Are you traveling abroad for the first time? If yes, then follow the international travel tips for first-time travelers suggested in this blog.
Are you about to take your first international flight? Well, when you plan your first international travel, it is normal to feel both excited and a bit nervous.
So, don’t worry! Generally, traveling to a new country will appear scary at first. However, with the right preparation, you can have a smooth international trip.
When you plan an international trip for business, leisure, or study, you need to carefully handle each step, from arranging the travel documents to knowing the airport procedure.
If you are clueless about how to plan your international travel as a newbie traveler, continue reading this blog.
Here we have shared some useful international travel tips for first-time traveler’s.
1. Know about your destination
Before you travel, learn about the destination. Specifically, be aware of the local laws, customs, and culture to avoid unexpected issues. This is because some countries will have unusual laws, like no chewing gum in Singapore or no feeding pigeons in Venice. Typically, knowing these rules will help you stay out of trouble and have a memorable trip.
2. Verify visa and passport requirements
When planning your international trip, check the visa and passport rules for your destination. Each country will have different requirements. So, don’t assume you know what to do.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you leave the country. If you need a visa, then apply early because it can take some time. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally from India for the first time.
3. Make copies of important documents
Before you travel abroad, make copies of your important documents like your passport, visa, and travel insurance papers. Place one set of copies in your carry-on bag and another set in your checked luggage.
You can also save digital copies online or email them to yourself for extra security. If you follow this tip, even if your documents get lost or stolen, you will have backups to prove your identity.
4. Buy Travel Insurance
When you travel abroad, consider getting an insurance policy to protect yourself against unexpected events. Generally, travel insurance will cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. But before you purchase insurance, make sure to research and choose a plan that fits your needs.
In general, you can travel calmly and safely when you have good insurance. Moreover, you will know you are protected if something goes wrong.
5. Book your flight & Hotel early
If you are planning an international trip, then book your flight & hotel early to get the best prices and seats. Some airlines & hotel chain will offer discounts for advanced bookings.
Also, you will have more options to choose from and find great deals by patiently comparing prices on the best flight booking websites.
6. Choose the right airline and seat
When flying internationally for the first time, to get a better travel experience, choose the airline and seat that fit your needs. Specifically, check the airline’s service, baggage rules, and in-flight amenities before booking. Also, when picking your seat, consider your comfort. Usually, an aisle seat will be good for moving around, and a window seat will be great for views and sleeping.
7. Pick the right luggage and pack smartly
When traveling overseas, pick a reliable suitcase that complies with the weight and size restrictions set by your airline. Keep in mind that packing too much can result in additional costs and inconvenience.
When packing, take into account the activities and weather at your location. To keep organised and productive, employ space-saving methods like packing cubes and rolling your clothes.
8. Pack medications
If you take prescription drugs, then pack enough for your whole trip and a few extra days. Make sure to keep your medication in your carry-on luggage. Also, carry a small first-aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, painkillers, and antiseptic wipes.
Having a doctor’s letter for your medicine is also a good idea, particularly if it is not easily accessible in the country where you are going. This will keep you safe, healthy, and trouble-free when traveling abroad.
9. Prepare for financial transactions
Before you travel, inform your bank where you are going. If you do so, they won’t mark your transactions as suspicious. Also, check if your destination has limited ATM access or mostly uses cash.
This will help you avoid any financial issues during your trip. Especially when you carry enough cash, keep it securely in a money belt.
10. Arrange for connectivity
When traveling abroad, to stay online and connected with your loved ones, make sure to choose between international roaming, a local SIM card, or public Wi-Fi. Some countries block certain apps, so you might need a VPN to access them.
Before you travel to a new country, get to know the connectivity options available in that location. Then, based on that, choose the best option that meets your needs.
If you are a new traveler, then following these international travel tips will help you have a smooth journey. In case it is challenging for you to plan your international trip, you can approach Plane Pockets for affordable flight booking and customized itinerary creation.
