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Hopping on a flight for your first international trip can be scary! However, the more you know and the better prepared you feel can make all the difference. There’s something magical about setting foot in a new country. The sights, sounds and the people make for an experience that tickles the senses and warms the heart. Perhaps you have yet to experience this, not because you don’t want to or because you can’t afford it but simply because you don’t know how to get started.  These 10 things to do before traveling abroad will help prepare you to experience the magic.

If you’re not quite ready to take off yet and need a little more information about starting your travel journey then read Part I of our travel tips series, beginners guide to traveling.

 So it’s settled!  You’re going to travel abroad.  You’ve purchased your ticket or you’re very close to doing so. However, before you board that flight there are some things (as a new traveler) that you need to know. In order to prepare for your first international travel experience, there are some things that you have to get right on the front end so that there are no surprises on the back end.

Things to do before traveling abroad

Here are 10 tips for traveling abroad for the first time to ensure that your trip as a travel newbie goes as smoothly as possible:

1. Do your research

Researching a location is probably the most import pre-flight activity.  Even if you’ve already done a preliminary “look-see” at your travel destination prior to booking your flight, a deeper dive is definitely needed. 

In case, you’re not sure how to research where you’re going and what you should look for, here are a few things to that should be on your research list:

Travel Scams & The Culture

• Tourist Scams–Are there any tourist scams associated with that location?  For example, In Spain—there is the “string bracelet” scam.  Someone comes up to you, “all friendly like”, as you’re touring and places a string/woven bracelet around your wrist, sort of like a welcome gift.  There will be smiles all around.  Then BAM! Smiles fade as soon as payment is demanded for this “gift”.  You struggle to take the bracelet off, which is tied tighter than Fort Knox.  What follows is an embarrassing and frustrating exchange which leads to you giving in and paying for your “gift”. Ugggh! This is just one kind of tourist scam.  There are a million ways to “get taken” while traveling.  Knowledge is key!

• The Culture— ALWAYS RESPECT THE CULTURE!  In order to respect the culture of a country, you will need to know what the culture is.  The religious beliefs, etiquette, and customs all make up the culture and should dictate how you behave in that country. Unfortunately, there will always be tourists who exhibit privileged behavior, often disrespecting the people and their culture which is a travesty. Don’t be this kind of traveler. Know before you go and act accordingly!

UNESCO Sites & Visa Requirements

• UNESCO Sites–Any UNESCO sites? The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has curated a list of World Heritage Sites.  These special sites are designated as having special cultural and physical significance.  I make it a point to check out as many UNESCO sites as I can when visiting a country.  Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Centre here.

• Visa Requirements–Always check visa requirements prior to booking your trip. But if you’ve already booked a flight, your next step MUST be to check visa requirements. You may be able to obtain some visas easily and quickly through an online application process but some are more difficult to obtain and have a longer processing time. My trips to Australia and Vietnam both required visas, in addition to my passport, and I was able to obtain both without issue, through an online process.  Check here to quickly determine if your travel destination requires a visa.

For the “Foodie” in You or NOT

• Food Choices–What to eat and where is a big part of travel planning.  “Foodies” often base their whole experience in a country on how much they enjoyed the food.  Having a good idea of what food the country is known for and where to find the best dishes ahead of time, are the best ways to get the most out of your time and buck. However, if you’re not a “foodie” and in fact you’re a “picky” eater, knowing your food options will go along way in ensuring you’re not walking around HANGRY during your trip.

2. Check Luggage restrictions

Based on the level of an airline ticket (e.g., basic economy, economic, business, first-class, etc.) there may be varying restrictions for checked AND carry-on bags.  There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and getting “socked” with additional fees to check-in luggage or having to pay extra because your carry-on bag is outside of the dimension restriction for that airline. Knowing the luggage carry-on dimension restrictions and ticket level baggage inclusions will help to avoid paying these additional fees. Know Before You Go!!

3. Buy travel insurance

One of the most important things to take with you on an international trip is travel insurance.  Flight delays, lost luggage, medical expenses, and trip cancellations are all things that may be covered by travel insurance.  But more importantly, medical evacuation deserves specific consideration.  You won’t have to look far to find stories of tourists who have traveled internationally and found themselves in a situation where medical evacuation was needed.  You never think it will happen to you until it does. The average cost of medical evacuation can cost upwards of $50,000. 

Medical Evacuation

Trying to raise that kind of money in a short span of time is usually a fruitless endeavor.  The medical evacuation piece of a travel insurance policy is often an add on.  Many travel insurance policies don’t have the option, even as an add-on. 

