, we traveled into Cuba for a month-long exploration! Cuba was once far away from Europe and I wasn’t connected fully with the internet; no phone lines and Internet service for an entire month! Instead, we went door-to-door seeking accommodation while simultaneously studying Spanish – an experience which has added great meaning and purpose in my life. Searching for that one thing that will bring back my sense of centering and life as soon as you begin living is something I encourage all people to do – once you discover yours you’ll experience its profound effect instantly!
Tina of Veganderlust
I Discovered My Love For Travel On My Semester Abroad
So much of Europe makes traveling abroad easy for me! When I was young, we spent my summer months traveling between Italy and Croatia with family. But my most memorable travel experience came at sixteen when traveling alone for half-year to California to pursue an intensive degree program there; although daunting at the start, this trip turned into an amazing journey that reignited my passion for travelling – ever since then I have visited 26 different countries, with more waiting in line!
Victoria of Guide Your Travel
A Trip To Kuala Lampur
My first trip out of the country was Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. At first I was nervous but quickly fell in love with its culture despite it being completely foreign from my previous environments. At an internship I completed over several months, there were plenty of tasks I was assigned each weekend that required my time and focus; yet on weekends I wanted to stretch myself outside my comfort zone by going out. Kuala Lumpur boasts numerous activities to delight its visitors, such as Thean Hou Temple, Batu Caves and Petaling Street. Additionally, I took an excursion over a weekend with new acquaintances to Langkawi Island located north Malaysia near Thailand border and met an extraordinary group who didn’t want me to return back after my journey concluded – making for both an incredible solo travel debut experience as well as truly memorable experience overall!
Jessica of According To Jessica
Travelling To Europe As A Student Ambassador At Age 13
As soon as I left home state South Carolina, I won an award for Student Ambassador aged thirteen. The trip would last one full month of travel through France, Italy and Malta as my mother spent months fundraising – prior to GoFundMe so her efforts had to work extra hard but they eventually managed to raise enough funds that enabled my travel and an additional $500 that covered meals while I was gone.
My life changed significantly when I moved abroad alone for the first time. Without parents to guide or protect me, it became necessary for me to learn about local customs and even some words of the local dialect in order to survive and adapt successfully. I visited places I never imagined existed, learned more than 12 different languages and sampled an incredible array of cuisine. One of my most unforgettable experiences was living with the Maltese family who were so welcoming and friendly! Food and home were unlike anything I was used to; evenings would find us dining by candlelight at the shoreline before relaxing on beverage carts lining its edges; it was amazing and an experience for which I will always be thankful. This excursion launched my love affair with travel since 19; I will forever remember this journey and its lessons.
Rachael of A Nomads Notebook
A Long-Awaited Journey
My initial travel experience alone had long been anticipated; although it hadn’t come quite so soon! Although I had previously traveled on holiday alone, this journey marked the first one taken alone since becoming a teenager. While tears flowed when saying my farewells to loved ones at London Gatwick airport, walking through those gates opened new chapters of life to me: one full of promise but also full of uncertainty and potential anxiety!
My aunt inspired my passion for travel as a young girl. As she traversed the globe I could witness cards arriving to us all as she traveled, as well as celebrations welcoming home her return. At times she would even be gone for up to 12 months at once, which always fascinated me immensely; her videos showing skydiving, bungee jumping and other adventurous feats was truly impressive.
At 27, I decided to travel through London, England to Australia – my ultimate backpacking goal! At first, I worried I may become old-fashioned in comparison with others traveling, yet eventually realized this wouldn’t matter since all travelers share similar beliefs and are united through travel. Once I realized this was no longer important to me, what mattered instead was how I managed my money and budgeted effectively. Within hours I began learning budgeting techniques as well as ways of living life more comfortably. Life became much more enjoyable thanks to this challenge; my adventures became even more satisfying! Plus, it led me to meet an everlasting love in Sydney – my now fiance and I now travel around together enjoying new discoveries together! This trip transformed my life significantly in many ways; although challenges arise along the way; once they are overcome you find it all worth your while.
Chelsea of Her Life Adventures
Eyes Wide Open in Japan
My inaugural overseas travel experience was Japan for a conference. Once off the plane, my eyes widen with anxiety as my jaw drops; I didn’t know which direction or action to take or what was best to do; all I knew is I needed a bathroom, quickly! Once there I was shocked to discover they were all squat – unknown about how to utilize without peeing myself on first use; food, language restrooms transport customs were all completely new experiences to me; simultaneously exhilarated yet scared I made my way towards Hotel where I felt the full definition of jet lag first hand for myself!
As part of my work I had the chance to meet and collaborate with individuals from my area. We enjoyed free food at our manufacturing factory since lunch is provided gratis for employees – I found this very modern; no tech firm here! As soon as I mastered bidetting and got used to company life plus discovered rail travel routes across my neighborhood I became much more comfortable within it all.
Last week I explored Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku-en – an old private garden running throughout Kanazawa Estate – before exploring Kyoto over our first weekend together, particularly notable moments being Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama and walking Fushimi Inari.
Amber of Amber Everywhere
Amber In Guatemala
My dreams of traveling the world began at university. At that point in January each year was Jan Term: an intense course or intensive studies that took several weeks of your schedule to complete. With help from one of my classmates, we decided that January Term would be the ideal opportunity to conduct independent research in another country. Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco (PLQ for short), Guatemala is an institution offering language learning through homestay and daily tuition in Spanish, which was the perfect chance for me to experience traveling across the globe while at the same time getting academic help and credit! It was truly exciting!
As someone new to such endeavors, I wasn’t sure what was in store. After conducting extensive research into security and safety concerns in Guatemala over an extended period, I registered for STEP at the State Department (and still get notices today) with as many queries as I could think up. As soon as I arrived in Guatemala City, my initial fear was that my skin had broken out into hives! In actuality, the trip proved highly successful. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed practicing our Spanish in Quetzaltenango as well as exploring its surroundings while meeting fellow guests from all nations around Quetzaltenango. A majority of students at school came from the US; there were guests from other nations as well. It provided the ideal opportunity for traveling that ultimately inspired my exploration, leading me to live overseas such as Ireland where I currently reside!
