First Time Traveling Abroad? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

It’s a great, big world, and we are so stoked that you’re about to get out there and explore it!

Traveling abroad for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. Taking your first international trip is a significant milestone, accompanied by a certain sense of anticipation, anxiety, and thrill. Nothing beats experiencing new cultures, meeting interesting people, and learning to immerse yourself in the unfamiliar. If you’re feeling the wanderlust bug but don’t know where to start, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your first time traveling abroad.

As traveling for the first time can be overwhelming, it’s common for first-time travelers to make mistakes. These errors include overpacking, carrying valuables, storing important papers loosely, etc. In addition, these novice travelers usually miss the “research in advance” part. They are often seen taking pictures, driving in prohibited zones, breaking the region’s law, or hurting the locals.

Plan and research your destination’s culture, customs, and language to avoid these mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; locals are an excellent resource for finding the best spots to explore or for advice about navigating the city.

To get started, here are a few valuable tips that can make your trip smoother:

Preparing Your Bags

When you’re packing for your first international trip, it is very easy for excitement to take a toll on you. Be mindful of how you label your luggage. Avoid putting your name tags in plain sight on the outside of your bags, as it could make you an easy thief target. Instead, tuck them inside a luggage sleeve or on a covered luggage tag.

It’s also a good idea to include a card with your name and contact information in case your luggage gets lost in transit. Also, tie a colorful ribbon or string around your card or write something distinctive to make it stand out.

To have some extra peace of mind, consider investing in a GPS tracker, such as an Apple Airtag, for your bag to easily locate it if it goes missing.

Maintain Proper Documentation

Ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa, and any other identification needed for your intended destination. Keep track of expiration dates and make hard and digital copies of crucial documents in case of loss or theft.

Create Extensive Travel Itineraries

Ensure you have everything in order and plan a thorough itinerary before leaving. Write down all the places you want to see and the things you want to do, including researching any local customs or cultural norms you should be aware of and trying all the new foods you’ve been craving. This will give you a better idea of what to expect on your journey.

Carry on for the plane

Pack your carry-on wisely. Bring items such as a first-aid kit, a water bottle, and some entertainment if you think you’ll get bored on the flight. And keep at least one complete outfit and any necessary toiletries in the bag, too, just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive timely at the destination.

Tackle the Hunger Pangs in the Air

On the topic of packing essentials for the flight, bring along your favorite snacks or try something new from the destination you’re visiting. Avoid eating airline food as much as possible; it can be loaded with preservatives that can make you feel sick, and most importantly, it will not keep you full for long.

Be Sure to Drink Plenty of Water.

Airplane cabins have a low humidity level, so keep yourself hydrated. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as much as possible to avoid dehydration.

Don’t Oversleep

Napping is okay, but do not sleep the whole flight unless it corresponds with the day’s correct time. If your flight arrives early in the morning, for instance, you can get some shut-eye and jump right into your day. But avoid sleeping the entire time because doing so can disrupt your sleep schedule and cause you to miss out on some of the travel experience.

Choose your Hotels Wisely

Do some research and ensure the hotel you choose respects your privacy. Small hotels are usually a better choice than large resorts, as they tend to be more private. Also, check for the minute details such as “Is the room spacious? Is the view nice? “Would you be able to wake up in the morning with natural light?” etc. The most crucial factor is making sure your accommodation is safe and secure.

To find the best hotel for you, read reviews from previous guests and gather information about the hotel’s security measures to ensure your safety while traveling.

Money Matters

Having a sufficient amount of money is essential when traveling abroad, so plan your budget accordingly. Exchange foreign currency well in advance to avoid overspending or running out of cash. For security reasons, it’s also wise to keep most of your spending money separate from your passport and other essential documents. When you can use secure forms of payment such as Apple Pay.

Dressing Down

Trying to blend in is usually a good idea when traveling abroad. Otherwise, you can make yourself an easy target for pick-pocketing. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry that draws attention, and opt for comfortable clothing that blends in with the locals. Also, when traveling internationally, it’s important to dress respectfully and in keeping with local customs. For example,  avoid tank tops and shorts when visiting temples or religious sites or when you’re out and about in the city.

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. Make sure to plan and be prepared for the unexpected. Follow these simple guidelines and have a wonderful and memorable experience on your first trip abroad.

Authors Bio: Ryan Slough is an adventurer who loves to explore places less visited and roads less traveled. A loving father, military veteran, and a Master Sergeant serving as a Military police officer, Ryan travels to some of the most stunning places, which not only have scenic beauty but also hold historic significance. Together with his traveling partner, Joelle, the traveling duo share their experiences on their travel blog, the Wanderers Compass. They post breathtaking photos, share unique recipes they encounter, discuss different cultural nuances they experience, and also talk about resources for other travelers on this blog. Soon, Ryan would be starting full-time college, determined not to let his wanderlust be weakened by his new responsibilities.

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