Tips For First Time International Travelers

You have your sights set on an international destination, and you are thrilled to book your flight. Even for the most experienced globetrotter, international travel can be stressful. For a first-timer it can be overwhelming. There are many things to do before you travel, including obtaining a passport, applying for visas and planning where you will stay. After a long flight you will need to adjust to a new time zone, currency, and language. You might also encounter unexpected situations along the journey.

The beauty of travel is that you don’t have to be an expert. It’s a learning process. You’ll be able to learn more and gain confidence on your next international trip if you have the basics of international travel. This will help you make international travel easier. These are some international travel tips that will help you prepare for your first overseas trip.

1. Selecting the destination

Maybe you have been longing to see elephants in Thailand, or the koalas of Australia. You may not know exactly where to go, but you know that you must. It can be difficult to decide which destination to go on your first international trip if you are overwhelmed by the amazing places you can now that you have a passport. You should ask yourself these questions: Do you prefer to be close to home or travel far? Can you speak a foreign tongue, are you open to meeting new people, and are you ready for adventure? This will help you narrow down your destination. You can choose from approximately 470 international tours now.

2. Check your documents

Before you book flights, you will need certain documents. International travel requires a passport that has been updated. For visa stamps, you’ll need to ensure that your passport has enough pages. Most countries require only a quarter of a page for their stamps, but some may need half a page or more. After you have your passport in order, it is time to apply for visas. Many countries will issue a tourist visa upon arrival to US citizens with a passport. Some destinations, such as Australia and Vietnam, require that you apply in advance. You should ensure you have checked the visa requirements of your destination before applying and that you complete any paperwork.

3. Book long and get a lot of bookings

To get the best prices on international travel, it is important to book at least one month in advance. As soon as you know when you will be traveling, start looking for flights. Apps can be used to track flight deals for your destination. To get the best out of your flight, make sure to take advantage of travel rewards and mileage programs.

4. Before you book, compare Transport and Stay

While most international trips will require you to fly, there are other options available for getting around the destination such as trains or buses. Many international destinations offer a great metro and bus system. I found it a bit daunting at first, but with a little guidance from the representative you can get around. You will also save money compared to cabs. Rome to Rio is a great tool that allows you to search for all routes from one point to another and determine which mode of transport will be the fastest and most cost-effective. Before you book your accommodation, take a look at the options. Although hotels are always a good choice, it’s important to research hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options in the area you’re visiting. These offer you the opportunity to meet other travelers as well as locals. Boutique hostels are becoming more popular and often have better amenities than budget hotels.

5. Take a look at the less-common necessities

You will need some basic items, regardless of whether you spend a lot time planning what clothes to wear on your trips. A digital luggage scale is a great item to have for travelers. You can track the weight of your luggage by using this scale. This scale is very useful, especially for your return flight. A universal power adapter is also a must-have. This will charge all your electronic devices. A good pair of sturdy walking shoes is essential. You will likely be walking a lot during your sightseeing. You can keep moving with a pair of trekking shoes or sandals for all-terrain walking, even in the rain.