For first-time travelers, here are some helpful international travel tips

It’s a vast, beautiful world. We’re excited that you’re going to explore it!

It doesn’t matter how many times you have traveled in your own country; there is something both thrilling and frightening about going on your first overseas trip. Since 2004, I have been a full-time globetrotting to over 60 countries. I’ve learned quite a few things along the way, including top travel tips for first-time travelers.

It’s exciting to travel somewhere new and different. However, it can also be scary and confusing. It doesn’t have to be. These simple tips will help you organize your logistics to ensure smooth sailing.

First things first: Make sure you have your passport ready in advance

This is an essential tip for international travelers. Apply for your visa before you leave to avoid unnecessary stress. Only book a flight, or make arrangements that can be changed once you have the key that opens doors all around the world in your hands. You will need to enter your passport number for international flights.

The 2019 application fee for U.S. passports was $145 for adults and $115 for children under 16. If you have already booked and paid for your trip, you will be able to pay an additional fee for your passport (called “expedited”) if you require it quickly. You will usually receive your expedited access within two weeks of submitting your application.

Make both paper and digital copies once your passport arrives. Keep one for your parents and another in your wallet. Keep a digital replica of the photo on your Google Docs and take a picture with your phone. Please take a photo of your visa stamp once you have it.

Your passport will be needed more than you think, not only during flights. Many hotels require a scan of your passport page identification page. This is normal and not something to be alarmed about. Your passport may be held by some to protect it from theft and to pay your accommodation bill. This is less common than online bookings, but it’s possible in remote countries.

Although most countries require foreigners to have their passports with them at all times, it is not a good idea. There are pickpockets all around the world. That’s where the paper copy you made is valid. If you encounter foreign law enforcement, it is a good idea to take a picture of your passport or visa and show it to them. Then explain to them that your physical copy is at your hotel.

Keep your passport out of reach in your bag. Your key should be kept in a safe in a hotel room or a locker at a hostel.

Choose the right place to go on your first international trip

Maybe you have longed to see elephants and visit the pyramids of Egypt. You may not know exactly where to go, but you know that you must. It cannot be easy to decide which destination to go to on your first international trip if you are overwhelmed by the fantastic places you can visit now that you have a passport.

These are some things you should ask yourself when narrowing down the options.

Are you looking to travel closer to home or further away? As you become more confident as an international globetrotter, you can start your first trip near your home country and then move on to other places.

Can you speak a foreign language? Are you comfortable traveling to a country where the language is not spoken? France was the first foreign country that I didn’t know. I was overwhelmed by not being able to communicate with them.

Do you want to make new friends and connect with locals? Then book a guided tour. It’s an excellent way for you to connect with fellow travelers. Many terms also offer opportunities to meet local guides.

What do you look forward to most? Do you enjoy beautiful architecture and food, exploring new places, partying, or relaxing on the beach? You should make a list to identify the top 1-2 attractions of your first trip overseas.

How comfortable are you with traveling to countries with different cultures and lifestyles? Are you uncomfortable around pollution, poverty, and insane traffic? It’s okay first to visit countries you feel comfortable in.

These questions will help you narrow down your options to one or two countries depending on your available time for your first international trip. If you are still trying to decide, visiting Western Europe and the United Kingdom is a good idea. Even though English is not their native language, most people can speak it. There are many transportation options, including buses, trains, and airplanes. You will also find unique cultures. Australia and New Zealand can be as easy as the United States, but they are more challenging destinations. They require longer-haul flights and more planning because they are large and have many things to do.

You don’t have to travel to a foreign country to experience something new. It’s always a surprise to meet young travelers going overseas for the first time in India or Morocco. These are two of my favorite countries, but they are places I could have done better as a novice traveler.

You should ensure that you have access to your money overseas

No longer are you required to have cash or traveler’s cheques. You can travel internationally with money and traveler’s cheques. The internet makes it much easier to access and manage money while you travel around the globe.

To ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans, check with your bank. Ask your bank about international fees and if they have partner banks that can help you cut down on expensive “foreign transaction” ATM fees. You can also avoid all that hassle by opening a checking account at Charles Schwab, Ally. These two banks have no foreign transaction fees and reimburse ATM fees even when you travel!

Although your debit card should work on all destinations, it is essential to have a backup plan. You should bring at least $100 a debit and credit card on your first international trip. Always keep one card in your hotel room if your wallet is stolen. This has happened to me many times. It’s not a disaster if your wallet is stolen. You’ll still be able to access your money through another route.