Tips For Traveling Abroad {First Time}
Post Last Modified – May 30, 2023 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
Things To Prepare For Traveling Abroad
Table of Contents
International Travel is in full swing and many people are Traveling Abroad for the First Time. In fact, my wife and I will be embarking on our “Trip of a Lifetime” abroad to 🦒 Africa in 2023.
While preparing our 📝 checklist for this trip, I would put together a few things to consider, for those traveling abroad for the first time.
First Time International Travel – Checklist
Passports
Tips For Traveling Abroad #1
This, without a doubt, is the most important document for allowing you to travel abroad.
If you have a valid passport already, be sure to check the expiry date. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
Check the dates on your passports and if you have to renew, like we do, be sure to find out from your local government passport office, just how long it will take.
Tourist Visa
Tips For Traveling Abroad #2
You may need to apply for a tourist visa in advance, depending on the country you are visiting.
Be sure to check visa requirements you may need well in advance of travel. A few countries will allow you to obtain a visa upon your arrival, while others require you to apply before your arrival.
With the internet these days, a number of countries allow you to apply online and obtain an e-visa for a specific number of days.
For example, have a look at my post …
✈ Travel To India From Canada {Helpful Tips} ✈
Outlining how to apply for a tourist visa online and for extended stay.
Documents
Tips For Traveling Abroad #3
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Now that you have all your documents prepared, including any other important information you do not want to misplace, it’s time to take 📸 photos of everything with your 📱 cellphone.
We then 📧 email them to ourselves and place them in a separate created documents folder, in your email account. .
This was the case a few years ago with a family member, who unfortunately lost his passport in a 🚕 taxi while traveling abroad. Luckily, he had a scanned photo of his passport in his email documents and was able to receive a quick replacement from the local embassy, in the country he was visiting.
Without this, it would have been a real problem!
Vaccinations
Tips For Traveling Abroad #4
Certain ⚕ vaccinations may be required and/or recommended, on where you are traveling to.
The last thing you want is to become seriously ill by neglecting to take necessary precautions against diseases.
My wife and I will be traveling to {🦓 Tanzania} in Africa in 2023, and there are vaccinations that are strongly recommended for health and safety.
Your local pharmacist and/or travel professional can easily find out what shots may be required to enter a country. They can also assist on where you can obtain vaccinations.
Be sure to read my detailed post here on …
💉 Vaccinations Before Traveling Abroad {Guide} 💉
Travel Medical Insurance
Tips For Traveling Abroad #5
This is something I’ve always preached to everyone for years. The cost is minimal compared to what it may be, if you travel without insurance and need medical attention.
I’ve always said …
“If you can afford to travel, you can afford travel medical insurance.”
If your health is good and you have no recent health issues, or taking any new prescribed medication within the last 6 months, travel medical insurance is relatively inexpensive.
With no outlying or prior medical issues, the cost is minimal and should you travel more than once a year, you can even save on purchasing an annual policy with a certain number of days allowed for each trip.
Don’t leave home without it!
First Night Accommodation
Tips For Traveling Abroad #6
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One of the many things we’ve learned over the years traveling abroad, is not arranging at least your first nights accommodation.
For example, you’ve just come off a very tiring ✈ long haul flight in economy class. You’re exhausted and there’s a significant time change you have to deal with.
The last thing you want to do is start hunting for a place to stay for your first night. Especially if it’s in the middle of the night.
On our trip to India a few seasons back, I pre-arranged our accommodation upon arrival in New Delhi back home in Canada. I booked using {🛌 Airbnb 🛌} and even arranged for the owner to pick us up on arrival at the airport, for a small extra fee.
We arrived at 3 am local time, after a 13 ½ non stop flight from Vancouver, exhausted!
It was great to see our host greet us at the airport and take us to his home for the night, on our arrival.
Exchanging Money
Tips For Traveling Abroad #7
This is debatable depending on where you’re traveling to, but we’ve always found the best option for exchanging currency is at your chosen destination.
We try to use a local bank 🏧 ATM whenever possible. Depending on the 🏦 bank you use at home, many have {reciprocal agreements} with other banks around the world.
Using their 🏧 ATM, you’re not charged any transaction fees. Check with your local bank, and see if they do in fact have agreements in places with other banks around the world.
I do not recommend using 💵 money exchange booths at airports or elsewhere, unless you absolutely have to.
Respect The Local Culture
Tips For Traveling Abroad #8
This is something I can’t stress enough when traveling anywhere in the world. 🌎 Be sure to respect the local culture and customs of the country and people you are visiting.
Try to interact and experience with the local people as much as you can. Get a feel what life is like in this new foreign country you are visiting.
Always be 🙏 respectful and never judge or compare to what you may expect at home. Take things as they are, enjoy where you are and you will have a wonderful experience abroad.
The locals will be warm, welcoming and eager to interact with you, as they are as curious about your way of life, as you are with them.
Emergency Contacts
Tips For Traveling Abroad #9
Make a point of sending out our 📝 travel itinerary to at least one family member if you can.
It’s also wise to record the ☎ number of your local 🏢 embassy in the country or next closest to. Just in case of emergency, or you run into any unexpected problems.
With the ease of the internet and 📶 wi-fi these days, it’s always good to stay in touch with family or friends as well.
We’ve interacted and met with some wonderful people while traveling, both locals and with other travelers along the way.
Go with an open mind, don’t compare to what you have at home, interact with the locals and experience all that you can while you are away.
Traveling Abroad will fill you with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!
😎 Safe and Healthy Travels!
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✨ Did You Know …
🛂 Travel Documents For Minors {What Is Needed}
🧳 Best Travel Tips From Experts {Volume 1}
🏨 Hotel Room Safety Tips For Traveling
🍹 Don’t Forget It … Be Sure To Pin It! 🍹
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