by some tips for preparing for an international trip : Making your first international journey can be both thrilling and daunting, yet Go Overseas can offer invaluable guidance as we have traveled worldwide since 1996, always learning and applying new travel tips from those we meet along the way.
Unchartered travel may seem daunting at first, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Use these easy tips on things to consider prior to traveling abroad to ensure an effortless adventure.
1. Prepare your travel documents
One key way to reduce stress and anxiety is applying for your passport or visa in time. Without such documents, traveling may become significantly restricted and limiting.
Passport
A 10-year validity may tempt some to let their passport lapse without renewing it when necessary, leading them to not realize they must renew it at some point in the near future.
Many countries won’t permit you to enter their borders if your passport expires within six months, or your demand for visa may be turned down if there aren’t sufficient blank pages in it.
Make sure that you have a valid passport before booking any trips abroad; failing to apply in time could delay your journey significantly.
Visa
Before traveling abroad it is essential that you check whether an entry visa will be necessary; an official document issued by your destination country allowing entry. Arriving without one can lead to being denied entry – particularly if not obtained before departure.
US and UK passport holders have the flexibility of visiting many different countries without needing a visa, while also receiving one upon their arrival. Rules vary across nations so be sure to research before traveling.
2. Research your destination
Research your destination thoroughly if you want the best travel experience possible. While traveling on impulse may seem more exciting, putting forth time researching ahead of time allows for familiarization with specific details in each country and an insight into best practices when traveling internationally for the first time.
Apart from language and cultural practices, laws vary across cultures as well. Did you know chewing gum was illegal in Singapore or that feeding pigeons Venice is against the law? Additionally, taking your horse with you when drinking at a bar in Scotland would also be illegal; these rules might seem foreign at first; being aware of them beforehand will prevent issues in future encounters with authorities.
You can ask questions to learn more regarding the country you’re touring
Are You Eligible for Water Tap Water access and Currency of The Country Do they practice dominant religion with rules for dressing modestly; is vaccination required, etc?
Does your vacation spot cater for tourism, with accommodations readily available for tourists and English used at an acceptable level as the primary language? And can the local cuisine meet all of your dietary preferences?
Are there any traffic laws which differ between where you reside and your current locale?
3. Discuss money issues
Once you decide on an exotic travel destination, make sure you inform your bank that this will be happening, otherwise they could become suspicious when your bank notices immediately being used at outlets in Thailand.
As your location dictates, ATMs may not always be accessible and countries with predominantly cash economies may lack credit card readers in many establishments or restaurants – in these situations it is imperative that you bring enough cash with you when venturing out on an evening venture; many travelers place large sums of cash under their clothing for safety.
4. Find out about accommodation and transportation alternatives
It is likely that you will travel every each day. So be sure to find the best method of travel for your travels.
Transportation
Websites like Rio2Rome and 12Go provide excellent ways of exploring potential route alternatives while simultaneously determining which form of transport (bus trains plane or otherwise ) would provide the most cost-efficient and economical travel option.
Metro and buses tend to be the least costly and environmentally friendly transportation modes available; passengers have ample opportunity to experience and interact with city life on public transit. If these methods do not suit, install rideshare apps such as Uber/Cabify/Bolt for doorstep delivery from licensed and certified drivers at competitive costs.
Accommodation
Hotels remain an attractive alternative, yet guesthouses, hostels and Airbnb could provide less costly yet more immersive travel experiences. Furthermore, travellers will gain the opportunity to meet fellow travellers if opting for any of these accommodations; boutique hostels often boast better features than their budget counterparts.
When considering long-term accommodation options, be sure to research locations that offer monthly discounts. Hostelz.com serves as an efficient comparison site that compares Hostelworld, Booking and Gomio among others and lets users book directly through it at competitive rates.
5. You can book everything up to date
If your plan is set, making reservations should happen as soon as you have both funds and commitment to travel. Although last minute options can provide greater flexibility when choosing accommodation, don’t be caught unawares by unforeseen accommodation shortages or sudden costs when arriving at your chosen destination.
Last-minute travelers often face difficulty when trying to book accommodation without prior booking, which often leaves them scrambling around trying to locate something suitable. Not only may paying more be a detriment when making last-minute arrangements; being in an unfamiliar locale and being unable to secure accommodations can also add extra layers of anxiety and distress.
As for transportation tickets, booking early can provide incredible deals! Planning your journey without worry from start to finish gives you time to simply enjoy yourself instead of fretting over future plans.
6. Do not travel with fatigue
As soon as the excitement of planning your first international travel experience kicks in, you might feel inclined to do everything at once. What cities can be visited on one excursion, how much time per day can be allocated per destination, whether or not traveling from north-south is preferred etc… If this sounds like you then take it slow & be patient when planning.
Strategies to combat the fatigue of traveling
Allow Yourself Time for Jet Lag Recover: Travel can be exhausting; when traveling across time zones it can become especially daunting, with jet lag often occurring upon arriving in new locales. A sudden time change disrupting circadian cycles takes several days of adjustment – take this opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before moving onto your next stop!
Prepare yourself for travel sickness: No matter if traveling via car, plane or vessel – whether by taking some travel sickness medication and giving yourself ample time to recuperate after traveling can leave one feeling queasy and dizzy. Give yourself enough time and space for recovery before departing on any long trip.
