By admin 
The thought of your first overseas trip can be both exciting and terrifying. We’ve been traveling the world for many years, but we still learn new tricks and tips.
It’s not scary to go somewhere new. To ensure a smooth trip, follow these simple tips.
1. Prepare your travel documents
To avoid stress, it is important to apply for a passport as early as possible. Your travel options are severely limited without a passport or travel visa.
Passport
Some people may overlook this, as a passport with a validity of 10 year can cause them to become complacent and forget that they need to renew it.
If you do not have enough pages in your passport, you may even be denied entry into many countries if your passport is valid for less than six months.
As a general rule, you should always ensure that you have a passport valid at the time of booking your flight. If you do not apply for your passport in advance, it could delay your trip.
Visa
Check in advance if you require a visa, which is an entry document issued by your destination country. You may be denied entry if you arrive at the airport without a visa, especially if it is not possible to apply for one upon arrival.
US and UK passport-holders can travel to a number of countries without a Visa, or can get one at the airport. The rules can vary from country to country, so it is important to research thoroughly the entry requirements.
2. Research your destination
To maximize your travel experience, it is essential to spend time researching your destination. It may be more exciting to travel spontaneously but it’s more practical to learn about the country you will be visiting by reading the tips on traveling abroad.
Laws may also differ. Did you know that Singapore has a law against chewing gum? Did you know that feeding pigeons is illegal in Venice? You’ll also find out that it’s illegal to ride a drunken cow in Scotland. You may find laws in foreign countries strange, but it’s because they are not part of your culture. You can avoid trouble by knowing them in advance.
Research questions about the country that you are visiting
- Is it safe to drink tap water?
- What is the local currency?
- What religion is dominant and what are the rules for modest clothing?
- Do you require any vaccinations?
- What is the level of tourism in your destination? Is there a wide range of accommodation for tourists?
- What is the main language of your country? What is the English language’s spread?
- Do the local foods meet your dietary needs?
- Are there any differences in the traffic laws of this country and your own?
3. Money matters
You will need to inform your bank of your travel plans before you leave for your destination. So, your bank won’t suspect fraud if they notice that your card has been used in a Thai market.
You may not be able to easily access ATMs depending on where you are going. In some countries, where the economy is largely based on cash, card readers may not be available in most restaurants and businesses. Carry enough cash to cover all your costs on a single day. Money belts are used by some travelers to store large sums of cash.
4. Compare transport & accommodation options
Research the best way to travel on your trip.
Transport
Sites like Rio2Rome or 12Go can be used to explore route options, and determine which transportation mode (bus, rail, or plane), will be the fastest and cheapest.
The bus and subway system is the most eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport. It also allows you to enjoy the sights while chatting with the locals. You can also download ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Grab to receive door-to-door services from licensed and vetted drivers.
Accommodation
Hotels are always a great option. However, other options such as hostels, guesthouses and Airbnb may be more affordable and immersive. You can also meet fellow travelers. Boutique hostels often have better amenities than budget-friendly hotels.
5. Book your hotel in advance
When you know your itinerary and have the money to travel, it is best to book as soon as you can. It’s nice to be able to choose your accommodation at the last minute, but don’t get surprised when it becomes difficult or expensive.
Last-minute travelers often end up scrambling to find accommodation, because they did not book ahead. Booking whatever is available will cost you more, and being without a place of accommodation is stressful when you are in a foreign country for the first.
You’ll get the best deal on transport tickets by booking in advance! It is priceless to have your entire itinerary planned from beginning to end. You can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about the next step.
6. Avoid travel fatigue
You may be tempted to overspend when you are booking your first trip abroad. How many cities can be visited in a single trip? How much can you fit into a day? You want to travel from east to west AND north to south? Slow down, and enjoy the journey.
Travel fatigue: Tips for overcoming it
- Allow yourself some time to recover after a long flight: It’s hard enough to get over a long trip, but it’s even harder when you are in a different time zone. It can be difficult to adjust to a new schedule when traveling across time zones. Give yourself time to rest and recover before you move on to your next destination.
- Prepare for travel sickness and motion sickness: Motion sickness can occur whether you’re traveling by car, plane or boat. Pack some travel sickness medicine with you, and give yourself plenty of time to recover.
