Traveling outside of the U.S. for the first time is a combination of excitement and nerves. The enthusiasm comes from the opportunity to experience another culture and all the little things that make life in that part of the world unique. You’ll meet new people and make new friends, taste some new and delicious food, and come across some breathtaking architecture or landscapes. Who wouldn’t be excited about all that?
Of course, there are nerves that come with traveling abroad. Seasoned vets of international travel have got all the steps down to make sure they have a safe and successful trip. But for beginner’s, the process of preparing to travel outside of the country can be a bit overwhelming.
To aid you in your preparation, and to help you’re international trip go smoothly, here is the definitive guide to international travel for beginners.
Get Your Passport
Even if you don’t even know where you want to go yet, or have just a small inclination to travel abroad, get your passport as soon as you can. Once you go and get your passport photo taken and fill out all the forms, it can take anywhere from a 4 – 9 weeks for you to receive your passport in the mail. Make the assumption that yours will arrive later than expected, so get started on the passport process sooner than later. Once you do get your passport, make sure that you take great care of it, especially when you’re abroad.
Check out this U.S. Department of State resource to find your passport acceptance facility. Oh, and remember, nobody likes the way their passport photo looks, so don’t stress about it.
Check for Vaccinations
Many vaccine-preventable diseases that are rare here in the U.S. are common in other areas of the world, for example, measles and pertussis. For a lot of countries, you won’t have to worry about getting any vaccinations. But, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and do your due-diligence. For the latest information on which vaccines you may need when going abroad, visit your doctor or go the the Center for Disease Control’s website.
Research Your Destination
One of the most exciting parts about heading to a new country is doing research to learn about what’s in store for you once you arrive. While you’re researching, you can start to get an idea of the local food, the must-see sights, and everything else in between.
It is equally important to make sure that you set some time aside to read about the cultural norms of the area you’ll be staying in. It’s important to understand and respect the culture of the country you will be visiting. For example, in some countries, like Japan and South Korea, it can be rude to leave tips at restaurants. In Nicaragua, people will typically point by puckering up and pointing their lips in the direction and is often used in conversation to indicate something that is happening nearby. As you can see, every country has customs and norms that make them one of a kind.
You should also research if pickpocketing is a problem, as some international tourists are subject to the sleight of hand from thieves in the street. One simple way to avoid getting anything stolen is to use your front pockets, not your back.
Pro Tip: Make sure you understand the conversion rate of the country you’re heading. That will help a lot while you’re budgeting later on.
Review your Planned Itinerary
After you’ve done your research, review your planned itinerary. This is a must anytime you’re heading to a new location, whether it is abroad or not. Look up the sights and hikes that your group will do and be sure to pack accordingly.
Budget carefully
This goes hand in hand with your planning. You should have a rough budget for how much you’d like to spend on things that are not included. Be sure to call your bank ahead of time so that they are aware that you will be using your debit or credit card outside of the country, and will therefore not turn off your card. It’s also wise to make sure you have cash on you, in case you are shopping somewhere that doesn’t accept cards.
What to Pack
In terms of what to bring, the items you pack will be fairly dependent on where you’re going and what you plan on doing there. But these items here are must haves no matter what:
Electrical Conversions/Adapters – Different countries have different electrical outlets, so your charger won’t work unless you get an adapter that specific to your destination.
Camera – International travel is a once in a lifetime experience, so bring a camera along to capture all those unforgettable moments.
Passport Holder – Having some sort of holder for your passport will help you keep track of it and make sure that you don’t lose it.
Wilderness Inquiry – Your Gateway to New International Adventures
At Wilderness Inquiry, we have many trips that you can take abroad with our experienced team of trip leaders. Whether you want to explore the breathtaking terrain of New Zealand, the colorful birds of Costa Rica, or the Mayan ruins of Belize and Tikal, our adventures range wide and far.
Check out our available trips and find out where your next excursion will lead you.
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