Traveling outside of your home country for the very first time is terrifying as it is exciting.
It’s a challenge to be away from your comfort zone, let alone survive a couple of days in a different environmental setting. If you’re planning to take an international for the first time, there are a lot of factors to consider.
It’s important to take into consideration several travel-related facts to be able to enjoy the trip entirely. Whether it is for business or leisure, you still have to plan it well according to your preferences, especially if it’s your first time.
Here are some useful tips to take note of.
Research about your destination
First-timers are usually giddy about discovering a new foreign city. It’s automatic that you will want to know more about the country you are visiting.
Getting to know your destination through facts, photos, and videos that can be found all over the internet is one way of researching. You can also ask your friends and family who have been to the country for first-hand experience tips that can help you with your trip.
It’s important to understand the country’s culture and its traditions so you can adapt quickly to the environment. It will also help you behave according to their societal standards. If what they do is not your cup of tea, then be respectful of their ways and go about on your own.
It’s interesting to learn something new every day. Facts and information about a certain country will make you feel like you’ve been there already. Learning how to say basic language like hello, goodbye, thank you is also essential.
Secure travel documents
One important tip to always remember is to secure your travel documents! There are a lot of horror stories online that will make you want to safely zip your passport, boarding tickets and other immigration-related documents in a very secure pouch to avoid any problems when traveling abroad.
Protect your passport at all costs because that’s your key to entering and leaving a country.
Keep a digital copy of important documents on your phone if you must. It will be your safety net in case anything unfortunate happens.
Make sure you can access your money overseas
Some banks need activation before you can access your account abroad. Make sure to call your bank before you leave the country.
If you’re worried about bringing a bulk of cash on your purse, bring your ATM card with you since most countries accept Visa and Mastercards. Just be ready for overseas bank fees.
However, if you’re suspicious about money transactions abroad, alert your bank that you will travel out of the country. That way, any skeptical activities on your debit or credit card will be blocked.
Prepare your luggage
To be able to maximize the space in your suitcase, make a checklist of things to bring. It will cause you further hassle if you leave important stuff behind because you didn’t pay attention, or you were just too excited to hop on the plane.
If you can, pack early to avoid cramming and panic-stricken episodes. The tendency of last-minute packing is overpacking because you feel like you need to load up on things, and then you end up realizing you packed unnecessary stuff. Apparently, it’s not good for your back and your wallet.
You need to be reminded that the country you are visiting will surely be hundreds of miles away from your home. Any left behind essential items like medication and clothes will not be quickly delivered to you in a heartbeat. Don’t stress yourself out. Just prepare your luggage ahead of time.
Arrive early at the airport
International flights have different airport standards than domestic flights.
When you go out of the country, you have to pass through an immigration desk before you reach another security gate. Usually, passengers of an international flight are required to be at the airport three hours before the boarding time.
If you arrive late, expect a lot of running towards the gate. And if worse comes to worst, you’ll get left behind. The airplane won’t wait for you unless you’ve passed through the immigration lane before they closed the gate.
Stay aware of your safety
You should always be vigilant whenever you travel regardless if it’s a domestic or international trip. The only thing that makes a difference between the two is that you’re not very well familiar with the crime culture in another country, so you have to be aware.
Tourists are more prone to scams and tricks since the bad guys would know that you’re new to the city.
It won’t hurt to take extra precautions during your trip abroad to avoid emergency cases like lost phones, or an unfortunate physical accident.
Eat local
Once you’re out of the country, I encourage you to try their local food. That’s also one way of getting to know their culture and immersing yourself into an authentic local experience.
If you think you’ll have a hard time understanding their menu, most restaurants would often have pictures to accompany the items on their menu. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You’ll never know when you’ll discover your newest favorite dish.
Traveling outside of the country for the first time is a liberating feeling. It might spark your inner wanderlust, so be prepared. A travel bug is not one to be easily shaken off our systems. I believe that it’s an itch that you’ll have to endure for a lifetime.
