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An Ultimate Guide: First-Time Traveler's Tips

Updated: Jun 27

Traveling internationally for the first time can be exciting for many travelers. But the truth is that it is also a daunting and overwhelming experience. It involves a lot of preparation, from making a budget and getting your visa to planning your stay and booking your flights. However, when you are well-versed with the best international travel tips, these things become a cakewalk. We have created a list of the most valuable information that will be extremely handy when you embark on your primary international journey. Want to know what they are? Keep reading!


Things You Should Know Before your First Trip

Plan your budget

Traveling abroad can be a costly affair. For example, if you are traveling to Canada from UAE, you will have to book flight tickets, get a Canada visa, and pack the luggage as per the weather. Hence it is essential to plan a budget for your trip after considering accommodation, food, transport, shopping, entry tickets for attractions, activities, and the like. You must also set aside some extra amount for miscellaneous expenses. But the rule is always to have extra money for the trip, as you never know when you need it.


Select your destination

Based on your budget, make a list of the destinations that you can visit. Finalize the place based on the budget, duration, and areas of interest. Do you want to enjoy the cool weather in a mountain, laze on the beaches, see incredible wildlife, or relax at a nature retreat? Also, think about whether you have a long holiday to travel far away from the homeland; are you comfortable with an unknown foreign language; what are your comfort levels. Holidaying abroad also offers a break from your mundane life, so choose your destination based on what you would like to do there.


Check your passport and your keep your visa ready

Check the expiry date on your passport, as a minimum validity of six months after the final travel date is required to visit any international destination. Also, find out about visa requirements, keep the documents ready, and apply for the visa well in advance. This way, you will avoid visa rejection to say Canada as per our example above or the place you are visiting.


Get travel insurance

One of the most important international travel tips for first-timers is to secure your trip with travel insurance. Going on an international trip without travel insurance can be the biggest mistake of your life. Good travel insurance takes care of unforeseen situations like medical emergencies, lost or damaged luggage, thefts, or any losses you may incur while traveling.


Book flights and accommodations

Many popular destinations are fully booked during peak tourist season or are highly-priced. You can either book during the low season or 5-6 weeks prior to the trip date for reasonable rates. It is always recommended to compare the prices of flights and hotels on different websites before booking them. You may get better discounts on some sites for the same hotel or flights. Also, research on accommodations like Air BnB, services apartments, hostels, guesthouses, etc., as they are more economical and offer great amenities.


Check the weather

Check the weather for the dates you are planning to visit the destination. You don't want to be caught up in a hurricane or storm when visiting a new place. It will also be a bummer for all your planned outdoor activities. So, check the weather at regular intervals and plan your activities accordingly. It will also help you decide on what to carry on your trip.


Check weather in every month





Plan your itinerary

Every country has its unique attractions that are unmissable. Make a list of the attractions you want to visit, book entry tickets in advance for them if possible, and plan your itinerary to cover all these places. You can keep a day or two extra to explore the place at leisure or for shopping. Don’t forget, you might be hit with jet lag on longer flights, so take a day to recover and bounce back.


Transportation

One of the most crucial things in a new country is finding the correct transportation to get from one point to another. You can use public transport like buses, metros, and trains if they are readily available. If not, use ride-sharing apps like Uber, or book rental cars, so you don't splurge a lot at the last minute.


Inform your bank

Talk to your bank and credit card company and inform them about your overseas travel, so they know when you swipe your card abroad. Also, check international transaction fees to know how much you can spend. Most debit and credit cards are accepted internationally, and you can withdraw some currency from ATMs there for small transactions. It would be great if you can ask the bank or credit for exchange currency.


Pack light

We always tend to overpack while going on a holiday. It is better to pack light but carry all the essentials you will need. This way, you don't end up paying for excess baggage and have a place for any new things or souvenirs you will buy during your trip. Also, pack a few essential medicines and first aid after checking with your doctor on what is allowed there.


Conclusion

Going on your first international trip is one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. While everything may not go according to plan, arming yourself with the above first-time travel tips will ensure you have the most wonderful time of your life with your loved ones.

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