Check policy offerings carefully.  If you’re not sure, ask questions.  Don’t ever assume.  When traveling internationally, I always have travel insurance which includes medical evacuation. Thankfully, I’ve never had to file a claim yet but I always have it if needed

Travel Insurance Companies

With that in mind, here are the companies that I’ve used.  Again, I have not filed a claim with them, so these are not recommendations, just sharing which companies I’ve taken out policies with, in the past.  I don’t think I can, in good conscience, recommend a company until I’ve filed a claim with them but if you’re looking for a travel insurance policy check out these companies. Both have medical evacuation options.

• World Nomads
• Allianz

4. Make copies of travel documents

Make several copies of your travel documents (passports, driver’s license) and keep them in places like your luggage or the safe at your hotel.  So if your passport is ever lost or stolen while abroad, you’ll have the information you need to get the ball rolling with a replacement.

5. Sign up for STEP

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. Citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Through enrollment, you also receive important information about the country you’re visiting regarding safety conditions and help during weather-related conditions and civil unrest.  I always register my international trips in the STEP system and you should too.

6. Reserve airport transfers ahead of time

There’s no better feeling than getting off a long-haul flight, winding your way through customs, walking out of the airport and seeing a driver standing there holding a sign with your name on it.  No better feeling!  I try to always set my ride from the airport ahead of time.  This “airport transfer” is a must for me. When traveling solo, I call the hotel I’ve booked with and ask about shuttle service.  If they provide it, I book a pick-up.  Otherwise, I ask if they can arrange a private pick-up for me.  Usually, the answer is yes. 

There are also private transportation companies that you can book on your own. TripAdvisor is the place to go for airport transfer recommendations.  Arranging airport transfers is definitely the more costly option as opposed to taking public transportation but it’s worth it to me. After a long travel day…ain’t nobody trying to figure out the local transportation system!  Perhaps, this is not your thing and your budget will not allow a private airport transfer.  I get that.  At the very least, you must know ahead of time how you will get from the airport to your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb.  It’s easy for tourists to get taken advantage of with “taxi” scams at the airport.  So be aware.

7. Exchange your money ahead of time

There are several ways to exchange your cash for local currency.  Some are better than others in giving you the most bang for your buck, so to speak.  You can wait until you arrive at the destination airport and use the currency exchange kiosk there.  I don’t suggest this. It’s the least desirable of all.  You’ll certainly get the lowest exchange rate using this option. 

If you’re a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA) and have an office nearby, hop on in there and exchange your money.  The exchange rate is pretty competitive.  This is my preferred way to exchange money.  You can also go to your local bank or credit union.  Or you can wait until you arrive and take cash out of the destination ATM.  If you bank with an institution with low or no foreign transaction fees, then you’re golden.  The only issue may be finding an actual ATM and the safety of withdrawing funds in certain locales. So save yourself the headache and exchange your money ahead of time.

8. Plan to stay connected

When traveling internationally, you need a plan to stay connected.  Most mobile plans come with competitive international rates and packages.   Contact your service provider and see what the international package is that comes with your plan.  Be clear about what’s included and what’s not.  I very rarely make calls when I’m traveling internationally.  Nothing can ruin the afterglow of a vacation quicker than getting home to a huge phone bill. I rely mostly on texting and free Wi-Fi to stay connected. In addition, I also use WhatsApp which is a free messaging and calling app. I find that many of the tour operators I’ve used abroad use this app to communicate with their customers. Be sure to download it to your phone before you go.

9. Bring over the counter (OTC) medications

Medications to bring—Not feeling well when you’re away from home is a bummer.  Not having access to over-the-counter medications that could help with symptoms is even worse.  Some over the counter medications that I usually bring along are antidiarrheal (Imodium), pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen), charcoal tablets, and motion sickness meds (Dramamine).  For other suggestions, check here for CDC’s healthy trip travel list. As part of your research be sure to check which medications can be brought into the country.

10. Download google maps of the location to use offline

I love google maps! Hello, I’m Cynthia and I’m directionally challenged! There, I said it!  Meaning if I’m supposed to go left, my natural inclination is to go right. Soooo…I need all the navigational help I can get.  I use Google Maps to keep me going in the right direction.  Did you know you can download a map of your travel destination ahead of time and then use it offline? No Wi-Fi…no problem! Roaming charges…not today, Satan!  For directions to download area maps and navigate offline click here for Google Maps Help.

So there you have it…10 things to do before traveling abroad to start your journey off on the right foot.

Are you planning your first international trip? If so, I hope you’ve found these tips for traveling abroad for the first time helpful. I’d love to hear your comments about upcoming trips.

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