The world is a living masterpiece, waiting to be felt, explored, and remembered. There isn’t a perfect time to step out and make memories. You can make any moment the right one for you. Don’t you always feel butterflies in your stomach when you think of getting out of your home country for the first time? You might have travelled through your country, but there is something special about going beyond your borders. Stepping into a new realm of adventure can give you mixed feelings of excitement and panic. We are here to get you prepared for your very first international vacation to make it less confusing and more enjoyable.

How to plan your first international trip?

Let us start from the beginning. The first thing to consider is the type of experience you want and choose your destination accordingly.

Research about

The destination: You have to be aware of the geographical setting and get a basic idea of it. Calculate the distance from your home country and take note of the different time zones.
The culture: It is essential to know about the local customs, traditions, and religious practices. Make sure to not use offensive body language.
The currency: Be prepared with the knowledge of currency and current exchange rates. It is an ideal way to convert your cash to USD and take it with you when you travel.

Do check out the life-saving apps

For translation: Google Translate and iTranslate.
For navigation: Google Maps, Maps.me, and Citymapper.
For currency conversion: XE Currency Converter and Currency Converter Plus.
For checking weather: AccuWeather and The Weather Channel App.

You must plan your trip when

The climate is perfect for the travel experiences you want, such as summer for outdoor activities and winter for snow sports.
There are fewer crowds for a pocket-friendly travel experience.
The destination has colourful festivals and exciting events.
There aren’t any risks involved, such as typhoons or heavy rains.

Take note of

Any new restrictions related to international travel.
The new updates from the official government website.

Documentation essentials for your travel

Get your passport and visa ready to avoid unnecessary problems and ensure smooth travel. It is advisable to keep these documents ready a few weeks before your planned journey.

Passport

You need to have your passport at the time of travel with a minimum validity of 6 months. If you haven’t gotten your passport yet, do apply for it first before you fix your vacation dates. The processing time might differ and can delay your travel. You have to keep a few things in mind when it comes to your passport.

Check your passport validity.
Keep your passport in good condition.
Make sure you have enough pages for stamps.

Want some passport applying tips? then checkout: Apply for a Passport from Wherever You Are in India

Visa

A visa is a permit that allows you to enter the specified country; it is stamped on your passport or digitally linked to your passport. The requirements and regulations for every visa are different and it is also based on which country you are residing in. Apply for your tourist visa a few months in advance to be on the safer side.

Types of tourist visas: e-visa, visa on arrival, single-entry visa, multiple-entry visa, and embassy visa.

General requirements: a valid passport, visa application form, photographs, proof of funds, accommodation proof, flight bookings, and travel itinerary.

Also checkout: Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa

The basics of booking flight and stays

It might seem overwhelming at first, but choosing your flights and accommodations can be an interesting part of your travel planning. Why miss out on the fun?!

Flight booking tips

Book your flights 2 to 6 months in advance.
Be flexible with the dates to avail better discounts.
Compare prices using Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak.
Take note of the baggage policies.

Accommodation booking tips

Book early, especially if you are travelling during peak seasons.
Read reviews before confirming your stays.
Choose easily accessible locations near the spot you wish to explore.
Take a careful look at the inclusions and exclusions.
Ensure you check the cancellation policies.

Packing made easy for first-time travellers

Packing might not seem like much, but it actually can be a bit of a hassle. To make it easy for you, have a checklist and don’t pack at the last minute. Both packing too much and too little can have direct effects on your tour experience. The art of packing lies in the simplicity and finding the perfect balance. Use these smart packing tips for your first international trip.

Pack only your essentials.
Roll your clothes to make enough space for your clothes.
Have your travel documents in an easily accessible organiser.
Segregate your things using organisers.
Keep the most important things in your carry-on luggage.
Leave some space for souvenirs.

Planning for a Europe trip? then checkout: Packing for Europe: Spring or Fall

Tips for budgeting your trip

You have to be careful when you budget your vacation, as it is extremely important in your planning phase. You might want to wake up in a foreign country but not at the cost of breaking your bank, right? Make use of the following tips when you budget your first international travel.

Research your destination expenditure.
Find cheap flights by comparing various sites.
Have an approximate daily expense plan.
Keep track of your spending.
Allot some money for unexpected expenses.
Avoid foreign ATMs and money exchange at airports.

Navigating airports and customs

Travelling to another country for the first time requires a little bit of preparation and patience to get through the airport processes.

Arrival: Always be at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight timings. This might help you have enough time for the procedures and unexpected delays.

Documents check: Keep your documents organised in an accessible document holder. This makes it easier to use them whenever necessary.

Security checks: Be prepared to segregate your electronics for the security screening. Wearing belts, watches, or jewelry may need additional checking.

Layovers: If you have connecting flights, make sure you have enough time in between and have your transit visas ready if needed. Also be prepared for possible delays.

Immigration: Have your travel documents ready and be prepared to answer a few questions about your travel purposes.

Additional tips for your travel

Health and safety should be a priority when you go out of your home country. Here are some tips that can help you with your first time traveling abroad.

Health tips

Check the vaccination requirements and other medical certificates necessary for the specific country you are visiting.
Carry your medications along with a prescription.
Ensure that you have a mini first aid kit, including pain relievers and first aid ointments.
Don’t physically exert yourself too much, especially in higher altitudes.

Safety tips

Get travel insurance to be prepared for emergency medical expenses and other unexpected issues.
Protect yourself from theft, scams, and other risks by being mindful of the surroundings and taking extra precautions.
Stay updated on the latest news, such as political disasters and natural calamities, to be on the safer side.

Connectivity essentials

Wi-Fi: You can get Wi-Fi for free or for additional fees in most of the accommodations and public spaces. Portable hotspots like Skyroam and Tep Wireless are also available for rent to get internet connections everywhere you go.

Local SIM: It is a good option to get local networks and data services and also avoid roaming charges. You can buy it at the airports, convenience stores, and local mobile shops. It is more affordable and has better plans compared to international roaming services.

Travel apps: Use TripIt, Google Trips, or Roadtrippers to organise your travel itinerary and plan your trip. For reliable transportation, Uber or Lyft can be the most convenient options in major cities.

We hope these tips will help you stop dreaming and start living your magical moments. Haven’t you heard? The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. The first step is usually the hardest, but once you step onto the world, you will never be able to stop. Trust us, the first stamp on your passport will give you a tingling sensation like no other. If you ever need a helping hand, Pickyourtrail’s all-inclusive international tour packages are always there. We would be more than happy to be a part of your first-ever international trip. Make your vacation memorable!