Experts Share 17 Must-Know Tips for Your First International Vacation

Traveling overseas for the first time is super exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming as you try to prepare. You’re probably wondering what you should do to make your trip as smooth as possible. While not everything will go perfectly, there are some easy steps you can take to avoid common problems. To help you plan your trip better and have a smooth journey, here are some helpful tips for first-time travelers going abroad for a vacation.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is important to ensure you have a smooth journey. Research the destination, book your accommodation wisely, and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid any stress. Check for any travel advisory or health precautions for that country. It’s good to join travel groups on social media to learn about others’ experiences to prepare yourself.

Pack A Multi-Use Pocket Knife

Most multi-use tools contain fold-out pliers, folding knives, scissors, a small blade, scores, and even a bottle opener. Of course, if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need to check in with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to ensure you’re not carrying an illicit multi-tool. This multi-tool will get you out of a lot of tight spots (opening bottles, wines and even acting as a self-defense tool).

Keep an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit containing first aid, painkillers, and important medications is a must when traveling overseas. Having this on hand will help you enjoy your trip without feeling anxious in case of a health emergency. Also, put some extra money and important documents in a separate kit and safely tuck it away in the hotel room so you always have access to backup.

Download Offline Maps

Forget guided tours of your destination; they’re insanely expensive, slow, and require you to stick with your group. Download an offline map of your destination; you can explore the city at your pace, visiting famous landmarks and destinations without having to turn on your data.

Pack Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets aren’t only helpful when doing the laundry; they’ll protect your clothes after you’ve packed them. Dryer sheets keep your clothes fresh; they won’t pick up on that musty smell that usually spreads throughout the suitcase. It also keeps clothes soft, perfect to wear when you’re tired and reach your destination.

Take A Photo Of Your Luggage

Most travelers have lost their luggage at least once or more. Whether it’s your fault or the airline’s, it’s best to take a picture of the luggage to ensure you don’t lose it. If you lose it, you can show the picture you’ve taken to the airline, making tracking easier and faster.

Take A Picture Of Your Documents

Most travel agencies advise you to take photocopies of all essential documents like visas, passports, and bookings, but you could lose the photocopies, too. Take pictures of your documents and upload them to a cloud file, so if you do end up losing a document and can’t access your phone, you can log in and access the pictures.

Use Incognito Mode When Booking

Many airlines and travel companies purposely hike the charges for specific areas. This means you can get the tickets at a price much higher than regular. To prevent overcharging, switch to an incognito tab and scroll without cookies. You can also switch currencies and change your location to your destination to pick cheaper flights.

Learn Basic First Aid

Although we all want our plans to go off without a hitch, you can never be too careful. You won’t know when the need for first aid arises, but it might happen somewhere you can’t access emergency services. Learning basic first aid to care for yourself and fellow travelers in an emergency can come in handy.

Use Packing Cubes

If you’re struggling to close your suitcase and sit on it to zip it up, you need packing cubes. Packing cubes help you organize luggage, so you can occasionally section clothes. Many packing cubes can also suck in air, so you can airtight pack your clothes, reducing space and making zipping the suitcase easier.

Carry A Basic Travel Adapter

Not every destination you travel to will have sockets you use back home; it’s best to buy a universal adapter that can be plugged in anywhere. It’s also a good idea to check in with the common adapter and socket type used at your destination so you can purchase one that works.

Don’t Overbook Or Over Plan

Most of us are excited to experience all sorts of activities when traveling, so we’ll plan a full travel itinerary. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to experience everything, but over-planning activities won’t leave any room to rest. Eventually, you’ll succumb to exhaustion and be forced to sit out, so plan activities with gaps so you can rest in between.

Inform Your Bank

Notifying your bank about your travel plans sounds silly, but it could save you from being deserted in a foreign place without money. Banks will block all credit cards with suspicious activity, so if you suddenly start using your card in a new destination, they’ll block it, too. Just inform the bank so they won’t mark transactions as suspicious.

Invest In Travel Insurance

Many travelers think travel insurance is just a scam by travel agencies, but it comes in handy. You can get much-lost money back if you meet a mugger or a robber, but that’s not all travel insurance does. It also facilitates tourists with delayed flights, missed departures, and any sudden changes in plans due to emergencies.

Learn Basic Phrases In The Local Language

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can really make a difference. Simple greetings, saying “thank you,” and asking politely for things show you’re making an effort, and locals definitely notice that. Even if you don’t nail the pronunciation, people appreciate that you’re trying.

Respect Local Culture & Traditions

Showing respect for local customs and traditions will result in positive interactions with the locals. Before you travel, learn about the cultural norms, what is prohibited there or is not considered normal, and act accordingly. This small act can make your trip more meaningful and enjoyable.

Stay Positive & Enjoy Every Moment

Travel is full of surprises, so try to keep a positive attitude and just go with the flow. When things don’t go as planned, embrace the unexpected and make the best of it. Focus on enjoying the journey and creating great memories. Staying positive makes every trip so much more fun and memorable.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.