Attentive planning of each travel experience is of utmost importance when traveling abroad, putting quality over quantity first. Exploring many places on your terms rather than trying to see all at once often proves more fulfilling and memorable experiences compared to rushing across entire nations with only surface exploration being accomplished en route. Tourists sometimes become overzealous about filling an itinerary full of travel. When they return home and reflect upon it all later they realize most of their time was actually spent travelling!
7. Make sure you are taking care of your health and safety
Though you should remain relaxed on your journey, being aware of potential safety concerns and taking necessary measures can go a long way towards making it enjoyable and safe.
Tips for safety to be followed when traveling abroad
Make sure your valuables are secure from theft by pickingpockets: crossbody bags or fanny packs can provide the ideal way to deter and store phones as well as wallets safely from theft, as they deter pickpockets. Be wary about keeping valuables in pockets on backpacks – use belts that you wear under clothing as additional security and look out for wallets designed to resist being lost or taken.
Keep In Touch: Share your itinerary with family and friends before traveling so they can track your travels more easily, provide contact details for lodging accommodations, as well as register through your US State Department’s Smart Traveler Entry program (STEP), so embassy authorities in your region know they can reach out in case of natural catastrophe or political unrest as well as any other emergencies that arise during their time abroad.
Think About Travel Insurance: Travel insurance should be at the top of your checklist when planning for any trip, from evacuation in emergencies to compensation of lost luggage if something unexpected goes amiss. Purchase it together with essential travel items from Go’s Essentials For Travelers page!
Utilize common sense! Seek advice from locals or staff at your hotel about which places are safe. Ideally, plan a date night with someone. When out drinking on the town alone or with people you know and trust, drink less alcohol; especially if using apps to meet new partners/dates/marriage prospects/etc; this includes taking walks in public areas if using dating apps / dating a stranger makes you uncomfortable! Stay aware of your emotions if anything makes you uneasy or upsets your feelings!
8. Take care to pack your items in a way that is appropriate
An efficient packing strategy can enhance your travel experience. Overpacking, insufficiently packing or embarking with incongruent luggage may have detrimental repercussions for the journey ahead of you.
Before packing your bags for travel, here are a few useful ideas you should keep in mind: Utilize Packing Cubes Never underestimate how valuable packing cubes will make travel more efficient; from organizing luggage more effectively and saving space to helping keep clothing tidy during a trip – cubes for packing are inexpensive solutions which help ensure everything remains in its place during a journey.
Light Travel When packing light travel is key, be careful to not overdo it with luggage that could lead to painful travel experiences (particularly old buildings without elevators!). Are you worried that purchasing new clothing might become necessary during your adventure? Try hiring a laundry service, or treat yourself by purchasing souvenir clothing as souvenirs!
Security Strategies To Keep Your Items Safe It goes without saying, but there are different approaches you can take to making sure that your belongings remain secure. Locks should be applied to luggage/rucksacks with locks attached so thieves cannot steal it away, important items (i.e. electronics/jewelry etc) should always be carried as carry-on luggage in your carry-on bag, if possible; and in hotels without enough privacy you must store these valuables safely within their bedrooms; many hotels provide lockers but you will likely require locks of your own in order to store all essential belongings safely within.
9. Find out about the best Airport travel tips
Travel anxiety when leaving and arriving at an airport can be quite common for both newcomers as well as veteran travellers alike. Navigating through large buildings filled with numerous departure boards and crowds of people may leave one feeling overwhelmed and anxious – especially those flying abroad for the first time.
But getting around an airport can be made simple if broken into manageable steps. Determining your terminal of choice, checking-in at said terminal and getting through security are all straightforward processes that allow for smooth sailing until morning coffee time arrives – then enjoy!
Tips to enhance the experience you have at airports
Make copies of all essential documents (visa ticket, visa application form and hotel info etc). Establish the terminal from which your flight will depart before leaving (some airports are large enough that terminals could be miles apart!).
Check in online prior to the event if possible! When time allows, download some of your favorite programs, movies and podcasts as distractions to pass the time. And keep an eye on your bags to ensure they remain within the legal limits.
10. Take into account connections
Travel can be life-altering; yet at times can also leave travellers feeling isolated and alone. Yet traveling doesn’t necessarily have to be done alone: there are ways in which loved ones and family can stay in contact during vacation – including calling them daily and sharing pictures from your adventures!
As part of your approach to connectivity, take note of:
International Roaming or Local SIM It is ultimately up to you to decide whether it makes more sense for you to utilize international roaming on your current plan, or purchase local SIMs when traveling abroad. In either instance, however, an unlocked smartphone must be present so as to be compatible with pre-paid SIMs.
Accessing Public WiFi Services Public WiFi can be an efficient and economical way of conserving data, and large cities often boast widespread coverage whereas remoter locations may only have partial coverage available.
Need an Internet Connection: Social networking services like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp may be restricted in certain foreign nations – like China, Turkey or UAE for example). Therefore it’s wise to assess if using a VPN will enable access.
Experience travel abroad for the first time in confidence!
As tedious as creating and crossing off an exhaustive checklist might be before traveling abroad for the first time can seem, these items will ultimately enhance your travel experience! Make sure to purchase travel insurance and pack some packing cubes. When planning an excursion or adventure take your time and place priority on quality over quantity! Once ready for their first overseas journey they’re in for an incredible journey that’ll leave them craving more adventures abroad!
