10 Most Important Tips for International Travel
Planning an international trip is a bit like falling in love — it starts with only starry eyed excitement, until you realize it actually takes a whole lot of work. In the end, of course, it’s all worth it! Sound familiar? We get it!
Whether it’s your first time out of the country or you’re a bonafide jet-setter, planning a big trip to a place you’ve never been can bring a lot of anxiety and stress. To help you as you plan your next big adventure, we’ve put together this list of the top ten tips to consider before any international trip!
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1. Research the Best Times to Visit
Nothing is quite as sad as planning an epic vacation only to realize when you arrive that you picked the completely wrong time to visit. For tropical beach vacations, be sure to research and find the dry season so your relaxing beach days can be spent in the sun and not inside avoiding the monsoon. If your visit centers around seeing a certain site or landmark, double check online to be certain you’re going during the right time. For example, if it’s your dream to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, go sometime between August and April.
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2. Passport and Visa Requirements
This one is key! Be sure your passport has at least six months of validity left. If you arrive in a country with a passport that expires within six months, you will almost certainly be denied entry. Talk about a vacation spoiler! Depending on your passport and the country you’re visiting, you’ll need to do extra research when it comes to visa requirements. This might look like getting a visa before your trip or paying upon arrival. Be sure to have extra cash on hand, just in case, and be clear about your purpose for visiting the country — which is most likely “tourism.”
3. Know What Vaccines or Medication You Might Need
Better safe than sorry on this one. Since every destination is different, be sure to do your research and go to your primary care doctor or County Public Health Department. You don’t have to get all of the recommended vaccines (since some of them are for very specific scenarios), but be prudent depending on your travel itinerary. Keep in mind that as you do your own research, you’ll come across all kinds of worst-case scenarios — but don’t let this deter you from your travels.
It’s important to be aware of the regional recommendations for your travel destination (and take appropriate action) but realize that you are most likely not going to get sick. Remember to pack some common sense before you go!
4. Get an International Driver’s Permit
Driving while traveling is certainly not required— especially in today’s world of ride-hailing options like Uber, but renting a car or a scooter may be the secret key to getting more out of your travels. Some of the best travel comes from getting lost down some city side-streets and catching a glimpse of how the locals live. If this is your style of travel, be sure to look into getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) so you don’t have any issues with local authorities or rental agencies. AAA provides the most widely used IDP and it is very easy to obtain. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to get the license before you leave for your trip.
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5. Learn Basic Language
Don’t be shy— give the language a shot! In most cases, locals are very gracious and love when you attempt to communicate in their native tongue. You don’t need to become a master of the language, just learn a few basics that you could see yourself using on a day-to-day basis. Focus on things like, ‘yes/no,’ ‘thank you,’ basic greetings, how to order drinks and food, etc.
Spend ten minutes running a Google search and you’ll have just about what you need for your entire trip. If you want to learn a little more than the basics, download an app like Duolingo, LingQ, or Rosetta Stone. Also, don’t forget to download the Google Translate app for those unforeseen language needs.
6. Handling Currency
In most cases, a majority of your expenses are paid upfront when you’re traveling (lodging, flights, etc.), but you almost always want to travel with some cash on hand. You’ll want to look up recommendations based on where you’re going, but it’s safe to say that you’ll want to bring between $20-50 per person for each day you’re traveling. Depending on where you’re headed, some countries require you to have a certain amount of money on hand upon arrival — so note that in your visa research. When it comes to making exchanges, hold off on exchanging your money at airports as you will not receive a very favorable rate. And when it comes to withdrawing money from ATMs, consider a checking account with a bank that refunds ATM fees, like Charles Schwab.
7. Pack Strategically
When packing for your next big vacation remember that less is more. Before you pack, go through each day you’ll be traveling and plan out your outfit and accessories, while leaving a little bit of leeway for spontaneous outfit changes or disastrous spills. Pick items you feel comfortable and confident in. If you find yourself second-guessing an item, chances are you won’t like it while you’re traveling — leave it at home!
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8. Research the Culture
On top of learning a bit of the language, familiarizing yourself with the social norms of the culture you’re headed to will go a long way! From clothing to hand gestures, each culture has its own ways of doing things, and as foreigners it’s very important to be respectful and honoring. If you’re going to a particularly spiritual or religious culture, research appropriate clothing and swimwear. In some countries, you might be surprised regarding what’s offensive — for instance, in Thailand, it’s very rude to point the bottom of your feet towards someone, so be sure to practice your cross-legged sitting.
Remember, when you’re traveling, you’re entering into someone else’s territory — their home — so while you can definitely still have fun, be sure to always be sure to honor the culture you’re in. In fact, you’ll actually have a more authentic and real experience if you do so!
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9. Register Your Trip, Just in Case
This one is mainly for US citizens — although, other countries may offer something similar. Before you embark on your adventure, register your trip through the US State Department’s STEP program (Smart Traveller Enrollment Program). This free program will provide you information to help you make informed decisions about your travel plans. It also provides an easier way for your embassy and family members to contact you in the event of an emergency.
10. Get Help From a Professional
If planning an international trip sounds like a headache you’re not willing to bear, hire a pro to help you iron out all of the details! From finding the cheapest flights, scoring the best deals on luxury accommodations, and planning adventurous activities for you and yours, The Tripp Hub’s travel planner will help you each step of the way!
Were these tips helpful to you as you plan your next big trip? Be sure to let us know and share with your friends and family!