- Schedule enough time to visit each destination: Prioritize the quality of your trip over the quantity. You will be more satisfied if you explore less places at your own pace, rather than frantically trying to cover the entire country. Many travelers try to fit entire countries into their itinerary. Upon reflection, travelers realize that they have spent half their lives traveling.
7. Prioritize health and safety
You shouldn’t worry about what could go wrong, but being aware of the environment and taking safety precautions will help you enjoy your new adventure.
Travel safety tips
- Use a crossbody bag to protect your valuables from theft and pickpockets: A fanny or crossbody pack is the best way to store your wallets and phones safely and deter thieves. Never put valuables in the back pocket or outer pocket of your backpack. If you are really worried, you could also consider wearing a money belt under your clothing or using a wallet that is theft-proof.
- Stay in touch: Share with your family and friends your itinerary before you depart so that they can follow your adventures. Include the addresses and contact details for any accommodations. You can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment program (STEP) of the U.S. State Department if you’re from the US. The local U.S. embassy will then know how to contact you in case of an emergency, such as a natural catastrophe, political unrest or other emergencies.
- Purchase travel insurance: Travel Insurance should be on your list of must-dos before you travel internationally. Travel insurance offers many benefits, including reimbursement for lost luggage and emergency evacuations. Find yours, and other travel goodies, on GO’s page for nomad essentials!
- Use commonsense: Ask the staff and locals at your accommodation about which areas you should avoid. If you travel alone at night, try to travel with someone. Also, if going out, do not drink too much alcohol, especially if there are no trusted people around. When using apps to find new friends or dates, meet them in public. Always trust your gut instinct if you have a bad impression of a person or a situation.
8. Pack your items appropriately
Packing correctly can make your trip easier. If you pack too much or too little, your trip can be negatively affected.
Packing tips:
- Packing cubes: Never underestimate the value of packing cubes. They can help you organize, save space, and even keep your clothing neater. They are inexpensive and can help you stay organized, both literally and metaphorically, while on the road.
- Travel Light: While it is important to have clothing for all weather conditions, including rain and cold, you shouldn’t go overboard. A heavy bag can be a nuisance (especially if you are in an older building without elevators). Are you worried that you will run out of clean clothing? You can use a laundry service or, better yet, buy yourself some clothes as a souvenir!
- Protect your possessions: This is a given, but there are many ways to do so. Use a lock to secure your suitcase or rucksack. This will deter thieves from stealing your luggage. Bring your important possessions (electronics, jewelry, etc.) Bring your important possessions (electronics, jewelry, etc.) with you on the plane in your carry-on. Keep your belongings safe in your hotel room if you are still uneasy. You will often find lockers in hostels, but you’ll need your own lock.
9. Airport travel tips: Read on!
Both novice and experienced travelers experience anxiety at the airport and before departure. It’s hard to avoid feeling anxious and nervous when in a large, huge building with hundreds of departure board and people running around. This is especially true if you are flying internationally for your first time.
It is easy to navigate the airport, once you break it all down. Then you find out where you are flying from, check in, go through security and enjoy your coffee before departure. Voila!
Airport experience: How to make it better
- Print out all necessary documents (visas, flight tickets and accommodation details) in advance.
- Check which terminal you will be departing from before (some airports have terminals that are miles apart!
- If you can, check in online before your arrival!
- Download your favorite movies, shows, podcasts and more to pass the time.
- Weighing your bag the day before will ensure you don’t exceed the weight limit.
10. Consider the following:
Traveling can be liberating and eye-opening, but it can also get lonely, especially for those who are homesick. Going abroad does not mean you can’t communicate with your family or friends. You can stay in touch with your loved ones in many ways, whether it’s by calling them daily or sharing photos of your journeys.
Consider the following when considering connectivity:
- Local SIM vs international roaming: You will need to decide if it is more cost-effective to purchase a SIM while abroad or use your existing plan to provide international roaming. To use a SIM card, you’ll need an unlocked phone.
- Public wifi availability at destination: Using public WiFi is an excellent way to save data. While major cities offer wifi coverage throughout, other destinations with a more remote location may only have a limited amount of coverage.
- Need a VPN: Social media apps and communication applications like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp may be blocked by some countries overseas (China, Turkey and the UAE to name a couple). Check to see if you need a virtual private network to access these apps.