16 Tips for Your First Time Traveling Abroad
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Traveling abroad for the first time can be pretty intimidating, whether you are going solo, with a group or with a tour. I truly believe that everyone should travel abroad at least once, but I also understand that it can be kind of scary. Try not to let any preconceived notions or insecurities stop you from traveling, you will become a more confidant and well rounded person because of it. In order to help you enjoy your first trip here are 16 tips for tips for traveling abroad your first time.
Research & Planning Tips
- Check visa & vaccination requirements
This may be an obvious tip, but its also one that I still occasionally miss as an expire bed traveler. What passport you hold and where you are going will depend on whether or not you have to get a visa. If you do make sure you apply for it with plenty of time to spare. Along the same lines some destinations will require a proof of vaccination, like yellow fever vaccination, in order to gain entry to the country. Make you you’ve gotten all your shots beforehand!
- Book accommodation beforehand
Some people will choose to arrive in a destination and get a feeling for where they want to stay before they actually book something. However for your first time traveling abroad I would not suggest this. It will increase stress and can sometimes be a safety risk. Online reviews of places to stay are so good now that you can be reasonably confidant when you pre-book accommodation. At the very least book your first night before hand, if you want to switch later that is fine.
- Check the plugs
It sucks having to buy a plug converter at the airport or when you arrive in the destination. They always over charge you and its an annoying waste of time. A simple check of the destinations plugs beforehand means that you will save money and time while on your trip.
- Research your destination
Part of the fun of travel is researching and planning your trip. In fact researchers have found that vacation anticipation is when most travellers experience the highest jump in happiness. So researching your destination is fun, but it will also let you pick out points of interest and learn about local customs and history. It will only make your trip more fun! If you’re looking for alternative ways to research try watching movies or reading books about your destination. YouTube and blogs are a great resource as well.
- Prebook popular tickets
Some attractions are extremely popular and if you want to see them you will have to book ahead, sometimes even months ahead. You can generally get a good idea of which attractions these are by ready blogs or travel guides. Some times these must see, touristy spots are not worth it, but sometimes they are great. Without rebooking you will likely miss out on them. I have been to Amsterdam 4 or 5 times, but have never visited Anne Franks House because I never book far enough ahead.
Money Tips
- Ensure credit cards will work
Unusual action on your credit card might make your bank suspicious and put a hold on your account. It is extremely frustrating to try to deal with that from abroad. Make sure you inform your bank about your first trip abroad so they don’t freeze your account. Most of the time you can do this online in just a few minutes.
- Check your bank card fees
Most banks will charge fees for taking money out abroad, a higher exchange rate or some sort of other fee. Make sure you know what your bank will charge you when. This will make sure that you aren’t surprised by any fees, but also lets you plan on how to avoid them. Maybe paying for everything with your credit card is cheaper. Maybe you should take out and exchange money while at home.
- Have a back up cash and payment method
Losing your credit card, wallet or cash abroad sucks. Some places have a higher chance of pick pocketing, but it is just as likely that the new environment will cause you to forget your habits and forget it somewhere. Having an extra emergency card and/or some cash will buy you time to figure out how to deal with it.
Safety Tips
- Inform friends or family of general plan
Let friends and family know where you will be when, it doesn’t have to be an exact schedule, but give them an idea. If something happens at home they know where to find you. If something happens to you they know where to look. This is particularly important for solo traveler, but applies to everyone as well.
- Have back up documents
A new environment shakes up your habits which means you are much more likely to forget to pack your passport or leave your documents somewhere stupid. Make a copy of them and put it somewhere in your bag that you will never touch. Hopefully you will never have to touch it, but if something to your documents your life will be a lot easier if you have a copy. I’d suggest that you also email copies to yourself, just in case.
- Look up frequent scams
There are some scams that are more popular in certain destinations and an awareness of them means that you can avoid them. For example if it is common for taxi drivers to over charge or not use the meter you know to ask at your accommodation how much a trip should cost before hopping into a taxi. Knowing and avoiding frequent scams will help save you money, but will also help you stay safe. You can avoid areas that have sex trafficking problems or ensure your belonging are safe in areas with a lot of pick pocketing.
- Look up the emergency numbers in your location
Make sure you know what emergency number to call if you do get into a situation and you need help. They are not the same everywhere and you don’t want to be in that situation and not know who to call. You can find a list of the numbers to call here.
- Travel insurance
If something does happen you need insurance. You don’t want to be in a sticky situation with no way out, travel insurance provides that escape. Credit cards will often provide travel insurance for shorter trips, but not for trips over a certain number of days. Make sure you know what you are covered for and purchase more insurance if need be. There is lots of good travel insurance out there, but I’ve used World Nomads before and been happy with them.
Packing Tips
- Watch your liquids
Carry on bags have a very strict limit on the amount of liquids that you can have and if you go over they will confiscate your liquids. There are a ton of solid alternatives for common liquids that are perfect for traveling. I am a big fan of Lush’s shampoo bars, they last forever and are more eco friendly.
- Pack essential items in your carry on
Checked bag has a tendency to get lost. The chances of it being lost depend on your destination, airline and number of connections, but you should still plan on the possibility. This means packing your valuables like cameras in your carry on bag. You should also pack items that you wouldn’t be able to replace quickly like contact lenses or medication in your carry on. That means that if your checked bag is lost it will be annoying, but it will not ruin your trip.
- Tie your backpack straps
If you are traveling with a backpack make sure that you try to eliminate the amount of lose straps on your bag if you check it. These straps can sometimes get stuck in baggage carousals and rip your bag. Some bag will come with covers specifically for this reason, but if not just tie your straps together to limit the mouth of lose material that can get stuck.
