Traveling internationally is a whole different ball game than hopping over a few states. I took my first solo international trip when I was sixteen. It didn’t go well. There are many things I wish I knew before that trip and before subsequent international trips after that.
So, pulling from my own experience and after scouring a ton of travel forums, I’ve compiled a list of tips you should know before traveling the first time. Here we go:
Always, always, always check for museum closures (really any attraction you want to see) before your trip. Most museums are closed on a slow day of the week, like Mondays, and you might miss out on visiting. The Louvre is closed Tuesdays. You're welcome.
Try to book tickets online when possible. Some museums and zoos don't offer walk-up tickets, especially after COVID.
Traveling between two places often takes longer than what's listed in travel guides. If you're trying to stuff lots of activities in one day, add extra time cushions for things like figuring out transportation, getting lost, vehicle breakdowns, etc..
Lower your ambitions for the arrival day after an international flight. Long flights, time zone changes, and navigating a foreign country are exhausting. It's a rookie mistake to think you can drop off your bags at the hotel and have a full day of sightseeing. Most people cannot do this, myself included. Try to schedule your most low-key activities, like going to dinner in a nice place or visiting the hotel pool for arrival day.
Booking a hotel with complimentary breakfast can be a lifesaver in a foreign country. When you wake up in a country where you don't speak the language, the last thing you want to do is track down breakfast outside the hotel. Not only is it more convenient, it can save you money if you take a pastry or two to hold you over until dinner.
Look for tourist workshops to attend. I know nobody wants to feel like a tourist when they travel. Well, get over it, because that's what you are when you visit someplace you don't live. Tourist workshops are an excellent way to get an authentic taste of the local culture.
Figure out if any local festivals are happening where you're traveling. Festivals are a microcosm of what's important to the people who share a culture. They're fun, often free to attend, and a great way to meet and chat with locals.
Get a SIM card with wifi if the country you're visiting doesn't offer many places with free public wifi. Spring for unlimited data, so you don't have to worry about running out on your trip.
Ensure you're carrying enough local currency to pay your way to get back to your hotel. Even if you're in a country with fewer pickpockets, losing your bag or wallet is still possible. Keep the backup money separate, like in a front pocket or inside your shoe.
Set aside rest days when you're on a longer vacation. I recommend at least one rest day for every seven days of traveling. This doesn't mean you have to lay in bed all day. I usually do low-key things like exploring the hotel, getting spa treatments, or doing souvenir shopping.
Always pack Imodium when traveling overseas. Time changes, different sleep patterns, new water, and food can all lead to gastric distress, even when you usually have an iron-clad stomach.
Always check for visa requirements before visiting another country. Some countries require you to apply for a visa before you cross their border. Also, many countries won't let you in if your passport has less than six months before expiration.
Try to pack as light as possible, especially if you plan to travel to multiple locations. Lugging around a large suitcase and multiple bags is a nightmare when you're taking public transit or even just getting from the airport to your hotel. Figure out if the lodging you're using has laundry amenities available. Some companies pick up your laundry and drop it off for a small fee.
If somebody approaches you on the street in a foreign country, they're probably a scammer. Just don't engage. Even if you don't believe you stick out as a tourist, you probably do to the locals. Some scams have gotten very sophisticated, so to protect yourself, don't engage.
Cheap flights usually have terrible arrival/departure times that force you to pay for an extra night in a hotel.
OUTLETS! Most countries have different electrical outlet specifications and sizes. Research before you go to see if you need to purchase an adapter.
Take a photo of your passport and ID in case they get lost.
Get a business card from your hotel so you have the address/phone number while walking around.
Do at least minimal research about your destination's culture and etiquette. And learn key phrases like "please" and "thank you" in their language. Even a little bit goes a long way.
If you can wear them, I highly recommend a sleep mask for the plane and if you're feeling jet-lagged and need to sleep during the day.
80% of Americans have AC in their home. Only 20% of Europeans have AC. If you require AC to not be miserable, I recommend checking to make sure accommodations have central air before booking.
Never, ever assume you have the right of way as a pedestrian. This is not the law in some countries.
Travel insurance. Please invest in at least the bare minimum coverage. Your future self will thank you.
Departure time is different from boarding time. Boarding closes ten minutes before departure.
When a problem arises, stop and take a deep breath before you jump into action. Sometimes choosing a quick option under duress can lead to more problems; take a few moments to think through your situation.
Invest in high-quality soundproof headphones or earplugs you can stand.
For the ladies: Bring your preferred tampon brand with you in case you can't get the equivalent in your destination country.
Sometimes saving a couple of bucks can cost you more in the end. Always compare the cost between hotels with and without complimentary breakfast and where the hotel is located (if it's central, you won't have to pay as much for transport). This includes flights, as well as airport lounge passes. Paying $35 to use a lounge with fast wifi, free food and drinks, and showers can be cheaper than paying for it all separately.
Always bring snacks. Things like protein bars, small candies, and pretzels can be lifesavers when you're stuck somewhere without access to food.
Some planes get very, very cold. And those thin, scratchy airplane blankets hardly do the job. I always wear a soft, thick sweater when I get on an airplane and make sure I have room in my pack to place it when I'm moving around the airport. It also works as a great pillow if you need to snooze in a terminal somewhere.
But the most important thing I wish I knew before traveling? Things will go wrong, you might get sad, frustrated, or upset, and that's ok. Traveling is meant to be fun, so don't take it so seriously. Respect the place you're visiting, respect the locals, and relax and enjoy the experience.
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