Your very first international trip deserves to be grand in every possible way! But wait, have you prepared your basics for an international trip before you pack your bags? The excitement of boarding that first international flight is truly unmatched, but so is the panic of planning your trip. Worry not, unstumbled is here to help. Whether you’re jetting off to the cobblestone streets of Europe or the tropical beaches of Southeast Asia, these 7 essential travel tips will make sure your first international adventure kicks off without a hitch!
7 Things To Keep In Mind While Planning Your First International Trip
1. Things To Take Care Of If You’ve Not Decided Your Location
If you’ve not decided on a location yet, remember that the trick is to narrow it down to what fits your preference and the kind of travel experience you want.
When you are visiting an international destination for the first time, it is important that you choose a destination that you will feel comfortable exploring. Here are helpful questions that can help you pick a destination:
- Do you want to travel to a country where you can speak and understand the local language?
- How much time are you willing to spend in an international destination? This includes days spent traveling to and from the destination.
- What is the distance of the destination from your home country? Calculate how many hours / day you’ll spend traveling and get information about any connecting flights you’ll take.
- Do you want to travel on a shoestring budget or enjoy a more generous budget?
- Will you explore only a few key destinations in the country you’re visiting or explore it in a deeper manner?
- What modes of transport will you use to get around? Will you use public transport or rent a self-drive car?
- What’s the goal of your trip: is it for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both?
- What is the kind of weather you’re expecting? Are you more comfortable in sunny, tropical weather or colder, chillier weather?
- Does the destination you’re planning to visit require a visa or is it visa-free?
2. Things To Take Care Of If You’ve Already Picked Your Destination
If you’ve decided a destination, it’s time to take note of things such as lodging, transportation, and other logistical considerations. Here are a few questions to answer if you’ve already picked your destination:
- What kind of lodging do you want? Are you someone who prefers luxury stays or are you okay with budget homestays and hostels?
- If you’re renting a car, have you renewed your license? Do you need an international driver’s permit?
- Do you require any vaccines or health documents?
Apart from answering these questions, make sure you prepare a rough travel itinerary of the destination you’re visiting. Make a list of the places, including museums, art galleries, historical monuments, cafes and restaurants, and other places. Then plan a day-wise itinerary by clubbing together places nearby each other. Consider your pace and travel style when planning an itinerary.
3. Contact Your Embassy And Register Yourself
This is something that many international travelers do not bother to follow, however, it can prove to be very helpful. Check with the Indian Embassy in the destination country you’re visiting and inform them about your travel plan. This is to ensure your safety abroad. It helps them track your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
Also Read: Why Vietnam Hotels Are Cheap For Indians – And How To Find The Best Deals
4. Collate Your Travel Documents
This is definitely one of the most important things to take care of when you’re traveling abroad, and that too for the first time. Here is a checklist of all the travel documents you might need to collate:
- Passport
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Offline maps
- Hotel confirmation receipts
- International driving license
- Medical prescriptions if any
5. Create A Tech Checklist
It’s important that you create a tech checklist when planning international travel. This will help you stay organized
- Mobile charger
- Universal power adapter
- Camera and charging port
- Extra memory cards
- Earphones
- Camera tripod
- Power bank
6. Get To Know Common Foreign Phrases
Not everyone might be acquainted with English or a language you know in the country you’re visiting. So knowing some common phrases in the foreign language of the country you’re visiting can help you connect with the locals. Learn a few common phrases to have basic conversations with the locals, read local signs, and understand what they are saying. You can also use services like Google Translate, Google Lens, and Duolingo to help translate words and phrases.
7. Research About The Destination Through And Through
As this is your first international trip, it is crucial that you stay updated on essential information about the destination you’re visiting. This includes information about the local language, local culture, food culture, driving norms, cultural norms, local etiquettes, and public transportation.
Research the cities and destinations you’re planning to visit – list down all the attractions, experiences, and accommodation and food options. Look up for free travel guides to help you plan better. Additionally, take note of last-minute logistics such as international roaming fees, SIM card, emergency cash, and others.
Also Read: Malaysia Travel Guide For Indians: 7 Things To Know About Visa, Currency, Weather & Costs
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of the listicle covering the essentials you need to take care of during your first international trip. Worry not, international travel might sound intimidating if it’s your first time, but with the right planning and a little confidence, you can make your first trip abroad a memory of a lifetime.
