Traveling overseas for the first time is both an exciting and daunting experience. On the one hand, you immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, and discover new food and hotspots. On the other hand, however, there are the unavoidable bureaucracies that come with travel, including obtaining the proper legal paperwork, arranging safe passage and lodging, and knowing where to go and where not to. Here are some tips for first-time international travelers.
Get Your Passport
Your passport is the one item you’ll need to be able to fly out of your country and into another country and then back. Once you have an expected departure date, apply for a passport right away to avoid any unnecessary stress in the event that your application gets rejected. Avoid booking any accommodations, e.g., hotel or rental car, until you have a passport. Some international flights ask you to provide a passport number when booking or checking in for your flight online. As of 2019, you can apply for a new US passport for $145 for adults and $115 for applicants under 16 years of age.
Figure Out Where a Good First International Trip Would Be
There is literally a world of choices in terms of international destinations you can fly off to. Narrow it down by figuring out what you’d like to get out of this trip. Do you simply want to see a new place while staying close to your home country? Perhaps you’d like to check out a historic landmark or a trending store? Are you comfortable traveling to a destination where you don’t speak the language? Are you comfortable traveling to countries where the culture is very different from yours?
Know How to Travel Safe
Traveling internationally is fairly safe, but being prepared can ensure your safety during times of unforeseeable crises. Prepare yourself by knowing which neighborhoods are safest and which ones to avoid, knowing the contact information and address of local law enforcement you can go directly to when you sense danger, and packing essentials when doing long walks around the city.
Use these tips to keep your international trip safe and stress-free. As a final tip, make sure you can access your cash while overseas. You don’t want to be short on cash while away from home.