Tips for Traveling Abroad for The First Time
If you are traveling abroad for the first time, consider these tips before leaving to ensure a hassle-free experience.
1. Bring your passport in order
The first thing you have to do when planning an international trip is to check your passport. If you don't have one, make sure to apply for a passport well before the departure day, because it may take several weeks for it to be delivered. You need to have the passport on hand when you book a flight or a hotel room.
Also, some tourist attractions may ask visitors to present their passport to allow them to enter the site. Don’t forget to check the visa requirements of your destination country and apply for a visa in advance if needed.
2. Make research about the country
Before you travel to a country, make a thorough research about it. This will help you understand what expectations to have and how to behave in the environment. A great way to learn how a country is like is talking to people who have already traveled there.
Find out if you have to change currency before departure, what are the social norms, what tourist scams you may face, and how to say basic phrases in the local language. It will allow you to interact more easily with the people there and avoid getting into unpleasant situations.
3. Don't underestimate safety
While traveling is about relaxation and disconnection, you should remain highly alert when it comes to your safety. Make sure you gather information about natural disasters and emergencies that may happen in the destination country during your stay and prepare properly for them.
Find out if pickpockets and scammers are common, and what are the most dangerous areas of a city or country that you should avoid going to. If there is a popular scam, look for tips on how not to fall into the trap.
4. Avoid overpacking
Try to pack light as it will make your life much easier while traveling. It will be easier for you to move around the city, climb a flight of stairs, and get off and on public transport.
Also, it may save you some money on airport fees. If you bring a lot of stuff, it may be hard to find space for it all; for example, when you live in a small hotel room or a hostel. Keep in mind that using laundry abroad removes the need to have a new outfit for each day of your stay. Check out the weather forecast before leaving. If it's too hot, consider removing some warm and heavy clothes from your luggage.
5. Get travel insurance
There are many things that may go wrong when you travel abroad. That's why, you are recommended to get travel insurance that will cover unforeseen expenses, such as medical treatment, emergency transportation, stolen baggage, and delayed flights.