So, you finally booked a trip to your dream destination! Visiting a new location is always an exciting adventure. But if you’re not prepared before leaving, problems could arise that bring you headaches instead of happiness. That’s why every traveler should know these ten essential international travel tips for an enjoyable vacation.
1. Research Your Destination
One travel tip that cannot be stressed enough is to read up on the destination beforehand. Not only will this help you plan an itinerary, it will also give you a better idea of what to expect when you arrive.
Researching about your destination will also help you prepare for situations you might encounter. For example, in some places workers rely on tips to make an income, while it’s considered rude to tip elsewhere. Try to educate yourself on the culture and customs where you go to avoid being ‘that person’.
2. Plan Out Your Activities
One of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers can make is leaving everything to spontaneity. While you don’t need an extremely detailed itinerary, we recommend preparing an initial list of things to do.
Once you have that down, verify their location and opening hours. Imagine reaching the entrance of a famous attraction to find it closed for the season! Planning in advance will save you and your group from this kind of disappointment.
3. Find The Best Places To Eat
One of the exciting aspects of visiting a new place is that there is an abundance of food options. Trying the unique local cuisine also adds to the overall experience.
But if you’re not careful, it’s possible that you could drop a fair amount of your budget on meals that aren’t up to standards.
In areas where tourism is high, there are typically a lot of restaurants to fit whatever travelers crave for. However, those that bring in a lot of tourists are known to increase their menu prices.
So, what should you do if you want to enjoy the food without spending too much? Ask the locals. In most areas, locals avoid these overpriced restaurants meant to drive in tourists. Instead, they will be able to point you towards establishments where the food is outstanding and comes at a more reasonable price point.
4. Choose Your Accommodation
There are so many options available when it comes to accommodation. You can book a luxury stay in an all-inclusive resort, get a taste of the local experience staying in an Airbnb, or keep things budget-friendly by staying at a hostel. Here are some of our top tips for choosing the right place to stay.
- Know what type of accommodation you want to stay in to help filter search results.
- Consider their location and how close it is to the places you plan on visiting.
- Compare rates on different websites to find the best deals.
- Check out customer reviews written by real people. (Tip: Avoid testimonials posted directly on the accommodation’s website, as they are generally created by writers and not real travelers.)
- Aim to book accommodations a few months in advance for the best rates.
5. Compare Deals For The Best Value
When you’re looking for places to stay and things to do, you may come across advertisements that showcase a ‘great deal’. We highly recommend comparing the deals you find to other offers in the area. Just because a price has dropped doesn’t mean it’s the best fit. The goal is to get the best value for your money.
For example, you might find a packaged tour deal at 30% off. Before booking tickets, compare the offerings through other tour companies in the area. You may find a different company that takes you to more places for your dollar.
6. Pack Wisely
When life gets busy, sometimes packing gets left until the last minute. While it isn’t ideal, it doesn’t have to be stressful. There are a few essential tips for smart packing that every traveler should keep in mind.
- Use a checklist to ensure you have everything you need.
- Pack clothes based on weather conditions while you travel.
- Choose travel-sized and mini versions of your favorite items to reduce space in your bag. (For example, instead of bringing a lot of bulky equipment to set up your phone for filming travel content, pack the pocket-sized Geometrical Tripod to keep in your wallet.)
- Compression packing bags can help you pack more while taking up less room.
- Check the airport’s luggage requirements before you pack. You can check the website to see the size of bags you’re allowed to bring and how heavy they can be.
- Don’t stress if you forget something, most items can be purchased while you're on vacation.
Related post: 16 Must-Have Travel Accessories For Your Next Trip
7. Be Airport-Ready
Being prepared to navigate the airport queues saves you time and avoids annoying the people waiting behind you.
- Check-in online beforehand so you can save time at the airport and get a good seat.
- Get to the airport early to avoid last-minute rushing.
- Know which items are allowed in your carry-on and which ones must go in your checked baggage.
- Make sure your carry-on bag is organized.
- Don’t wear metal items (or at least take them off beforehand) when you go through security.
- Download entertainment on your devices before leaving.
8. Keep Your Documents Handy
There are certain documents you will need before boarding the plane. This includes your ID, passport, visa (if applicable), tickets, and anything else you will need. Make sure you have everything ready and in a place where you can easily access it! It’ll save time and stress when you arrive at the airport.
9. Know How to Get Around
Now, it’s time to think about transportation. Once you arrive, how will you get from one place to the next? If you’re planning a road trip, you can skip this section. But if you're taking a plane to your destination, you might be wondering the best ways to get around once you arrive.
This goes back to tip #2. Always research the area so you know what options are available to you and what the prices are. Renting a car is the priciest option but it’s usually the best choice if you’re traveling to a rural area. You can visit places on your own terms, including places where the public transportation isn’t accessible.
If you’re staying in a city, walking is a great option. You get fresh air and exercise while also exploring the city’s sights up close and personal. On top of that, you don’t have to spend your money on getting around. But we do suggest familiarizing yourself with the public transportation routes for when you want to visit places that aren’t within walking distance.
10. Protect Yourself (Don’t Be An Easy Target)
One of the downsides of visiting a foreign area is that you could be the target of theft. Pickpockets and other criminals are experienced and know how to spot an easy target. They can spot you from a mile away and you wouldn’t be the wiser.
So, how can you avoid being a victim of theft while traveling? A few simple planning tips could help you stay protected.
- Research if there are any common scams or criminal activity in the area you are visiting.
- Find out which areas have the highest crime rates and try to avoid them. (For example: if a certain parking lot has a high theft rate, avoid leaving personal belongings in your car in case you have to park there.)
- Choose pants or jackets that have zippered pockets.
- Keep a minimal amount of cash on you while you’re out.
- Always keep your wallet in your front pocket.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your first international trip! Don't forget to capture all the amazing moments along the way—check out our travel photography tips for ideas on how to make your photos stand out.
