Traveling internationally can be a lot of fun. It can also be overwhelming if it’s your first time traveling abroad. The simple reason is that there is a lot more to consider and plan when vacationing in a country that isn’t your own.

It’s unwise to assume that where you’re headed functions in the same ways as your home nation. It’s important that you investigate your destination and plan ahead for the most positive (and safe) experience.

With that said…

Here are 5 essential travel tips for first-time travelers vacationing abroad

1- Research your destination

This should be the very first thing you do after you’ve decided where you plan to travel. Examples of what to research include:

• Laws (e.g., transportation, wildlife, smoking/alcohol, religion, etc.)
• Basic social etiquette (to help you avoid cultural misunderstandings – e.g., appropriate attire, tipping practices, etc.)
• Weather for the time you’re travelling (what’s the average temperature?)
• Local spoken language (maybe learn a few key words and phrases if English isn’t widely spoken)
• Local transportation (how does the average citizen get around? Will you need to rent a car?)
• Local currency (and is cash widely used or is digital preferred?)
• If you can drink tap water
• Common local foods (and if they align with your dietary needs)
• What travel documents you need to enter the country (e.g., passport, visa, etc.)
• If you require vaccine(s)
• If there are tourist-friendly accommodations near activities you’ve planned

Having a well-rounded understanding of what to expect will help make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.

2- Prepare the travel documents you need in advance

Beyond booking your flight and accommodations in advance, if you don’t have a passport, get one now. If you do have a passport and it expires in less than 6 months from your travel date, it needs to be renewed. Why? Because you might not be able to book/board your flight or enter some countries if your passport expires within six months, due to certain travel/visitor laws.

If you require a visa to enter a country, make sure you obtain this document well in advance as well. Without essential and valid travel documents, your trip will end before it even starts.

Once you have all your necessary travel documents (e.g., passport, visa, vaccine records, boarding pass, accommodation address and booking confirmation, etc.), print out copies and take them with you. This is especially important for your passport and visa, in case these documents are lost or stolen.

3- Pack appropriately

Traveling as light as possible is always beneficial. To avoid packing too little or too much, it’s a good idea to…

• Find out what the average temperature is during your vacation
• Start your packing early (don’t leave it until the last minute)
• Think about any activities you have planned (do you have the necessary clothing and gear you need?)
• Decide if you plan to bring back souvenirs (you might want to leave extra space for those items)

If you plan to check any luggage, make sure you pack a few essentials in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. For example:

• A change of clothes
• A couple pairs of underwear
• Socks
• Bathing suit
• Makeup
• Medication
• Jewelry
• Wallet

While you can always buy shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen at your destination, some items aren’t so easily (or cheaply) replaced. As such, keeping all items of value in your carry-on or personal item bag is among the top essential travel tips for first-time travelers.

4- Have an itinerary

Even if you naturally prefer spontaneity to planning, you should have a general idea of…

• What you’d like to do
• Where activities are located and how you’ll get there
• Days and hours of operation (not everything is open 24/7)
• If you need reservations
• Cost

Of course, you don’t have to plan every second of every day. In fact, it’s far better not to do that to allow yourself time to relax and roam. Still, there’s a difference between not booking restaurants in advance for every night, compared to arriving at your destination with no idea of what’s available to you or how to go about accessing it.

5- Make your safety a priority

Improve your safety and peace of mind:

• Don’t travel without insurance - While travel insurance might not be cheap, getting insurance is even among the top expert tips for budget travelers. The fact of the matter is that in the unlikely event something bad happens (e.g., lost luggage, medical emergency, etc.) you have coverage, which can save you lots of money.

• Stay connected with someone you trust- Even if you don’t plan to keep in touch with friends and family while you’re away, always have an emergency contact. It’s important that at least one person whom you trust knows where you’re going, how long you’re expected to be gone, your basic itinerary, where/how to reach you, and when you plan to return.

• Protect your valuables - Keep your valuable items like your phone and wallet tucked safely on your person (e.g. crossbody bag, money belt under your clothes, etc.) to discourage pickpockets.
• Use common sense and trust your gut – If you don’t know or are unsure about something, don’t guess – ask a local or staff at your accommodation. Additionally, meet new people in public places, always be aware of your surroundings, and avoid traveling alone at night. If something (or someone) doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Final thoughts

To sum up, essential travel tips for first-time travelers abroad boils down to this…

• Know where you’re going and the local culture
• Have an idea of what you’d like to do and how to do it
• Pack smart and in advance
• Have all the necessary travel documents you need
• Be safe

Following these 5 tips will help to make traveling less stressful, allowing you to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation.