The time has come for you to finally travel abroad for the first time in your life! You couldn’t be more excited to embark on this unforgettable adventure, but there are some things you want to keep in mind before heading to the airport.
You just finished researching bunion surgery recovery week by week, and you’re ready to sit down and plan out your trip. We’re here to help by offering a list of 5 tips when travelling abroad for the first time.
Let’s get into it!
Do Your Research
Perhaps you saw an Instagram post of an exotic country, and you immediately jump to Expedia to book a trip for yourself. While pictures are a great way to get a feel for where you’re visiting, there’s a lot more to consider than just pretty scenery when it comes to traveling abroad. You’ll want to do extensive research on the country’s culture, requirements, safety, and things to do before you click “book my trip” on the travel website.
Check Your Documents
There are many documents you need to have in check before traveling abroad. You want to ensure you have your passport and that it won’t expire for at least 6 months after your travel date. It’s also a good idea to make a copy of your passport in case it gets lost. There are also some countries that require a visa, so be sure to check the requirements for the destination you’re traveling to.
Consider the Flight
If you’re traveling abroad, it’s likely that it will be a long plane ride to get where you’re going. You want to consider your comfort and entertainment on the lengthy journey to a new country. While many overseas flights have entertainment provided, it never hurts to bring your own. Consider bringing some items that will make the plane ride more enjoyable and comfortable for you like headphones, a neck pillow, and even an eye mask to help get some quality rest.
Contact Your Bank
The last thing you want to do is get to your travel destination just to have your credit card not work. As a security measure, many banks will freeze accounts if they notice suspicious or unusual activity – and a card being pinged in another country is certainly a cause for alarm. Before you set out on your adventure, contact your bank to let them know where you’re going, so you don’t run the risk of having your card declined.
Register with Your Country’s Embassy
Something that people often fail to consider is registering with your country’s embassy before traveling abroad. This is important, and it’s incredibly paramount if you’re traveling to a country that has higher crime rates or experiencing any political unrest. When you register with the embassy, they’ll be able to help you in case of any emergency.